"Zero-Tolerance Policy": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Visits Kashmir 5 Days After India-Pakistan Ceasefire

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is making a high-stakes visit to Jammu and Kashmir today—his first appearance in the conflict zone since India's decisive military action against Pakistan and the subsequent ceasefire agreement.

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The visit comes just five days after both nuclear powers ended their most intense military confrontation in years, with Singh expected to meet frontline soldiers who executed the operation that shocked the world.

Singh's Kashmir trip follows Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in retaliation for the devastating Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed 26 Indian lives on April 22. The operation culminated in a ceasefire understanding on May 10 after four days of intense military exchanges that left Jammu and Kashmir among the most severely affected regions.

Inside the High-Level Security Planning

Senior defense sources confirm that J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will accompany Singh during his tour of the sensitive border region. The minister will reportedly hold confidential meetings with armed forces personnel in Srinagar to assess the post-operation situation.

This visit comes on the heels of Monday's critical security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the government's continued focus on border security despite the ceasefire. That high-level discussion included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, all three service chiefs, and the foreign secretary.

"Zero-Tolerance Policy" Reaffirmed

Just days before his Kashmir trip, Singh made headlines when inaugurating the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. During the ceremony, he explicitly praised India's military response to Pakistan.

"We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism," Singh declared forcefully. "On behalf of everyone, I thank our armed forces for giving a befitting reply to Pakistan through Operation Sindoor."

The defence minister's strong language emphasized India's evolving military doctrine: "This is not the first time that India has responded to terrorist attacks. The Uri surgical strike, Balakot air strike, and now after the Pahalgam attack, India has shown the world how it can respond to terrorist attacks."

Strategic Economic Benefits Highlighted

During Sunday's virtual inauguration of the BrahMos facility, Singh also highlighted the economic impact of India's growing defense sector. He described the Lucknow center as "a matter of pride" for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), noting it has already generated approximately 500 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs.

The minister emphasized how the facility strengthens India's "aatma-nirbharta" (self-reliance) in defense manufacturing—a key priority for the Modi government amid shifting global security dynamics.

As Singh touches down in Kashmir today, his visit represents not just a post-conflict assessment but also sends a powerful signal about India's security priorities and response capabilities in an increasingly volatile region.