NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that India halted Operation Sindoor "voluntarily" and on its "own terms," asserting that the country ready for a long war against Pakistan. He further slammed Pakistan calling it the "epicentre of International Terrorism.”Addressing the National Security Summit 2.0, he said, "During Operation Sindoor, we precisely targeted those who had attacked us. And I want to clarify here again that we didn't stop this operation because our capabilities had diminished. We stopped it voluntarily, on our own terms, and if necessary, we were fully prepared for a long war.”He added that India continues to maintain strong surge capacity. "And we also had surge capacity, the ability to expand our capabilities in times of sudden need. Not only did we have it, but we still have it, and it's even more robust than before. Therefore, I don't think there's any need to say anything more," he said.Singh underscored India’s evolving stance on terrorism, stating, "India is telling the world that there will be no distinction between terrorism and its sponsors.”Praising Narendra Modi’s leadership, he highlighted the government’s "zero tolerance" approach and said India did not succumb to nuclear threats."Although we were even threatened with a nuclear attack during that time, we didn't fall for that bluff. We dismissed those threats, paid no heed, and did what was necessary, what was necessary in the national interest," he said.Recalling the operation, Singh described it as a milestone in India’s strategic posture. "It's been almost a year since Operation Sindoor, and our Operation Sindoor is also a symbol of this new world order," he said."It was a turning point that sent a message to the entire world that India is no longer the one that adheres to the old way of thinking, where terrorist attacks occur on our soil, we merely issue diplomatic statements," he added.The defence minister outlined three dimensions of terrorism: operational, ideological, and political and stressed the need to address all of them."Terrorism is not just an anti-national act, it has multi-dimensions, and terrorism can only be dealt with if we tackle it in all its three dimensions--operational, ideological, and political," he said.Using a metaphor, he added, "The ideological nourishment and political patronage of terrorism is the nectar in Ravana's navel... I believe it is essential to dry up this navel that gives life to terrorism.”Taking a sharp dig at Pakistan, Singh said the country continues to support terrorism. "Today, India is known worldwide for its Information Technology, while Pakistan is considered the epicentre of other IT, i.e., International Terrorism," he said.Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Indian armed forces carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, destroying nine key launchpads.Pakistan responded with drone attacks and shelling, triggering a four-day military confrontation. India retaliated with strikes targeting radar installations in Lahore and near Gujranwala.The conflict de-escalated after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart, leading to a ceasefire agreement on May 10.