President Droupadi Murmu, while addressing the inaugural session of the third edition of the Indian Army’s Seminar, Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025, in New Delhi, described the recent success of Operation Sindoor as a watershed moment in India’s evolving counter-terrorism and deterrence architecture. Her remarks, delivered to a gathering of senior military leaders, strategic thinkers, policymakers and defence experts, underscored both the operational and symbolic significance of the mission, situating it within a broader narrative of India’s military professionalism, strategic autonomy and readiness for emerging global challenges.

At the outset, the President highlighted the steadfast role of the Indian Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty. She noted that in every domain of national security—whether conventional military engagements, counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian assistance—the armed forces have consistently demonstrated adaptability, discipline and an unwavering commitment to national duty. According to her, Operation Sindoor was a vivid testimony to these qualities. The world, she said, witnessed not only India’s hard power capacity but also its moral clarity in acting decisively while remaining responsible and restrained, upholding India’s long-standing approach of using force only when necessary and always in the interest of peace.

President Murmu elaborated on how the operation represented a carefully balanced blend of tactical efficiency and ethical conduct. She emphasised that modern counter-terror efforts are not merely about neutralising threats but also about conveying strategic resolve and moral purpose. Operation Sindoor, she noted, achieved this balance, sending a clear message that India does not hesitate to defend its citizens and territory while remaining committed to international norms and humanitarian principles. In this sense, the operation not only bolstered India’s internal security but also reinforced its reputation as a responsible regional power.

Moving beyond the immediate context of the mission, the President spoke at length about the expanding role of the defence forces in broader national development. She pointed out that the military’s contribution extends far beyond frontline duties. In remote and border regions, defence personnel have played essential roles in creating infrastructure, improving connectivity, supporting local education and even boosting tourism. These efforts, she said, strengthen the country’s border communities, improve national integration and reinforce India’s long-term strategic posture in sensitive regions.

Reflecting on the rapidly evolving international environment, President Murmu stressed that today’s geopolitical landscape is undergoing profound transformation. With emerging power centres, technological breakthroughs and shifting alliances, global stability is increasingly shaped by complex, multi-domain challenges. She warned that the traditional boundaries between wartime and peacetime are eroding, largely due to the rise of new arenas of competition such as cyberspace, outer space, information systems and cognitive warfare, where the objective is to influence public perception, disrupt critical infrastructure and undermine national cohesion.

In this context, the President emphasised the importance of India’s civilisational ethos rooted in the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which calls for humanity to view the world as one family. Guided by this worldview, India has pursued a foreign policy marked by strategic autonomy and global responsibility. She reminded the audience that India’s diplomatic, economic and military instruments of national power work together to promote peace while ensuring that the country remains fully prepared to defend itself. This balance, she argued, is essential at a time when the world faces unprecedented instability and competition.

Turning her attention to reforms within the Indian Army, President Murmu expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved under the Army’s Decade of Transformation initiative. She explained that the Army is actively restructuring organisational frameworks, updating war-fighting doctrines and investing in technology-driven capabilities to stay relevant across all operational domains. From digitisation and unmanned systems to cyber resilience and integrated battle groups, these reforms, she said, are designed to ensure that the Army remains future-ready and mission-capable. She added that such transformative measures are crucial for advancing India’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a key component of the national vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The President acknowledged the Army’s efforts to invest in youth development and human capital. She pointed out that programmes such as the expansion of the National Cadet Corps, engagement with educational institutions and promotion of sports cultivate discipline, patriotism and leadership among young people. This cultivation of values, she remarked, is essential for building a generation that is both nationally conscious and globally aware. She also highlighted the growing role of women in the defence forces, noting that their increasing participation in diverse roles marks a significant step toward inclusivity. According to her, the presence of women officers and soldiers is not only enriching the institution but also inspiring countless young women across the country to aspire to careers in defence and other professional spheres.

As the address progressed, President Murmu underscored the importance of seminars such as the Chanakya Defence Dialogue. She said that such platforms bring together diverse perspectives and generate insights that can shape coherent and forward-looking national security policies. She expressed confidence that the discussions and outcomes emerging from this year’s dialogue would be valuable in charting India’s path in an increasingly unpredictable strategic environment. The ability to anticipate challenges, she said, is just as important as the ability to respond to them, and collaborative dialogue plays a central role in this process.

In conclusion, President Droupadi Murmu reaffirmed her confidence in the Indian Armed Forces and their continued ability to uphold excellence, professionalism and dedication. As India moves toward its long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, she said the armed forces will remain central to achieving this milestone. Their commitment to modernisation, strategic foresight and operational readiness, combined with their enduring values, will ensure that India remains secure, resilient and prepared for future challenges. Operation Sindoor, she reiterated, stands as a symbol of these strengths and marks an important chapter in India’s evolving defence and deterrence strategy.