Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday emphasised that India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeted only terrorists for their actions, without discriminating based on religion, while leaving civilian and military establishments untouched.
Speaking to the Indian community during his visit to Morocco, Singh highlighted India’s secular ethos. “The terrorists came here and killed our citizens after asking their religion. But we did not see someone’s religion, we acted based on their actions,” he said.
He added, “We have no problems with people following any religion. This is the freedom to believe as one chooses. India does not discriminate based on religion or community. This is India’s character.”
Singh further pointed out that India’s response was precise and measured. “We killed only those who killed our people. We didn’t attack any civilian or military establishment. Only India can have this character. Had we wanted, we could have attacked any military or civilian establishment, but we didn’t. We should uphold this character of India,” he said.
The Defence Minister arrived in Morocco on Sunday for a two-day official visit, marking the first-ever trip by an Indian Defence Minister to the country. He was received at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport by the Head Wali of the Military Command of Casablanca and the Indian Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana.
A large turnout of the Indian community, including the President of the Indian Association, welcomed Singh warmly during his visit.