Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday underlined India's ability to deliver a far more destructive military blow during Operation Sindoor, but said the government chose to exercise strategic restraint to demonstrate responsible power to the global community.
“You saw how we first destroyed the terrorist hideouts and then the enemy's military bases and airbases. Karne ko hum kuch aur bhi kar sakte the, but we presented a great example of coordination of power and restraint to the world...” Singh said, while speaking at the inaugural plenary of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) summit in New Delhi.
The defence minister’s remarks referred to the Indian military's precision strikes against terror outfits in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and deeper Pakistani military infrastructure following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. The offensive, dubbed Operation Sindoor, was launched on May 7, and is reported to have neutralized over 100 militants and disabled major airbases across the border.
Singh emphasized that India's approach toward cross-border terrorism has changed fundamentally. “We have redesigned and redefined India’s stance against terrorism. From now on, whenever talks happen, they will only be about terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). There will be no discussion with Pakistan on any other issue,” he declared.
