Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has clarified that starting a war was never the objective of Operation Sindoor, stressing that the operation was conducted with strategic and defensive intent.

Speaking at a recent event, Singh said India’s defence initiatives prioritise preparedness, peacekeeping and territorial integrity. He reiterated that any terror attack originating from Pakistani soil will be treated as an act of war, a policy articulated after the operation.

Singh had earlier told the Lok Sabha that Operation Sindoor concluded only after all objectives were achieved and not under any external pressure. He said over 100 terrorists were neutralised and the operation showed India’s policy against terrorism.

The minister said terrorism and talks cannot go together. He added that India’s approach has moved from strategic containment to deterrence by punishment, and the armed forces were given full freedom to act with discretion.

Singh said the operation showed India’s national resolve. He said Pakistan crossed a red line with the Pahalgam attack. The armed forces, he said, were given full freedom to act with discretion.