Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday highlighted Operation Sindoor as an outstanding demonstration of seamless coordination between civilian administration and military forces during his address at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie.
Operation Sindoor: A Model of Coordination
Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course, Singh emphasized how the administrative machinery worked in perfect harmony with the Armed Forces to share critical information and build public trust during the operation. The Defence Minister described this collaboration as a textbook example of effective civil-military fusion that ensured the mission's success.
Singh revealed that during Operation Sindoor, Indian Armed Forces successfully destroyed terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir while maintaining a measured and non-escalatory approach. He pointed out that the continued misbehavior from the neighboring country has prevented the border situation from returning to normalcy despite India's balanced response.
Call to Young Civil Servants
The Defence Minister made a compelling appeal to the young civil servants in attendance, urging them to recognize their vital responsibility in protecting national interests. He stressed the importance of remaining prepared for critical situations that may arise during their careers.
Singh particularly commended the courage displayed by Indian soldiers and appreciated the work executed by administrative officers throughout Operation Sindoor. These officers played a crucial role in communicating essential information and ensuring the successful implementation of mock drills across the nation.
Vision for Developed India
Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing principles of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance' and 'Reform, Perform & Transform', Singh emphasized the pivotal role civil servants must play in accelerating India's journey toward becoming self-reliant and developed.
The Minister highlighted India's remarkable economic progress, noting that the country has jumped from 11th to 4th position in global economic rankings since 2014. He encouraged the new generation of civil servants to leverage technology innovatively to solve public problems, describing technology as a key enabler in modern governance.
Singh also acknowledged the increasing representation of women in Civil Services, pointing out that in the latest UPSC examination, a woman secured the top rank and three of the top five positions were claimed by women candidates.
The Defence Minister concluded by recalling the leadership of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri during the 1965 war with Pakistan, mentioning Shastri's contributions to the Green Revolution and his iconic slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" that continues to inspire the nation.
As the UPSC marks its centenary year, Singh emphasized that the partnership between UPSC and LBSNAA has shaped generations of administrators and will continue to strengthen India's governance framework in the years ahead.