Srinagar, May 15, KNT: India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, questioning the safety of its nuclear weapons and calling for their supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Singh’s remarks come in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor and amid heightened tensions following cross-border hostilities earlier this month.
Addressing troops in Srinagar, Singh said Pakistan’s repeated nuclear threats to India have proven the country’s irresponsible behavior on the global stage. “Today, from the land of Srinagar, I raise a serious concern — are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such a rogue nation?” he asked. “I believe they must come under IAEA supervision.”
His comments followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent warning that India will no longer tolerate nuclear blackmail and any act of terrorism on its soil would be considered an “act of war.”
Calling Operation Sindoor the “largest and most decisive” counter-terror operation in India’s history, Singh lauded the armed forces for targeting and destroying terrorist infrastructure across the border. He said the May 7 precision strikes sent a clear message to Pakistan that acts of terrorism would no longer go unanswered.
“Pakistan tried to strike 26 military facilities between May 8 and 10, but our response was swift and strong. We launched missile attacks on eight of their airbases on May 10,” Singh revealed, confirming earlier reports of intense retaliatory action.
Referring to the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, Singh said the attack was not just an assault on Indian soil but an attempt to fracture national unity. “They targeted our forehead; we pierced their chest. Your response has made the country proud,” Singh told the soldiers.
He praised the armed forces for channeling their anger over the Pahalgam attack with discipline and precision. “I understand the rage you felt. But your strength lies in your restraint, courage, and strategic response,” he added.
Recalling former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s peace initiative two decades ago, Singh said Pakistan had once assured that its soil would not be used to export terrorism. “But they have consistently betrayed us. Now, they must pay the price — and that price will only rise if terrorism continues.”
He reiterated India’s firm stance: “Talks and terror cannot go together. If there are to be talks, they will only be about terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).”
In a sharp dig at Pakistan’s financial situation, Singh said the country has sunk so deep into economic distress that “the queue of beggars starts wherever Pakistan stands.” He mocked Islamabad’s repeated approach to the IMF for bailouts, contrasting it with India’s growing stature as a lender to global institutions.
“Today, India is in a position to lend money to the IMF, which Pakistan begs from. That’s the difference in direction and leadership,” Singh remarked.
Issuing a stern warning to militant groups operating from across the border, Singh said their illusion of safety is now shattered. “They should know they’re under our radar. And when India takes aim, it does not miss,” he warned.
Hostilities between India and Pakistan tapered off after a military-level dialogue on May 10, where both sides agreed to halt further military actions. Singh said the Indian government has made it abundantly clear that any provocation will be met with decisive retaliation.
“The country has changed. The old playbook of terrorism followed by restraint no longer applies. India will strike back — harder, faster, and with precision,” Singh concluded.
