Rajnath Singh says Operation Sindoor marked India’s shift to decisive counter-terror action, highlights AI-driven military transformation

New Delhi, April 30. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on April 30 said Operation Sindoor sent a clear global signal that India will no longer rely solely on diplomatic protests after terror attacks, but will respond with calibrated and decisive action.

Addressing a National Security Summit in New Delhi, Singh said the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated through actions – ranging from surgical strikes and air strikes to Operation Sindoor – that terrorism in any form will not be tolerated.

He described terrorism as a manifestation of a “distorted mindset” and said combating it was not just a national security imperative but a defence of basic human values. Singh cautioned against attempts to justify terrorism by giving it religious or ideological overtones, warning that such narratives indirectly shield perpetrators.

Referring to Pakistan, he remarked that while India is globally recognised for “information technology,” Pakistan has come to be associated with “international terrorism,” underscoring New Delhi’s long-standing charge of cross-border terror support.

Singh said Operation Sindoor showcased unprecedented jointness among the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, operating under a unified plan rather than in service silos. He stressed that the operation was launched and concluded strictly on India’s terms within 72 hours, targeting only those responsible for the attack while retaining the capacity for a prolonged conflict if required.

According to the Defence Minister, India’s military-industrial ecosystem proved its ability to sustain rapid logistics and supplies during crises. He said India did not succumb to nuclear posturing and achieved its objectives, calling this approach emblematic of a “New India” that draws no distinction between terrorists and their sponsors.

Singh noted that Operation Sindoor has strengthened India’s deterrence posture, aided by strategic stockpiles, rapid mobilisation capability, and the credibility of indigenously developed weapons. He cited a sharp rise in defence exports – reaching ₹38,424 crore ($4.23 billion) in FY 2025-26, up 62.66 percent year-on-year, as evidence of growing international confidence in Indian defence products.

Referring to his recent visit to Germany, Singh said several European firms have expressed interest in collaborating with Indian public and private defence manufacturers, reflecting India’s rising credibility.

A significant portion of his address focused on the expanding role of artificial intelligence in modern warfare. Singh said AI has enhanced precision in missile systems such as BrahMos, surveillance platforms, and pre-emptive threat neutralisation processes that often remain out of the public eye.

He described AI as “Augmented Infantry”, noting that the Army has raised agile combat formations like the ‘Rudra’ Brigades, ‘Bhairav’ Battalions, ‘Shaktibaan’ Artillery Regiments and ‘Divyastra’ Batteries to tackle hybrid threats through technology-driven integration.

Beyond the battlefield, Singh said AI is being used to improve soldier welfare and veterans’ services through the SPARSH portal, where AI-enabled systems assist with pensions, grievance redressal, and medical record management.

He also highlighted the national push under the IndiaAI Mission, aimed at democratising access to computing infrastructure and AI skills across the country. Singh said initiatives such as expanded GPU capacity, FutureSkills programmes, and AI labs are helping India shape global AI standards while advocating “AI for All”, particularly for the Global South.

At the same time, he warned of emerging risks such as deepfakes, cyber warfare, and autonomous weapon systems, stressing the need for global cooperation to ensure AI remains a tool for security rather than destruction. He cited the ‘Sudarshan’ air defence project as an example of AI, machine learning, and big data integration in strengthening India’s defensive capabilities.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Ashutosh Dixit were present at the event.