Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s ability to deliver a firm response to forces that “do not understand the language of peace and goodwill,” likening the country’s stand against terrorism to the resolve and leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He was addressing a gathering at the Sardar Sabha in Vadodara, Gujarat, during the ‘Unity March’ organised by Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.
Referring to the integration of Hyderabad with India, Singh noted that while Sardar Patel always preferred dialogue, he never hesitated to take bold decisions when required.
The Defence Minister praised the armed forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor. According to him, the action sent “a clear message that India is a peace-loving nation that never provokes any country, but if provoked, does not spare those who cast an evil eye.”
Singh described Sardar Patel as a central figure in the integration of India and said the national dream of “One India, Best India” has gained momentum under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, he said the move integrated Jammu & Kashmir with the country’s mainstream.
He asserted that India is now communicating with the world on its own terms, adding that “unlike the past, the world listens to India on international platforms.” Singh said India is moving towards becoming a major economic and strategic power, crediting this to Sardar Patel’s legacy and the government’s policies.
Highlighting the government’s work since 2014, Singh noted that India has risen from the eleventh-largest economy to the fourth position and is set to enter the top three. He reiterated the government’s governance approach of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and said it is strengthening national unity on cultural, social, and economic pillars under the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
On defence preparedness, Singh said that Sardar Patel always stressed the need for modernisation and indigenous production, and that the government is working toward self-reliance in defence. “Defence exports have increased nearly 34 times in the last 11 years. We aim to achieve defence production worth ₹3 lakh crore and defence exports of ₹50,000 crore by 2029,” he said.
Referring to corruption-free public life, Singh said the government plans to bring forward the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, stating that if a person holding high office is arrested under serious charges and does not secure bail within 30 days, they will automatically lose their position.
Singh called on the youth to uphold the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country, saying that future generations must carry forward Sardar Patel’s values. “It is our responsibility to keep the country and society united,” he said.