Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a direct call for international oversight of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, urging the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to intervene. Speaking in Srinagar’s Badami Bagh Cantonment, Singh questioned the safety of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal, labeling the neighbouring country as “irresponsible” and “rogue” in the wake of its recent threats during the largest military confrontation between the two nations in nearly three decades.
“The world knows that our army’s aim is accurate, and when they hit the target, they leave the counting to the enemy. How strong is India’s pledge against terrorism today can be known from the fact that we did not even care about their nuclear blackmail,” Singh said to Indian troops stationed in Kashmir.
In a stern message from the ground zero of recent cross-border hostilities, Singh asserted, “I want to raise this question—are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation? I believe the IAEA must take charge of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.”
The defence minister’s remarks came during his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir since the culmination of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory Indian military campaign that began with precision strikes on May 7 against Pakistan-based terror infrastructure. Pakistan responded with a series of attempted strikes on May 8, 9, and 10, targeting Indian military bases. However, India swiftly retaliated by launching missile strikes against eight Pakistani airbases on May 10.
The crisis de-escalated following high-level military talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries later that day.
Singh praised the Indian armed forces and PM Narendra Modi’s leadership for the success of the operation. “I may be your defence minister, but first I am a citizen of India. The entire country is proud of what you did under the leadership of our Prime Minister. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown their anger against terrorism with unity and courage,” he said.
During his two-day visit, Singh will receive detailed briefings from senior military officials at the XV Corps headquarters in Srinagar to assess the prevailing security situation and review the combat readiness of frontline forces along the Line of Control and International Border.
The visit underlines New Delhi’s assertive stance in the region and signals a shift in tone amid rising global concerns about nuclear stability in South Asia.
