“From the beginning, our policy was not to provoke anyone. But if anyone provokes us, we do not spare them either,” Mr. Singh said. File photo: @rajnathsingh X/ANI
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday (May 14, 2026) warned Pakistan against terrorism and said India would strike back decisively if provoked again.
Addressing a public gathering at Merta town in Nagaur after unveiling a statue of Rajput ruler Rao Duda, Mr. Singh said Operation Sindoor had sent a strong message to Pakistan.
“Perhaps Pakistan will not dare to look at India with hostility again. But I want to say that if it does, what has not happened till now will happen,” he said.
“From the beginning, our policy was not to provoke anyone. But if anyone provokes us, we do not spare them either,” Mr. Singh said.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 last year, he said the terrorists had killed people after asking about their religion.
“Indian culture says there should be no division based on caste or religion. We believe in justice and humanity. But terrorists from Pakistan were shooting people after asking their religion,” he said.
“The entire country was angry. We gave such a strong reply that the enemy was stunned. We proved that India is no longer a country that silently suffers. If anyone attacks our citizens, we will enter their homes and respond. No border can stop us,” Mr. Singh added.
The Defence Minister said India has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy against terrorism, citing the 2016 surgical strikes and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes as examples of India’s changing response strategy.
Published – May 14, 2026 04:19 pm IST
