Terror: Op Sindoor only a trailer; IMF should reconsider $ 1bn loan to Pak, says Rajnath
Virendra Pandit
New Delhi: A day after urging the global nuclear energy regulator International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take control of Pakistan’s nuclear assets, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should rethink the recent loan of over USD 1 billion it approved for Islamabad as it could only encourage the rogue nation to continue terror funding.
He warned Pakistan that the recent cross-border Indian strikes under the Operation Sindoor were only a “trailer” of what India is capable of doing. The operation is not over yet. “Whatever happened was just a trailer. When the right time comes, we will show the full picture to the world,” he added.
Amid the ‘ceasefire’ since May 10, Singh, who was in Srinagar on Thursday, visited another border state Gujarat on Friday to meet the armed forces personnel and boost their already-high morale.
Speaking in Bhuj (Kutch), he said Pakistan could divert a major portion of the IMF aid to terror-related activities, and urged the global lender to reconsider its funding, the media reported.
“I believe Pakistan will spend a large portion of the funds received from the IMF on terror infrastructure in its country… India wants the IMF to re-think funding to Pakistan.”
Applauding the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the precision and swiftness of its strikes under Operation Sindoor, Singh called it a symbol of India’s growing military prowess.
In a stern warning to Pakistan, he also said Islamabad’s nefarious activities are under scrutiny and any further provocations would invite the “strictest punishment.”
“We have kept Pakistan on probation. If its behaviour improves, then okay, otherwise, it will be given strictest punishment…”
“Even Pakistan has accepted the power of the BrahMos missiles. There is an old saying in our country, din mein taare dekhna. The Made-in-India BrahMos missile showed raat ke andhere mein din ka ujala to Pakistan.”
Commending the IAF’s efficiency, Singh noted that “It would not be incorrect for me to say that the force dealt with the enemy within the time people normally take to finish their breakfast. You dropped missiles by going right into the land of the enemy. Its echo did not remain restricted just to the borders of India, the entire world heard it. That echo wasn’t just of missiles but also of your valour and the bravery of jawans of the Indian armed forces.”
Singh recalled Bhuj’s historic significance, linking the current operation to past military victories. “Bhuj was witness to our victory against Pakistan in 1965, and today again it has been a witness to our victory against Pakistan… I feel proud to be present here,” he said.
He applauded the swiftness of the precision operation, saying, “Whatever you did during Operation Sindoor, has made all Indians proud — whether they are in India or abroad. Just 23 minutes were enough for the IAF to crush terrorism being nurtured in Pakistan.”
Highlighting his recent visits to military personnel across regions, Singh said he felt confident about the country’s defence preparedness. “Only yesterday, I met our brave army personnel in Srinagar. Today, I am meeting the air warriors here. I feel elated seeing the high josh and energy on both fronts. I am assured that you secure India’s borders,” he added.
He said the success of Operation Sindoor was being acknowledged worldwide and commended the leadership of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.
“The IAF assumed a very impactful role in Operation Sindoor and it is being appreciated not only in this country but also around the world… I would also like to thank Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh for this, his efforts, his entire team and all his jawans. This is no small thing — that our Air Force can reach every corner of Pakistan and this has been proven in every manner,” he added.
