“Operation Sindoor, 2016 Surgcal Strike and 2019 Balakot Air Strike are proof that India’s patience is its strength not weakness, and we choose the path of hard power when negotiations fail to yield any solution,” said Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh during the Hyderabad Liberation Day event on 17 September 2025. Speaking in Hyderabad, Telangana, he asserted that while the strong and resolute New India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, believes in dialogue, it knows how to give a befitting reply to those who fail to understand the language of peace and goodwill.

The minister pointed out that while terrorists killed innocent citizens in Pahalgam based on their dharma, the Indian Armed Forces killed terrorists and destroyed their hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) during Operation Sindoor based on their karma. Crediting the valour and dedication of the armed forces for the successful execution, he reiterated that the operation is only on hold, and it will resume in full force in case another terrorist activity is orchestrated from across the border. He emphasised that India rejected third party intervention over the ceasefire during Operation Sindoor, stating that no third party can interfere in India’s internal matters.

Singh also hailed the role of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel as the ‘Iron man’ in uniting North and South India. Pointing out that Hyderabad Liberation Day and PM Modi’s birthday fall on September 17, he said that “Just like Sardar Patel, our Prime Minister is working to strengthen India culturally, socially, spiritually and economically.”

Raksha Mantri credited PM Modi with transforming the nation and exuded confidence that India will soon become the world’s third-largest economy. “Today, India does not take dictation from anyone; it writes its own script,” he said.

Singh commended the courage of those who participated in Operation Polo, stating that it was not merely a military operation; it was Sardar Patel’s decisive blow that shattered the Razakars’ conspiracy and brought Hyderabad back to India. He termed the success of Operation Polo and the merger of Hyderabad with India as a glorious chapter which demonstrated to the world that India has always been both capable and powerful in protecting its unity.

“Just as the Razakars’ conspiracy collapsed in 1948, Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its agents have failed today. India has again given a befitting reply with Operation Sindoor. We have again proved that our unity and cultural diversity are our greatest strength,” he added.

As part of the event, Singh also visited the Hyderabad Liberation Day Photo Exhibition organised by Central Bureau of Communication, Hyderabad. Union minister of culture and tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, minister for coal and mines G Kishan Reddy and minister of state for home affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar were among the dignitaries who attended the event.