Daijiworld Media Network - Udhampur
Udhampur, Jun 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday asserted that Pakistan was forced to kneel in the face of India's retaliatory strikes after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and warned that any future act of terror would cost Islamabad heavily.
Interacting with soldiers at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, Singh reiterated that Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the May 3 terror attack, was not over but merely paused. “We not only foiled their plans but also took such retaliatory action that Pakistan had to kneel down. Any terrorist attack on Indian soil is going to cost Pakistan very dearly,” he declared.
India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting and flattening nine terror camps and striking 11 key Pakistani military installations. According to official estimates, 35-40 Pakistani army personnel were killed before Pakistan called for a ceasefire on May 10.
Calling the operation a ‘powerful message’ to terrorists and their backers, Singh said, “New India is assertive, resolute, and will no longer be a victim of terrorism. It will respond with strength and strategy.” He praised the precision and courage of India’s armed forces and intelligence agencies for their coordination in destroying terrorist infrastructure across the border.
Singh described Operation Sindoor not just as a military action but as a strategic warning. “This is just a pause. I want to tell this to my neighbouring country,” he cautioned, stressing that India’s commitment to defending its unity and integrity remains unwavering.
The Defence Minister also addressed troops at a Barakhana held on the eve of International Day of Yoga 2025, encouraging them to maintain their physical and mental well-being. “If you are strong, our borders will be strong. When the borders are strong, India will be strong,” he said.
The event was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Northern Command GOC-in-C Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, and other senior army officials.