Op Sindoor symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint: Rajnath

Jaipur, Jan 15: “Operation Sindoor emerged as a balanced military response amidst the uncertainties prevailing worldwide, and it will be remembered in history as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint & national character,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan on Thursday.
Hailing the soldiers’ indomitable courage, unwavering dedication, and the way they adapted to the changing circumstances of the battlefield, Defence Minister stated that the action against terrorists was carried out with careful assessment and due regard for humanitarian values.
Rajnath Singh asserted that the terrorists could never have imagined the bravery and swiftness with which the Indian Armed Forces acted against them, emphasising that it was the soldiers’ bravery that prevented the enemy from attempting any mischief. “The situation was difficult and there was pressure, but the restraint, unity, and patience with which our soldiers executed the operation were unprecedented & praiseworthy,” he said, adding that Operation Sindoor is not yet completely over, and India’s efforts for peace will continue until the terrorist ideology is eradicated.
Rajnath emphasised that the use of indigenous weapons during the operation underscored the fact that self-reliance is not a matter of pride but a necessity. He stated that the nation has come a long way on the path of Aatmanirbharta, with the Armed Forces taking the lead and contributing significantly to this endeavor. He stressed on further accelerating these efforts to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the times to come. He also underscored the importance of augmenting inter-service linkages in view of the expansion of the dimensions of warfare.
Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is equipping the Armed Forces with indigenous, state-of-the-art weapons and platforms tailored to India’s needs. He stated that the persistent efforts towards self-reliance are bearing fruit as the domestic defence production, which was only Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has increased to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore today. He added that defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014, have skyrocketed to a record approx. Rs 24,000 crore.
Commending the Indian Army for adopting the mantra of ‘a soldier must be physically and mentally fit as well as technologically updated’, Defence Minister voiced the Government’s resolve of persistent strengthening of the Armed Forces to deal with challenges emerging due to the latest technological advancements. “The world is going through a period where all established notions are being challenged. In such a situation, it is more important than ever to bolster the Armed Forces and ensure their modernisation & self-reliance. We’ve always focused on strengthening national security and the capabilities of our soldiers,” he said.
Rajnath Singh described the Indian Army as a beacon of indomitable courage, unwavering dedication & unparalleled sacrifice, and a shining example of unity in diversity, saying that soldiers from across the country, with different cultures and backgrounds, unite for a common goal at a young age. “The Indian Army has made an invaluable contribution to strengthening the nation’s social unity. It is not just a military force but a major pillar of nation-building. Most of the military forces around the world operate as a separate domain. But in India, the Army works together with civilians. The people’s unwavering faith is the military’s greatest strength. This bond of trust is the foundation of the national security framework,” he said.
He highlighted the invaluable contribution of Indian soldiers in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, stating that the troops have not only maintained peace but have provided medical help, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance to the citizens of different countries. “Our army has emerged as a messenger of peace for the world. This has also strengthened India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he added.
Rajnath Singh restated the Government’s commitment to the welfare of the veterans who, he said, dedicate invaluable years of their lives to the service of the motherland. On the increasing role of women in the Armed Forces, he said: “Earlier, women were recruited into the armed forces in support roles, but PM Modi envisioned to expand their role. Now, in the Army, Permanent Commission is being granted to women, while the National Defence Academy has also opened the doors for women. Our effort is to continuously provide women with equal opportunities at par with their male counterparts in the Armed Forces”.
He appealed to the youth to join the Armed Forces and contribute to nation-building. “Physical strength alone is not enough to join the Army. Qualities such as mental capacity, moral courage, decision-making ability, and leadership are also required. The youth must develop these qualities,” he added. Rajnath Singh further stated that it is the duty of the people to take care of the families of the soldiers; maintain unity and integrity of the nation so that the sacrifices of the Armed Forces do not go in vain; and contribute to the country’s progress as only a prosperous and powerful nation can strengthen its military.