India’s Defence Minister Links Anti-Terror Operation to National Dharma

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the Indian Armed Forces responded to the recent Pahalgam terror attack with precision and restraint, dismantling terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor. 

He emphasised that while terrorists targeted civilians based on their religious identity, the Indian response was guided by national duty and discipline.

Image Source: HQ IDS on X

Speaking at an event in Hyderabad marking the 128th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, the Defence Minister asserted that the Armed Forces, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are fully empowered to take decisive action against terrorism whenever required.

Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor was conducted with utmost caution to avoid civilian casualties, highlighting the Armed Forces’ professional approach in neutralising terror infrastructure. He described the operation as an example of "karma rooted in dharma," drawing a contrast with the terrorist acts in Pahalgam.

Linking the military response to Alluri Sitarama Raju’s legacy, Singh described the revolutionary as a ‘warrior-saint’ whose guerrilla resistance against colonial forces continues to inspire India’s modern defence strategy. He said Alluri’s life symbolised courage, unity, and justice — qualities reflected in the Armed Forces’ conduct.

The Defence Minister also outlined the government’s tribal development initiatives, including the PM Tribal Development Mission, Skill India, and the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Campaign. He described these schemes as part of a broader effort to empower tribal communities with dignity and opportunity.