Rajnath: India not a soft state anymore, Sindoor punishment for Pak’s proxy war
New Delhi, July 30 – In a significant political and strategic declaration, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday proclaimed that India is no longer a “soft state”, while emphasizing that Operation Sindoor was a clear and calculated punishment for Pakistan’s continuing use of proxy warfare and terrorism.
The Defence Minister, speaking at a national security seminar in Delhi, drew a sharp line between India’s past policy of strategic restraint and the new doctrine of proactive deterrence.
“Those who think they can bleed India with a thousand cuts must know this: we will not just bandage the wounds anymore. We will strike back with precision,” Singh said.
What is Operation Sindoor?
While official details remain classified, Operation Sindoor is understood to be a high-intensity military mission launched by Indian armed forces earlier this month. The operation reportedly targeted and dismantled multiple terror launchpads located across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Although the government has not publicly disclosed operational footage or figures, defence sources claim that the operation caused major strategic setbacks to Pakistan-supported militant groups attempting to infiltrate Indian territory.
Unnamed military officials familiar with the operation suggest that drone surveillance, precision airstrikes, and covert ground action were all part of the multi-pronged mission — indicating a new level of technological and tactical sophistication in India’s counter-terror operations.
A Message to Pakistan and the World
Rajnath Singh’s remarks mark a decisive rhetorical shift — one that reinforces India’s recent policy trend of rejecting long-standing diplomatic silence in the face of cross-border aggression.
“Pakistan’s repeated denial of involvement in terrorism is no longer taken seriously, neither in India nor globally,” Singh said. “Operation Sindoor is our way of showing that our tolerance is not weakness. We have changed, and so has our response.”
The minister pointed out that despite numerous international warnings, Pakistan has continued to allow its soil to be used by non-state actors targeting India. He emphasized that India is now willing to “impose costs” on such actions.
This statement follows a series of intelligence reports suggesting increased attempts by militant groups to revive infiltration routes ahead of upcoming regional elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Not the First, But the Firmest?
Operation Sindoor joins the growing list of cross-border strikes launched by India in recent years — including the 2016 surgical strikes after the Uri attack and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes in response to Pulwama.
However, Singh was quick to clarify that Sindoor was not just retaliation — it was prevention.
“This is not revenge, this is responsibility,” he said. “It is our responsibility to protect Indian citizens and crush the infrastructure of terrorism wherever it exists.”
Strategic analysts suggest that Operation Sindoor may also be a signal to other hostile actors, not just Pakistan. With tensions still simmering along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, India appears to be positioning itself as a decisive military power, willing to protect its interests through direct action.
Domestic and International Reactions
Within India, political reactions were largely supportive. While opposition parties sought more transparency about the operation’s scale and intent, most leaders across the spectrum welcomed the stronger stance on national security.
Internationally, there was a cautious but noticeable shift in tone. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department reiterated Washington’s stance that nations have a right to defend themselves against terrorism. Meanwhile, analysts in the UK and Israel interpreted India’s move as part of a broader anti-terror realignment in Asia.
China, predictably, issued a statement urging “regional restraint,” without directly criticizing India or acknowledging Pakistan’s role in supporting terrorism.
A Shift in Doctrine: From Absorption to Deterrence
Defence experts say Singh’s statement is part of a larger evolution in India’s national security doctrine. For decades, India followed a policy of strategic patience, often absorbing provocations without immediate retaliation — due in part to international pressure and the desire to maintain regional stability.
That era, Singh suggests, is over.
“India wants peace. But peace cannot come at the cost of our dignity, our sovereignty, or our citizens’ lives,” he stated emphatically.
The message is clear: India is no longer content with condemning attacks through diplomatic channels alone. It is prepared to take measured but forceful actions, even across the border, to ensure national security.
What Lies Ahead?
With the situation in Kashmir still sensitive and elections expected in the region soon, Singh’s statement and Operation Sindoor both signal that India is proactively securing its borders — and its political message — ahead of potential provocations.
Observers believe there may be more operations in the pipeline should Pakistan-based groups attempt further infiltrations or attacks.
At the same time, Singh reiterated that India remains committed to peace, but only with partners who do not support terrorism. He urged international allies to increase pressure on states that harbor terrorists and called for a global coalition to isolate such regimes diplomatically and economically.
Conclusion
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s statement and India’s execution of Operation Sindoor mark a critical turning point in the country’s defense policy. With rising threats in the region and shifting global alliances, India appears determined to abandon its past restraint in favor of clear, credible, and calculated responses to terrorism.
As Singh put it:
“India will never initiate violence. But if provoked, we will end it decisively.”
