India chooses hard power when negotiations fail to yield solutions: Rajnath Singh

Operation Sindoor will resume in full force if another terrorist activity is orchestrated from across the border, says Defence Minister

Hyderabad: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has declared that just as the Razakars' conspiracy collapsed in 1948, Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its agents have failed today. "India has once again given a befitting reply with Operation Sindoor. We have proven again that our unity and cultural diversity are our greatest strengths," he said.

Speaking during the Hyderabad Liberation Day event here on Wednesday, Singh asserted that Operation Sindoor, along with the 2016 surgical strike and 2019 Balakot air strike, serve as proof that India's patience is a strength, not a weakness. He emphasised that the country chooses the path of hard power when negotiations fail to yield solutions.

The Defence Minister highlighted that while the strong and resolute "New India", under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, believes in dialogue, it knows how to deliver a befitting reply to those who fail to understand the language of peace and goodwill. He said while terrorists killed innocent citizens in Pahalgam based on their dharma, the Indian armed forces eliminated terrorists and destroyed their hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during Operation Sindoor based on their karma.

Crediting the valour and dedication of the armed forces for the operation's successful execution, he issued a clear warning saying that the operation was only on hold and would resume in full force if another terrorist activity was orchestrated from across the border.

Singh also paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, hailing his role as the 'Iron Man' in uniting North and South India. Noting that both Hyderabad Liberation Day and Modi's birthday fall on September 17, he said, "Just like Sardar Patel, our Prime Minister is working to strengthen India culturally, socially, spiritually, and economically."

Singh credited Modi with transforming the nation and exuded confidence that India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy. “Today, India does not take dictation from anyone; it writes its own script,’ he said.

He commended the courage of those who participated in Operation Polo, stating that it was not merely a military operation; it was Sardar Patel’s decisive blow that shattered the Razakars’ conspiracy and brought Hyderabad back to India. He termed the success of Operation Polo and the merger of Hyderabad with India as a glorious chapter which demonstrated to the world that India has always been both capable and powerful in protecting its unity.

“Just as the Razakars’ conspiracy collapsed in 1948, Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its agents have failed today. India has again given a befitting reply with Operation Sindoor. We have again proved that our unity and cultural diversity are our greatest strength,” added Singh.

As part of the event, the Defence Minister also visited the Hyderabad Liberation Day Photo Exhibition organised by the Central Bureau of Communication, Hyderabad. The photo exhibition, comprising nearly 50 panels on historic events and freedom fighters who led the liberation struggle, was the major attraction of the Hyderabad Liberation Day 2025 celebrations organised by the Government of India.