Can help if Pak unable to act against terror: Rajnath in RS

Singh hailed Operation Sindoor for transforming “the vulnerable citizens of a soft country into proud citizens of a strong nation”. Responding to Opposition criticism over the abrupt halt in military action, he clarified that the operation was conducted in self-defence, with strict precautions to avoid civilian harm. He said while the operation had been paused, it had not ended and India was prepared for even stronger retaliation if Pakistan engaged in further provocations.

Taking a swipe at opposition parties, Singh said, "Your policy bankruptcy has become a matter of concern for the country." He said the Opposition should propose alternatives if they disagreed with the government’s actions in response to the Pahalgam attack. “Should we send dossiers to Pakistan or hold talks at international forums?” Drawing a contrast between the BJP-led NDA government’s approach and the Congress-led UPA’s response to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Singh cited a book recounting how then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee allegedly dismissed suggestions for military action with a “thank you”. Congress members Jairam Ramesh and Rajiv Shukla interrupted, accusing Singh of misrepresentation, but he offered to table the book in the House.

Singh emphasised that today’s India “does not believe in submitting dossiers but enters the adversary’s territory to strike”. Describing Pakistan a “nursery of terrorism”, he urged the international community to cut off funding, saying, “Funding Pakistan means funding terrorism.” He also criticised Pakistan’s appointment as Vice-Chair of the UN Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Panel.

During his address, Singh highlighted India’s growing defence self-reliance, noting a 35-fold increase in defence exports since 2014 and setting an ambitious target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.