Singh warns of stronger response to future Pakistan-based attack

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned on Thursday that any future terrorist attack originating from Pakistan would prompt a stronger Indian response, saying the country’s approach had shifted from diplomatic condemnation to military action against terrorism at its source. Speaking at a defence conclave in New Delhi, Singh cited Operation Sindoor, the Balakot airstrikes and the 2016 surgical strikes as examples of that shift. His remarks described how India would respond to a future attack; they did not announce a new military operation. Singh said India’s preference for dialogue, coexistence and peaceful resolution of disputes should not be mistaken for weakness, and that the country remained prepared to confront security challenges. His warning and description of India’s posture were statements made at the conclave. He also characterized emerging risks as a “5D” security threat: disinformation, destabilisation, disruption, deception and destruction. Singh identified lone-wolf attacks and white-collar terrorism as concerns, saying such threats complicate efforts to detect radicalised individuals and prevent attacks.