Panaji– Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared on Friday that if the Indian Navy had been fully deployed during ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan could have been split into four parts, rather than two. Speaking aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, Singh underscored the transformative power of India’s naval forces in conflict.
“The events of 1971 demonstrate that when the Indian Navy enters the battlefield, it changes the course of history,” Singh said, addressing naval personnel off the coast of Goa. “Had the Navy been unleashed in its full capacity during ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Pakistan might not just have been divided into two — it could have broken into four.”
He described Operation Sindoor not as a concluded mission, but as a “pause and a warning,” adding, “If Pakistan dares to repeat its past mistakes, our response will be even more decisive. This time, there won’t be an opportunity to recover.”
Calling the operation a direct strike against terrorism, Singh emphasized India’s readiness to deploy both conventional and unconventional strategies. “We will use every method Pakistan can imagine — and those it cannot,” he warned.
Praising the strategic deployment of the INS Vikrant Carrier Battle Group, Singh said its very presence had served as a deterrent. “Your preparedness alone shattered the enemy’s confidence. Pakistan didn’t even need to face action — they were stunned by your readiness,” he told the crew.
Turning to the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Singh called Hafiz Saeed the mastermind behind the carnage, asserting that true justice could not be served inside Pakistan. He noted the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India as a step toward accountability.
Singh dismissed recent peace overtures from Pakistan, stating, “Their Prime Minister once again offered talks yesterday. But we’ve been clear — the only dialogue India is willing to have is on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. If Pakistan is serious, it must hand over terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar.”
Highlighting INS Vikrant’s capabilities, Singh noted it can operate over 30 aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters. “Standing on Vikrant, I feel immense pride and confidence. As long as our maritime borders are under your protection, no one can threaten us,” he said.
Singh also cited the Navy’s recent success in executing multiple missile and torpedo launches across India’s eastern and western coasts within 96 hours, showcasing both readiness and strategic reach.
Modern warfare, he added, is no longer limited to traditional battlefields. “Today, wars are fought through cyber operations, space capabilities, and strategic deterrence. Our Navy is making strong advances in all these areas. It’s not just a regional force — it’s a global strategic presence.”
He also commended the joint coordination among India’s three armed forces and various ministries during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the importance of unified national defense.
The Defence Minister’s remarks come as India continues to signal its growing military strength and strategic assertiveness, particularly in the maritime domain. (Source: IANS)
