Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Lok Sabha on Monday regarding Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Singh stated that the operation was a "mark of India's sovereignty" and a firm message against cross-border terrorism. He emphasized that the strikes were not aimed at capturing territory or initiating a war with Pakistan but were a targeted response to dismantle terror infrastructure.
Singh informed the House that the armed forces acted swiftly after the Pahalgam attack, launching precision strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites. He detailed that the strikes resulted in over 100 terrorists, trainers, and handlers being targeted. Singh asserted that the operation was meticulously planned to cause maximum damage to terrorist camps while minimizing harm to innocent civilians. According to Singh, seven of the nine targeted sites were completely destroyed in the 22-minute operation. He added that India possesses proof of the damage inflicted inside Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan.
The Defence Minister also told the Lok Sabha that Pakistan offered to cease hostilities after the Indian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on multiple airfields in Pakistan on May 10th. India accepted this offer but with the condition that the operation was only paused and could resume if Pakistan engaged in any further "misadventures". He stated, "On 10th May, when the Indian Air Force struck hard at multiple airfields in Pakistan, Pakistan admitted defeat and offered to cease hostilities. This offer was accepted with the caveat that this Operation has only been paused. If any misadventure occurs from Pakistan's side in the future, this Operation will be resumed".
Singh affirmed the strength of India's air defense systems, stating that they successfully repelled an attack by Pakistan during the operation. "I am proud to say that our Air Defence system, Counter-Drone system, and electronic equipment completely foiled this attack by Pakistan. Pakistan could not hit any of our targets, and none of our important assets were damaged," he stated.
During his address, Rajnath Singh appealed to the opposition, particularly Congress, to avoid rhetoric that could harm India's interests or echo Pakistan's narrative. He emphasized the need to maintain the dignity of the Indian armed forces.
The Lok Sabha is holding a 16-hour special discussion on Operation Sindoor. Senior leaders from both the ruling and opposition parties are participating in the debate.
