Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday underscored the significance of Operation Sindoor, calling it a “game-changer” for India. He said the operation has transformed the global perception of Indians—from “vulnerable citizens” of a “soft state” to proud citizens of a strong nation.
While addressing the Rajya Sabha, Singh stated, “Operation Sindoor has proven to be a game-changer. Its true impact lies in the fact that an Indian citizen is no longer seen as a vulnerable citizen of a soft nation. Instead, every common Indian today stands as a proud citizen of a powerful India.”
To explain Pakistan’s strategy of fostering terrorism, Singh invoked Game Theory, referring to senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram. He said, “There’s a theory in economics known as Game Theory—perhaps familiar to Chidambaram Sahab. It suggests that when an act involves low cost and high returns, it tends to be repeated. That’s what Pakistan and terrorists have been doing.”
He added that Pakistan and terrorist groups applied this strategy against India.
“But under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we have decided to change this calculation. We will ensure that terrorism becomes a costly misadventure for them. If even a single Indian is harmed, terrorists must know we will dismantle their entire network.”
Taking a swipe at the opposition for questioning the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor, Singh said the opposition must not only raise questions but also propose viable alternatives.
“In a democracy, the opposition has the right to question the government. But it also has the responsibility to present an alternative policy or action plan if it disagrees with the Centre,” he said.
Reiterating his earlier comment, the Defence Minister asserted that Operation Sindoor is still in motion.
“Looking at its outcomes, we acted as per our policy and neutralized over 100 terrorists. Even now, Operation Sindoor is on a pause—there is a comma, not a full stop,” he stated.
Further criticizing previous governments, Singh asked what similar actions they had taken in response to terror attacks.
“If they believe Operation Sindoor was wrong, then they must tell the people what their alternative approach would have been. Should we have engaged Pakistan in talks? Sent them a dossier? Approached international forums and limited ourselves to discussions? When they were in power, what action did they take following terrorist attacks?”
He added, “Some believe that since Pakistan has nuclear weapons, we should avoid provoking them and only talk. But we’ve already lost countless lives to this nuclear bluff.”
The Defence Minister affirmed the government’s firm resolve:
“We will respond to every brick with a stone.”
Concluding with a sharp remark, Singh said:
“Bharat Mata’s forehead is adorned with the sindoor of valour—don’t tarnish it with the dust of politics. History does not forgive such acts.” (Agencies)
