Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Hails 'Operation Sindoor' as Testament to India's Willpower and Readiness

Raksha Mantri Emphasizes India's Strategic Resolve

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh recently affirmed that 'Operation Sindoor' stands as a powerful symbol of India's willpower and capability, conveying a clear message of the nation's preparedness to respond to any challenges. His remarks were made during the Naval Commanders' Conference in New Delhi and at a book launch event between October 22 and 24, 2025. Singh lauded the operation for demonstrating 'extraordinary jointness and integration' among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Details of 'Operation Sindoor'

'Operation Sindoor' was initiated by India on May 7, 2025, as a direct military response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The operation involved coordinated missile and air strikes targeting nine terror camps and military installations located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These targets included facilities associated with proscribed terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The strikes, which reportedly lasted approximately 25 minutes and neutralized an estimated 70 terrorists, utilized advanced precision-guided munitions. These included:

• Long-range M982 Excalibur rounds
• Loitering munitions (including Indo-Israeli SkyStriker)
• Laser-designated missiles
• Satellite-guided glide bombs

India maintained that the strikes were focused and non-escalatory, specifically avoiding Pakistani military or civilian facilities, though Pakistan reported civilian casualties. The operation led to a four-day military confrontation between the two nations.

Strategic Implications and Future Preparedness

During his recent addresses, Raksha Mantri Singh specifically commended the Indian Navy for its crucial role in 'Operation Sindoor', noting that its deterrent posture compelled Pakistan to keep its naval assets confined to its harbors or coastal areas. He asserted that Pakistan is 'still recuperating' from the 'severe blow' inflicted by the Indian Armed Forces. Singh also highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, emphasizing the need for a 'hybrid and asymmetric' approach and the importance of 'civil-military fusion' as a strategic enabler.

The Raksha Mantri reiterated India's commitment to 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defense and underscored the significance of reforms such as the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) post in enhancing tri-service synergy. He further described the Indian Navy's growing presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a source of 'comfort for friendly nations' and 'discomfort for those who seek to destabilize the region'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously stated that 'Operation Sindoor is not over', signaling India's continued resolve to counter cross-border terrorism.