Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed to the United States that India reserves the right to take pre-emptive action against terror threats emanating from across its borders. Singh's remarks came during a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, where he also thanked the U.S. for its support during Operation Sindoor.
Singh emphasized that India's actions are always measured, non-escalatory, and proportionate, with a focus on disabling terrorist infrastructure. He asserted India's commitment to defending itself against terrorism and deterring future cross-border attacks.
The conversation between Singh and Hegseth occurred in the context of recent events, including India's military response to a cross-border terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, and a renewed ceasefire arrangement with Pakistan. Singh referenced Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, as an example of India's determination to dismantle cross-border terrorist infrastructure. This operation followed the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, were killed. India has blamed the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), for the attack.
Singh's message to the U.S. underscores India's growing concern over cross-border terrorism and its willingness to take decisive action to protect its interests. He highlighted that "epicentres of terrorism are no longer safe" and that India will not hesitate to target them. He also urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries to speak up against terrorism.
During the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, Singh called out Pakistan for using terrorism as an instrument of state policy. He emphasized that those who sponsor, nurture, and utilize terrorism for their narrow ends must face consequences and that there should be no place for double standards. Singh also refused to sign an SCO document that could have diluted India's stance against terrorism.
The U.S. has expressed its unwavering support for India's counter-terrorism efforts. Both countries have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defense cooperation across sectors, including military exchanges, defense industry partnerships, and logistics. Hegseth has invited Singh to the U.S. for an in-person meeting to advance the bilateral defense agenda.
In addition to counter-terrorism efforts, India and the U.S. are also focused on strengthening their overall strategic partnership. This includes enhancing intelligence cooperation, information sharing, and collaboration on regional security issues. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit the United States from August 23 to 26, 2025, following an invitation from U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. During his visit, Singh will engage in bilateral discussions with Secretary Austin and meet with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. He will also lead a high-level roundtable with U.S. defense industry representatives to explore ongoing and future defense collaborations and interact with the Indian community in the U.S.
