Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’ broadcast on Akashvani on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, hailed Operation Sindoor as a balanced military response to global asymmetric warfare, reflecting India’s advanced technology, precise intelligence, and self-reliance in defence. The operation, conducted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, targeted nine terror training camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, with precise missile strikes, avoiding civilian areas and Pakistani military establishments while delivering a crushing blow to terror infrastructure without crossing the Line of Control or international borders.
Singh described Operation Sindoor as a symbol of India’s new warfare strategy, leveraging modern technology, accurate intelligence, and smart military tactics. He emphasized that the operation demonstrated India’s shift from reliance on foreign technology to self-reliance, utilizing advanced tools like drone warfare, layered air defence, electronic warfare, and network-centric operations. Quoting Modi, Singh noted that the operation underscored India’s growing defence capabilities and commitment to indigenous technology, elevating the nation’s military self-reliance.
The minister recalled the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which prompted Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev as decisive responses. Operation Mahadev saw the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police neutralize three ‘A’ category Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders involved in the attack. Singh also referenced past surgical strikes and air strikes avenging the Pathankot and Pulwama attacks, reaffirming India’s resolve to eradicate terrorism. He stressed that India, while tolerant, unites boldly to protect its safety and dignity, ensuring the complete destruction of terrorism.
Highlighting India’s strides in defence self-reliance, Singh noted that 65 percent of defence manufacturing now occurs domestically, compared to 65-70 percent imports a decade ago. The defence budget has risen from Rs 2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 6.81 lakh crore in 2025-26, with annual defence production reaching Rs 1.51 lakh crore and exports surging to Rs 23,622 crore. Singh outlined targets of Rs 3 lakh crore in production and Rs 50,000 crore in exports by 2029. Modernization efforts include platforms like INS Arihant, INS Surat, Rafale-Marine, and Prachand helicopters, enhancing India’s defence preparedness.
Singh praised the Armed Forces for their role in both combat and disaster relief, citing their efforts in floods, cyclones, and the recent Uttarkashi disaster. He highlighted Operation Sindhu, which safely evacuated Indian citizens during the Iran-Israel conflict, as a testament to India’s military capability and global responsibility. Extending Independence Day greetings, Singh expressed gratitude to soldiers and their families for safeguarding India’s sovereignty in challenging conditions, acknowledging the sacrifices of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
The minister underscored welfare measures for veterans, including the One Rank One Pension scheme, and emphasized the government’s commitment to their well-being. On border infrastructure, he noted 125 Border Roads Organisation projects completed in the past year, including the Shinkun La tunnel in Ladakh, set to become the world’s highest tunnel, enhancing connectivity and development.
Singh celebrated the growing role of women in the Armed Forces, citing milestones like 17 women cadets graduating from NDA, Khadakwasla, and the historic sea voyages of women officers under Navika Sagar Parikrama-II and an all-women Tri-Service sailing team. He also highlighted the youth’s contributions through initiatives like Digital India and Make-in-India, urging citizens to actively participate in building a self-reliant New India.