Fierce Debate in Rajya Sabha Over ‘Operation Sindoor’ as Opposition Demands Clarity

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th July: In a rare and heated exchange during Thursday’s Rajasthan Monsoon session in the Rajya Sabha, the government and opposition sparred over Operation Sindoor, India’s military strike carried out on May 7. SP MP Ramji Lal Suman questioned whether the decision was taken under international pressure—a claim forcefully addressed by Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, marking the first time the government officially articulated its position in Parliament.

Opposition Raises Question: Was There Foreign Pressure?

Opposition MPs led by the Samajwadi Party demanded transparency. “Was the decision for Operation Sindoor taken due to foreign influence?” MP Sunil Vishwas asked in the debate. Responding on behalf of the government, Kirti Vardhan Singh clarified that India launched the operation as a tactical response to a terror attack, and there was no external coercion influencing the decision.

Government Defense: Targeting Pakistan‑Backed Terror Networks

Singh explained that the strike was aimed at dismantling Pakistan-supported terror infrastructure. He stressed that the Indian military’s response was both measured and decisive. While Pakistan reportedly tried targeting civilian areas and military installations within Indian territory, India struck back with precision, inflicting significant damage on terrorist assets. The Minister asserted that the operation was carried out in line with India’s doctrine of restraint and strategic deterrence

Why Was There a Sudden Ceasefire?

When asked by Ramji Lal Suman why a ceasefire followed such an ostensibly successful operation, the minister noted that on May 10, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan reached out to Indian military officials requesting a halt in operations. With mutual agreement, a ceasefire was enforced that same day—bringing Operation Sindoor to a close.

What Sparked the Operation?

The operation was launched in direct retaliation to the April 22 massacre of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, carried out by terrorists. On May 7, India struck deep within Pakistani territory, targeting terror facilities. This appearance in Parliament marks the first official explanation by the government for the operation’s context, timing, and goals.

Emerging Political Tensions and Conflicts

The debate has revealed a widening gap between the ruling coalition and opposition over the justification, effectiveness, and timing of the military operation. Opposition leaders are demanding a full review of the operation’s planning and outcome, while the government defends it as a measured and necessary act of national defense, conducted with constitutional and strategic restraint.