In a high-stakes visit amid escalating regional tensions, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar today to meet Indian Army personnel and review the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a major cross-border military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure. Singh was received by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at the airport, where the two leaders were seen exchanging greetings in front of a military aircraft — a symbolic gesture reflecting the gravity of the recent developments.
The visit follows the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and was linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating under the direction of its chief, Hafiz Saeed. In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 14, executing precision missile strikes on nine terror camps located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The operation marked a significant escalation in India’s counter-terror strategy, with 24 precision missiles targeting facilities run by banned outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Notable targets included Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur and Syedna Bilal Camp in Muzaffarabad. Of the nine terror hideouts neutralized, four were located within Pakistan’s territory and five in PoK, sending a clear message about India’s resolve to dismantle cross-border terror networks.
General Upendra Dwivedi, who took charge as the 30th Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2024, has played a crucial role in modernizing the Indian Army. Under his leadership, the forces have increasingly focused on indigenous defence production as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. His emphasis on infrastructure development and nation-building in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh has been critical in ensuring strategic preparedness during volatile times.
Defence Minister Singh’s interactions in Srinagar included briefings from senior military commanders of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, reflecting a tri-service coordination approach to national security. Sources indicate that Singh reviewed operational outcomes and discussed further strategic measures in a meeting aligned with the directives of the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
With Pakistan reportedly increasing ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in the days following the strikes, Indian forces remain on high alert. The Defence Ministry has affirmed that India will continue to respond decisively to any threats to its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
As diplomatic channels remain constrained and military preparedness is intensified, India’s firm stance signals a new phase in its counter-terror doctrine — one where strategic restraint is increasingly backed by swift, targeted action.
