This Is Just a Pause: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Signals Unfinished Business

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday declared that Operation Sindoor had delivered a decisive message to terror groups and their state sponsors, firmly signalling that India would no longer remain passive in the face of cross-border terrorism. 

Speaking to soldiers at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, Singh lauded the Indian Armed Forces and intelligence agencies for their precision strikes that dismantled terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Image Source: Defence Minister on X

“Operation Sindoor sent a powerful message to terrorists and their patrons that New India is assertive, resolute and will no longer be a victim of terrorism, but respond with strength & strategy,” Singh asserted, underlining the government’s clear policy shift. 

He described the operation as both a military action and a political warning: “Operation Sindoor is not over yet. This is just a pause. I want to tell this to my neighboring country.”

The Defence Minister’s remarks come as India continues its heightened counter-terror operations following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered Operation Sindoor. 

The operation has significantly damaged Pakistan’s military and terror infrastructure, forcing Islamabad into a ceasefire request after its own retaliatory attempt was firmly repelled by India.

Praising the courage and coordination displayed by India’s forces, Singh emphasized that the change in India’s approach is a direct result of the Armed Forces’ unmatched bravery and commitment. 

“The nation will forever remain indebted to the services rendered by our Armed Forces in protecting the motherland,” he added.

The Defence Minister’s address came during a special event held on the eve of International Day of Yoga 2025. Stressing the importance of physical and mental well-being for soldiers, Singh said, “If you are strong, our borders will be strong. When the borders are strong, India will be strong.”

The event also featured cultural performances including Khukri Dance, Bhangra, Kalari Pattu, and Jhanz Patak. Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Northern Command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, and other senior officials were present.