New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a sharp attack on Pakistan on April 30, saying the neighbouring country has consistently supported terrorism and emerged as an epicentre of “international terrorism.” Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 in New Delhi, Singh drew a contrast between India and Pakistan, both of which gained independence at the same time.
“We have seen that countries like Pakistan have consistently supported terrorism. While India is known worldwide for its Information Technology, Pakistan has come to be regarded as the epicentre of another ‘IT’ – International Terrorism,” he said.
“Our military industrial complex has proven that it is not only for the period of peace, but it is also prepared for rapid supply during wartime. We were even threatened with a nuclear attack, but we did not fall for that bluff,” the Defence Minister added.
Operation Sindoor and India’s military posture
Singh also said India had halted Operation Sindoor, which came as India’s response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack last year, voluntarily and on its own terms and was prepared for a prolonged conflict if required.
“During Operation Sindoor, we precisely targeted those who had attacked us. And I want to clarify here again that we didn’t stop this operation because our capabilities had diminished. We stopped it voluntarily, on our own terms, and if necessary, we were fully prepared for a long war,” Singh said.
He said the Army, Navy and Air Force had acted together under one plan, showing that India’s military power no longer operated in silos but as a joint and integrated force. Singh also reiterated that India had been threatened with a nuclear attack but did not fall for what he described as a “bluff.” “It’s been almost a year since Operation Sindoor, and it stands as a symbol of the new world order,” Singh added, noting it marked a turning point.
The Defence Minister further said that Operation Sindoor sent a clear message that India no longer follows the old approach of responding to terrorist attacks with only diplomatic statements, adding that the government has made it clear that “no terrorist activity will be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Terror networks and political patronage
Taking a sharp swipe at Pakistan, Singh said terrorism has three dimensions, operational, ideological and political, and called for dismantling the political patronage that supports it in the neighbouring country. “The true IP address of terrorism is its ideological and political roots, where it thrives,” he said. Singh also said attempts to justify terrorism in the name of religion or violent ideology amounted to giving cover fire to terrorists. His remarks came as India continued to mourn the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam attack, with the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor approaching.
Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor targeted nine major terror launchpads linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen, with over 100 terrorists reportedly killed. Pakistan responded with drone attacks and cross-border shelling, triggering a four-day escalation between the two sides. India carried out retaliatory strikes, including the destruction of radar installations in Lahore and near Gujranwala, demonstrating its defensive capabilities. Following significant damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart, and both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10.
