New Delhi, May 7, 2025 — In a powerful assertion of India’s sovereign right to self-defence, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today declared that Operation Sindoor was India’s legitimate and measured response to terror activities originating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Speaking at the 66th Raising Day ceremony of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Manekshaw Centre in Delhi Cantt, the Defence Minister applauded the Armed Forces for a historic and precise mission that successfully targeted terror infrastructure without harming civilian lives.
“India has exercised its ‘Right to Respond’ through Operation Sindoor, and in doing so, our Armed Forces have scripted history by acting with precision, precaution, and compassion,” Singh said. He reaffirmed that the operation was limited strictly to terror training camps, reinforcing India’s stance on targeted counterterrorism without civilian casualties.
The action, carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being hailed as a significant shift in India’s strategic posture — signalling zero tolerance for terrorism and asserting India’s readiness to defend its territorial integrity.
Precision with Purpose: Operation Sindoor Sends a Clear Message
Rajnath Singh praised the Armed Forces for executing the mission in a calibrated manner. “The whole world has witnessed what our forces have done. The operation aimed solely to destroy the morale and physical infrastructure of terror groups,” he said, extending congratulations to the Prime Minister and the Armed Forces on behalf of the nation.
Operation Sindoor is being viewed globally as a decisive and restrained countermeasure, reinforcing India’s evolving doctrine of deterrence and proactive defence.
BRO’s Role in National Defence and Economic Growth Recognised
In addition to discussing national security, Singh virtually dedicated 50 key infrastructure projects constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) across eight border states and Union Territories. These include 30 bridges, 17 roads, and three other works, cumulatively worth ₹1,879 crore.
The infrastructure projects span Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal, and Rajasthan— regions of strategic and economic importance. Emphasising the dual utility of such projects, Singh said: “These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future. They enhance defence preparedness while boosting transportation, tourism, and local economies.”
Notably, in the last two years alone, the BRO has completed 161 projects worth ₹5,600 crore, including 111 projects just last year. Over the last four years, the BRO’s tally stands at an impressive 456 projects at a cumulative cost of ₹13,743 crore.
Infrastructure is the Backbone of Defence Readiness
Highlighting the synergy between modern defence capability and logistics infrastructure, the Defence Minister remarked, “Even the most advanced tanks and aircraft are ineffective if they cannot reach their destination on time. BRO ensures our Armed Forces are well-positioned and always ready.”
He lauded the unsung “Karmayogis” of BRO — including engineers, GREF personnel, and Casual Paid Labourers — whose dedication and labour continue to strengthen India’s borders silently but effectively.
Call for War-Level Preparedness and Border Development
Singh stressed the urgent need for new generation infrastructure to cope with evolving geopolitical threats. He called for BRO to maintain a war-level preparation mindset to keep India ready for any eventuality. Citing the Sela Tunnel as a symbol of this strategic vision, Singh also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Vibrant Villages Programme, which aims to enhance connectivity in remote areas by constructing around 35 km of roads daily.
Dignitaries Praise BRO’s Strategic Contributions
Several senior dignitaries, including Governors, Chief Ministers, and top military and civil officers, either attended the event or joined virtually. Notable attendees included:
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Shri Kiran Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs
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Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS for Science & Technology, PMO, Atomic Energy and Space
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General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff
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Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
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Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General Border Roads (DGBR), who reaffirmed BRO’s commitment to national service and worker welfare
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Governors and Chief Ministers from Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh
Lt Gen Srinivasan emphasised BRO’s growing national relevance, stating that the organisation has become the “agency of choice” for critical central infrastructure missions in India’s most challenging terrains.
Conclusion: A Unified Push for Security, Development, and Dignity
The convergence of Operation Sindoor and the unveiling of BRO infrastructure projects reflects a comprehensive approach to national security—one that combines decisive military action with strategic infrastructure development. Under the unwavering leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is asserting its security priorities while building a foundation for long-term regional growth and resilience.
By harmonising precision military operations with developmental ambitions, the Government has sent a strong signal—India is not only ready to defend its borders but is committed to transforming its remote regions into engines of national strength and pride.
For more details, visit the official release by PIB.
