Mussoorie, Uttarakhand — Défense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday described Operation Sindoor as a “shining example” of seamless coordination between India’s civilian administration and military forces, emphasizing how the joint effort strengthened public confidence during a critical security operation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie, Singh highlighted how administrative officials and the armed forces worked in tandem to keep citizens informed throughout the operation.
Balanced Military Action, Enhanced Public Trust
The Défense Minister revealed that during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army successfully targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in what he characterized as a “balanced and non-escalatory manner.” However, he noted that the neighbouring country’s behaviour has continued to prevent normalcy along the border.
Singh praised not only the bravery of soldiers but also the vital role played by administrative officials who shared essential information with the public and conducted mock drills across the country. “The administration and the army worked together to disseminate vital information to the public and instil confidence in them,” he said.
‘Be Ready Like Soldiers,’ Minister Tells Young Officers
Addressing the young civil servants completing their foundation course, Singh issued a clarion call for them to understand their crucial responsibility in safeguarding national interests. “You should always be ready like soldiers, even in difficult circumstances,” he urged.
The Défense Minister emphasized that civil servants must view themselves as “servants of the people, not rulers,” with conduct characterized by honesty and fairness. He stressed that integrity should be normalized as everyday practice rather than treated as something exceptional.
Technology as Tool for Governance
Highlighting the current government’s mantra of “minimum government, maximum governance” and “reform, performance, and transformation,” Singh called on new administrators to harness technology for solving public problems.
“This is the age of technology and new officials should use technology to find solutions to public problems,” he said, adding that technological integration would increase accessibility, bring transparency, and benefit all sections of society.
Singh also emphasized the importance of empathy, urging civil servants to recognize that the difficulties faced by poor and vulnerable citizens often stem from social and economic circumstances beyond individual control.
India’s Economic Rise
The Défense Minister underscored India’s remarkable economic trajectory, noting that when the BJP-led government assumed power in 2014, India ranked as the world’s 11th largest economy. “In the last 9-10 years, India has reached the fourth position,” he stated, citing projections from international organizations like Morgan Stanley that suggest India could become the third-largest economy within the next two to three years.
Women’s Increasing Role in Administration
Singh celebrated the growing participation of women in public service, pointing to this year’s Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination results where a woman secured first rank and three of the top five positions went to women.
“I am confident that by 2047, many women will reach the position of Cabinet Secretary and play a major role in India’s development,” he said.
Vision for 2047
Concluding his address, the Défense Minister stressed that achieving the vision of a “developed India” by 2047 would require further strengthening of coordination between governance structures and national security apparatus. He emphasized that the success of Operation Sindoor should serve as a model for future civil-military cooperation in protecting and advancing national interests.
The 100th Common Foundation Course marks a significant milestone in India’s civil services training, with the graduating officers now set to take up positions across various government departments and services.
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