India's defence minister hints at Operation Sindoor part 2 and 3 against Pakistan

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that further phases of Operation Sindoor could be launched if Pakistan continues to fuel terrorism in his country. His remarks came after India suffered severe military setbacks during its assault on Pakistani cities in May.

“Whether part 2 remains to be done or part 3, we can’t say. It depends on their (Pakistan’s) conduct. If they indulge in terrorist activities, they will get a reply,” Indian media quoted Singh as saying.

He further claimed that following the Pahalgam incident on April 22, he summoned the chiefs of India’s armed forces to assess their preparedness for “an operation.” According to Singh, all three service chiefs assured him of their readiness without hesitation.

The minister added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had granted the military “a free hand” in its operations, stressing that Operation Sindoor was not concluded but merely “paused” and could be resumed.

Singh went on to claim that Pakistan approached New Delhi for a ceasefire, while reiterating India’s preference for peaceful relations. Citing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, “Friends can be changed, but not neighbours.”