Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said Operation Sindoor, the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot air strike demonstrated that India is committed to dialogue but will not hesitate to use hard power when negotiations fail.
Speaking at an event marking Hyderabad Liberation Day, Singh asserted that a strong and resolute India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in peace and goodwill but knows how to give a “befitting reply” when required.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the Indian armed forces neutralised terrorists and destroyed hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to terror attacks. “While terrorists killed innocent citizens in Pahalgam based on their dharma, our forces acted on their karma,” he said, adding that the operation, currently on hold, would resume with full force if cross-border terrorism continues.
The minister underlined that India rejected any third-party intervention during the operation. “No one can interfere in India’s internal matters,” he said.
Singh also hailed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the ‘Iron Man’ who unified India, recalling that Hyderabad’s merger in 1948 through Operation Polo was a decisive blow to the Razakars’ conspiracy. “That chapter demonstrated to the world that India has always been capable of protecting its unity,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Singh said, “Just like Sardar Patel, our Prime Minister is strengthening India culturally, socially, spiritually and economically. Today, India does not take dictation from anyone; it writes its own script.”
He said Pakistan-sponsored terrorism had failed just as the Razakars’ conspiracy had collapsed in 1948, and India had once again proved that its unity and cultural diversity were its greatest strength.
As part of the commemoration, Singh also visited a photo exhibition on Hyderabad Liberation Day organised by the Central Bureau of Communication. Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, G Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar were present at the event.