Indian forces acted like surgeons during Operation Sindoor: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the forces for surgical precision during Operation Sindoor, saying they struck at the root of terrorism while sparing civilian lives

Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister
(Photo: PTI)
Manikant Mishra New Delhi
2 min read Last Updated : May 20 2025 | 8:36 PM IST
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian armed forces for their precision and discipline during Operation Sindoor, likening their actions to those of skilled surgeons targeting the root of terrorism across the border. 
Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of KN Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Singh said, “Our forces acted just like expert doctors or surgeons. A surgeon uses his instruments precisely where the disease lies, and the Indian forces have done the same, striking at the root of terrorism with unmatched precision.”
 
This was the Defence Minister’s first public appearance since Operation Sindoor on 7 May, which targeted multiple terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
Drawing a parallel between the armed forces and medical professionals, Singh said both play vital roles in safeguarding the nation. “Both undergo rigorous training, operate under intense pressure, and must make swift, critical decisions during emergencies. This similarity was seen during Operation Sindoor, just as the commitment of doctors was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
 
Referring to Pakistan’s response, Singh noted, “As is typical, Pakistan did not accept defeat easily and attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian soil. They targeted civilians and even religious places such as temples, gurdwaras, and churches. But our forces gave a fitting response.”
 
He emphasised that India’s counter-strikes were carefully executed to avoid civilian harm. “Our soldiers ensured that while punishing the perpetrators, innocent lives were not affected,” he added. 
Singh also thanked the people of his constituency, Lucknow, for their support. “When I accepted the invitation for this event last month, I wasn’t sure I could attend due to the evolving situation. But with Operation Sindoor concluded successfully, I am here to thank and admire both our armed forces and the resilient spirit of the people,” he said.
 
He concluded, “You (doctors) treat patients, but we in the Defence Ministry, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, treat the disease of terrorism beyond our borders. The success of Operation Sindoor is proof of that commitment.”
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

Topics :Rajnath SinghIndian ArmyIndian Defence forcesDefence ministrySurgeonsOperation SindoorIndia-Pakistan conflict

First Published: May 20 2025 | 8:25 PM IST

Next Story