The North News
New Delhi, July 11
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Friday claimed that the country’s forces struck 13 terror bases in Pakistan with precision during a classified military operation named Operation Sindoor, while accusing foreign media outlets of spreading unverified reports questioning its legitimacy.
Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras in Chennai, Doval gave a rare glimpse into the cross-border counter-terrorism action, describing it as a “23-minute, pin-point operation” where all nine designated targets were hit “precise to the point.” He emphasised that no Indian assets were harmed in the process.
“Show me any imagery of Indian damage,” Doval challenged, taking aim at international news outlets for running reports that, he said, lacked verification and distorted the outcome of the operation.
“We are proud of Operation Sindoor, especially for its use of indigenous content—from BrahMos to radars,” Doval said while highlighting India’s strategic shift toward domestic defence capabilities. Doval pointed out that while China invested $300 billion and took over a decade to develop its 5G systems, India has rapidly indigenised its communication infrastructure in under three years, with strong support from its private sector.
“We simply didn’t have that kind of time or money. We needed trusted sources, and we built them,” he said, asserting the importance of self-reliant communication systems for national security and data integrity.
By 2047, he said, India would reach a GDP of $32 trillion, with the world’s largest working-age population—estimated at 1.1 billion—far exceeding China’s projected 700 million. Addressing the graduating class, Doval drew upon India’s civilisational continuity, urging young engineers to remain rooted in national purpose. He recounted the story of an IIT alumnus who acquired U.S. citizenship but later expressed regret at being unable to serve India. “You belong to a civilisation that has survived centuries of subjugation… It’s time now to build, not just criticise,” he told the audience.
