New Delhi, July 29 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said India is prepared to assist Pakistan in tackling terrorism if it cannot act on its own. Speaking during a special discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Singh emphasized that Indian forces are capable of countering terrorism both within the country and across the border.
“If Pakistan is unable to take action against terrorism on its soil, India is ready to help. Our armed forces have proven their capability to act on both sides of the border through Operation Sindoor,” Singh said.
Operation Sindoor Suspended, Not Ended
He confirmed that Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory action after the April Pahalgam terror attack, has been suspended — but not terminated. “There may be a comma, but never a full stop. If Pakistan engages in any future terror activity, Operation Sindoor will be relaunched without hesitation,” Singh said.
The Defence Minister praised the successful joint operation in which three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam massacre were killed. The April attack had left 26 civilians dead. Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had convened a high-level meeting with service chiefs following the attack and granted them a free hand to decide the military response based on strategic and regional considerations.
Clear Message to Terrorists and Their Sponsors
“Our action was self-defensive, not expansionist. Its aim was to destroy terror infrastructure and send a strong message of zero tolerance for terrorism,” Singh stated. He underlined that Operation Sindoor served both military and political objectives — to punish Pakistan for using terrorism as a tool of proxy war and to demonstrate India’s resolve.
According to Singh, the operation’s success led to a request from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to halt hostilities. India agreed but made it clear the operation was suspended, not ended.
On Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK)
Responding to questions raised by opposition leaders about retrieving Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Singh expressed surprise, saying such concerns were contrary to the opposition’s past actions in power. “A day will come — I cannot say when — but people in PoJK will proudly identify themselves as Indian citizens,” he said.
Appeal to International Community
Singh urged the global community to stop funding Pakistan, claiming that a large share of its aid goes into financing terror groups. He also criticized the United Nations for allowing Pakistan a seat on a key counter-terrorism committee, calling it “shocking and disappointing.”
Rajya Sabha Disruption
Earlier, as the Rajya Sabha reconvened at 2 PM following an adjournment, Deputy Chairman Harivansh announced the discussion on Operation Sindoor. When Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien raised a point of order, it was dismissed as irrelevant to the discussion. TMC MPs and some from other INDIA bloc parties protested, raising slogans and walking out of the House after being denied the floor.
