Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday pushed back against claims that foreign powers pressured India into halting military confrontation with Pakistan, insisting that New Delhi’s hand has never been stayed by outside influence.
While addressing a gathering in Hyderabad, Singh mentioned that there are some people who say that this ceasefire came to be put for foreign forces.
He clearly mentioned that India’s action was not postponed because of any interference and the Operation Sindoor will resume as and when required.
The defence minister’s statement followed the startling video confession of Jaish’s top commander Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, who on Tuesday admitted that the Bahawalpur strike by Indian forces on May 7 ripped apart the family of JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar.
Speaking in a strained, high-pitched voice with armed guards behind him, Kashmiri acknowledged that the strike had “torn apart” Azhar’s household, calling it a devastating blow to the outfit.
For many observers, this rare public acknowledgment from a terror commander is unprecedented. India, which has long accused Pakistan of sheltering JeM, now finds its claims reinforced from the other side.
Singh, seizing on the admission, hailed it as proof of the Indian Army’s resolve and sacrifice. “No power can dare to challenge India’s sovereignty,” he said, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for strengthening the country’s military posture.
