Operation Sindoor refers to the Indian military’s counter-terrorism strikes against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, conducted in 2025 following terror attacks like the Pahalgam incident.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the 78th Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations on September 17, 2025, firmly rejected claims that the operation was suspended due to intervention or mediation by any third party, including the United States or others.

He emphasised that the cessation of Operation Sindoor was a unilateral and sovereign decision by India, with the pause occurring only after Pakistan’s repeated requests for a ceasefire. Singh clarified that the operation is only “paused and not over” and will resume if any terrorist attacks recur.

He pointed out that Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar acknowledged India’s rejection of any third-party role in the conflict. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also maintained that the Indo-Pak conflict is a bilateral issue and does not allow outside interference.

Rajnath Singh highlighted India’s growing military strength under Modi’s leadership, referring to previous military actions such as the 2016 surgical strike and the 2019 Balakot air strike along with Operation Sindoor as evidence that India knows how to respond decisively to threats and terrorism.

Singh cited a confession from a Jaish-e-Mohammed commander admitting to the deaths of Masood Azhar’s family members in the Bahawalpur attack during Operation Sindoor, praising the bravery and effectiveness of Indian forces. He underscored India’s sovereignty and resolve to act firmly against terrorism without external dictation.

Additionally, Singh connected the historical significance of Hyderabad Liberation Day on September 17, commemorating the integration of Hyderabad into India in 1948, with contemporary themes of national unity and resistance against terror and anti-national elements.

He drew a parallel to past atrocities by Razakars and contemporary terrorist attacks like Pahalgam that target innocent civilians based on religion, emphasising the need for strong national security.

In Summary

Operation Sindoor was a retaliatory counter-terror campaign against Pakistan-based terror groups, paused but not ended.

No external party—including the US or any other—intervened to suspend the operation; it was India’s sovereign choice.

Pakistan officially acknowledged India’s refusal of third-party mediation.

India under Modi and Rajnath Singh remains strongly committed to national sovereignty and counter-terrorism.

Operation Sindoor will resume if terrorism recurs.

The Defence Minister linked the ongoing battle against terrorism to a broad theme of national unity anchored symbolically by Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations.

Based On A PTI Report