Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched a sharp attack on Pakistan on April 30, 2026, accusing it of consistently supporting terrorism and turning into what he described as a global centre of “international terrorism.”
Speaking at the National Security Summit 2.0 organised by ANI, Singh said India’s response to terrorism has been “decisive, controlled, and strategically planned,” and warned that there would be no distinction between terrorists and those who support them.
He said, “Pakistan has become a hub of international terrorism,” adding that India’s counter-terror operations send a clear message that terrorism and its sponsors will be treated equally.
“Operation Sindoor stopped voluntarily,” says Singh
A major focus of Singh’s speech was India’s counter-terror response, including Operation Sindoor. He clarified that India did not halt the operation due to any limitation but made a conscious decision.
He said, “India did not stop Operation Sindoor due to any lack of capability. We stopped it voluntarily, on our own terms.”
According to him, Indian forces had full capability to escalate the operation further if required, but the government chose restraint while maintaining operational strength.
Singh also stated that during the operation, India faced nuclear threats, but those warnings were “dismissed in national interest.”
He added, “Our forces had, and continue to have, the surge capacity to scale up operations whenever required.”
‘Sharp contrast between India and Pakistan’
The Defence Minister also drew a symbolic comparison between the two countries, saying India is globally known for its IT industry, while Pakistan has become known for what he called another “IT”—international terrorism.
He said this contrast reflects the different paths both nations have taken and India’s commitment to development alongside security.
Terrorism must be fought on multiple fronts
Singh stressed that terrorism cannot be tackled only through military means. He said it must be countered at ideological, political, and operational levels.
He said, “The ideological and political support system behind terrorism is its real strength. That must also be dismantled.”
He compared terrorism’s support structure to a “source of energy for evil forces,” saying it allows such networks to survive and expand.
Reference to surgical strikes and air operations
Highlighting India’s past military actions, Singh referred to surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor as “examples of India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism.”
He said these actions demonstrate India’s “unwavering commitment” to protecting its citizens and maintaining national security.
He added that India’s fight against terrorism is not just a security requirement but also a broader effort to protect humanity and uphold global values.
Political controversy over earlier SCO remarks
Singh’s remarks come shortly after political controversy over his statements at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Bishkek, where opposition leaders, including the Congress, accused him of softening India’s stand on Pakistan.
The Congress had alleged that his comments amounted to a “clean chit” to Pakistan, a claim the Defence Minister’s latest remarks appear to directly counter.
