Desk : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday issued a stern warning against terrorism, asserting that centres of terror can no longer escape “justifiable punishment.” He made the remarks while addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in the Kyrgyz capital.
Referring to the recent anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Singh paid tribute to the victims and highlighted the global impact of such incidents. “A few days ago, on April 22, we paid tributes to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. This incident shook not just a region but entire humanity,” he said.
The Defence Minister underlined India’s evolving strategic approach towards cross-border terrorism, stressing that the country has adopted a more decisive posture against threats originating from beyond its borders. He pointed to Operation Sindoor as an example of this approach, stating that India has clearly demonstrated that terror epicentres are no longer beyond accountability.
The remarks come a year after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed when terrorists targeted a tourist area in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack had triggered nationwide outrage and grief.
In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to official sources, nine major terror launchpads linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed, with over 100 terrorists eliminated.
Following the strikes, tensions escalated between India and Pakistan, including drone attacks and cross-border shelling. India responded with retaliatory strikes, reportedly targeting radar installations in Lahore and near Gujranwala.
Amid mounting losses, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted the Indian DGMO, leading to a ceasefire agreement on May 10.
Subsequently, India also announced a series of non-military measures, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and the halt of bilateral trade with Pakistan.
In a separate counter-terror operation, Operation Mahadev, Indian security forces eliminated three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
Rajnath Singh’s remarks at the SCO meeting are being seen as a strong reaffirmation of India’s policy that terrorism will be met with decisive and accountable action, regardless of where it originates.