Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], September 17 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday praised the bravery and courage of the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor, asserting that India’s growing strength under Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensures that “no power can dare to challenge India’s sovereignty.”

Operation Sindoor and Masood Azhar’s family

Speaking at an event to mark the 78th Hyderabad Liberation Day, Singh revealed that a Jaish-e-Mohammed commander admitted the family of dreaded terrorist Masood Azhar was “destroyed” in the May 7 Bahawalpur strike carried out by India.

“This was the bravery and courage of our Indian Army soldiers. A video of this was also released yesterday. Under the leadership of our Prime Minister Modi, India’s strength has grown even further,” Singh said.

The Bahawalpur strikes were India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed multiple security personnel.

Warning of resumption if terror strikes continue

Singh dismissed speculation about third-party mediation in the ongoing ceasefire with Pakistan, stressing that the decision to halt Operation Sindoor was India’s own.

“Our action against the terrorists was not postponed because of anyone’s interference. Operation Sindoor has only been paused. If any terrorist incident occurs, Operation Sindoor will resume,” he declared.

Hyderabad Liberation Day and tribute to Sardar Patel

The Defence Minister unveiled a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, who played a decisive role in integrating princely states after Independence. Singh drew parallels between Patel’s Operation Polo, which liberated Hyderabad from the Nizam’s rule in 1948, and today’s fight against cross-border terrorism.

On US mediation claims

Singh’s comments also came amid controversy over claims by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested American involvement in brokering the India-Pakistan ceasefire.

  • Pakistan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar told Al Jazeera that Islamabad had raised the issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who clarified that India opposes third-party mediation.
  • India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismissed Trump’s assertions as “bizarre, if not unfair,” reiterating that the ceasefire emerged solely from direct DGMO-level talks between India and Pakistan.