New Delhi/Bhuj: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a stern warning to Pakistan, stating that any misadventure by Islamabad in the Sir Creek sector would invite a “decisive response” strong enough to change both “history and geography”.
Addressing soldiers at the Bhuj Military Station in Gujarat, Singh drew attention to Pakistan’s continuing disputes over the Sir Creek sector, even 78 years after India gained independence. He pointed out that the neighbouring country’s recent expansion of military infrastructure in the area reflects ill intent.
“If Pakistan dares to act in the Sir Creek sector, the reply will be so strong that it will change both history and geography,” Singh said. “In 1965, the Indian Army showed courage by reaching Lahore and in 2025, Pakistan must remember that the road to Karachi also passes through the Creek.”
The Defence Minister’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened military preparedness along the India-Pakistan border. Sir Creek, a 98-kilometre-long narrow strip of water between the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Pakistan, is a disputed region due to differing interpretations of maritime boundary lines. The area features marshes home to poisonous snakes and scorpions, as well as inhospitable weather and terrain.
On the occasion of Vijayadashami, Singh performed Shastra Puja, the worship of weapons, at the Bhuj Military Station. He described the ritual not merely as a ceremony but as a reflection of India’s civilisational philosophy, where weapons are regarded as instruments of dharma, not simply tools of violence. Drawing parallels from Indian tradition, he noted that farmers worship their plough, students revere their books, and soldiers honour their weapons.
“Knowledge without the power to defend it is vulnerable, and power without the guidance of knowledge leads to chaos. The balance of Shaastra (knowledge) and Shastra (weapons) keeps our civilisation vibrant and invincible,” he added.
Singh also highlighted the challenges faced along the country’s borders, stating, “The challenges have never been simple, and they come in different forms. At times, these challenges appear as external aggression, at times as terrorist organisations, and in today’s world, they also appear in the form of cyber warfare and information warfare.”
The Defence Minister congratulated the armed forces for successfully thwarting Pakistan’s attempts to breach India’s defence network during Operation Sindoor. He said the operation “exposed” Pakistan’s air defence system and demonstrated India’s ability to inflict heavy damage at a time, place, and manner of its choosing.
“Pakistan tried to penetrate India’s defences from Leh to the Sir Creek sector, but the swift and effective counter-action of the Indian forces not only exposed the weaknesses of Pakistan’s air defence system but also sent out a clear message to the world that India can inflict heavy damage at a time, place, and manner of its choosing,” he said.
Singh emphasised that despite India’s capability, the country demonstrated restraint, as Operation Sindoor was aimed at countering terrorism and not provoking a wider conflict. He expressed satisfaction that all military objectives were successfully achieved and reaffirmed that India’s fight against terrorism would continue with full resolve.
“Escalating it and starting a war was not the objective of Operation Sindoor. I am happy that Indian forces have successfully achieved all the military objectives of Operation Sindoor. But our fight against terrorism continues,” Singh said. The operation, launched on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeted terrorist infrastructure in territories allegedly controlled by Pakistan and ended on May 10 following an understanding to halt military actions.
On Thursday, Singh also virtually inaugurated the Tidal Independent Berthing Facility and the Joint Control Centre (JCC) in the strategic Creek sector. According to the Defence Ministry, these facilities will act as major enablers for integrated coastal operations, significantly enhancing joint operational capability, coastal security coordination, and rapid response to any threats.
He congratulated the soldiers and officers for their strategy, courage, and capability, stating, “Your strategy, your courage, and your capability have proven that India is capable of defeating the enemy in every situation. I am fully confident that the courage of all of you, the valour of all of you, will continue to protect India’s sovereignty and integrity.”
Singh described the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy as “three pillars” of India’s strength. “When these three services work together, only then can we effectively face every challenge,” he said.
The event was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Corps Commander of 12 Corps, Jodhpur, Lieutenant General Aditya Vikram Singh Rathee, and Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bhuj, Air Commodore KPS Dham.
Extending his greetings on Vijayadashami, Singh said the festival is a reminder that no matter how powerful evil may appear, it is righteousness that ultimately prevails. “The worship of weapons on this day is deeply connected with India’s national life as it represents respect for the country’s collective strength, security, and freedom,” he added.
