New Delhi— Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the Indian armed forces exercised deliberate restraint during Operation Sindoor, despite having the capability to respond with far greater intensity after the terror attack in Pahalgam earlier this year. He said the May operation demonstrated both the strength and discipline of the forces, who eliminated the threat without escalating tensions.
Speaking after inaugurating 125 infrastructure projects built by the Border Roads Organisation across the country, Singh praised the coordination between the military, civil administration, and border residents. He said this unity played a crucial role in the success of the operation and reflected India’s identity as a nation bound by trust and mutual support.
Referring to the counter-terror mission, Singh said the world had seen how India responded to the Pahalgam attack. He added that the forces could have gone further but consciously limited their action to what was necessary. He described this balance of courage and restraint as a hallmark of India’s security approach.
The minister highlighted that Operation Sindoor’s scale and efficiency were possible because of reliable logistics and better road connectivity to remote regions. He said strong communication networks, satellite support, real-time surveillance, and improved infrastructure have significantly enhanced security along the borders and empowered troops operating in extreme terrains.
Singh noted that seamless networks allow him to reach personnel deployed in any location, underscoring that communication is not just physical infrastructure but a broader foundation for understanding, stability, and peace. He said the government is working intensively to strengthen connectivity in areas such as Ladakh as part of its efforts toward holistic border development.
He added that the government, armed forces, and BRO remain committed to supporting people living in frontier regions and urged citizens to continue reinforcing this partnership to prevent any external influence from weakening it.
Singh also linked better connectivity to economic progress, pointing to the 8.2 percent GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025–26. He said improved networks and pro-growth policies have created an enabling environment for development and national security.
