Rajnath Singh Issues Stern Warning Amid Iran War, Says India Ready for ‘Unprecedented’ Action Against Neighbour

Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a sharp warning of decisive and unprecedented action against India’s “neighbour” in the event of any misadventure, in remarks widely seen as directed at Pakistan.

Speaking at a Sainik Samman Sammelan in poll-bound Kerala, Singh said that in the current global situation, India’s neighbour could attempt any misadventure. He asserted that if such an act occurs, India’s response would be “unprecedented and decisive,” while emphasizing that Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Without naming Pakistan directly, his remarks appeared to reference the country against which India had launched Operation Sindoor military strikes in May last year.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a full-blown conflict in the Middle East triggered after US-Israel strikes on February 28 targeted Iran, prompting retaliation by Iranian forces. Addressing concerns arising from the conflict, Singh assured that Indian Navy ships were safely escorting the country’s tankers through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

Dismissing rumours of a fuel crisis, Singh stated that attempts were being made to create panic through misinformation regarding the West Asia conflict. He clarified that there is neither a shortage of petrol and diesel nor a shortage of gas in India, asserting that the country is fully prepared to handle any potential energy crisis.

The Defence Minister also criticized the Opposition for engaging in what he described as petty politics instead of standing united with the country during a time of crisis. He highlighted concerns for Indian citizens working in West Asia, particularly those from Kerala, and assured that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and security, stating that India remains fully prepared for any contingency.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh recalled that India launched the military strikes on May 7 last year in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorists linked to Pakistan killed several civilians. He described the attack as not only an assault on India but also on the country’s social unity and fabric, noting that victims were targeted on the basis of religion.

Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation escalated into a four-day military conflict after Pakistan responded by launching drones and missiles toward India.

Singh’s remarks underscore India’s heightened military preparedness amid global instability, while reinforcing a firm stance against cross-border threats and signalling that Operation Sindoor remains an ongoing strategic posture.