Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday strongly dismissed the Opposition’s claim that Operation Sindoor was halted under external pressure-reportedly from the Trump administration-and described the assertion as “blatantly false and misleading.”
Opening the marathon debate on Operation Sindoor in the Lok Sabha, Singh stated that India’s cross-border strikes were accurate, precise, and non-escalatory, and were launched with a specific objective.
“Operation Sindoor’s main purpose was to destroy and decimate terror factories operating from Pakistani soil. It was called off because the goal of dismantling terror bases and nurseries was achieved,” he told the House.
The Defence Minister clarified that it was the Indian government alone that made the decision to conclude the operation, asserting that no pressure from any entity or nation played a role, contrary to the Opposition’s claims.
Expanding on the strikes carried out in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Singh emphasised that India had no intention of annexing Pakistani territory. The mission, he said, was designed to raze terror infrastructure and punish those who shield and nurture terrorism.
“The purpose was not to initiate a military war but to take action against those harbouring anti-India terror forces on their soil,” he said.
Rejecting the Opposition’s allegation of U.S. mediation in bringing about a truce, Singh stated that the decision to cease operations was taken following a request from the Pakistani Director General of Military Operations (DGMO).
“On May 10, the Pakistani DGMO contacted his Indian counterpart and pleaded for relief. It was only after this that the Indian Armed Forces decided to pause operations,” Singh informed the House.
He also underlined that Operation Sindoor is not over, and issued a clear warning: if Pakistan engages in any misadventure, it will face the full force of the Indian Armed Forces once again.
The Defence Minister further detailed how the Pakistani Army escalated its offensive on the morning of May 10, launching a range of missiles and drones, and deploying electronic warfare technology against India. In response, Indian forces mounted a befitting counter-attack, bringing the enemy “to its knees.”
Praising the Armed Forces, Singh said India’s defence and counter-drone systems intercepted all incoming projectiles and missiles, ensuring that no Indian military establishment suffered any damage.
“Operation Sindoor was a remarkable example of tri-services coordination, where all three wings of the Indian Armed Forces united to teach the adversary a lesson,” Singh said, as members of the Lower House thumped their desks in appreciation.
-IANS
