Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor is ongoing and has been paused.
In an exclusive interview to Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Singh said Pakistan begged for ceasefire. “I want to make it clear that there were repetitive phone calls from the Pakistan DGMO asking for a ceasefire. After those phone calls, and after achieving what we wanted to achieve, we ended the operation," Singh said, adding, "We will do it again if the need arises."
Singh had earlier said that if terrorists from the Pakistan tried to carry out terror activities in India, New Delhi will give them a befitting reply “If they run away to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan to kill them (Yadi woh bhag kar Pakistan mein jayega, toh Pakistan mein ghus kar marenge). “We have proved it. India targeted terror dens on Pakistan soil, and no civilian was attacked,” Singh told News18.
He also said India upholds the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and does not discriminate based on caste or religion.
Asked whether US President Donald Trump had played a role in bringing about the ceasefire, Singh was categorical in his denial. “The ceasefire was only between India and Pakistan. No third party was involved," he said.
On Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal, Singh quipped, "Promotion to unhone le liya (He just took that promotion himself)," adding, "Pakistan cannot be trusted."
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 with “precision strikes” in Pakistan, which came in wake of the Pahalgam attack on 22 April that claimed 26 lives.
On May 10, Indian armed forces targeted Pakistan air bases, namely Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur and Sialkot because of Pakistan's shelling and attacks across the border areas in the country.
Speaking about the recent developments surrounding Pakistan and the United States discussing potential nuclear testing, Singh said, “The future will tell what India will do. India will not be pressured by what the US or Pakistan are doing. They can do what they want to do. We will do what we feel is the right thing to do — at the right time."
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
