Dehradun, November 29, 2025: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday described Operation Sindoor as a striking example of civil–military fusion, highlighting the seamless collaboration between administrative machinery and the Armed Forces in ensuring national security while maintaining public confidence. Addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Singh emphasised that the experience of Operation Sindoor offers important lessons for young civil servants about their pivotal role in safeguarding the nation.

The defence minister elaborated that during the operation, administrative officers worked in close coordination with the Armed Forces, providing timely intelligence, facilitating communication, and ensuring smooth execution of nationwide drills. He praised the officers for their diligence in sharing critical information and helping to create a climate of public trust, which complemented the operational success of the Armed Forces.

“Operation Sindoor was not just a military endeavour; it was a carefully balanced, non-escalatory response that targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK,” Singh said. “Despite our measured action, the neighbouring country’s provocations prevented the situation along the border from normalising immediately.” He stressed that such complex operations underscore the indispensable role civil servants play alongside the military in protecting national interests.

Singh urged the cadre of young officers to approach governance with the same readiness, discipline, and strategic thinking that soldiers bring to the field. He emphasised that civil servants must be prepared to respond to critical situations with agility and a sense of responsibility, particularly in matters relating to national security.

The minister also highlighted the broader role of civil services in India’s development trajectory. He noted India’s remarkable economic growth over the last decade, pointing out that when the current government assumed office in 2014, the country ranked as the world’s 11th-largest economy, and has since climbed to fourth place. Citing projections from global financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Singh added that India is poised to become the third-largest economy within the next two to three years, reflecting the impact of consistent policy, governance reforms, and citizen-centric initiatives.

“You are not platonic guardians but servants of the people,” Singh said, addressing the newly trained officers. “Your role is not just to implement policies but to empower citizens, to facilitate opportunities, and to embody integrity in every action.” He urged the civil servants to cultivate an incorruptible character and set a benchmark where honesty is a normal part of daily work rather than an exceptional virtue.

Singh emphasised the need for innovation and technology-driven governance in contemporary India. Citing successful initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and the Income Tax Department’s Faceless Assessment Scheme, he illustrated how technology can be leveraged to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in public services. He also drew attention to the Ministry of Defence’s SAMPURNA initiative, an AI-driven system designed to streamline defence procurement and payment processes, ensuring transparency and accountability.

The minister highlighted that technology should not be an end in itself but a tool to improve citizen outreach, facilitate welfare delivery, and strengthen inclusivity. He encouraged civil servants to meet every citizen, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, with empathy and a nuanced understanding of the wider socio-economic challenges they face.

Singh also pointed out the rising participation of women in civil services, noting that in the latest UPSC examination, a woman topped the list, and three of the top five candidates were women. He expressed confidence that by 2047, women would increasingly occupy top positions, including that of Cabinet Secretary, reflecting the growing gender inclusivity in India’s administrative framework.

Regarding the Foundation Course, Singh described it as far more than a training module. He characterised it as a commitment to building an efficient, responsive, and sensitive governance system, one that aligns administrative capabilities with the aspirations of citizens. He commended LBSNAA for providing a comprehensive training ecosystem that equips young officers with knowledge, practical insights, and ethical grounding essential for effective public administration.

Before the valedictory address, Singh paid floral tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, acknowledging their vision and contributions to India’s democratic and administrative ethos. He reminded the young officers that the values exemplified by these leaders — integrity, courage, and selfless service — must guide them as they embark on their careers in civil services.

In summarising the lessons of Operation Sindoor, Singh reinforced that national security and development are deeply intertwined. Strong civil-military coordination is essential not only in times of operational exigency but also in building public confidence and resilience. He called upon young officers to embrace the principles of discipline, service, and strategic thinking, ensuring that India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is guided by integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.

The valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at LBSNAA thus served as a platform to inspire the next generation of civil servants, emphasising the importance of collaboration between administration and defence, citizen-centric governance, and a forward-looking approach that blends technology with human empathy in public service.