OPERATION SINDOOR DEMONSTRATES INDIA''S STRONG RESPONSE TO TERRORISM, SAYS DEFENCE MINISTER RAJNATH SINGH India, though peace-loving, will never tolerate those who threaten its security, asserted Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during his address at the Sardar Sabha in Vadodara, Gujarat on December 2, 2025. Speaking at the ‘Unity March’ organized by Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Defence Minister praised Operation Sindoor as a clear message to adversaries that India does not hesitate to take bold action in the face of threats. Shri Rajnath Singh drew a parallel between India''s decisive military action and Sardar Patel''s leadership, noting that while Patel always sought peaceful resolution, he was also unafraid to act decisively when required. He emphasized that India’s response to terrorism—as demonstrated by Operation Sindoor—showed the world that the country is peace-loving but will not spare those who attempt to harm its sovereignty. Reflecting on Patel''s vision, the Defence Minister emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sardar Patel''s dream of a unified and strong nation has only been reinforced. He pointed to the abrogation of Article 370, which he said fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir into India’s national fabric. India’s March Towards Global Prominence Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that India is on the rise as an economic and strategic power. Once plagued by doubts, the country is now asserting its place on global platforms, and its voice is now heard and respected worldwide. Citing the country’s growth in economic standing—moving from 11th to 4th in global rankings—the Raksha Mantri noted that India is poised to be one of the top three economies soon. The government, he said, is working with the vision of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and strengthening national unity through cultural, social, spiritual, and economic cohesion. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, aiming for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Strengthening Defence and National Security In line with Sardar Patel’s vision for national security, the Defence Minister highlighted the government’s efforts toward defence modernization and indigenous production of military equipment. He praised the success of the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, which has not only made India Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) in defence but also turned the country into a defence exporter. The Raksha Mantri noted that Indian defence exports had increased by nearly 34-fold in the last 11 years, and the government aims to achieve Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029. Upholding Integrity and Ethics in Leadership Shri Rajnath Singh also addressed the issue of corruption, noting that the government is working to uphold ethical standards in public office. He referred to the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, which would mandate that public officials facing serious charges and denied bail for 30 days would automatically be relieved of their positions. Call to Youth The Raksha Mantri concluded by urging the youth of India to contribute to realizing the dream of a united, developed nation. He called for a commitment to the values of Sardar Patel—especially unity, integrity, and sovereignty—saying that true tribute to Patel’s legacy would be a nation where future generations embrace these ideals. Notable attendees at the event included Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, among other dignitaries.

INDIAN NAVY PROVIDES HUMANITARIAN AID TO SRI LANKA IN AFTERMATH OF CYCLONE DITWAH In the wake of Cyclone Ditwah''s devastation in Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy has launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Indian Naval Ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaygiri, which were already stationed in Colombo for the 75th Anniversary International Fleet Review (IFR-2025) of the Sri Lankan Navy, were swiftly reassigned to assist in disaster relief efforts. The ships have delivered vital supplies for distribution to affected communities, while their onboard helicopters conducted aerial reconnaissance of impacted areas and supported ongoing Search and Rescue operations. This led to the successful rescue of several Sri Lankan citizens. Additionally, INS Sukanya was deployed to Trincomalee on December 1, 2025, carrying essential relief materials to bolster the ongoing aid efforts. Close cooperation between Indian and Sri Lankan authorities continues to ensure the efficient delivery of aid. The Indian Navy’s rapid response highlights its critical role as the First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reinforces India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy and the MAHASAGAR vision. The Navy remains dedicated to providing continued humanitarian support and standing in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.