Operation Sindoor avenged past attacks, reflects India’s resolve: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that with Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces not only avenged the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, but also the attacks on Parliament House, the Taj in Mumbai, and Amarnath pilgrims in the past.

In his ‘Sandesh to Soldiers’ on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, Singh said that the operation was a balanced military response amidst the asymmetric warfare being witnessed across the globe.

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Dubbing India’s actions during the operation as a shining example of precise and successful military strategy, and a glimpse of a new vision, technological advancements and self-reliance, the Defence Minister said that India successfully utilised cutting-edge apparatus such as drone war, layered air defence, electronic warfare and network-centric operation, and proved that India is no longer dependent on foreign technology.

Speaking about the Pahalgam attack, Singh said, “It was not just an attack, but a direct blow to our courage, unity, and integrity. We gave a befitting reply to that cowardly attack through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev.”

“It was a clear message from India that we are tolerant, but when it comes to the safety of our people and the dignity of our country, we unite and face every challenge boldly. Operation Sindoor is part of India’s new policy, a clear message that no matter how deep the roots of terrorism, its complete destruction will be ensured. This operation will continue until the goal of the complete destruction of terrorism is achieved,” he said.

Emphasising that Operation Sindoor was brilliantly executed, Singh said that within a few minutes, nine terror training camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were destroyed by precise missile attacks, and no civilian areas and Pakistani military establishments were targeted.

“The Indian Armed Forces neither crossed the Line of Control nor violated the international border, yet managed to give a crushing blow to the terror infrastructure hidden within the enemy’s territory,” he said.

He also commended the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu & Kashmir Police for neutralising three terrorists – all ‘A’ category commanders of Lashkar-e-Taiba involved in the Pahalgam attack – during Operation Mahadev in Dachigam, J&K, last month.

He further stated that India is carrying out 65 percent of the manufacturing on its own soil, and only 35 percent is being imported, compared to the time when 65-70 percent of defence equipment was imported to meet the security needs.

Singh added that annual defence production, which was around Rs 46,000 crore in FY 2014-15, has touched a record figure of Rs 1.51 lakh crore, while defence exports, which were around Rs 1,900 crore, have surged to an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore. “We have set a defence production target of Rs 3 lakh crore and defence export target of Rs 50,000 crore by 2029,” he said.

Speaking about the modernisation of the Armed Forces, the Defence Minister stated that platforms like INS Arihant, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vagsheer, Rafale-Marine, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, C-295 Transport Aircraft, Prachand helicopters, and upgraded Su-30 will enhance the defence preparedness of the country.

He also spoke about the involvement of the Armed Forces in relief and rescue operations during natural disasters. “Be it the floods in Assam, cyclones in coastal areas, or the recent unfortunate disaster in Uttarkashi, our forces have proved time and again that the safety of our people is of paramount importance. Their courage and quick decision-making were demonstrated during the Iran-Israel conflict when, as part of Operation Sindhu, they evacuated hundreds of Indian citizens in extremely risky conditions and brought them home,” he said.

The Defence Minister also spoke about the growing role of women in the Armed Forces. “For the first time, 17 women cadets successfully passed out from NDA, Khadakwasla. It was a historic moment for the country.” He also mentioned Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa, the Indian Navy women officers who undertook Navika Sagar Parikrama-II.