Bhuj (Gujarat), May 16 – India has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reconsider its financial assistance of one billion dollars to Pakistan, stating that the funds could potentially be used to finance terrorism. The statement was made by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his address to air warriors at the Indian Air Force station in Bhuj, where he also confirmed the use of the BrahMos supersonic missile in the recently conducted 'Operation Sindoor'.
As per agency report, Singh underlined that the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on May 7. In retaliation, Indian forces targeted and destroyed nine terrorist infrastructures located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following Pakistan’s attempted strikes on Indian military installations, India launched further counter-attacks, resulting in damage to several Pakistani military assets. The cross-border exchanges continued for four days, concluding with a ceasefire agreement on May 10.
Rajnath Singh made it clear that this ceasefire does not imply closure, but rather serves as a probationary phase for Pakistan. He emphasized that if Pakistan’s behavior improves, India will maintain peace. However, any provocation will invite severe consequences. Describing the operation as merely a “trailer,” he warned that the full picture could be revealed if required. He reiterated that attacking terrorism and eliminating it is now the "new normal" for a new India.
The Defence Minister revealed intelligence indicating that Pakistan is attempting to rebuild the terrorist structures destroyed during the operation. He alleged that Islamabad is planning to channel nearly ₹14 crore, collected from ordinary Pakistani citizens, to Masood Azhar, the UN-designated terrorist and chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Singh warned that such misuse of funds further justifies India's call for the IMF to suspend all future aid to Pakistan.
Referring to Pakistan’s plans to finance the reconstruction of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed infrastructures in Muridke and Bahawalpur, Singh stressed that any global financial support to Pakistan, either directly or indirectly, contributes to terrorism.
The air base in Bhuj, from where Singh addressed the troops, was among the strategic locations targeted by Pakistan during the brief military engagement. Praising the Indian Air Force for its swift and decisive action, Singh stated that Indian fighter jets were able to destroy terrorist camps and Pakistani airbases within 23 minutes without crossing the international border. This, he said, showcased India’s evolved war doctrine and advanced technological capabilities.
He affirmed that Indian-made defence equipment, including the BrahMos missile and the Akash air defence system, played a critical role in the success of the operation. He added that Pakistan itself has acknowledged the effectiveness of the BrahMos missile, which, according to Singh, "brought daylight in the darkness of night" for the enemy.
Highlighting India's growing self-reliance in defence, Singh emphasized that the country is no longer dependent solely on imported weapons. Instead, indigenously developed systems are now integral to India’s military strength, offering both capability and credibility.
During his interactions with soldiers in Srinagar on Thursday and with airmen in Bhuj on Friday, the Defence Minister expressed confidence that India’s borders are completely secure. He concluded by commending the valour and patriotism of the armed forces, stating that their actions during 'Operation Sindoor' have made the entire nation proud.
