Will cross any border for India's integrity: Defense minister
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made it clear that India won't hold back from crossing borders if national security is at stake.
Citing the 2016 surgical strike, 2019 airstrike, and this year's Operation Sindoor, he said, "We have proved that we will cross any borders, whenever there is a need, for the cause of India's unity and integrity and for protecting the life of every citizen and the country."
Operation Sindoor
Singh's remarks came months after Operation Sindoor—a major military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
On May 7, Indian forces hit nine terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab, reportedly taking out over 100 terrorists, including close associates of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.
Singh lauds armed forces
Singh emphasized that Operation Sindoor was carefully planned—no civilian or military buildings were targeted.
He praised the armed forces for their precise strikes and highlighted India's push for self-reliance under PM Modi's "local for global" vision, as reflected in the use of indigenous technology.
India will never compromise whenever its pride, dignity are at stake
For Singh, these actions are about more than just force—they're rooted in faith and values inspired by Bhagwan Mahavir.
He stressed that protecting India's dignity comes first: "India will never compromise whenever its pride and dignity are at stake."