Hyderabad, Sep 17 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that the ceasefire between India and Pakistan was not influenced by any external parties, and he reiterated that Operation Sindoor has merely been suspended. He explained that the operation was halted following multiple requests for a ceasefire from Pakistan, stating, “It’s a pause, not the conclusion.” He cautioned that should there be any future terrorist attacks, Operation Sindoor will recommence.

Speaking at the 78th Hyderabad Liberation Day celebrations on Wednesday, Rajnath Singh referenced remarks by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, affirming that India has rejected any third-party involvement to mediate the conflict. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently stated this matter is bilateral and should remain free of outside interference.

In discussing the impact of Operation Sindoor on terrorist groups, Rajnath Singh mentioned that a commander from Jaish-e-Mohammad acknowledged that the family of renowned terrorist Masood Azhar was devastated due to the Bahawalpur attack.

He remarked that India has become increasingly resilient under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, asserting that no one has the audacity to challenge the nation.

“In the past 11 years, India has demonstrated to the world that our patience is our strength, and it should not be mistaken for weakness,”

he stated.

“Whether it’s the 2016 Surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strike, or Operation Sindoor in 2025, India has shown that for those who disregard dialogue, peace, and goodwill, we are capable of responding in a manner they comprehend,”

he added.

The Defence Minister recalled that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, clearly articulated that the issue of states is an internal affair and that foreign intervention would not be tolerated. Despite being newly independent and recovering from the partition's aftermath, India did not permit any foreign power to meddle in its internal matters.

“In today’s transformed India, poised to become the third-largest economy, how can any nation presume to dictate terms to us? Operation Sindoor is the strongest testament; our vigilant forces compelled the enemy to yield,”

he remarked.

He asserted that in today’s context, India refuses to be dictated by anyone, stating that the nation crafts its own narrative.

Rajnath Singh drew parallels between Sardar Patel’s actions that led to the Nizam of Hyderabad State surrendering and joining the Indian Union and India’s response to terrorism sponsored by Pakistan.

He likened the atrocities of the Razakars during the former Hyderabad State to the recent Pahalgam incident, where terrorists targeted individuals based on their religion.

“The terrorist act in Pahalgam was an assault on India’s social harmony, akin to the actions of the Razakars. Just as Sardar Patel thwarted the Razakars’ conspiracy in 1948, today, Pakistan-backed terrorism has also been defeated,”

he stated.

He reflected on how under Sardar Patel’s leadership, India initiated Operation Polo, noting that September 17 marks the anniversary of that operation's success. This date symbolizes the resilience of India’s integrity and unity against all adversaries,”

he said.

“Sardar Patel reduced the arrogant Nizam, his cunning advisors, and the brutal Razakar army to submission. Following their defeat, the Nizam had no choice but to join India, sever ties with the Razakars, withdraw his complaint to the United Nations, and accept democracy,”

he noted.

The Defence Minister lamented that for seven decades post-Independence, there has been a lack of effort to honor this significant event appropriately.

He remarked on the Nizam being one of the wealthiest individuals globally, who mistakenly believed his riches could compel India to surrender.

“Even today, the wealthiest and most influential individuals should understand that India will neither bow to any force nor will it in the future,”

he asserted.

Rajnath Singh criticized the ongoing presence of Razakar sympathizers, labeling them as the most significant threat to the nation. “These sympathizers remain among us, and I want to state unequivocally that they are our greatest adversaries. However, we are resolute in our commitment to eradicate this mindset, ideology, and mentality from India. There is no value greater than India’s integrity and unity,”

he declared.

The Defence Minister hoisted the national flag and oversaw a vibrant parade conducted by the Central Armed Police Forces at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekawat, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy, and Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar also spoke at the event.