New Delhi: Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Monday warned that the faceoff with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year serves as a stark reminder that conflicts can erupt without warning, stressing that India must stay prepared for any sudden outbreak of war.
Addressing the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual Session in New Delhi, Singh said the success of Operation Sindoor reflected the growing capability of India’s indigenous defence sector.
He noted that home-grown systems such as the Akash missile, BrahMos cruise missile, and AkashTeer Air Defence Control System played a decisive role in the operation.
“We all witnessed how these systems and other indigenous platforms performed during Operation Sindoor. Their effectiveness has enhanced India’s standing, both regionally and globally,” he said.
Singh emphasised that the victory was not solely due to the soldiers on the frontlines but also to the engineers, scientists, and industrial experts who built the technology behind the mission.
“The success of Operation Sindoor belongs not only to those who fought but also to those who created the systems that empowered them,” he said, adding that researchers, innovators, and manufacturers are the “silent defenders” of the nation.
Referring to the heightened tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said India’s swift and precise response proved that its forces were ready for any challenge. However, he cautioned that the rapidly changing global landscape demands constant vigilance and self-reliance.
“After the Pahalgam attack, when Operation Sindoor was launched, the situation was such that war seemed imminent,” Singh said. “Our forces are fully prepared to protect the nation, but given the growing global uncertainty, we must tread carefully and assess every move.”
Highlighting the changing nature of warfare, Singh said modern conflicts are increasingly driven by technology, drones, and cyber capabilities. “Indigenisation is the only way forward to effectively meet these evolving challenges,” he added. (KNO)
