The echoes of Operation Sindoor continue to reverberate, with India maintaining a firm stance towards Pakistan and its alleged support for cross-border terrorism. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has declared that Pakistan is "on probation," signaling that the operation is far from over and stricter actions could follow if provocations persist. Singh's strong message comes amid heightened tensions and accusations that Pakistan is diverting funds, including potential IMF aid, to fuel terrorist activities.
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the death of 26 civilians. India responded with precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure within Pakistan. The operation, which lasted four days, saw the destruction of multiple terrorist camps and the neutralization of numerous terrorists, including individuals linked to past attacks like the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Singh, addressing air force personnel at the Bhuj Air Force Station in Gujarat, lauded the Indian Air Force's precision and speed during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that it showcased India's military might to the world. He stated that the operation was just a "trailer" and that India would show the "full picture" at the right time. He also highlighted the use of BrahMos missiles, noting that even Pakistan has acknowledged their power.
India has voiced strong concerns over Pakistan's intentions to use tax money to fund terrorists, including a reported allocation of ₹14 crore to Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Mohammed, a UN-designated terrorist organization. There are also accusations that Pakistan plans to financially assist in rebuilding the terror infrastructure of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Muridke and Bahawalpur.
These concerns have led India to urge the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its financial assistance to Pakistan, warning that the funds could be misused for financing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism. India abstained from voting on the IMF's proposal to extend fresh loans to Pakistan, but the proposal was eventually passed. Rajnath Singh has directly stated that any financial assistance to Pakistan is akin to funding terror activities and that the IMF should reconsider its decision.
Despite a ceasefire agreement, tensions remain high, with reports of ceasefire violations and continued alertness along the border. India has also implemented confidence-building measures to de-escalate the situation. Furthermore, the Indian Army has been granted operational freedom to respond to any provocations.
Operation Sindoor has apparently led to a boost in India's defense budget, with a potential increase of ₹50,000 crore. This additional funding is expected to enhance research and development and the purchase of weapons and ammunition. The operation has also been described as a demonstration of India's potent military synergy, combining tactical astuteness with advanced air defense systems.
The government is also considering sending all-party parliamentary delegations to various countries to communicate India's message and garner support in the fight against terrorism. This move aims to highlight India's unity and the impact of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
