Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described Operation Sindoor as a balanced and calibrated military response carried out amid global uncertainties, saying it will be remembered as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint and national character.
Addressing the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, the Defence Minister lauded the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, unwavering dedication and ability to adapt to the changing character of warfare. He said the action against terrorists was undertaken after careful assessment, with due regard for humanitarian values.
‘Peace Efforts Will Continue Until Terrorist Ideology Is Eradicated’
Rajnath Singh asserted that terrorists could never have anticipated the speed and bravery with which Indian soldiers responded. “The situation was difficult and there was immense pressure, but the restraint, unity and patience displayed by our soldiers were unprecedented and praiseworthy,” he said.
He underlined that Operation Sindoor is not yet completely over and added, “India’s peace efforts will continue until terrorist ideology is eradicated.”
Push for Aatmanirbharta and Indigenous Weapons
Highlighting the extensive use of indigenous weapons during the operation, the Defence Minister said self-reliance in defence is not a matter of pride alone but a strategic necessity. He noted that domestic defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.51 lakh crore, while defence exports have surged from under ₹1,000 crore to around ₹24,000 crore.
He said the government led by Narendra Modi is equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art, indigenous platforms tailored to India’s operational needs, and stressed the need to further strengthen inter-service linkages as warfare expands across multiple domains.
Army on Path to Global Excellence by 2047
Commending ongoing reforms, Rajnath Singh said the Indian Army is progressing along a well-defined roadmap encompassing transformation, consolidation and excellence phases, with the aim of becoming the world’s most powerful army by 2047.
Describing the Army as a beacon of unity in diversity, he said soldiers from varied cultural and regional backgrounds come together at a young age for a common national purpose. “The Indian Army is not just a military force; it is a pillar of nation-building and social unity,” he said, adding that public trust in the Armed Forces remains India’s greatest strategic strength.
Women, Veterans and Youth in Focus
The Defence Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare and highlighted the expanding role of women in the Armed Forces, including Permanent Commission and entry into the National Defence Academy. He urged the youth to join the Armed Forces, emphasising that leadership, moral courage and decision-making are as vital as physical strength.
Shaurya Sandhya and Launch of NAMAN Centres
As part of the Army Day celebrations, Rajnath Singh interacted with troops at Jaipur Military Station and attended Shaurya Sandhya, an evening showcasing the Army’s valour, traditions and operational readiness. The programme featured martial arts displays, traditional sports, a Nepalese Army band performance, and a dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor, followed by a drone display.
Fifty NAMAN centres were virtually launched to provide integrated support to veterans, pensioners, Veer Naris and next of kin through SPARSH-enabled pension and citizen services.
The event was attended by senior civil and military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, state dignitaries, veterans and citizens, reinforcing the enduring bond between the Armed Forces and the nation.
