The North News
New Delhi, December 18
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the country’s armed forces demonstrated “high-impact, short-duration operational capability” during Operation Sindoor, describing it as a clear example of India’s growing air power and strategic readiness. Addressing the Air Force Commanders’ Conclave in New Delhi, he praised the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the speed and precision with which it struck terror camps during the operation, as well as for managing what he called Pakistan’s “irresponsible reaction” in its aftermath.
He said public confidence in India’s air defence systems was evident during the episode. “When Pakistani forces attempted to target Indian installations, people remained calm and carried on with their daily lives,” the Defence Minister said, calling it proof of trust in the country’s operational preparedness. Referring to conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas fighting, the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor, Rajnath Singh said air power had emerged as a decisive force in modern warfare. He described it not merely as a tactical asset but as a strategic instrument capable of delivering a clear message to adversaries through speed, reach and precision.
The Defence Minister reiterated the Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to strengthening national security, pointing to emerging domains such as cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, satellite surveillance and space-based capabilities. He said modern conflicts increasingly depend on real-time intelligence, precision-guided weapons and data-driven decision-making.
He also expressed confidence in the Sudarshan Chakra initiative, announced by the Prime Minister earlier this year, saying it would play a key role in protecting national assets. He added that the development of indigenous jet engines had been taken up as a national mission. Highlighting cooperation with the private sector, start-ups and MSMEs, the minister said initiatives such as iDEX and ADITI were drawing young innovators into defence manufacturing. He noted that hundreds of winners had emerged from challenges issued under iDEX, including several linked to the IAF.
Calling Operation Sindoor an example of effective tri-service coordination, he stressed the need for greater jointness among the Army, Navy and Air Force. He also praised the IAF’s humanitarian and disaster relief missions in India and abroad, saying these efforts had strengthened public trust in the force. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh briefed the defence minister on operational readiness, with discussions focusing on future challenges and self-reliance in defence capabilities.
The conclave was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and senior IAF commanders.
