Op Sindoor A Golden Chapter In India’s Military History: Rajnath Singh Hails Armed Forces’ Valour, Humanitarian Role
Rajnath Singh commended the valour, dedication and patriotism of the soldiers, saying their ethos of "nation first and service before self" have defined India's military traditions. Image courtesy: X.com
Marking one year of Operation Sindoor, India’s retaliatory strikes against terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and PoK, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday (May 2, 2026) paid a rich tribute to the Indian Armed Forces, describing the operation as a defining moment in the country’s military history.
He hailed the forces’ “unmatched valour & indomitable spirit” and said Operation Sindoor would be remembered as a “golden chapter in India’s military history”, while underscoring the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism through decisive action.
Speaking at ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ in New Delhi, Singh emphasised that the contribution of the armed forces extends far beyond combat. “I feel immense pride in saying that the valour of our armed forces is not limited to the battlefield. Whenever an unfortunate disaster strikes the country or the world, be it an earthquake, a flood, a tsunami, or anything else, our soldiers immediately arrive to provide assistance,” he said.
The Defence Minister added, “Whether displaying valour on the battlefield or serving the victims, our armed forces have demonstrated their valour everywhere.”
Further highlighting the core values that define the military, Singh noted that the ethos of ‘Nation First’ and ‘Service Before Self’ has shaped India’s armed forces from ancient times to modern-day operations like Operation Sindoor. “Our soldiers use weapons to protect their people, and deliver food & medicines to those in need during times of crisis. This is the defining characteristic of our Defence Forces,” he said.
How was Operation Sindoor linked to India’s counter-terror resolve?
The Defence Minister reiterated that the operation reflects the government’s firm stance against terrorism, pointing to a broader strategy of decisive action in safeguarding national security. The tribute to Operation Sindoor was positioned not only as a remembrance of military success but also as a reaffirmation of India’s continuing commitment to counter-terror efforts.
Shaurya Sandhya, a commemorative event, brought together senior defence leadership, political figures and artists, creating what officials described as a “unique confluence of art and valour.”
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh were among those present. Noted artists including Padma Shri awardees Anup Jalota and Kailash Kher, along with Harshdeep Kaur and Manoj Muntashir, also attended.
In a reflective note, Singh said valour and art are often seen as opposites but in reality complement each other. He described both as powerful expressions of human emotion, adding that music plays a vital role in unifying soldiers. According to him, marching songs transform individual identity into collective strength, a sentiment deeply embedded in the ethos of the armed forces.
