'Pakistan On Probation, IMF's Aid Is Indirect Terror Funding': Rajnath Singh Visits Bhuj Airbase After Operation Sindoor - Key Takeaways
Ahmedabad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday gave a stern warning to Pakistan during his visit to the Bhuj airbase in Gujarat. Talking about the ceasefire after Operation Sindoor, Singh said that India had kept Pakistan on probation, and its future depends on its actions. For the unversed, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after a four-day military conflict on May 10.
'Pakistan on Probation', Says Singh
"We have kept Pakistan on probation. If its behaviour improves, then okay, otherwise, it will be given the strictest punishment," the Defence Minister said. He further added that what happened was just a trailer.
"Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Whatever happened was just a trailer. When the right time comes, we will show the full picture to the world," Singh stated.
The Defence Minister Praises IAF Personnel:
Lauding the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel for making Operation Sindoor a success, the Defence Minister said that the entire world had witnessed the IAF's valour.
"It would not be incorrect for me to say that the duration people take to have breakfast, you used that duration to deal with enemies. You dropped missiles by going to the land of enemies. Its echo did not remain restricted just to the borders of India; the entire world heard it. That echo wasn't just of missiles but also of your valour and the bravery of jawans of the Indian Armed Forces," he said.
"You have made the entire nation believe that 'Naya Bharat ab sahan nahi karta, balki wah palat kar jawab deta hai'. I can say all I want, but my words would fail to assess your actions. On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my gratitude to you once again," Singh stated.
Singh On BrahMos Missile:
Singh stated that eve Pakistan has now accepted the power of the BrahMos Missile. "Here is an old saying in our country, 'Din mein taare dekhna', Made in India BrahMos missile showed 'raat ke andhere mein din ka ujala' to Pakistan," he added.
"Whatever you did during Operation Sindoor has made all Indians proud, whether they are in India or abroad. Just 23 minutes were enough for the Indian Air Force to crush terrorism being nurtured in Pakistan," Singh noted.
Singh On Importance Of Bhuj Airbase:
Talking about the importance of the Bhuj airbase, he said, "Bhuj was witness to our victory against Pakistan in 1965, and today again it has been witness to our victory against Pakistan... I feel proud to be present here."
Singh On IMF Aid To Pakistan:
Singh criticised the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for approving a $2.1 billion bailout to Pakistan, calling it an indirect endorsement of terrorism. Addressing air force personnel at the Bhuj airbase in Gujarat, Singh argued that the financial support to Islamabad strengthens entities that facilitate cross-border attacks on Indian soil.
“The IMF's aid to Pakistan is a form of indirect funding to terror,” Singh said, referring to Pakistan’s alleged use of its territory for harbouring and training terrorist groups. “Any financial assistance to Pakistan is actually terror funding. The IMF should reconsider its decision,” he added.
Fight Against Terrorism Is National Defence Doctrine: Singh
"Now, the fight against terrorism is not just a matter of security, but it is now also a part of the National Defence Doctrine. Together will uproot this proxy and hybrid warfare, as the Defence Minister, I would like to reiterate this resolve," the Defence Minister stated.
On Thursday, Singh visited Srinagar's Badami Bagh Cantonment and praised the Indian Army for Operation Sindoor's success. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accompanied the Defence Minister.
On the intervening night of May 6 and 7, India launched Operation Sindoor to target nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. After Pakistan tried to attack Indian civilian and military installations in response to Operation Indo-Pak, India attacked 11 airbases of Pakistan, inflicted heavy collateral damage.
news