Describing Operation Sindoor as a calibrated and balanced military response amid global uncertainties, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thurssday said the operation would be remembered as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint and national character. Addressing the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, he underlined that India’s peace efforts would continue until terrorist ideology is eradicated.
Praising the “indomitable courage, unwavering dedication and adaptability” of Indian soldiers, the Defence Minister said the action against terrorists was executed with careful assessment and due regard for humanitarian values. He asserted that the speed and bravery with which the Armed Forces acted thwarted hostile intentions, adding that the restraint, unity and patience displayed during the operation were unprecedented and praiseworthy. He noted that Operation Sindoor is not yet fully over.
Emphasising self-reliance in defence, Singh said the extensive use of indigenous weapons during the operation demonstrated that Aatmanirbharta is a necessity, not merely a matter of pride. He called for accelerated efforts towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and stressed the need to strengthen inter-service linkages as the dimensions of warfare continue to expand.
Highlighting the government’s push for indigenisation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Defence Minister said the Armed Forces are being equipped with state-of-the-art platforms tailored to India’s requirements. He pointed out 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 about ₹24,000 crore.
Singh said the Indian Army is progressing along a comprehensive roadmap encompassing transformation, consolidation and excellence, with the objective of becoming the world’s most powerful army by 2047. Commending reforms within the force, he reiterated the government’s commitment to modernisation and technological upgradation.
Calling the Indian Army a beacon of courage, dedication and sacrifice, the Defence Minister highlighted its role as a pillar of nation-building and social unity. He said the deep bond of trust between the people and the military forms the foundation of India’s national security framework. He also lauded the Army’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions, describing Indian soldiers as messengers of peace who uphold India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare, Singh spoke about expanding opportunities for women in the Armed Forces, including the grant of Permanent Commission and the opening of the National Defence Academy to women. He urged the youth to join the Armed Forces, stressing the importance of mental strength, moral courage, leadership and decision-making abilities alongside physical fitness.
The Defence Minister’s Jaipur visit included interaction with troops at the Jaipur Military Station and Shaurya Sandhya, an evening showcasing valour and operational readiness at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, organised under the aegis of South Western Command. The programme featured martial arts displays, a Nepalese Army Band performance, a drone show and a live enactment of Operation Sindoor.
As part of the event, 50 NAMAN centres were virtually launched under Project NAMAN to provide integrated services to Army veterans, pensioners, Veer Naris and next of kin, including SPARSH-enabled pension services.
The celebrations were attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi, senior military officials, veterans and a large number of citizens.
