New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday revealed that India’s counter-terror operations struck 100 km inside enemy territory and significantly damaged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) networks. Addressing the Indian community in Rabat during his two-day visit to Morocco, Singh said, “Not at the border, we destroyed terror hotbeds 100 km inside their land. A top terrorist of JeM admitted that Masood Azhar’s family was torn apart by India. Pakistan urged for a ceasefire, and we agreed.”
Singh stressed that while India seeks peace, it will not hesitate to act against terrorism. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, “Friends can be changed, but not neighbours. We are trying to bring them on the right path.” He clarified that Operation Sindoor has only been halted, not ended, and warned that it could resume if provoked.
This is the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Morocco. Singh was received at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport by the Head Wali of the Military Command of Casablanca and India’s Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana. Members of the Indian community turned out in large numbers to welcome him.
During the visit, Singh will inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems’ new manufacturing facility for the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8 at Berrechid, marking India’s first defence manufacturing plant in Africa. Singh described the facility as a “significant milestone” that reflects the growing global footprint of India’s defence industry. He is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Moroccan Defence Minister Delegate Abdeltif Loudiyi.
Singh also spoke about Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), expressing confidence that the region would rejoin India without military intervention. “PoK will be ours on its own. Demands have started being made in PoK, you must have heard sloganeering,” Singh told the gathering, recalling his earlier statement made in Kashmir Valley that one day PoK itself would say, ‘Main bhi Bharat Hoon’ (I too am India).
In August, Rawalakot — a key town in PoK — witnessed massive protests as thousands of civilians demanded freedom from Pakistan. Indian intelligence officials have attributed the unrest to years of economic neglect, lack of basic infrastructure, and rising frustration among locals. Anger has also grown against Pakistan-based terror groups, with some families openly barring Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its affiliates from attending the funerals of local recruits killed in terror activities.
Singh said India continues to seek peace but will act firmly against any threat to its sovereignty, underlining that the government remains committed to both diplomacy and decisive military action where necessary.
