India Does Not Seek War, But Never Backs Down When Forced: Defence Minister

Chandigarh | PTI | Updated: Nov 24, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that Operation Sindoor—India’s strong military response following the Pahalgam terror attack—was guided by the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna. Singh delivered his remarks while inaugurating the 10th International Gita Conference in Kurukshetra.

Singh said that Krishna’s message in the Mahabharata was clear: a battle must never be fought for revenge or ambition, but for the protection of dharma and the establishment of righteous order.

“India followed this very principle during Operation Sindoor,” he said. “Lord Krishna taught Arjuna that one who walks the path of righteousness never fears anything. That is the spirit with which India acted.”

‘Pahalgam attack challenged India’s peaceful nature’

Referring to the April Pahalgam terror attack, where innocent tourists were killed after being asked their religion, Singh said the brutality of that incident still shakes the nation.

He added that terrorists and their handlers mistook India’s politeness for weakness.
“But they forgot that India is the land of the Gita — where compassion exists, but so does the resolve to defend dharma even on the battlefield.”

‘Operation Sindoor was a message the world will not forget’

Speaking about India’s retaliation, Singh said:

“Through Operation Sindoor, our armed forces gave such a powerful response that the perpetrators will remember it for years. India does not desire war, but if forced, it neither runs away nor hesitates to act.”

He stressed that the operation was not just a military mission but also a declaration of India’s self-respect, self-confidence, and unwavering duty toward its citizens.

‘War is never for revenge’

Rajnath Singh concluded by recalling Krishna’s lesson to the Pandavas:
“War should never be fought for vengeance or personal ambition. It must only be fought to uphold the rule of dharma.”