The 78th Army Day celebrations were held on Mahal Road in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur/New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday congratulated the Indian Army on the success of Operation Sindoor, asserting that the operation would continue until terrorism as an ideology is completely eradicated.
Addressing the Shaurya Sandhya event at Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Stadium as part of the 78th Army Day celebrations, Singh said, “Operation Sindoor is not over yet. Until terrorism as an ideology is wiped out, we will continue this operation for peace. It will be remembered in India’s history not only as a military operation, but also as a symbol of courage and balance.”
Earlier in the day, the Army Day parade was held on January 15 at Mahal Road in Jaipur, showcasing the valour, discipline and operational preparedness of the Indian Army. The parade featured an extensive display of modern combat capabilities, including indigenous missile systems, advanced tanks, military vehicles, drones, and sophisticated anti-air and anti-tank weapon systems.
On the occasion, the Indian Army released a three-minute video, portraying precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), as well as Pakistani military bases, carried out during Operation Sindoor in May last year.
The video started with visuals of major terror attacks, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Uri attack and the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. which were described as “attacks on humanity.” It also showed the aftermath of Pakistani shelling in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and the subsequent retaliation by Indian forces, inflicting heavy damage on neighbouring posts. The strikes were described by the Army as “prachand, atal aur asahniye” (fierce, unwavering and unbearable).
Singh said terrorists could never have imagined the bravery and swift response of the Indian Armed Forces. “The circumstances were difficult and there was immense pressure, but despite this, our soldiers executed the operation with restraint, unity and patience. This is unprecedented and truly praiseworthy,” he said.
Chief of the Army Staff Upendra Dwivedi, addressing the Army Day parade, said the Indian Army is steadily transforming into a future-ready force with empowered soldiers and modern support systems. “Technology is being used to enhance decision-making and situational awareness, while enabling the Army to operate effectively across multiple domains,” he said.
Dwivedi emphasised the importance of indigenisation, stating that weapon systems and equipment designed and developed in India are no longer an aspiration but a strategic necessity. “It gives us operational flexibility, long-term reliability and greater confidence in our preparedness,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s push for self-reliance, Singh said that “the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is equipping the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art indigenous platforms tailored to India’s needs. He noted that domestic defence production has risen from ₹46,000 crore in 2014 to a record ₹1.51 lakh crore, while defence exports have grown from under ₹1,000 crore to around ₹24,000 crore.
Referring to evolving global security challenges, Singh said modern warfare is no longer limited to face-to-face combat. “Cyber, space, drones, even television, newspapers and mobile phones have become part of the battlefield. Operation Sindoor demonstrated how effectively the Indian Army has adapted to these changing conditions. It was not just a military operation, but proof of the nation’s trust in its armed forces,” he said.
He further said the Indian Army has made an invaluable contribution to strengthening the nation’s social unity, describing it not only as a military force but also as a key pillar of nation-building. “The people’s unwavering faith in the Army is its greatest strength, and this bond of trust forms the foundation of our national security,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the courage and commitment of the Indian Army in a post on X, saying the soldiers symbolise selfless service while safeguarding the nation under the most challenging conditions. He also paid tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
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