Operation Sindoor Will Be Remembered as a Symbol of India’s Courage and Restraint: Rajnath Singh

Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that terrorists could never have imagined the speed, bravery and decisiveness with which the Indian Armed Forces acted.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on 15 January 2026 described Operation Sindoor as a balanced and resolute military response undertaken amid global uncertainty, stating that it will be remembered in history as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint, and national character. He was addressing the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Commending the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, professionalism and adaptability, the Raksha Mantri stated that the action against terrorists was carried out with careful assessment and due regard for humanitarian values. He emphasized that the restraint shown by Indian forces reflected the nation’s moral strength and strategic maturity.

Bravery, Unity and Strategic Restraint

Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that terrorists could never have imagined the speed, bravery and decisiveness with which the Indian Armed Forces acted. He said it was the courage of Indian soldiers that prevented the adversary from attempting further mischief.

“The situation was difficult and there was pressure, but the restraint, unity and patience with which our soldiers executed the operation were unprecedented and praiseworthy,” he said. He clarified that Operation Sindoor is not yet fully concluded, and India’s pursuit of peace will continue until terrorist ideology is completely eradicated.

Aatmanirbharta: Necessity, Not Choice

Highlighting the extensive use of indigenous weapons and systems during the operation, the Raksha Mantri said that self-reliance in defence is a necessity, not a matter of pride alone. He stressed that the Armed Forces are leading India’s journey toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and these efforts must be accelerated further.

He underlined the need to strengthen inter-service coordination, noting that modern warfare now spans multiple domains including cyber, space and information warfare.

Defence Production and Exports at Record Highs

Shri Rajnath Singh stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has equipped the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art, indigenously developed platforms tailored to India’s operational needs.

He highlighted significant milestones:

• Domestic defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.51 lakh crore

• Defence exports, which were under ₹1,000 crore in 2014, have surged to approximately ₹24,000 crore

These achievements, he said, reflect the success of sustained policy reforms and industry participation.

Physically Fit, Mentally Strong, Technologically Ready

Commending the Army’s adoption of the mantra that “a soldier must be physically and mentally fit as well as technologically updated”, the Raksha Mantri reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to modernisation and capability enhancement.

“In a world where established notions are being challenged, it is more important than ever to bolster our Armed Forces,” he said, adding that national security remains the Government’s highest priority.

Army as a Pillar of Nation-Building

Describing the Indian Army as a beacon of courage, sacrifice and unity in diversity, Shri Rajnath Singh said soldiers from diverse cultures and regions unite at a young age for a shared national purpose.

“The Indian Army is not just a military force but a major pillar of nation-building. The trust of the people is the military’s greatest strength and the foundation of our national security framework,” he said.

India’s Global Role in Peacekeeping

The Raksha Mantri highlighted the outstanding contribution of Indian troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, noting their role in maintaining peace, providing medical assistance, building infrastructure and delivering humanitarian support.

“Our Army has emerged as a messenger of peace for the world, strengthening India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” he added.

Veterans’ Welfare and Women in the Armed Forces

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing role of women in the Armed Forces.

“Women are now being granted Permanent Commission in the Army, and the National Defence Academy has opened its doors to women. Our effort is to ensure equal opportunities at par with men,” he said.

Call to Youth and Citizens

Appealing to the youth to join the Armed Forces, the Raksha Mantri said that beyond physical strength, qualities such as mental resilience, moral courage, leadership and decision-making ability are essential.

He also urged citizens to support soldiers’ families, preserve national unity and contribute to national progress, stating that a prosperous and strong nation alone can sustain a powerful military.

Shaurya Sandhya and NAMAN Centres

Shri Rajnath Singh’s Jaipur visit included interaction with troops at the Jaipur Military Station, followed by Shaurya Sandhya at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, organised under the aegis of the South Western Command.

The event featured paramotor displays, martial arts demonstrations including Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb, a performance by the Nepalese Army Band, and a dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor, followed by a drone show.

As part of the programme, 50 NAMAN centres were virtually launched. Project NAMAN aims to provide single-window support to Army veterans, pensioners, Veer Naris and Next of Kin through SPARSH-enabled digital pension and citizen services.

Distinguished Attendance

The event was attended by Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, senior military leaders, veterans, families of martyrs and a large number of citizens.