Can start again...depends on Pakistan's conduct: Rajnath Singh on Op Sindoor's Phase 2, 3 

Rajnath Singh on Operation Sindoor Phase 2, 3: In a significant update related to Operation Sindoor, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday hinted that there could be a second or even third phase of it if Pakistan continues to support terrorism. Notably, Rajnath Singh was addressing to the Indian community in Morocco's Rabat. During his address, he reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous comment that the counter-terrorism operation was "just a pause" and could be resumed.

He further said, "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 would get a reply," "PM too has said that this is just a pause. Operation Sindoor has only been halted...It can be started again," he said. 

Rajnath Singh on Pahalgam attack

Highlighting the government's decision on Pahalgam terror attack, Rajnath Singh said, "The first question I asked in the meeting with CDS, the three service chiefs and the defence secretary the next day, on 23rd April, was if they are ready for an Operation if the government decided upon one. You would be delighted to know they didn't take even a second and responded that they are absolutely ready." 

Defence Minister on India's response on terror attack

The Defence minister further highlighted that India's actions during Operation Sindoor was not inspired by religion but by the action of those responsible. He said, "Ab bharat ki visheshta dekho, atankwadio ne deshvashiyo ka dharam puch kar mara, magar hum logo ne kisi ka dharm dekh kar nahi, unka karm dekh kar maara hai." He added, "We killed only those who killed our people. We didn't attack any civilian or any military establishment. Only India can have this character. Had we wanted, we could have attacked any military establishment or civilian establishment, but we didn't do it. We should uphold this character of India." 

Stressed on India's secular values

The defence minister further stressed on India's secular values, and said, "We have no problems in people believing in whatever religion. This is the freedom, whoever wants to believe in whatever religion they believe. Whoever, whether from a particular religion, community, we don't discriminate. This is India's character."

Notably, Rajnath Singh is on a two-day visit to Morocco, and became the first Indian Defence Minister to visit the country.