Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addresses the brave Indian Army soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar

• PM Modi has redefined India’s policy against terrorism, any attack on Indian soil will be considered as an act of war: Defence Minister in Srinagar

• Pakistan’s irresponsible nuclear threats could not deter India’s resolve to eliminate terrorism, says Mr. Rajnath Singh; Calls for IAEA supervision of Pak’s nuclear weapons

• “India prioritises peace, but any attack on its sovereignty will be responded to”

• “Pakistan will pay a heavier price if it continues to support terrorism; It must stop sheltering anti-India & terrorist organisations”

• “Terrorism & talks cannot go together; Talks with Pakistan will only be held on terrorism & PoK”

New Delhi. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India’s policy against terrorism which now says that any attack on Indian soil will be considered as an act of war,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh while addressing the brave Indian Army soldiers at Badami Bagh Cantt, Srinagar on May 15, 2025. Defence Minister emphasised that India has always prioritised peace and never supported war, however, when its sovereignty is attacked, it is necessary to respond. If Pakistan continues to support terrorism, it will pay a heavier price, he said.

Mr. Rajnath Singh termed Operation Sindoor as the biggest action taken by India against terrorism in history, and a testament to the nation’s commitment to go to any extent to eliminate the menace. “Operation Sindoorwas a commitment demonstrated by India of not just carrying out defence, but taking bold decisions whenever needed. It was a dream of every soldier that we will reach every terrorist hideout and destroy them. Terrorists killed Indians based on their religion, we killed them for their deeds. It was our dharma to eliminate them. Our forces gave the right direction to their anger and took revenge for Pahalgam with great courage & discretion,” he said.

Defence Minister added that Operation Sindoorhas sent a loud and clear message to the terrorist organisations hiding in Pakistan and their masters that they are not safe anywhere. “Our forces have shown to the world that their aim is precise & pin-point and the task of counting is left to the enemies,” he said.

Mr. Rajnath Singh added that India’s unwavering resolve against terrorism can be gauged from the fact that it was not deterred by Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail, pointing out that the world has witnessed how irresponsibly Islamabad has issued nuclear threats to New Delhi several times. “I raise this question before the world:Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? Pakistan’s nuclear weapons should be taken under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA),” he said.

Mr. Rajnath Singh stated that through the Pahalgam incident, an attempt was made to break the social unity of India, and the Armed Forces responded to the terror attack by hitting the heart of the adversary. He recalled Pakistan’s declaration about 21 years ago in front of the then Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee that terrorism will no longer be exported from its land. Defence Minister said Pakistan has been deceiving India, and it must stop sheltering anti-India and terrorist organisations & not allow its land to be used against India, he said.

Defence Minister added that Pakistan has reached a state where it has sought loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while India falls in the category of those countries which provide funds to IMF so that they can help poor countries.

Mr. Rajnath Singh reasserted that no unwarranted action should be taken from across the border, which is the base of the understanding reached between the two countries. He reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s views that terrorism & talks cannot go together, and if talks are held, it will only be on terrorism and PoK.

Defence Minister paid homage to the innocent civilians who were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, and the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland during Operation Sindoor. He commended the courage of the injured soldiers and wished for their speedy recovery.

Mr. Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude to the brave soldiers who destroyed the Pakistani posts & bunkers across the border, sending a clear message to the enemy. “I come here today with a message from the people of India: ‘We are proud of our Forces’,” he added.

While Defence Minister praised the valour and dedication of the Armed Forces, he reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue equipping the soldiers with advanced weapons & platforms and modern infrastructure. “Our Government has ensured that our forces are prepared for every situation. Many new generation equipment like modern rifles, missile defence shields, and drones are being rapidly manufactured in India itself. Connectivity has been ensured along LoC and LAC like never before. The devotion and readiness with which our soldiers serve the country, the government is trying to serve you,” he said.

Mr. Rajnath Singh added that the Government and the people of the country stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Armed Forces at every step, in every situation. He exuded confidence that with the cooperation of the military, India will soon eradicate terrorism in the region, so that no one dares to cast an evil eye on the sovereignty of the nation.

Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Mr. Manoj Singh, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and other senior officials of the Indian Army were present on the occasion.