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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday likened the Indian armed forces’ actions during Operation Sindoor to skilled surgeons, labeling it as precise work, stating they struck at the core of terrorism across the border with discipline and accuracy.

Speaking at an event marking the 25th anniversary of KN Memorial Hospital, Singh remarked, "Our forces acted just like expert doctors or surgeons. A surgeon uses his instruments precisely where the disease lies, and the Indian forces have done the same, striking at the root of terrorism with unmatched precision."

This marked Singh's first public address since the Indian military conducted operations on May 7, hitting multiple terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

He also drew parallels between soldiers and doctors, saying both play crucial roles in serving the nation, one by protecting its people’s health and the other by defending its security.

"Both undergo rigorous training, operate under intense pressure, and must take swift, critical decisions during emergencies. This similarity was seen during Operation Sindoor, just as the commitment of doctors was witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

Indicating Pakistan's response, Singh stated, "As is its habit, Pakistan did not accept defeat easily and attempted retaliatory attacks on Indian soil. They targeted civilians and even places of worship, temples, gurdwaras, and churches. But our forces gave a fitting reply."

He spotlighted that during the counter-strikes of India, full care was taken to ensure hitting only terrorists' hideouts, avoiding the areas of civilians.

Rajnath Singh said he had accepted the invitation for the event last month, but given the evolving circumstances, he wasn’t certain he would be able to attend. "But with Operation Sindoor concluded successfully, I am here to express my gratitude and admiration both for our armed forces and for the spirit of the people," he also said.

"You (Doctors) treat patients, but we in the defence ministry, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, treat the disease of terrorism beyond our borders. And the success of Operation Sindoor is proof of that resolve," he added.

Rajnath Singh's Concern Over Upsurge In Lifestyle-Related Diseases

He expressed concern over the rising number of lifestyle-related diseases, pointing out that India is now often referred to as the “diabetes capital” of the world. "More than 10 crore people in India are suffering from diabetes and 14 crore people are on the verge of diabetes. We need to understand the need to control our lifestyle. There are many diseases which we can fight by adopting a balanced lifestyle. Doctors can do this work," he said.

Singh emphasised that for India to achieve developed nation status by 2047, citizens must embrace healthier lifestyles. He highlighted that the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat scheme has already benefited over 80 crore people, with Rs 1.25 lakh crore spent on the initiative so far.

"Due to the scheme, the expenditure incurred by people on their treatment from their pockets has come down from 62 per cent to 38 per cent today. Before 2014, there were only 387 medical colleges in the country, which increased to 780 in 2024," he said.

Singh also praised the Yogi Adityanath-led government, saying it has made significant progress in improving the healthcare infrastructure of Uttar Pradesh since 2017. In addition, he also lauded the number of children's deaths due to Japanese encephalitis becoming negligible not only in Purvanchal (East), but in the entire Uttar Pradesh.