The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been lauded by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for its exceptional performance during Operation Sindoor, marking a new milestone in India's defense capabilities. Singh's commendation came during his visit to the Srinagar air base, where he interacted with IAF personnel and soldiers involved in the operation.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7th as a decisive military response to the April 22nd Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the death of 26 people. The operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), leading to the neutralization of over 100 terrorists affiliated with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Indian forces also successfully dismantled radar systems, communication hubs, and airfields across 11 Pakistani military bases.
During his visit, Rajnath Singh inspected Pakistani shells that were dropped in Jammu and Kashmir during cross-border shelling after India struck nine terror infrastructures during Operation Sindoor. He appreciated the soldiers for destroying Pakistani bunkers, stating that the enemy would never forget Operation Sindoor. Singh also interacted with soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, boosting their confidence by appreciating their valor and courage.
The Defence Minister highlighted the swiftness and precision of the IAF's actions, emphasizing that the mission to bypass and jam Pakistan's Chinese-supplied air defense systems was completed in just 23 minutes on May 8th. The operation targeted critical Pakistani air defense radars and military installations, including a key facility near Lahore. All Indian assets returned safely, underscoring the mission's flawless execution.
Operation Sindoor also yielded concrete evidence of neutralized hostile technologies, including pieces of PL-15 missiles (of Chinese origin) and Turkish-origin UAVs. These recoveries demonstrated the superiority of India's indigenous air defense and electronic warfare networks, despite Pakistan's attempts to exploit advanced foreign-supplied weaponry.
Rajnath Singh criticized Pakistan's ability to handle nuclear weapons, suggesting international supervision for safety. He urged the international community to consider placing Pakistan's nuclear arsenal under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing the country's reckless behavior and repeated threats as global security risks. He stated that India would not be intimidated by nuclear threats and highlighted the military's resolve and precision.
The success of Operation Sindoor has led to a proposed increase of ₹50,000 crore in India's defense budget, potentially surpassing ₹7 lakh crore. These funds will be allocated towards research and development, as well as the purchase of weapons, ammunition, and other necessary equipment.
The operation has also drawn global support as a new front against cross-border terrorism. It was executed with high operational ethics, focusing exclusively on terrorist camps while taking precautions to prevent civilian casualties. The strikes marked a shift in India's strategy by targeting deep into Pakistani territory, including critical radar installations.
According to West Point expert John Spencer, Operation Sindoor marked a decisive shift in India's military doctrine, combining precision airstrikes with strategic restraint. Spencer praised its clarity and execution, calling it an "objective victory".
During Operation Sindoor, India also faced cyberattacks from state-backed hackers and hacktivists from various countries, including Pakistan and China. Critical infrastructure, defense PSUs, and financial platforms were targeted with malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks.
