NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that while the armed forces exercised measured restraint during Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack, they possessed the capability to deliver a far stronger response if required.Rajnath also said that the May offensive showcased the military’s ‘capability’ and ‘discipline’ in neutralising terror threats without triggering escalation.
After inaugurating 125 BRO infrastructure projects across the country, the union defence minister highlighted the coordination among security forces, local administrations, and border residents during the operation. “During Operation Sindoor, the coordination we witnessed among our armed forces, the civil administration, and the citizens of the border areas was incredible. I express my gratitude to every citizen of Ladakh as well as the border areas for extending their support to our armed forces,” he said, as quoted by PTI.“This coordination is what defines our identity. It is our mutual bond that gives us the most distinct identity in the world,” he added.Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 against terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.“Just a few months ago, we witnessed how, in response to the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, our armed forces executed Operation Sindoor, and the world knows what they did to the terrorists.“Of course, we could have done much more had we wanted, but our forces demonstrated not only valour but also restraint, doing only what was necessary,” Singh said.He stressed that strengthened connectivity in border areas played a crucial role in the success of the operation, enabling timely movement of logistics and sustained operational readiness.“Today, our soldiers stand strong in difficult terrains because they have access to roads, real-time communication systems, satellite support, surveillance networks, and logistics connectivity.” said Rajnath, adding, “Every minute, every second of a soldier deployed on the border is extremely important. Therefore, connectivity should not be viewed merely as limited to networks, optical fibre, drones, and radars, but rather as the backbone of security.“He also added that robust communication networks also allow him to regularly interact with troops across the country. “Communication should not be viewed merely in terms of infrastructure. It is a very broad term. Communication is essential for peace, harmony, and understanding of society,” he said, affirming the government’s commitment to deepening engagement with border regions, including Ladakh.Improved connectivity, he noted, was bolstering both national security capabilities and regional economic growth.Additionally, referencing the 8.2 per cent GDP growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025-26, Singh said enhanced communication networks—supported by government reforms—had contributed to this economic momentum.
