Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted that Operation Sindoor is not yet over, declaring that India’s efforts for peace will continue until the ideology of terrorism is completely eradicated.
Addressing the Shaurya Sandhya (Evening of Valour) programme at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium on the occasion of Army Day, Rajnath Singh said: “Operation Sindoor is not yet completely over because until the mindset of terrorism is eliminated, our pursuit of peace will not stop. I am making this declaration from the brave land of Rajasthan.”
As Army paratroopers descended into the stadium, the venue reverberated with chants of ‘Jai Ho’, creating a charged patriotic atmosphere in the presence of the Defence Minister. Rajnath Singh said that through Operation Sindoor, India not only demonstrated its military strength but also its national character.
“The action against terrorists was taken with careful planning and humanitarian values in mind. That is why Operation Sindoor will be remembered not just as a military operation, but as a symbol of courage combined with restraint,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Jaipur witnessed a grand display of military power as BrahMos missiles, Bhishma and Arjun tanks, Pinaka rocket launchers, robotic dogs and other advanced equipment rolled through the streets.
Apache attack helicopters performed aerial manoeuvres, while Jaguar fighter jets flew in from the Nal (Bikaner) airbase, drawing large crowds.
For the first time, the Army Day Parade was held outside a military cantonment, with thousands of citizens lining Mahal Road in Jagatpura to witness the historic event. The parade began with the presentation of Army Medals (Gallantry) to soldiers martyred in Operation Sindoor. Gallantry awardees, including recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra, led the parade.
During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh presented a gallantry medal to the wife of martyred Subedar Major Pawan Kumar. In an emotional moment, the mother of Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar of 1 Para Special Forces, who was killed in Operation Sindoor, fainted on stage while receiving the Army Medal and was immediately taken to hospital.
Highlighting the role of women in the armed forces, the Defence Minister said traditional and cultural barriers had limited opportunities for women in the Army, but significant change was underway. “The process has begun, and women have been admitted to the National Defence Academy since 2021,” he said.
Rajnath Singh also spoke about the uncertain global security environment.
“The world is passing through a phase of uncertainty where established assumptions are being challenged. In such times, strengthening and modernising the armed forces is more important than ever,” he said, adding that India is moving towards making its Army among the strongest in the world by 2047.
He said the Indian Army has emerged as a messenger of peace for the world, reinforcing India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
At the event, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, said Rajasthan has produced legendary warriors such as Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga, and has given the nation illustrious regiments including the Rajputana Rifles, Rajput Regiment and Jat Regiment.
The Shaurya Sandhya concluded with cultural performances and displays celebrating the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of the Indian Army.
Picture Courtesy: IANS
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