Rajnath Singh interacting with service personnel at the Srinagar airport. (Photo: X/@rajnathsingh)
Srinagar/New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, visited Srinagar on Thursday, marking his first trip to Jammu & Kashmir since the launch of Operation Sindoor. During his visit, Singh addressed troops at the Badami Bagh Cantonment and delivered a firm message on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, and India’s resolve to counter cross-border terrorism.
Singh reiterated that any dialogue with Pakistan would be strictly limited to issues of terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), underscoring India’s uncompromising stance. He emphasized that terrorism and talks cannot coexist, signalling that India will not entertain discussions unless Pakistan takes concrete steps to end terrorism emanating from its soil. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has redefined India’s policy against terrorism, and any attack on Indian soil will be considered an act of war,” Singh said after interacting with soldiers at Badami Bagh.
He hailed Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s commitment not only to defence but also to taking bold decisions when necessary. The operation involved 24 missile strikes across nine locations in Pakistan and PoK, targeting the “snake’s head” rather than foot soldiers, and resulted in the elimination of 100 terrorists. The defence minister praised the unity of the people of Jammu & Kashmir in expressing anger towards Pakistan and terrorism and affirmed that the government and citizens stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces at every step.
On Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons
A significant highlight of Singh’s address was his strong condemnation of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme. He questioned the safety and responsibility of Pakistan in handling nuclear arms, calling for international oversight. “Today, from the land of Srinagar, I want to raise this question – whether nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation,” he said. Singh urged that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal should be placed under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to prevent reckless threats and potential misuse.
He recalled how India did not flinch in the face of Pakistan’s nuclear blackmail, underscoring India’s resolve and precision in counterterrorism operations. “The world knows that our Army’s aim is accurate and when they hit the target, they leave the counting to the enemies,” Singh remarked, highlighting India’s confidence and capability in dealing with threats.
During his visit, Singh inspected the Army’s XV Corps (Chinar Corps) Headquarters and interacted with personnel to review the security situation and combat preparedness along the line of control (LoC). He also examined Pakistani shells dropped in border areas, including those recovered at Badami Bagh, which had suffered significant damage during recent cross-border skirmishes. The defence minister’s visit came shortly after a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on May 10, following days of intense artillery exchanges that caused casualties and infrastructural damage.
Singh’s assessment aimed to ensure that the armed forces remain vigilant and ready to respond decisively to any future provocations. He praised the troops for their dominance along the LoC during Operation Sindoor and reaffirmed India’s commitment to eradicating terrorism from Jammu & Kashmir with the help of the armed forces.
