JAIPUR, January 15, 2026: In a powerful address during the 78th Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh hailed Operation Sindoor as a masterclass in military restraint and lethal precision.
Speaking at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Singh described the operation as a “balanced military response” that showcased India’s indomitable courage amidst a volatile global landscape.
He asserted that the swiftness of the Indian Armed Forces caught adversaries off guard, proving that the era of unchallenged terrorist mischief is over.
Singh emphasized that while the operation was a success, India’s mission will remain incomplete until the very ideology of terrorism is eradicated, signaling a persistent and proactive stance against national threats.The Raksha Mantri outlined a bold roadmap for the future, declaring that the Indian Army is on a relentless march to become the world’s most powerful force by 2047.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the Modi-led government’s aggressive push for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance). Singh revealed that domestic defense production has surged from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record-breaking ₹1.51 lakh crore today, while exports have skyrocketed to approximately ₹24,000 crore.
He stressed that equipping soldiers with indigenous, state-of-the-art weaponry is no longer just a point of pride but a strategic necessity to ensure the military can “fight smarter and strike faster” in increasingly complex modern battlefields.
Beyond combat hardware, Singh highlighted the Army’s role as a vital pillar of nation-building and a “messenger of peace” through UN missions. He celebrated the expanding footprint of women in the forces—noting the transition from support roles to Permanent Commissions and entry into the National Defence Academy—as a testament to inclusive progress.
The evening concluded with a high-tech spectacle, including a 1,000-drone show, traditional martial arts like Kalaripayattu, and the virtual launch of 50 NAMAN Centres. These centers will provide dedicated, streamlined digital pension and welfare services to veterans and Veer Naris, reinforcing the government’s commitment to those who have served the motherland with unparalleled sacrifice.
