Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday warned that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would invite an even stronger response, saying Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes marked a decisive shift in India's approach to counterterrorism.
Addressing a defence conclave in New Delhi, Singh said India had moved beyond diplomatic condemnation to proactive military action aimed at eliminating terrorism at its source, according to a Defence Ministry statement.
He said the “shelf life” of most terrorists had fallen to less than a year since 2014, with security forces neutralising them within a year of their taking up arms against India.
Singh also referred to a recent incident in which a co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash a passenger aircraft but was thwarted by Captain Smit Machchhar, who, he said, risked his life to prevent a major terror attack.
The incident highlighted the threat posed by “lone-wolf” attackers and the role individuals could play in foiling terrorist plots, the minister said, stressing that counterterrorism required not only capable security agencies but also alert and responsible citizens.
He called for heightened vigilance and preparedness amid increasingly complex security challenges involving hybrid, high-tech and hyper warfare.
Singh identified what he described as the “5D security threat” — disinformation, destabilisation, disruption, deception and destruction — and said terrorism was evolving beyond organised groups.
Emerging threats such as lone-wolf attacks and “white-collar terrorism” were making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to identify radicalised individuals and prevent attacks, he said.
The minister called for combining hard power with soft power to develop what he termed “smart power”. Modern defence strategies, he said, must integrate precision-guided weapons and loitering munitions with cost-effective weaponry, human intelligence with artificial intelligence, and advanced systems with agile, adaptable technologies.
Singh asserted that India remained committed to peace but was prepared to respond to security challenges.
“Our commitment to peace remains steadfast, yet we are fully prepared to confront any challenge,” he said, adding that the country must remain vigilant and capable of protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
Reiterating his warning to Pakistan, Singh said any further terrorist act originating from the neighbouring country would draw an even stronger response.
He said Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and surgical strikes represented a fundamental change in India's counterterrorism strategy, reflecting a willingness to act against the sources of terrorism rather than limit its response to diplomatic condemnation.
Singh also described Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India's growing technological capabilities and the armed forces' confidence in indigenous defence systems, including the Akash missile system and BrahMos.