‘Stopped Op Sindoor Voluntarily, Ready For Long War’: Rajnath Singh Calls Pakistan ‘Terror Epicentre’

Last Updated:April 30, 2026, 11:47 IST

While addressing the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, he said that the decision to stop the operation was not due to any lack of capability, but a strategic choice by India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted that New Delhi voluntarily halted Operation Sindoor, India’s precision strikes at terror camps in Pakistan in response to the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack, on its own terms and was fully prepared for a prolonged conflict if required.

While addressing the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, the union minister said that the decision to stop the operation was not due to any lack of capability, but a strategic choice by India. He also dubbed Pakistan as the epicentre of International Terrorism and called for uprooting the ideological and political roots of terrorism.

“Operation Sindoor was also an example of the jointness of our armed forces. The Army, Navy, and Air Force, working together and under one plan, demonstrated that India’s military power no longer operates in silos, but has emerged as a joint, integrated, and global power. This is why we launched the operation on our own terms, on our own time, and ended it on our own terms," he said.

“…We stopped it (Operation Sindoor) voluntarily, on our own terms, and if necessary, we were fully prepared for a long war. And we also had surge capacity, the ability to expand our capabilities in times of sudden need. Not only did we have it, but we still have it, and it’s even more robust than before. Therefore, I don’t think there’s any need to say anything more…" he added.

He noted that the operation, though completed in 72 hours, was backed by extensive preparation and coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Defence Minister also lauded the “zero tolerance policy against terrorism."

He emphasised that India carried out surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor against terror attacks in India.

“This is a manifestation of our stand against terrorism. Terrorism is a distorted mentality and a blot on humanity. The fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security. It is a fight to protect the fundamental values ​​of humanity. It is a fight against a barbaric mindset that is against all human values. We have vigorously maintained this vision of India both within the country and abroad…" he added.

Pakistan ‘Epicentre Of International Terrorism’

Slamming Pakistan, Defence Minister Singh noted three dimensions of terrorism: operational, ideological, and political. He called for destroying the political patronage of terrorism in the neighbouring country.

He said, “Terrorism is not just an anti-national act, it has multi-dimensions, and terrorism can only be dealt with if we tackle it in all its three dimensions–operational, ideological, and political. The true IP address of terrorism is its ideological and political roots, where it thrives. The ideological nourishment and political patronage of terrorism is the nectar in Ravana’s navel, which, after cutting off one head, regenerates another. I believe it is essential to dry up this navel that gives life to terrorism."

“We have always seen that countries like Pakistan have consistently supported terrorism, and this is why both India and Pakistan gained independence at the same time but today, India is known worldwide for its Information Technology, while Pakistan is considered the the epicenter of other IT, i.e., International Terrorism."

Operation Sindoor

India launched “precision strikes" under Operation Sindoor on nine terror targets in Pakistan and PoK following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including 10 family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and four close aides.

Targets included Jaish’s Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, Sarjal camp in Tehra Kalan, Markaz Abbas in Kotli, and the Syedna Bilal camp in Muzaffarabad. Lashkar’s strongholds — Markaz Taiba in Murdike, Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala, and Shwawai Nalla camp in Muzaffarabad — were also hit. Hizbul Mujahideen’s facilities at Makaz Raheel Shahid in Kotli and Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot were among those targeted.

The operation sparked four days of cross-border fighting involving fighter jets, missiles and artillery.

Inflicted by heavy damage, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called the Indian DGMO and a ceasefire was agreed on May 10.

(With inputs from agencies) 

News india ‘Stopped Op Sindoor Voluntarily, Ready For Long War’: Rajnath Singh Calls Pakistan ‘Terror Epicentre’

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