Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday emphasised that India’s armed forces deliberately exercised restraint during Operation Sindoor, choosing a calibrated response over an all-out escalation despite possessing significantly greater capabilities. Speaking in Leh after inaugurating 125 new infrastructure projects completed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Singh said the May operation showcased not just military strength but also discipline and strategic maturity.

Singh highlighted the remarkable coordination between the armed forces, civil administration, and border residents during the operation. He noted that this level of synergy reflected the unique unity that defines India, especially in frontier regions that often face the greatest security challenges. According to the minister, the support extended by the citizens of Ladakh and other border areas played a crucial role in ensuring smooth execution of the military action.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists. Singh said the operation targeted terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sending a clear message that such acts of terrorism would not go unanswered. He added that while Indian forces could have delivered a far heavier blow, they chose to respond proportionately, reinforcing India’s reputation as a responsible military power.

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The defence minister underscored that the success of Operation Sindoor was made possible largely because of improved connectivity in border regions. Enhanced roads, better logistics delivery, real-time communication networks, and satellite-backed surveillance have transformed India’s capabilities in difficult terrains. Singh stressed that connectivity must be viewed not just as an infrastructure concept but as the backbone of national security, enabling faster troop movement and more precise operational planning.

Beyond its military implications, Singh said that growing connectivity in remote regions is driving both economic development and social integration. He noted that the Centre’s continuous focus on strengthening communication systems in areas like Ladakh has improved quality of life while also boosting national security. Citing the country’s 8.2% GDP growth in the second quarter of 2025–26, he said the government’s reforms and connectivity push have been key contributors to broader economic momentum.

Singh concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to the holistic development of border regions. He said organisations like the BRO, together with the armed forces, remain dedicated to ensuring that no external force can weaken India’s internal unity. Better connectivity, stronger security infrastructure, and empowered border communities, he added, are central to India’s long-term strategic vision.

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