India Ready For Long War If Needed: Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor
Mumbai: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted that India halted Operation Sindoor voluntarily and not due to any lack of military capability, emphasising that the country remains fully prepared for a prolonged conflict if required.
Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0, Singh said, “We did not stop that operation because our capacity had diminished. We halted it on our own volition, on our own terms.” He added that India possesses strong surge and storage capacities, alongside growing credibility in indigenous weapons systems, which together form a robust deterrent.
Operation Sindoor was carried out between May 6 and May 10, 2025, as a targeted military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local horse ride operator.
Highlighting India’s preparedness, Singh noted that the armed forces are capable of scaling operations rapidly in times of need. “Our surge capacity was not only present but is now in even better shape than before,” he said.
Recalling the immediate response to the Pahalgam attack, Singh said he held a high-level meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff and senior defence officials, where the armed forces expressed full readiness to undertake the operation. He lauded the leadership of the three services for their preparedness and execution.
The Defence Minister also underscored the increasing role of advanced technologies in modern warfare. Referring to initiatives such as the Sudarshan Air Defence project, he described it as a major example of the effective use of artificial intelligence.
“For us, AI means Augmented Infantry. It has become an integral part of our forces and is enhancing capabilities on the ground,” Singh said, adding that India is steadily moving towards building a technology-driven, integrated fighting force.
He further revealed that AI played a key role during Operation Sindoor, from precision strikes using systems like the BrahMos missile to advanced surveillance platforms, significantly improving operational accuracy.
Beyond combat, Singh highlighted the broader applications of AI in improving administrative efficiency and welfare measures within the armed forces. He noted that AI-enabled systems are being used to streamline pension services for veterans and enhance overall working conditions.
“With emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and big data, our armed forces will become more competitive, while the country grows more secure, empowered, and prosperous,” he said.
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