Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on January 15, 2026 described Operation Sindoor as a balanced, decisive and morally grounded military response undertaken amid global uncertainties, asserting that it will be remembered as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint and national character. Addressing the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, he praised the Indian Army’s professionalism, adaptability and sacrifice, while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to modernisation, indigenisation and long-term transformation of the Armed Forces.
Operation Sindoor: Firm Response with Strategic Restraint
The Raksha Mantri stated that the action against terrorists during Operation Sindoor was conducted with:
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Careful strategic assessment
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Respect for humanitarian values
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Discipline, unity and patience
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Swift and effective execution
He said that the terrorists could never have anticipated the speed and bravery with which the Indian Armed Forces acted, and emphasised that Operation Sindoor is not yet fully over, adding:
“India’s efforts for peace will continue until the terrorist ideology is eradicated.”
Indigenous Weapons Highlight Necessity of Aatmanirbharta
Highlighting the use of indigenous weapons and platforms during the operation, Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that self-reliance is no longer a matter of pride alone but a strategic necessity.
He underlined that:
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Defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore (2014) to ₹1.51 lakh crore today
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Defence exports have grown from less than ₹1,000 crore (2014) to nearly ₹24,000 crore
He credited this progress to the vision of PM Narendra Modi-led Government, which is equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art, India-specific platforms.
Army on Track to Become World’s Most Powerful Force by 2047
Commending the Army’s ongoing reforms, the Raksha Mantri noted that the force is moving forward with a structured roadmap consisting of:
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A Transformation Phase
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A Consolidation Phase
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An Excellence Phase
The long-term objective, he said, is to build the Indian Army into the world’s most powerful force by 2047, aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat.
He added that evolving warfare domains — including cyber, space, drones and AI — require stronger inter-service integration and jointness.
“Indian Army is a Beacon of Courage, Sacrifice and Unity”
Describing the Indian Army as a shining symbol of unity in diversity, Shri Rajnath Singh said that soldiers from across cultures, regions and backgrounds come together with one shared purpose — national service.
He observed that unlike many militaries across the world, the Indian Army functions in close harmony with civil society, and the people’s trust remains its greatest strength.
“This bond of trust is the foundation of our national security framework,” he said.
Global Role: Indian Army as Messenger of Peace
The Raksha Mantri highlighted the Army’s contributions to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, noting that Indian troops have:
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Maintained peace in conflict zones
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Provided medical assistance
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Supported infrastructure development
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Delivered humanitarian relief
He said this role reflects India’s civilisational philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
Strong Focus on Welfare of Veterans and Role of Women in Armed Forces
Reaffirming commitment to veterans’ welfare, Shri Rajnath Singh said that caring for ex-servicemen and their families remains a national responsibility.
On women’s empowerment in the Armed Forces, he stated that transformative reforms under PM Modi’s leadership have enabled:
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Permanent Commission for women in the Army
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Entry of women into the National Defence Academy (NDA)
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Expanded opportunities across operational roles
He said the Government remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for women in uniform.
Call to Youth: Nation-Building Through Service
The Raksha Mantri appealed to the youth to join the Armed Forces and contribute to nation-building. He emphasised that beyond physical strength, a soldier must possess:
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Mental resilience
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Moral courage
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Leadership qualities
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Sound decision-making ability
He added that citizens also carry a responsibility to support soldiers’ families, uphold national unity and contribute to India’s prosperity.
Shaurya Sandhya and Spectacular Displays Inspire Citizens
As part of the Army Day celebrations under the aegis of South Western Command, Shri Rajnath Singh attended:
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Interaction with troops at Jaipur Military Station
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Shaurya Sandhya at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Highlights included:
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Paramotor show and balloon release
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Martial arts and traditional sports displays (Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamb)
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Performance by Nepalese Army Band
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Dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor
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Spectacular drone show
The programme celebrated the Army’s valour, tradition and operational readiness while strengthening the bond between citizens and soldiers.
Launch of 50 NAMAN Centres for Veterans
A significant milestone during the event was the virtual launch of 50 NAMAN Centres across the country.
Project NAMAN aims to provide one-stop support to:
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Army veterans
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Pensioners
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Veer Naris
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Next of Kin (NoK)
These centres will deliver:
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SPARSH-enabled pension services
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Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services
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Business-to-Consumer (B2C) services
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Dedicated facilitation and grievance support
This initiative strengthens the welfare ecosystem for the veteran community.
High-Level Participation Reflects National Significance
The event witnessed the presence of senior national leadership, including:
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Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
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Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh
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Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma
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Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan
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Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi
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Senior military officers, veterans, NoKs, civil dignitaries and citizens
Conclusion
The 78th Army Day celebrations in Jaipur emerged not only as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of India’s soldiers but also as a powerful reaffirmation of the nation’s strategic direction. By linking Operation Sindoor, indigenisation, modernisation, youth engagement, and veterans’ welfare into one cohesive vision, the Raksha Mantri’s address underscored a clear message: India is resolutely building a stronger, more self-reliant, and future-ready Armed Forces — with the Indian Army standing tall as a pillar of national strength and character.
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Source: PIB
