Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that India ended Operation Sindoor on its own terms and was fully prepared for a prolonged conflict with Pakistan if the situation had demanded it. Speaking ahead of the first anniversary of the military operation, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives, Singh asserted that India’s defence preparedness remains stronger than ever.

Addressing the ANI National Security Summit in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh said the decision to stop the operation was voluntary and not due to any lack of military capacity. He stated that India had the capability to continue the battle for as long as required, adding that the country’s surge capacity was robust during the operation and has only strengthened since then.

The Defence Minister said that Operation Sindoor showcased the growing coordination among India’s armed forces, with the Army, Navy, and Air Force working under a unified strategy. According to him, the mission demonstrated that India’s military no longer functions in separate silos but has evolved into an integrated and coordinated force capable of responding effectively to threats.

Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Singh said the operation reflected the government’s “zero tolerance” approach towards terrorism and sent a clear message that India would respond decisively to any attack on its citizens.

Rajnath Singh also disclosed that India had faced nuclear threats during the confrontation but refused to be intimidated. He said the country did not succumb to what he described as a “nuclear bluff” and remained focused on safeguarding national interests.

Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces on the night of May 7–8, 2025, was carried out as a retaliatory action after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, and is being projected by the government as a major symbol of India’s military resolve against terrorism.