India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Hails Operation Sindoor as New Age Warfare Model of Precision, Self-Reliance, and Terror Eradication
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his annual Sandesh to Soldiers on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, described Operation Sindoor as a balanced and precise military response to global asymmetric warfare; hailed it as a demonstration of a new vision for modern warfare, built on cutting-edge technology, accurate intelligence, and indigenous capability; stressed that India remains tolerant but will unite and act decisively when its safety and dignity are challenged; and vowed that no matter how deep terrorism’s roots, its complete destruction will be ensured.
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Calling it a model of “new art of warfare,” he said it signalled India’s policy shift to pre-empt and neutralise threats using modern tools and smart strategy.
He linked Operation Sindoor directly to the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam attack on civilians, describing that incident as a “direct blow to our courage, unity and integrity.”
He said it also avenged past assaults, including the Parliament, Mumbai’s Taj Hotel, and the Amarnath Yatra. Singh credited Operation Mahadev in Dachigam for eliminating three Lashkar commanders involved in the Pahalgam killings, and recalled earlier surgical strikes and Balakot air strikes as part of India’s evolving deterrence doctrine.
Highlighting Atmanirbharta as the foundation of a strong economy, Singh noted that India now manufactures 65% of its defence requirements domestically, compared to importing 65–70% a decade ago.
Defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore in FY 2014–15 to ₹1.51 lakh crore, and exports have grown from ₹1,900 crore to ₹23,622 crore.
The government aims for ₹3 lakh crore in production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029. The defence budget has increased to ₹6.81 lakh crore from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14.
He cited ongoing modernisation with platforms such as INS Arihant, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vagsheer, Rafale-M, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, C-295 transport aircraft, Prachand helicopters, and upgraded Su-30 fighters.
Border infrastructure has advanced with 125 Border Roads Organisation projects in the past year, including the Shinkun La tunnel in Ladakh, which at 15,800 feet will be the highest in the world, boosting both troop mobility and regional development.
Singh also praised the armed forces for their disaster relief role, citing evacuations during the Iran–Israel conflict under Operation Sindhu, and rescue work in floods, cyclones, and the Uttarkashi disaster.
He saluted soldiers serving in extreme conditions and veterans supported by measures such as One Rank One Pension.
On women’s participation, he highlighted 17 female NDA graduates, naval officers Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa’s 25,600-nautical-mile Navika Sagar Parikrama-II voyage, and the first all-women Tri-Service international sailing team’s 1,800-nautical-mile mission from Seychelles.
Emphasising youth as drivers of Digital India, Make in India, and Skill India, Singh called on citizens to contribute actively to building a “New India” guided by the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
Extending Independence Day greetings, he said the courage, sacrifice, and unity of the armed forces keep India’s sovereignty secure, and the government remains committed to their welfare and to achieving full self-reliance in defence.