Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has warned that New Delhi may resume Operation Sindoor, stressing that the campaign against Pakistan was only “paused” and could restart depending on Islamabad’s conduct. Speaking to the Indian community in Morocco on Monday, Singh said: “Whether part 2 or part 3 remains, we can’t say. If Pakistan indulges in terrorism, they will get a reply.” He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s position that the operation was not concluded but temporarily halted.
Singh also claimed that Indian forces struck militant hideouts nearly 100 kilometres inside Pakistani territory after the Pahalgam attack earlier this year, alleging that the family of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar was among those killed. He declined to share details, saying disclosure would create undue excitement. He further stated that Modi authorised the armed forces to act at their discretion during a high-level security meeting following the Pahalgam incident.
The remarks, made during Singh’s two-day visit to Morocco—the first by any Indian defence minister—come as opposition parties at home criticise the Modi government for accepting a ceasefire. Singh also repeated his claim that Azad Kashmir would “on its own” join India, insisting that “voices are already rising” in the territory.
