Rajnath Singh in Srinagar: Any Attack on Indian Soil Will Be Treated as Act of War

In a strong message delivered from Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared that India’s stance on terrorism has undergone a strategic transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He affirmed that any attack on Indian soil would now be considered an act of war, signalling a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
While addressing soldiers of the Indian Army, Singh emphasised India’s unwavering commitment to peace, but warned that any threat to the nation's sovereignty would be met with decisive retaliation. “India prioritises peace, but will not hesitate to respond forcefully if provoked,” he stated.
Referring to Operation Sindoor as the largest anti-terror operation in the country’s history, the Defence Minister lauded the Armed Forces for their bravery and precision in eliminating terrorist threats. “Terrorists targeted Indians based on religion; we responded to their actions, not their identity. It was our duty to wipe them out,” he said, adding that the operation sent a “loud and clear” message to terrorist groups hiding across the border in Pakistan.
Singh condemned Pakistan’s repeated nuclear threats, calling them irresponsible and dangerous. “The world must question whether such a nation can be trusted with nuclear weapons. I urge for these weapons to be placed under IAEA supervision,” he asserted.
He also criticised Pakistan for continuing to support and shelter anti-India elements. “Pakistan will pay a heavier price if it continues backing terrorism. It must dismantle all terror networks operating from its soil,” Singh warned. Recalling Pakistan’s past promises — including a statement made to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee 21 years ago — Singh accused Islamabad of betrayal and deceit.
The Defence Minister reiterated India’s firm position that “terrorism and talks cannot go together.” If any dialogue is held with Pakistan, he said, it would solely concern terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Singh paid homage to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and honoured the soldiers who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor. He praised the Armed Forces’ surgical precision in targeting Pakistani posts and bunkers, delivering a clear message to the enemy.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to modernise the military, he said new-generation weapons, missile defence systems, and advanced drones are now being developed domestically under the 'Make in India' initiative. Improved connectivity along the LoC and LAC is also being prioritised.
Accompanied by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Singh concluded his address with a message from the nation: “We are proud of our Armed Forces.”
He reaffirmed the government's resolve to continue supporting the military in every possible way, aiming for a future where terrorism no longer threatens India's peace and sovereignty.
