- India’s Peace Efforts Will Continue Until Terror Ideology Is Eradicated says Rajnath Singh
- Indian Army Marching Towards Global Pre-eminence by 2047
- Op Sindoor a Balanced Military Response and Symbol of National Character
By Sangeeta Saxena
Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. 15 January 2026. Describing Operation Sindoor as a carefully calibrated military response undertaken amid global uncertainty, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the operation would be remembered as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint, and national character. Addressing the 78th Army Day celebrations in Jaipur on January 15, 2026, he lauded the Indian Army for its indomitable courage, unwavering dedication, and ability to adapt to rapidly evolving battlefield conditions, while upholding humanitarian values and strategic restraint.
The Defence minister stated that the terrorists could never have imagined the speed, precision, and bravery with which the Indian Armed Forces acted during Operation Sindoor. He emphasised that it was the professionalism and unity of Indian soldiers that thwarted hostile intent and prevented escalation. “The situation was challenging and there was immense pressure, but the restraint, patience, and cohesion displayed by our soldiers were unprecedented and praiseworthy,” he said.
He underlined that Operation Sindoor is not yet fully concluded and reiterated that India’s efforts for peace would continue until the ideology of terrorism is completely eradicated. Highlighting the extensive use of indigenous weapons during the operation, Rajnath Singh said self-reliance in defence is no longer a matter of pride alone but a strategic necessity. He noted that the Armed Forces are at the forefront of the Aatmanirbharta movement and called for accelerated efforts to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Stressing that the expanding dimensions of modern warfare demand stronger inter-service integration, the Defence Minister highlighted the government’s focus on strengthening jointness and coordination among the three services. He said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government is equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art, indigenous platforms tailored to India’s unique operational needs.
Citing tangible outcomes of defence reforms, he said domestic defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.51 lakh crore, while defence exports have surged from under ₹1,000 crore to approximately ₹24,000 crore. Appreciating the Indian Army’s reform initiatives, he said the force is progressing through a structured roadmap encompassing transformation, consolidation, and excellence phases, with the aim of becoming the world’s most powerful Army by 2047.
Describing the Indian Army as a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and unity in diversity, the Defence Minister noted that soldiers from varied cultural and regional backgrounds come together at a young age for a common national cause. “The Army is not merely a fighting force; it is a pillar of nation-building. In India, the military and civilians work together, and the people’s trust remains the military’s greatest strength,” he said.
He also highlighted the Indian Army’s significant contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions, noting its role in humanitarian assistance, medical support, and infrastructure development, reinforcing India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Reaffirming the government’s commitment to veterans’ welfare, he highlighted initiatives such as the virtual launch of 50 NAMAN Centres, providing integrated services to veterans, pensioners, Veer Naris, and Next of Kin through the SPARSH digital pension system.
The Minister also spoke on the expanding role of women in the Armed Forces, noting the grant of Permanent Commission to women officers and the opening of the National Defence Academy to women candidates. Appealing to the youth to join the Armed Forces, he emphasised that apart from physical fitness, mental strength, leadership, moral courage, and decision-making abilities are essential qualities of a soldier.
The Army Day celebrations in Jaipur culminated with Shaurya Sandhya, an evening showcasing the valour, traditions, and operational readiness of the Indian Army under the aegis of South Western Command. The programme featured martial arts displays, traditional sports, a Nepalese Army Band performance, a dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor and a spectacular drone show that left the audience inspired.
A defining feature of the 78th Army Day celebrations was the decision to hold key events in civilian spaces in Jaipur, marking a significant shift from traditional cantonment-based observances. By bringing Army Day to the heart of the city, the Indian Army enabled thousands of citizens to witness its discipline, traditions, and operational capabilities at close quarters, reinforcing the enduring bond between the military and the people it serves. Packed stands, enthusiastic crowds, and the visible presence of families, students, veterans, and youth reflected the deep public trust and pride in the Armed Forces. The civilian-centric celebrations underscored the Army’s philosophy of remaining deeply rooted in society, highlighting that national security is a shared responsibility and that the strength of the Army is inseparable from the confidence and support of the citizens.
The Army Day celebrations in Jaipur culminated with Shaurya Sandhya—an evening that not only showcased the valour, traditions, and operational readiness of the Indian Army but also brought the force closer to the people in an unprecedented manner. From martial arts displays and traditional sports to a dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor and a spectacular drone show, the event inspired citizens across generations. By taking Army Day into a civilian setting, the Indian Army reaffirmed that it is not a force apart, but a force of the people—rooted in national unity, public trust, and shared purpose. As Defence Minister’s address at Shaurya Sandhya made clear, India’s commitment to peace remains firm, but its resolve to safeguard sovereignty through strength, self-reliance, and restraint is unwavering.
