Bhuj: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a strong warning to Pakistan, stating that any misadventure in the Sir Creek region would be met with a “resounding response” capable of altering both history and geography. He made the remarks while performing the Shastra Puja at Bhuj Air Base on Vijayadashami, coinciding with Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Singh recalled India’s military strength during the 1965 war, when Indian forces reached the outskirts of Lahore, and warned Pakistan that in 2025, “one route to Karachi passes through the creek.” He stressed that India’s patience is not weakness and that the country’s strategic reach has only grown stronger.

Referring to ‘Operation Sindoor’, Singh stated that Pakistan had attempted to breach India’s defences from Leh to Sir Creek, but Indian forces successfully repelled the threat and exposed Pakistan’s air defence vulnerabilities. “Operation Sindoor has sent a clear message to the world, India can inflict heavy losses on Pakistan whenever, wherever, and however it wishes,” he asserted. 

While highlighting India’s restraint, Singh clarified that the operation was targeted solely at terrorism, not aimed at escalating into full-scale war. “I am satisfied that the armed forces achieved all the objectives of 'Operation Sindoor'. But our fight against terrorism is far from over,” he said.

On the long-pending Sir Creek dispute, Singh noted it has remained unresolved for 78 years. “India has always sought resolution through dialogue, but Pakistan’s intentions remain dubious. Its recent military build-up near Sir Creek reveals its true designs. Let me make it clear, any aggression in this area will be met with a crushing response,” he warned.

Honouring Mahatma Gandhi, Singh said Gandhi symbolised supreme morale without weapons, while today’s soldiers possess both morale and advanced weaponry. “No force can withstand them,” he added.

During the Shastra Puja, Singh invoked Goddess Durga, offering prayers for strength and courage for the armed forces. He described the Army, Air Force, and Navy as the three pillars of national strength, emphasising that their jointness is crucial to overcoming any challenge.

Singh concluded by stating that weapons are not just instruments of power but symbols of respect for the soldiers who wield them. Honouring weapons is akin to honouring our soldiers. That is why shastra puja is performed, as a symbol of preparedness, respect, and national pride,” he said

With inputs from IANS