'Pakistan would have been divided into four parts if Navy … ': Rajnath Singh's warning to Pakistan from INS Vikrant

NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited the Indian Navy ’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant , which played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor earlier this month. Armed with MiG-29K fighter jets, the indigenous aircraft carrier acted as a strategic deterrent.

Aboard the warship , Singh issued a stern warning to Pakistan, underlining the Indian Navy’s formidable strength. He stated that if the Navy had actively joined the other armed forces during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan could have faced an outcome worse than the 1971 war.

“1971 is a witness to this, that when the Indian Navy came into action, Pakistan was divided from one to two. If the Indian Navy had come into action in Operation Sindoor, then Pakistan would not only have been divided into two parts, but I think it would have been divided into four parts,” he said.

#WATCH | Goa: "Pakistan knows what happens when the Indian Navy moves with full force. 1971 is a witness to this, that when the Indian Navy came into action, Pakistan was divided into two parts. If the Indian Navy had come into form in Operation Sindoor, then Pakistan would not… pic.twitter.com/JFMv8zlu8n

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025

Currently deployed in the Arabian Sea, INS Vikrant hosted the Defence Minister as he reviewed the Navy’s operational preparedness and lauded its role in neutralising threats during the recent operation.

“Today I have come here not only as the defence minister, but I have come here as a grateful Indian. I have come to salute your dedication, appreciate your valour and salute your hard work,” Singh said, commending the Navy’s silent yet decisive contribution to national security.

He called INS Vikrant a “symbol of indomitable courage and unconquerable power”, and highlighted the Navy’s evolving role in India’s strategic outlook.

“The Indian Navy today is not just the sentinel of the Indian Ocean but has become a strategic force which strengthens India's presence in the Indo-Ocean region and warns the enemy that India is no longer just a regional power but is moving towards becoming a global power,” he added.

Referring to Pakistan’s recent posture, Singh cautioned that any future misadventure could be met with a stronger maritime response.

“During 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian Navy has impressed every Indian with its silent service... This time, Pakistan did not have to face the firepower of the Indian Navy, but the world knows that if Pakistan does any unholy act this time, it is possible that this time the opening will be done by our Navy,” he warned.

#WATCH | Goa: "If Pakistan does any unholy act this time, it is possible that this time our Navy will do the opening, " says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

"During 'Operation Sindoor', the Indian Navy has impressed every Indian with its silent service. Despite remaining silent,… pic.twitter.com/jN3AIZ8ZFA

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025

Using a striking metaphor, the he said: “Pakistan should keep this in mind that if on one hand our Navy is as calm as the ocean, on the other hand it also has the capability to bring a tsunami like the ocean...”

#WATCH | Goa: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Pakistan should keep this in mind that if on one hand our Navy is as calm as the ocean, on the other hand it also has the capability to bring a tsunami like the ocean..." pic.twitter.com/MQ2UX3DCII

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025

Singh also sent a sharp message on cross-border terrorism. “It would be in Pakistan's interest to uproot the nurseries of terrorism operating on its soil with its own hands. It should start by handing over terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India... If Pakistan is serious about talks, then it should hand over terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India so that justice can be done,” he said, pointing out that both are on India’s ‘Most Wanted’ list as well as the UN’s list of designated terrorists.

#WATCH | Goa: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "It would be in Pakistan's interest to uproot the nurseries of terrorism operating on its soil with its own hands. It should start by handing over terrorists like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar to India. Both of them are not only… pic.twitter.com/ywHnqL7wFh

— ANI (@ANI) May 30, 2025

He cited the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused in the Mumbai terror attacks, as an example of progress towards justice.

Singh’s remarks come at a time when India's expanding maritime reach and defence assertiveness are being closely tracked amid shifting power equations in the Indo-Pacific.