On a significant two-day tour of his home state Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a powerful address in Gandhinagar on Saturday, declaring that Operation Sindoor marks a historic turning point in India’s approach to national security.Speaking to a large gathering, Shah credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong leadership for enabling the Indian armed forces to carry out one of the most impactful counter-terror operations in recent history — striking deep into Pakistani territory and dismantling key terror infrastructure.
“For the first time since Independence, our forces advanced 100 kilometers into Pakistan, destroying terror hubs in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, and Muridke. This wasn’t just a military action — it was a message to the world: India will defend its people with unyielding resolve,” Shah said.
Development and Defence: A Dual Agenda
While underscoring national security achievements, Shah also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for development projects worth ₹702 crore in Gandhinagar, reflecting the government’s focus on both progress and protection.
India’s Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack
Referring to the recent brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam — where innocent civilians and tourists were targeted based on their religion — Shah described it as a moment that deeply wounded the nation’s collective conscience.
“The terrorists forced people to identify their faith before executing them in front of their families. India responded not with revenge, but with moral clarity and unmatched force,” he said.
Shah revealed that Operation Sindoor was a direct military response to this heinous act. It resulted in the destruction of key command centers belonging to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, along with nine other training facilities located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
“We didn’t just dismantle their hideouts — we shattered their operational backbone. Over 100 terrorists were neutralized in precision strikes,” he added.
Escalation and Retaliation
The Home Minister confirmed that despite the success of India’s initial strikes, Pakistan attempted to escalate the situation with cross-border attacks on May 8, targeting regions from Kutch to Kashmir. However, he praised India’s upgraded air defense systems, which reportedly intercepted every incoming missile and drone.
India’s counterstrike came on May 9, targeting 15 strategic military installations in Pakistan — including key airbases in Karachi and Sargodha. Notably, Indian forces avoided civilian zones, reaffirming the country’s commitment to ethical warfare.
“We targeted military assets with surgical precision, ensuring no civilian casualties. The message is clear — harm our people, and expect a swift, sharp response,” Shah asserted.
A New National Security Era
Shah emphasized that India’s defense posture has undergone a transformation since 2014, breaking away from the passive responses of the past.
“Gone are the days of silence. From surgical strikes after Uri to airstrikes post-Pulwama — and now, Operation Sindoor — our resolve is evident,” he said.
Global defense analysts, according to Shah, are now studying India’s strategy with renewed respect. He attributed the operation’s success to the triad of intelligence precision, military capability, and unwavering political resolve.
“This was not just a battle on the map — it was a statement of intent. India will no longer absorb attacks. We will respond — decisively and unapologetically,” he concluded.
