In a move that highlights the Indian government’s focus on national security and on-ground preparedness, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar on May 15, 2025, to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. This marks his first official visit to the region following the launch of Operation Sindoor—a retaliatory strike targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the horrific April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Singh’s visit follows the ceasefire understanding reached between India and Pakistan on May 10 after four days of intense military confrontation. Accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Singh interacted with Army personnel and expressed the government’s deep gratitude for their courage and sacrifice.

Tribute to Soldiers and Civilians Affected by Terrorism

Addressing soldiers at the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Rajnath Singh offered heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor as well as to the innocent civilians slain in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. He saluted the injured soldiers, praised their bravery in adverse conditions, and assured the nation that their sacrifices would not go in vain. Emphasizing that his presence was not only as the defence minister but as a citizen of India, Singh underscored the collective pride and gratitude of the nation for the Armed Forces’ actions. His emotional and powerful address aimed to boost troop morale, while reinforcing the government’s firm stance against terrorism and its commitment to supporting the armed forces.

Reviewing Ground Situation After Ceasefire and Strikes

The visit comes amid a fragile pause in military activity between India and Pakistan, after a ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10 but was quickly violated by Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed some of the worst skirmishes and damages during the confrontation, making Singh’s visit critical for evaluating on-ground realities and defense readiness. A day prior to the visit, Singh had attended a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where strategic discussions were held regarding India’s preparedness, the evolving situation on the border, and future responses. Also present at the meeting was Home Minister Amit Shah, further emphasizing the national security implications of the ongoing developments.

Praising India’s Evolving Defence Capabilities

While in Srinagar, Rajnath Singh also highlighted India’s broader defense strategy and the progress made under the ‘Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Just days earlier, he virtually inaugurated the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, a significant addition to the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. This new facility is expected to generate more than 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and strengthen India’s missile production capabilities. Singh noted that this achievement reflects India’s rising status in defense self-reliance and technological innovation. By aligning operational military efforts with long-term infrastructural and industrial developments, the government is signaling a strategic shift towards holistic national security.

Zero-Tolerance Policy Toward Terrorism Remains Unshaken

Throughout his statements, Rajnath Singh maintained a firm and clear tone against terrorism, reiterating India’s zero-tolerance policy. Drawing comparisons with past retaliatory operations like the Uri surgical strike and the Balakot air strike, Singh said Operation Sindoor continues India’s established tradition of responding decisively to cross-border terrorism. He thanked the Armed Forces for giving a “befitting reply” to Pakistan and reminded the world that India would not hesitate to defend its people and its sovereignty. His speech in Srinagar served both as a strategic reassurance to the military and as a strong message to adversaries: India will never tolerate acts of terror, and any aggression will be met with strength, resolve, and unity.

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Source : hindustantimes.com