At the NDTV Defence Summit on March 17, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that India would not hesitate to strike terrorist targets if Pakistan continues to harbour militants.
The warning came after a suicide bombing in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which left 26 civilians dead, including a Nepali tourist.
In the days that followed, the Indian Air Force launched precision missile strikes on facilities in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Rawalakot, among other Pakistani‑occupied Kashmir sites.
Singh emphasized that India seeks dialogue, but said a desire for peace must not be mistaken for weakness, adding that any nation encouraging terror would lose diplomatic goodwill.
The government has called for a comprehensive review of its cross‑border security arrangements, and a new directive will be issued to the armed forces by the end of the week.