'Op Sindoor' demonstration of strong willpower, determination of Armed Forces: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described 'Operation Sindoor' as a demonstration of India's strong willpower against terrorism and the capability and determination of the armed forces, which ensured justice to the innocent families who lost their loved ones at the hands of anti-India and terrorist organisations on the Indian soil.

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While virtually addressing the inauguration of BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the Minister said, "Operation Sindoor was not just a military action, but a symbol of India's political, social and strategic willpower."

He termed Operation Sindoor as a proof that whenever India acts against terrorism, even the land across the border is not safe for terrorists and their masters. "Through the surgical strikes after the Uri incident, air strikes after Pulwama attack and now multiple strikes after Pahalgam attack, the world has witnessed what India can do if terror attacks are carried out on its soil. Following the policy of zero-tolerance against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that this New India will take effective action against terrorism on both sides of the border," he said.

Rajnath further said that the operation was launched to destroy terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and innocent civilians were not targeted. "However, Pakistan targeted the civilian areas in India and tried to attack temples, gurudwaras and churches," he said.

He said, "Our armed forces displayed valour and restraint and gave a befitting reply by attacking many military bases of Pakistan. Not only did we take action against military bases adjacent to the border, but the indignation of our armed forces reached even Rawalpindi, where the Pakistani military headquarters are located."

On the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre, the Defence Minister said it will strengthen India's efforts towards 'Aatmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region by generating significant direct and indirect employment.