Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday issued a stern warning to Pakistan, making it clear that Operation Sindoor could see a second or even third phase if Islamabad continues to support terrorism.

Speaking to the Indian community in Rabat, Singh echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier statement that the counter-terror strike was “just a pause” and not the end of India’s response. “Whether part 2 remains to be done or part 3, we can’t say… It depends on their (Pakistan’s) conduct. If they indulge in terrorist activities, they would get a reply,” Singh said.

He recalled the Pahalgam terror attack of May 7 that claimed 26 lives, saying the government responded with precision. “The first question I asked in the meeting with CDS, the three service chiefs, and the defence secretary the very next day was if they were ready for an operation. They didn’t take even a second to respond—they were absolutely ready,” Singh revealed. The plan was then presented to PM Modi, who gave a free hand to proceed.

Highlighting the nature of India’s response, Singh said it was guided by justice, not religion. “Ab Bharat ki visheshta dekho, atankwadio ne deshvashiyo ka dharam puch kar mara, magar hum logo ne kisi ka dharm dekh kar nahi, unka karm dekh kar maara hai,” he stated. Singh underlined that India deliberately avoided civilian or military establishments, targeting only those who carried out attacks.

“We killed only those who killed our people. We didn’t attack any civilian or any military establishment. Had we wanted, we could have—but we didn’t. Only India can have this character, and we must uphold it,” he added.

Reaffirming India’s secular values, the Defence Minister said: “We have no problems in people believing in whatever religion they wish. We don’t discriminate on the basis of religion or community. This is India’s character.”