Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Operation Sindoor demonstrated exceptional civil-military fusion, with administrative machinery working seamlessly alongside the Armed Forces to build public confidence during a critical national security situation.
Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Singh urged young civil servants to recognise their responsibility in safeguarding national interests and remain prepared for high-pressure scenarios “just like brave soldiers”.
He said that during Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces neutralised terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through a “balanced and non-escalatory” response. He added that the neighbouring country’s “misbehaviour” prevented the situation from returning to normal, while praising the administrative officers who ensured effective communication and nationwide mock drills.
The minister highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between governance and national security to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Citing the government’s motto of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and the reform-oriented approach of the last decade, he said India has moved from the 11th largest economy in 2014 to the 4th largest now, and global financial institutions expect it to reach the third position soon. He told the trainees that they are not platonic guardians but people’s servants, stressing integrity, accountability and a culture where honesty becomes a normal part of everyday life.
Calling technology a powerful tool for public service, Singh encouraged the officers to innovate and embrace digital solutions. He referred to initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and the Income Tax Department’s Faceless Assessment Scheme. He also mentioned the Ministry of Defence’s SAMPURNA initiative, an AI-driven system to ensure transparency in procurement and payments, and said technology must be used to expand accessibility, welfare delivery and inclusivity.
Singh urged officers to meet every citizen, especially vulnerable sections, with empathy and understanding, recognising that people’s struggles are shaped by broader social and economic circumstances. He noted the continuing rise of women in Civil Services, pointing out that a woman secured the top rank and three of the top five positions in the latest UPSC examination. He expressed confidence that by 2047, many women will hold senior leadership roles, including the post of Cabinet Secretary.
Earlier, the Defence Minister paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also inaugurated an ODOP Pavilion on the academy premises. Singh described the Foundation Course as a commitment to building a capable and sensitive governance system and praised LBSNAA’s training ecosystem, recalling Shastri’s legacy of courage, simplicity and integrity.