Op Sindoor just on hold, Rajnath warns Pakistan

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday warned Pakistan that Operation Sindoor is only on hold and would resume in full force if another terror attack is launched from across the border.

“Operation Sindoor, the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes prove that India’s patience is its strength, not weakness. When negotiations fail, we choose the path of hard power,” Singh said at the Hyderabad Liberation Day event in Hyderabad.

Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he said India believes in dialogue, but also knows how to deliver a befitting reply to those who ignore the language of peace and goodwill.

Referring to the April Pahalgam killings, where 25 citizens were targeted for their faith, Singh said the armed forces responded during Operation Sindoor by killing terrorists and destroying hideouts in Pakistan and PoK based on their karma, drawing a contrast between the two neighbours.

Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump, Singh said India had rejected his claims of mediating the May ceasefire during Operation Sindoor. “No third party can interfere in India’s internal matters,” he asserted.

The minister also paid tribute to those who fought in Operation Polo, the 1948 liberation of Hyderabad, calling it not just a military campaign but Sardar Patel’s decisive blow that ended the Razakars’ conspiracy and integrated Hyderabad with India.

He described the success of Operation Polo as a “glorious chapter” that showed the world India’s capability and resolve to safeguard its unity.