India shaping its destiny through decisive action, preparedness: Rajnath

New Delhi, Sep 19: Asserting that India shapes its destiny through decisive action and preparedness, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ has sent a clear message to the world that victory is a routine outcome for Bharat in any operation.
Speaking at an event held in South Block, New Delhi, to mark 60 years since the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Defence Minister referred to the military response to the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. “The Indian armed forces acted with firm resolve during ‘Operation Sindoor’.”
Pertinently, the operation was launched to avenge the Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead. Indian armed forces destroyed the headquarters of terror outfits deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). The skirmishes between the two countries continued till May 10. Indian forces hit 13 military and airbase targets and eliminated over 100 terrorists at nine separate locations. The hostilities ended after Pakistan Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called his Indian counterpart and requested for a ceasefire.
Singh said, “The Pahalgam terror attack pushed the entire nation into mourning but did not weaken the country’s will to act. The leadership decided that those responsible must face consequences that would be remembered by one and all.”
Singh said, “Operation Sindoor reflects a broader shift in the country’s approach towards national security. India’s growing focus is on modernising its defence infrastructure, improving training, and equipping the forces to deal with any challenge. This preparedness is intended to prevent resource constraints during future operations.”
He said the response to the Pahalgam terror attack demonstrated that India decides its own course through action and preparation. “The retaliation proved that the country’s armed forces operate with a sense of duty that places national sovereignty above all else,” Singh added.
The Defence Minister recalled the 1965 conflict with Pakistan. “India at the time was facing uncertainty but managed to withstand the pressure. The leadership under then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri provided clarity and direction during a difficult phase and kept national morale intact.”
He said, “Wars are not won only through armed confrontation, but through unified national effort. The events of 1965 exhibited how collective decisions and unity among citizens contributed to the country’s ability to overcome military threats.”
The Defence Minister said that the government continues to pay attention towards the needs of serving soldiers, ex-servicemen, and the families of those who lost their lives in duty.
The ceremony was attended by war veterans, families of fallen soldiers, and senior military officials including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Western Army Commander Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, and Delhi Area GOC Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. (KNO)