India will not escalate tensions but will respond firmly if attacked by Pakistan, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh told an all-party meeting Wednesday, a day after the Indian Air Force carried out targeted airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The airstrikes, part of Operation Sindoor, struck nine sites used by terror groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The operation was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator.
According to reports, Singh briefed political leaders on May 07th strikes, stating that while preliminary reports suggest around 100 terrorists may have been killed, confirmation is pending. He also emphasized that full details could not be disclosed due to the operation’s sensitive nature.
“We do not want escalation,” Singh reportedly told leaders. “But if Pakistan strikes, we will hit back.”
The high-level meeting was marked by broad political consensus. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, assured the government of his party’s full support. He praised the government’s outreach in holding consultations with the opposition both before and after the airstrikes.
“I asked a few questions but didn’t push for answers,” Gandhi told reporters. “I understand the confidentiality required in such matters.”
Congress President and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence. “He wasn’t present at the earlier meeting either. It’s unfortunate, but this is not the time for criticism,” Kharge said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said leaders across party lines displayed maturity and unity. “This is not the time for politics. Everyone backed the armed forces and the government’s actions,” he said.
Singh, Rijiju added, underlined that politics is not just about forming governments but about running the country, especially in times of national crisis.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, speaking at a separate briefing Tuesday, said the airstrikes were both a deterrent and a preemptive response. He cited Pakistan’s “long track record” of fostering cross-border terrorism and said there had been “no demonstrable step” from Islamabad to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil following the Pahalgam massacre.
“Instead, Pakistan has resorted to denials and baseless allegations,” Misri said. “Our intelligence indicated further attacks were imminent. We had no choice but to act.”
Tensions remain high, but New Delhi has signaled it is not seeking further escalation—while making it clear it will not hesitate to respond to any provocation.
