‘Pakistan paid the price, India annihilated Lashkar, Jaish camps after Pahalgam massacre’: Rajnath Singh hails PM Modi-led Op Sindoor on eve of Independence Day

Speaking in his Sandesh to Soldiers broadcast on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, Singh said: “Operation Sindoor carried out by the Armed Forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emerged as a balanced military response amidst the asymmetric warfare being witnessed across the globe.”

Calling the operation “a shining example of a precise & successful military strategy” and “a glimpse of a new vision, technological advancements and self-reliance,” Singh underscored that India’s message was unmistakable: “No matter how deep the roots of terrorism are, its complete destruction will be ensured. This operation will continue until the goal of complete destruction of terrorism is achieved.”

Nine terror camps wiped out in minutes

The minister revealed that, within minutes, Indian forces destroyed nine terror training camps — including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed — in pinpoint missile strikes that spared civilian areas and Pakistani military assets.

“The Indian Armed Forces neither crossed the Line of Control nor violated the international border, yet managed to give a crushing blow to the terror infrastructure hidden within the enemy’s territory,” he said.

Singh credited India’s “cutting-edge apparatus” — drone warfare, layered air defence, electronic warfare and network-centric operations — for proving that the country is no longer dependent on foreign technology.

Quoting PM Modi, he said, “Operation Sindoor is not only a proof of India’s military prowess, but a symbol of the country’s rapidly increasing self-reliance in defence sector and the Government’s commitment towards indigenous technology.”

From Pahalgam to Parliament: avenging years of terror

Singh reminded the nation of the “heinous and cowardly” Pahalgam massacre, which “filled the eyes of every Indian with tears and the heart with anger.” He declared:

“It was not just an attack, but a direct blow to our courage, unity and integrity. We gave a befitting reply to that cowardly attack through Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev.”

Operation Mahadev, carried out in Dachigam last month, eliminated three ‘A’ category Lashkar-e-Taiba commanders involved in Pahalgam. Singh also linked the strike to India’s broader campaign against terror: “With Operation Sindoor, the Armed Forces not only avenged the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, but also the attacks on Parliament House, Taj in Mumbai, and on Amarnath pilgrims in the past.”

He recalled earlier retaliations — the surgical strikes after Pathankot and the air strikes after Pulwama — as part of the same unwavering policy.

Self-reliance and modernisation in defence

Singh used the moment to underline India’s leap in defence self-reliance.

“Today, India is carrying out 65 percent of the manufacturing on its own soil,” he said, contrasting it with the era when 65–70 percent of defence equipment was imported.

The defence budget has nearly tripled in a decade, from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹6.81 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.

Defence production has soared from about ₹46,000 crore in 2014-15 to ₹1.51 lakh crore, while exports have jumped from ₹1,900 crore to ₹23,622 crore — with targets of ₹3 lakh crore in production and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.

Singh listed platforms like INS Arihant, INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, INS Vagsheer, Rafale-Marine, AMCA, C-295 transport aircraft, Prachand helicopters and upgraded Su-30 as part of the modernisation drive.

Raksha Matri hails armed forces’ role in humanitarian missions

While saluting the forces for defending borders, Singh also praised their role in humanitarian missions — from flood relief in Assam to evacuations during the Iran-Israel conflict under Operation Sindhu.

“Operation Sindhu was not only a symbol of our military capability & readiness, but also proof of India’s global responsibility and unwavering commitment towards its citizens,” he said.

He lauded women’s achievements in the Armed Forces, from the first 17 women cadets graduating NDA to record-setting naval voyages.

Independence Day message

Concluding, Singh urged citizens to participate actively in building a new India, "We are tolerant, but when it comes to the safety of our people and the dignity of our country, we unite and face every challenge boldly.”