New Delhi, Apr 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor has sent a clear global message that India has moved beyond “mere intent and rhetoric” in responding to terrorism, asserting that the government will not tolerate such acts under any circumstances.
Addressing a National Security Summit in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh said, “Operation Sindoor conveyed an unequivocal global message that India is no longer bound by the old mindset of merely issuing diplomatic statements… and has demonstrated its unwavering commitment through decisive action.” He described the operation, along with earlier surgical and air strikes, as proof of a firm and evolving counter-terror doctrine.
Calling terrorism a threat to humanity, Rajnath said, “Terrorism emanates from a distorted and perverse mindset. It casts a dark stain on humanity. The battle against terrorism is not merely a matter of national security; it is, fundamentally, a battle to safeguard the core values of humanity. It is a fight against a barbaric ideology that stands in direct opposition to every human value. We have articulated this Indian perspective, both within the country and abroad.” He warned against attempts to justify terror through ideology or religion, saying such narratives “provide cover fire to terrorists”.
In a sharp remark aimed at Pakistan, the Defence Minister said, “India is recognised globally for IT—Information Technology—while Pakistan is regarded as the epicentre of a different IT, International Terrorism.”
Highlighting the conduct of Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh said it demonstrated unprecedented jointness among the Indian Armed Forces. “The Indian Army, Navy and Air Force acted in concert under a unified plan,” he said, adding that India executed and concluded the operation “entirely on our own terms”. “We did not halt the operation because our capabilities had been exhausted… we were fully prepared to sustain a prolonged conflict,” he said.
He also underlined India’s growing defence capability and deterrence posture, noting that indigenous systems such as the BrahMos missile played a key role. “This is the ‘New India’… which makes no distinction between terrorism and those who sponsor it,” he said.
The minister said the operation has enhanced global confidence in India’s defence manufacturing, revealing that exports touched a record Rajnath Singh also highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in modern warfare. “From missile systems like BrahMos to surveillance platforms, AI has elevated our precision and strike capabilities,” he said, adding that AI is also being used in logistics, soldier welfare and governance. At the same time, he cautioned against risks such as cyber warfare and deepfakes, warning, “If AI were to spiral out of control… it could become the instrument of destruction.” Senior defence officials, including Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO chief Samir V Kamat and Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, were present at the event
