Law Notify, January 15, 2026 : India’s response to terrorism through Operation Sindoor will be remembered as a defining moment that reflected the nation’s courage, strength, restraint and character, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday during the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur.
Addressing soldiers, veterans and citizens, Rajnath Singh described Operation Sindoor as a balanced military response carried out amid global uncertainty, emphasising that the action against terrorists was executed with careful assessment and full regard for humanitarian values. He said the bravery, unity and patience displayed by Indian soldiers ensured that adversaries were deterred from any further misadventure.
The Raksha Mantri underlined that the operation is not yet fully over, asserting that India’s efforts for peace will continue until terrorist ideology is completely eradicated. He praised the Indian Army for its ability to adapt swiftly to evolving battlefield conditions, calling it a beacon of indomitable courage, unwavering dedication and unparalleled sacrifice.
Highlighting the growing role of indigenous defence capabilities, Rajnath Singh said the extensive use of home-grown weapons during the operation proved that self-reliance is not a matter of pride alone but a strategic necessity. He noted that India has made significant progress on the path of Aatmanirbharta, with domestic defence production rising from Rs 46,000 crore in 2014 to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore, while defence exports have surged to around Rs 24,000 crore.
He credited the Narendra Modi-led government for equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art platforms tailored to India’s operational needs and said these reforms are strengthening the country’s overall security architecture.
Rajnath Singh also stressed that the expanding dimensions of modern warfare demand stronger inter-service coordination. He said the Indian Army is moving ahead on a clearly defined roadmap encompassing transformation, consolidation and excellence, with the goal of emerging as the world’s most powerful force by 2047.
Describing the Army as a pillar of nation-building, he said soldiers from diverse cultures and regions come together in uniform, strengthening India’s social unity. He added that unlike many militaries worldwide, the Indian Army works in close harmony with civilians, and this bond of trust forms the backbone of national security.
The Raksha Mantri lauded the Army’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions, noting that Indian troops have consistently gone beyond security duties to provide medical aid, infrastructure support and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing India’s ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare and highlighted the expanding role of women in the Armed Forces, pointing to the grant of Permanent Commission and the opening of the National Defence Academy to women candidates. Calling upon the youth to join the Armed Forces, he said military service demands not just physical fitness but also mental strength, moral courage, leadership and sound decision-making.
The Army Day celebrations in Jaipur included interactions with troops at the Jaipur Military Station and the Shaurya Sandhya event at Sawai Mansingh Stadium under the South Western Command. The evening featured martial arts displays, traditional sports, a Nepalese Army Band performance, and a dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor followed by a drone show.
During the event, 50 NAMAN centres were virtually launched to provide integrated services for veterans, pensioners, Veer Naris and next of kin through the SPARSH digital pension system. The programme was attended by senior civil and military leaders, veterans and a large gathering of citizens, reaffirming the enduring bond between the Indian Army and the people.
