Rajnath Singh Issues Strong Warning to Pakistan During INS Vikrant Visit
Rajnath Singh's Visit to INS Vikrant
On Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, which played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor earlier this month. Equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets, this indigenous aircraft carrier served as a strategic deterrent. While aboard the warship, Singh emphasized the formidable strength of the Indian Navy and issued a stern warning to Pakistan. He stated that had the Navy actively participated alongside other armed forces during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan could have faced consequences worse than those of the 1971 war.
Call for Action Against Terrorism
During his address on the aircraft carrier off the coast of Goa, Singh remarked that if Pakistan is serious about dialogue, it should hand over terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India, as designated by the United Nations. He warned that any hostile actions from Pakistan would provoke a strong response from the Indian Navy. Singh urged his audience to maintain their readiness, stating that previous events were merely a 'warm-up' and that any further provocations would lead to decisive action from the Navy.
A Clear Message to Islamabad
Singh conveyed a clear message to Islamabad, asserting that if Pakistan attempts any aggressive actions, the response would be in the hands of the Indian Navy. He emphasized that the dangerous game of terrorism that Pakistan has played against India since independence is coming to an end. He warned that India would not hesitate to employ methods against terrorism that Pakistan could not even imagine.
Operation Sindoor's Impact
Highlighting the role of the Indian Navy during Operation Sindoor, Singh noted that it successfully constrained the Pakistani military. He explained that while the Indian Air Force targeted terrorist bases on Pakistani soil, the aggressive deployment of the Navy in the Arabian Sea limited the Pakistani Navy to its own shores. Singh reiterated that Operation Sindoor was not merely a military action but a direct assault on terrorism.
International Support Against Terrorism
He stated that the world recognizes India's right to protect its citizens from terrorism, and no power can prevent India from taking necessary actions. Singh praised the Navy's silent service, which has effectively influenced every Indian and limited the Pakistani military's actions. He recalled the events of 1971, when the Indian Navy's actions led to the division of Pakistan.
Future of India-Pakistan Relations
Singh clarified that any future discussions with Pakistan would focus solely on terrorism and the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). He reiterated that if Pakistan is serious about dialogue, it must first surrender terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India for justice. He concluded by stating that the Indian Navy's actions during Operation Sindoor sent a powerful message not only to terrorists but also to their protectors.
Recent Tensions
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities. In response, India conducted precise strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and POK on the night of May 6-7. Following these strikes, Pakistan attempted to retaliate against Indian military positions on May 8, 9, and 10.