India’s Military Action Against Pakistan “Paused” After Objectives Achieved, Rajnath Singh States

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India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Monday, July 28, 2025, that “Operation Sindoor,” the military action undertaken against Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, was “paused” because the Indian armed forces had achieved their “politico-military objectives.” Singh’s statement came during a special discussion in the lower house of Parliament, where he unequivocally dismissed claims that the operation was halted due to external pressure.

“Operation Sindoor,” launched on the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, was a decisive response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Singh emphasized that the primary objective of the operation was not to cross the border or capture territory but to eliminate terror nurseries that Pakistan had fostered for years and to deliver justice to the victims of cross-border terrorism. He stated that the armed forces were given full freedom to select targets to achieve maximum damage to terrorists and their hideouts while ensuring no harm to innocent civilians in Pakistan.

Singh revealed that on May 10, following the Indian Air Force’s precise strikes on multiple airfields in Pakistan, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart, appealing for a halt to hostilities. This offer was accepted, with the crucial caveat that “Operation Sindoor” was merely paused, and if Pakistan engaged in any future “misadventure,” the operation would resume. Formal talks between the two DGMOs on May 12 solidified this agreement.

The Defence Minister firmly refuted suggestions that the cessation of military action was a result of U.S. intervention or any other external pressure, labeling such claims as “baseless and completely incorrect.” He highlighted that India’s air defense system, counter-drone measures, and electronic equipment successfully thwarted all of Pakistan’s retaliatory attacks, ensuring no damage to any Indian targets or assets. Singh asserted that over 100 terrorists, trainers, and handlers were neutralized in the coordinated strikes across nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with the entire operation completed within 22 minutes.

Singh underscored that India’s actions were self-defensive and non-escalatory, aimed at compelling the adversary to cease its proxy war through terrorism. The successful achievement of the operation’s objectives, without any casualties to Indian soldiers, was the sole reason for its pause, demonstrating India’s firm resolve and enhanced capability to combat terrorism decisively.