'India Will Take The Right Step At The Right Time': Rajnath Singh On Nuclear Testing | Exclusive

Last Updated:November 07, 2025, 13:27 IST

Speaking exclusively to Network18, Singh also gave a detailed account of Operation Sindoor and dismissed reports of any third-party involvement in ceasefire with Pakistan.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (IMAGE: PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that India will not be dictated to or pressured by any other country in matters of national security or nuclear testing, asserting that the government will take decisions based solely on the nation’s interests. Speaking exclusively to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh also gave a detailed account of Operation Sindoor and dismissed reports of any third-party involvement in securing the ceasefire with Pakistan.

On being asked about the recent developments surrounding Pakistan and the United States discussing potential nuclear testing, Singh made India’s position clear: “The future will tell what India will do. India will not be pressured by what the US or Pakistan are doing. They can do what they want to do. We will do what we feel is the right thing to do — at the right time."

Turning to Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister confirmed that the operation was called off only after India had achieved its intended objectives along the Line of Control. “I want to make it clear that there were repetitive phone calls from the Pakistan DGMO asking for ceasefire. After those phone calls, and after achieving what we wanted to achieve, we ended the operation," Singh said, adding pointedly, “We will do it again if the need arises."

Reiterating India’s long-standing policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, Singh clarified that the Indian Armed Forces were careful to target only terrorist positions and not civilian areas. “We targeted terrorists, not civilians," he emphasised, countering Pakistan’s claims of civilian casualties during the cross-border strikes.

Asked whether US President Donald Trump had played a role in bringing about the ceasefire, Singh was categorical in his denial. “The ceasefire was only between India and Pakistan. No third party was involved," he stated.

On Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal, Singh quipped, “Promotion to unhone le liya (He just took that promotion himself)," adding, “Pakistan cannot be trusted."

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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