President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday inaugurated the third edition of the Indian Army’s ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025’ in New Delhi, emphasising India’s growing defence preparedness, evolving military reforms, and the nation’s commitment to peace backed by strength.
Addressing members of the strategic community, academia, industry, and the armed forces, the President praised the Indian Armed Forces for their professionalism, patriotism, and unwavering resolve in protecting national sovereignty. She noted that India’s military has consistently demonstrated adaptability during conventional conflicts, counter-insurgency operations, and humanitarian missions.
Referring to the recent Operation Sindoor, President Murmu said the mission marked a defining moment in India’s counter-terror and deterrence strategy. “The world took note not only of India’s military capability but also of India’s moral clarity to act firmly, yet responsibly, in the pursuit of peace,” she said.
Highlighting the armed forces’ contribution beyond security operations, the President noted their role in national development—particularly in infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, and education in border areas.
The President said the global geopolitical environment is undergoing rapid transformation driven by shifting power centres, technological disruption, and new domains of warfare such as cyber, space, information, and cognitive operations. She stressed that India, guided by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, has demonstrated that strategic autonomy can coexist with global responsibility. “Our diplomacy, economy and armed forces together project an India that seeks peace but is prepared to protect its borders and its citizens with strength and conviction,” she added.
Commending the Indian Army’s ongoing reforms under the “Decade of Transformation”, she said the force is restructuring its formations, reorienting doctrines, and modernising capabilities to remain future-ready. These reforms, she noted, would significantly advance India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence.
President Murmu also highlighted the Army’s initiatives in developing youth and human capital through education, the expansion of the NCC, and sports. She said the growing participation of young women officers and soldiers would strengthen inclusivity and inspire more women to join the armed forces.
Expressing confidence that discussions during the dialogue would offer valuable insights for shaping future national security policy, she said she believed the armed forces would continue to work with determination toward the goal of building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
The President concluded her address by wishing the delegates success and reaffirming her faith in the Armed Forces’ commitment to excellence.