“India’s peace efforts will continue until terrorist ideology is eradicated”

“Operation Sindoor emerged as a balanced military response amidst the uncertainties prevailing worldwide, and it will be remembered in history as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint & national character,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the 78^th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan on January 15, 2026. Hailing the soldiers’ indomitable courage, unwavering dedication, and the way they adapted to the changing circumstances of the battlefield, Raksha Mantri stated that the action against terrorists was carried out with careful assessment and due regard for humanitarian values.

Rajnath Singh asserted that the terrorists could never have imagined the bravery and swiftness with which the Indian Armed Forces acted against them, emphasising that it was the soldiers’ bravery that prevented the enemy from attempting any mischief. “The situation was difficult and there was pressure, but the restraint, unity, and patience with which our soldiers executed the operation were unprecedented & praiseworthy,” he said, adding that Operation Sindoor is not yet completely over, and India’s efforts for peace will continue until the terrorist ideology is eradicated.

Raksha Mantri emphasised that the use of indigenous weapons during the operation underscored the fact that self-reliance is not a matter of pride but a necessity. He stated that the nation has come a long way on the path of Aatmanirbharta, with the Armed Forces taking the lead and contributing significantly to this endeavor. He stressed on further accelerating these efforts to achieve the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the times to come. He also underscored the importance of augmenting inter-service linkages in view of the expansion of the dimensions of warfare.

Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is equipping the Armed Forces with indigenous, state-of-the-art weapons and platforms tailored to India’s needs. He stated that the persistent efforts towards self-reliance are bearing fruit as the domestic defence production, which was only Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has increased to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore today. He added that defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014, have skyrocketed to a record approx. Rs 24,000 crore.

Appreciating the reforms being undertaken by the Indian Army, Raksha Mantri stated that the force is moving forward based on a well-planned comprehensive roadmap which includes a transformation phase, a consolidation phase and an excellence phase, with the goal of transforming itself as the world’s most powerful Army by 2047.

Commending the Indian Army for adopting the mantra of ‘a soldier must be physically and mentally fit as well as technologically updated’, Raksha Mantri voiced the Government’s resolve of persistent strengthening of the Armed Forces to deal with challenges emerging due to the latest technological advancements. “The world is going through a period where all established notions are being challenged. In such a situation, it is more important than ever to bolster the Armed Forces and ensure their modernisation & self-reliance. We’ve always focused on strengthening national security and the capabilities of our soldiers,” he said.