'We could have done more...': Rajnath Singh's stern warning to Pakistan after Operation Sindoor

PTC Web Desk: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday commended India's calculated and disciplined response to Pakistan's provocations during Operation Sindoor, emphasising that while Indian forces had the capacity for a much harsher retaliation, the government opted for a measured and coordinated show of strength.

Speaking at the opening session of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) summit in the national capital, Rajnath Singh outlined the dual pillars of India’s defense strategy—national security and self-reliance—highlighting how initiatives like Make in India have significantly enhanced the country’s military capabilities.

“You witnessed how we first took down terrorist camps, and then strategically targeted enemy military and air installations,” Rajnath Singh said. “We could have gone further, but we chose to present a global example of restrained strength and strategic clarity.”

Referring to Operation Sindoor as India’s military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, the Union minister described it as a “precise and resolute action.” Launched on May 7, the operation focused on eliminating key terrorist outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, resulting in over 100 militants neutralised.

Following Pakistan’s countermeasures—which included cross-border shelling and drone incursions—India responded by disabling military infrastructure at 11 Pakistani airbases. This swift and calculated retaliation led to an agreement on cessation of hostilities, formally announced on May 10.

Singh also stated that India has adopted a fundamentally new posture in its dealings with Pakistan. “Our policy has changed. Any future dialogue with Pakistan will focus exclusively on two things—terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK),” he stated firmly.

Reiterating India’s position on PoK, Singh said, “The people of PoK are not strangers—they are part of our larger family. We are confident that, in time, they will rejoin the Indian mainstream with dignity and by their own choice.”

He added that the emotional and cultural ties between the people of India and PoK remain unbroken. “It is only a small number who have been misled. India has always believed in winning hearts, and I believe the day is near when PoK will return, proclaiming, ‘I am Indian and I have come home."