Udhampur, June 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India had adopted a more assertive posture against terrorism and would no longer remain a passive victim, citing the recently launched Operation Sindoor as evidence of a decisive policy shift.
Addressing Indian Army personnel at a Barakhana event organised by the Northern Command in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said the operation had sent a powerful message to terrorists and their sponsors across the border.
“Operation Sindoor sent a clear signal that new India is assertive, resolute, and will no longer be a victim of terrorism. It was not just a military action, but a warning to those across the border and those who support them,” Singh said.
The minister praised the coordination, precision, and bravery shown by the armed forces and intelligence agencies in targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He added that the country’s evolving counter-terrorism policy was rooted in the unmatched courage and dedication of the forces.
Singh indicated that the operation was far from over. “This is not the end. This is just a pause,” he said.
The Defence Minister also urged soldiers to focus on their physical and mental well-being, emphasising the link between personal strength and national security. “If you are strong, our borders will be strong. When the borders are strong, India will be strong,” he said.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officers attended the event held on the eve of International Yoga Day. Singh also referred to a security incident on May 10, when the Udhampur base was targeted by Pakistani drones. All drones were successfully intercepted and neutralised by the Indian Army’s air defence systems, he said.
