India’s Defence Minister Issues Stern Warning: Operation Sindoor Remains Active Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated a firm warning to Pakistan that any future terrorist attacks on Indian soil will be met with severe consequences. Speaking at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, ahead of International Yoga Day, Singh emphasized that Operation Sindoor is not over, signaling India’s continued readiness to respond decisively to threats.

Photo shows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacting with the Armed Forces Personnel during ‘Barakhana’ at Northern Command HQ in Udhampur. (Source: X@RajnathSingh) | Firstpost

The Trigger: Pahalgam Terror Attack and India’s Response

The origins of Operation Sindoor trace back to the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives in a brutal assault. The incident was widely condemned across India and marked a critical point in the escalating tensions between the two neighbors. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This operation involved precise air and missile strikes against nine terror camps and eleven military installations deep inside Pakistani territory. Official reports estimate that around 35 to 40 Pakistani army personnel were killed during the strikes. Notably, Pakistani air bases at Nur Khan and Shorkot were among the primary targets, and the operation compelled Pakistan to request a ceasefire within a few days on May 10.

Demonstrating Strategic Military Strength

Operation Sindoor was notable for its demonstration of India’s growing military capabilities and strategic doctrine. The strikes prominently featured indigenous missile systems such as Akash and BrahMos, highlighting India’s self-reliance in defense technology. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s deployment of 36 ships to restrict the movements of the Pakistan Navy underscored India’s emergence as a significant regional maritime power.

Despite the scale of the operation, Indian leadership exercised notable restraint, opting for precision strikes rather than full-scale escalation. This careful calibration of force reflects a deliberate new approach aimed at deterrence—sending a clear message to terrorist groups and their state sponsors while avoiding a broader conflict.

Political Endorsement and Diverse Public Reactions

The operation has received strong backing from India’s political leadership. Home Minister Amit Shah praised Operation Sindoor as a continuation of India’s robust responses to previous terrorist provocations, including the Uri and Balakot strikes. He emphasized that India’s resolve is unwavering and that aggression will be met with overwhelming force.

Meanwhile, voices from Kashmir, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, clarified that India’s strikes targeted terrorist camps and not civilians. Abdullah pointed to the neutralization of approximately 70 terrorists and condemned Pakistan’s retaliatory shelling near civilian areas. However, there has also been a public debate about the scope of the operation, with some critics arguing that India could have pursued more extensive military action, including territorial incursions.

Regional and Global Implications

Operation Sindoor represents a significant shift in India’s strategic posture over the past decade. The move from covert surgical strikes in 2016 to more overt and calibrated military campaigns signals India’s readiness to confront terrorism and cross-border threats with greater assertiveness. The operation also highlights India’s attempts to maintain strategic stability in a region fraught with nuclear tensions.

The conflict that unfolded over four days in May featured intense cross-border exchanges, including drone encounters and artillery fire, yet it concluded with a ceasefire under diplomatic pressure, especially from global powers like the United States. Internationally, India positioned itself as acting in self-defense, while Pakistan condemned the strikes as acts of war and raised concerns over civilian casualties.

Conclusion: A New Era of Vigilance and Deterrence

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s declaration that Operation Sindoor is ongoing serves as a stern warning to Pakistan and terror groups that India will not tolerate continued aggression. The operation underscores a strategic evolution where India combines military strength with measured diplomacy and advanced technology to safeguard its sovereignty.

As regional tensions persist, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this assertive posture succeeds in deterring future attacks or escalates the conflict further. India’s clear message is that the cost of terrorism on its soil will be intolerably high, and Operation Sindoor remains a potent symbol of that resolve.

(Sources: Firstpost, India Today, TOI)