Operation Sindoor Paused As Politico-Military Objective Achieved: Rajnath In Lok Sabha

New Delhi: As Defence Minister Rajnath Singh started the debate in Lok Sabha today on Pahalgam attack and India's response, he posed some tough questions to the opposition while asserting that the armed force are ever vigilant to defend India's borders.

Singh said that Operation Sindoor was "paused" as the armed forces had achieved the desired politico-military objectives and asserted that there was "no pressure" to end it.

If Pakistan indulges in fresh misadventure, it will resume again, the Minister said in his opening remarks on the special debate on Pahalgam terror strikes and Operation Sindoor in the lower house.

"Opposition is asking how many of our aircraft were shot down, they never asked how many enemy aircraft came down," Singh said as he came down heavily on the opposition for questioning the government. "In any exam, results matter, not whether pencil was broken during exam or pen lost; ultimately, results matter," Singh said.

Operation Sindoor, he said, was an effective and well-coordinated strike against nine terror sites in PoK and Pakistan. "Opposition should ask whether Operation Sindoor was successful. The answer is, yes," Singh said and shared details of the operation.

He said of the nine terror camps, seven were fully destroyed and India had proof of the damage incurred inside PoK and Pakistan. "The entire operation was over in 22 minutes and the Pahalgam killings were avenged. The attacks were non-escalatory in nature," the defence minister said.

"Opposition should ask, were any of our brave soldiers harmed? The answer is no, none of our soldiers were harmed," Singh asserted. He said that before executing Operation Sindoor, Indian armed forces studied every aspect and chose option that would cause maximum damage to terrorists, while ensuring no harm to innocent civilians.

India's air defence systems, counter-drone system and electronic equipment foiled Pakistan's attack, Singh said adding that armed forces fully achieved the objectives they had set in Operation Sindoor.

Referring to past attempts to improve ties with the neighbouring country, Singh said that India wants friendly relations with Pakistan and other countries and successive governments have made efforts in this regard.

"We once spoke language of 'Lahore bus journey', but Pakistan did not understand that; we now respond with 'Balakot strike'. India first extends hand of friendship, but it also knows how to twist the wrist if any country betrays it," Singh said.

Op Sindoor, he said, was a symbol of India's strength and demonstrated that the country will not remain silent if anyone harms its citizens. "Pakistan's rulers know their soldiers cannot defeat India, hence they nurture terrorism and then claim innocence," Singh said.

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