New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday delivered a decisive message, condemning the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where terrorists reportedly targeted tourists by questioning their religious identity. India responded with Operation Sindoor. Speaking at an event in Dehradun, Singh said, “Terror chose dharma. We didn’t ask their dharma, we saw their karma.”
Rapid transition of India’s defence sector
He emphasised on the fact that India’s retaliation targeted the just deeds rather than faith. He has also reaffirmed that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defence transformation has underwent a significant transformation. From reliance on imports to becoming a global exporter, it proved to be pivotal during the precision strikes that was carried out on May 7 against the terror infrastructure that was operating in Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir.
Singh highlighted that despite the capability to inflict greater damage, India exercised considerable restraint. He also said, “With power must also come restraint,” stating the damages that were sought to the enemy airbases and terror camps. Both the countries came to an operative pause following the ceasefire that was sought on May 10.
A bold and visionary move
Singh has also called PM Modi’s leadership as bold and visionary, a leadership that has transformed India’s defence sector and has helped it achieve newer avenues.
It has transitioned from a “largely import driven model to a trusted global exporter.”
On April 22, terrorists with links to Pakistan opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, killing 26 people, the majority of whom were tourists. India responded in a retaliatory attack on May 7.
Singh has also added that this move is a warning and a pause, that if Pakistan repeats the same mistake again, India will respond with even harsher actions and that it would not get a chance to recover.
