In the aftermath of the intense four-day military escalation between India and Pakistan, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar on May 15, marking his first official visit to the region following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the initiation of Operation Sindoor.
First Visit Post Ceasefire and Operation Sindoor
Rajnath Singh’s visit comes just days after the formal ceasefire understanding on May 10 between New Delhi and Islamabad. During his stop in Srinagar, Singh was accompanied by Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and met Indian Armed Forces personnel stationed in the Valley.
Addressing troops at Badami Bagh Cantonment, Singh saluted the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers involved in Operation Sindoor and paid tribute to the 26 victims of the Pahalgam terror strike.
“I bow before the supreme sacrifice of our jawans who stood firm against terrorism. I also pay homage to the innocent civilians who lost their lives in Pahalgam,” Singh said, while expressing gratitude as both Defence Minister and a proud Indian.
Nationwide Recognition of Operation Sindoor’s Success
The Defence Minister reiterated that India’s armed forces delivered a powerful response to terrorism without breaching the ceasefire lines, underlining the strategic precision of Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7. He credited the mission’s success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.
“From Uri to Balakot, and now Pahalgam – India has shown time and again it will respond decisively to any terrorist threat,” Singh said.
Cabinet-Level Security Review Under Modi’s Leadership
Rajnath Singh’s visit followed a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by PM Modi, which took place on Wednesday. The meeting assessed national preparedness in light of the recent ceasefire and India’s evolving border dynamics. Home Minister Amit Shah was also present, according to PTI sources.
Boosting Defence Manufacturing: BrahMos Facility Inaugurated
Just days earlier, on May 11, Singh virtually inaugurated the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, furthering India’s commitment to aatma-nirbharta (self-reliance) in defence. The facility is part of the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) and is expected to generate over 1,500 jobs.
Singh praised the armed forces once again for the “befitting reply” to Pakistan via Operation Sindoor, stating that India’s robust defence response serves as a global example of strategic deterrence.
arun564