Rajnath Singh Questions Safety of Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal in Stern Message to IAEA

In a sensational claim on a high-level tour of Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to take control of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.

He made this remark mere days after India and Pakistan disengaged from their most intense military conflict in nearly three decades.

Speaking to Indian Army troops at Srinagar's Badami Bagh Cantonment, Singh emphatically criticised Pakistan's handling of its nuclear arsenal.

World is aware that our army's target is so pinpointed — we attack and allow the enemy to tally," Singh said. "World community must inquire if nuclear weapons are safe in the hands of such an irresponsible and rogue state. From Srinagar's soil, I strongly believe that the IAEA must oversee Pakistan's nuclear arsenal.".

Singh's words resonate with increasing concerns in New Delhi about Islamabad's nuclear threats, especially after Pakistan's implicit threats during the recent clash.

Operation Sindoor and India's Military Response

In his address, the Defence Minister appreciated the Indian Armed Forces for the successful launch of Operation Sindoor, a focused military action on May 7 against terror targets on the border. He credited the success to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appreciated the strength and the togetherness displayed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

I am your Defence Minister, but prior to that, I am an Indian citizen. I'm glad that people of Jammu and Kashmir united against terrorism and Pakistan," Singh stated. "The destruction of enemy posts in Operation Sindoor has left a lasting message."

He also added that the anger of the local people against terrorism and Pakistan had gone a long way in providing a fillip to the morale of the forces.

Assessing Security at the Frontlines

This visit is Singh's first to Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor ended. During his visit, top commanders will brief him on an estimate of the security situation, with emphasis on the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. He is also reviewing the fighting edge of frontline troops of the Indian Army's XV Corps, headquartered in Srinagar.

The tensions had grown following India's precision strikes on May 7, following intelligence on cross-border terrorist activity. Pakistan retaliated with efforts to target Indian military facilities between May 8 and 10. The Indian retaliation was swift and strong — targeting eight Pakistani airfields via missiles and long-range weapons on May 10.

The tensions were eased later in the day after talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both nations resulted in an understanding for a stop in further military action.