India treats terrorists, sponsors equally: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Apr 30: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India did not succumb to nuclear threats during Operation Sindoor and asserted that there would be no distinction between terrorists and those backing them.
Addressing a security summit here, Singh, said India ignored attempts at intimidation during the operation and acted in line with its national interest. “We were threatened, but we did not fall for any bluff. Necessary steps were taken keeping national security in mind,” he said.
Singh asserted that the decision to stop the “Operation Sindoor” was voluntary and not due to any constraints in military capability. “The armed forces had demonstrated both precision and preparedness during the operation launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack,” he said, adding, “It was a conscious decision taken on our terms. Our forces were ready for a long war and continue to remain prepared with enhanced capabilities.”
The Minister described ‘Operation Sindoor’ as a shift in India’s approach to terrorism, indicating that the country would no longer limit its response to diplomatic measures following attacks on its soil. He said the action sent a clear signal that terrorism would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Referring to Pakistan, Singh alleged that the neighbouring country continues to provide support to terrorism and called it the “epicentre of international terrorism”. He stressed the need to address not just the operational aspects of terrorism but also its ideological and political foundations.
He said India’s approach to terrorism has evolved, underlining that those aiding or sponsoring terror would be treated on par with perpetrators. “There will be no difference between terrorists and their sponsors,” he said.
The minister described terrorism as a multi-dimensional threat, requiring action beyond military responses. He said tackling its operational networks alone would not be sufficient unless its ideological and political backing is also addressed.
“Terrorism survives on ideological support and political patronage. These roots must be dismantled to end the threat effectively,” he said.
Singh also highlighted the role of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, saying it has developed the capacity to support both peacetime requirements and rapid wartime mobilisation. He said the country now possesses strong “surge capacity” to scale up operations when required.
“Our military-industrial framework has proven capable of meeting sudden demands. It is equipped to sustain operations in challenging situations,” he said.
Without naming specific incidents, Singh reiterated that India’s response mechanisms are no longer limited to conventional approaches and have adapted to emerging security challenges.
He maintained that India’s security forces remain vigilant and capable of responding decisively to any future threats, reiterating the government’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. (KNO)