In a powerful address to Indian Armed Forces personnel and the broader nation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh questioned the safety and control of nuclear weapons in Pakistan, calling on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to intervene and assess whether the country is fit to handle such destructive capabilities. His remarks came during his visit to Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir — the first since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military response dubbed Operation Sindoor.

Rajnath Singh’s Visit to Srinagar Post-Terror Strike

Rajnath Singh’s arrival in Srinagar comes at a crucial juncture following one of the most consequential escalations in India-Pakistan relations in recent times. During his visit, he met with officers and jawans of the Indian Armed Forces, offering gratitude for their valour and extending homage to the soldiers and innocent civilians who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.

In a heartfelt address to the soldiers, Singh said,

"I bow to the supreme sacrifice of the brave jawans while they fought terrorism and terrorists. I also pay respect to the innocent civilians killed in Pahalgam."

He commended their role in executing Operation Sindoor, calling it a historic counter-terror operation, carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Operation Sindoor: India's Response to Terror

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was India’s decisive retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Rafale fighter jets armed with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs to precisely strike at nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). According to government sources, over 100 militants affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen were killed.

The Indian Air Force reportedly completed the mission in just 23 minutes without incurring any losses, thereby exposing the vulnerabilities in Pakistan's air defence systems. The operation underscored India’s technological and strategic superiority and its resolve to act unilaterally in matters of national security.

Following the air strikes, Pakistan retaliated through cross-border shelling and drone attacks, targeting areas across the Line of Control (LoC) and within Jammu and Kashmir. In response, India launched coordinated assaults on 11 Pakistani airbases, damaging key radar installations, airfields, and communication hubs, leading to a de-facto ceasefire agreement announced on May 10, 2025.

Public Backlash and National Sentiment

Rajnath Singh acknowledged the widespread public anger in Jammu and Kashmir after the Pahalgam attacks. He praised the citizens, saying:

“After the Pahalgam attack, the manner in which the people of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their anger against Pakistan and terrorists – I salute the people.”

He highlighted how the collective sentiment of the people contributed to the morale and motivation of the armed forces during Operation Sindoor.

Allegations Against Pakistan: “Rogue Nation” With Nukes

The most controversial moment of Singh’s speech came when he addressed global concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

“From the land of Srinagar, I want to raise this question: Are nuclear weapons safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue nation?”

He further urged for global supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that it is necessary for world peace that such devastating weapons are not under the control of a destabilizing force.

This marks one of the most direct and explicit international appeals by an Indian Defence Minister to bring Pakistan’s nuclear oversight under a multilateral body. Singh’s comments have drawn attention from geopolitical analysts and international security organizations.

Debris Inspection and Symbolism

In a symbolic and tactical move, Singh also inspected remnants of Pakistani artillery and shells that were dropped on Indian territory during the conflict. Displayed publicly at the Badami Bagh Cantonment, the debris served as a testament to Pakistan’s provocation and the Indian Armed Forces’ ability to withstand and respond effectively.

Global and Domestic Implications

Singh’s speech may signal a shift in India’s diplomatic posture, particularly towards Pakistan’s nuclear status. If this appeal garners international traction, it could potentially lead to greater scrutiny by the UN, IAEA, or other global arms-control bodies.

Domestically, this speech seeks to reinforce national unity, valorise the armed forces, and frame India’s retaliation as both justified and strategic. By portraying the military response as driven by justice rather than religious bias, Singh has sought to differentiate between state-sponsored terrorism and civilian or religious entities, a move that could resonate well within India and among its allies.

India’s Message to the World

Singh concluded by reiterating that India does not merely believe in self-defence but is willing to take preemptive and punitive action when provoked.

“When terrorists struck at India’s forehead, we struck back at their heart.”

He stressed that India's retaliation is rooted in justice, not in prejudice, thereby positioning the country as a responsible power in global conflict resolution.

A Turning Point in India-Pakistan Relations?

With Singh’s direct challenge to the legitimacy of Pakistan’s nuclear control, Operation Sindoor’s success, and the recent ceasefire agreement, the subcontinent may be entering a new phase of military and diplomatic strategy. While India appears to have made a statement of strength and resolve, the global response to Singh’s appeal regarding nuclear safety in Pakistan will likely determine the next steps in regional stability.

As India positions itself as a global power with a firm stance on counterterrorism and nuclear responsibility, Singh’s speech may be seen as an invitation for international alliances, further pushing for a rules-based international order in South Asia.

Conclusion

Rajnath Singh’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir was more than a morale-boosting mission. It was a strategic and diplomatic statement with layered messages for Pakistan, the global community, and Indian citizens. His questioning of Pakistan’s nuclear safety, especially in the post-Operation Sindoor context, sets a new tone in India’s defence policy — one that combines military might with international diplomacy.

As tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface despite the May 10 ceasefire, the world will be watching how both nations proceed and whether Singh’s call for nuclear oversight in Pakistan is answered.

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