Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India halted Operation Sindoor on its own terms and was fully prepared for a prolonged conflict if the situation demanded.
Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Singh described the operation as a decisive shift in India’s response to terrorism and asserted that the country would no longer be restrained by past approaches.
“Operation Sindoor was also an example of the jointness of our armed forces. The Army, Navy, and Air Force, working together and under one plan, demonstrated that India’s military power no longer operates in silos, but has emerged as a joint, integrated, and global power. This is why we launched the operation on our own terms, on our own time, and ended it on our own terms,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “Operation Sindoor was also an example of the jointness of our armed forces. The Army, Navy, and Air Force, working together and under one plan, demonstrated that India’s military power… pic.twitter.com/srzZKiu7G8
— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2026
The remarks come nearly a year after Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, and form part of the government’s broader articulation of a tougher security doctrine under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
‘Prepared for long war, did not fall for nuclear bluff’
Recalling the operation, Singh said India had precisely targeted those responsible and clarified that the halt in operations was not due to any limitation in capability.
“We didn’t stop this operation because our capabilities had diminished. We stopped it voluntarily, on our own terms, and if necessary, we were fully prepared for a long war,” he said.
He added that India continues to maintain a strong surge capacity and preparedness. Referring to threats from Pakistan, Singh said India did not succumb to “bluff” nuclear warnings.
Calling Pakistan the “epicentre of International Terrorism”, the Defence Minister stressed that terrorism must be tackled across operational, ideological and political dimensions, and urged dismantling the political patronage that sustains it.
‘Deterrence key to peace’, says Singh
Emphasising the importance of military strength, Singh said credible deterrence remains essential for stability in international relations.
Quoting the phrase “Bhay bin hoye na preet”, he said fear is central to ensuring peace. He noted that Operation Sindoor reflected India’s growing deterrence, backed by indigenous defence capabilities.
The minister said defence exports have also seen a sharp rise, reaching around ₹39,000 crore in 2025-26, marking a 62.66 per cent increase over the previous year. He added that several countries have shown interest in procuring Indian defence equipment.
India must stay alert in ‘changing world order’
Touching upon global developments, Singh said the international system is undergoing rapid changes, with conflicts in Europe and West Asia challenging established norms.
He warned that technology, supply chains and digital tools are increasingly being weaponised, and called for a global order that avoids escalation and prioritises stability.
“The new world order is a world with no order,” he said, urging greater vigilance as nations assert their interests more aggressively.