Date: 2026-04-30Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Op Sindoor demonstrated a shift from old mindset of issuing diplomatic statements on terror attacks, it showcased PM Modi-led Govt’s unwavering commitment through decisive action: Raksha Mantri
**Executive Summary**
On April 30, 2026, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh addressed the National Security Summit in New Delhi, detailing India's shift toward proactive counter-terrorism and the success of "Operation Sindoor." The document highlights a record-breaking surge in defense exports for FY 2025-26 and outlines the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the "IndiaAI" Mission. It emphasizes a transition toward technology-driven, tri-service synergy to bolster national deterrence and military welfare.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Counter-Terrorism and Operation Sindoor**
* India has transitioned from issuing diplomatic statements to taking decisive, precise military action against terror attacks.
* Operation Sindoor was a 72-hour tri-service mission executed and halted strictly on India’s terms, demonstrating high-precision targeting.
* The operation showcased total synergy between the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force under a unified plan, moving away from "silos."
* India maintains a policy of deterrence that makes no distinction between terrorists and those who sponsor them.
**Defense Technology and Artificial Intelligence**
* AI is now central to India's defense strategy, integrated into battlefield surveillance, logistics, and the Sudarshan Air Defence system.
* The concept of "Augmented Infantry" is being used to enhance troop capabilities through AI-driven tools.
* New technology-driven combat units have been established, including Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan Artillery Regiments, and Divyastra Batteries.
* While AI offers precision, the government remains cautious of challenges such as deepfakes, cyber warfare, and autonomous weapon systems.
**Economic Growth and Global Collaboration**
* Defense exports reached a record Rs 38,424 crore in FY 2025-26, representing a 62.66% increase over the previous year.
* There is significant international interest in Indian-made indigenous weapons, with major European companies seeking collaboration with Indian private and public firms.
* The "IndiaAI" Mission aims to democratize computing infrastructure with over 10,000 GPU capacity to empower youth in small towns.
**Soldier Welfare and Administration**
* The SPARSH portal and AI-enabled chatbots have been implemented to simplify pension-related processes for veterans.
* AI-driven systems are being utilized for medical record monitoring and ensuring education and healthcare for soldiers’ families.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Defence Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)**
**Impact**
Forces are transitioning into an integrated, technology-driven "fighting machine" with enhanced strike precision and logistical synergy.
**Action Required**
Personnel must adopt unified operational planning and integrate AI-based tools, such as "Augmented Infantry," into their standard combat protocols.
**Indian Defence Industry (Public and Private Sectors)**
**Impact**
The industry is experiencing record-breaking growth and a surge in global credibility, leading to increased export demands and collaboration opportunities with European firms.
**Action Required**
Firms must maintain production benchmarks to meet the Rs 38,424 crore export momentum and engage in international R&D collaborations.
**Defence Pensioners and Veterans**
**Impact**
Pension-related processes, grievance redressal, and medical record monitoring are becoming significantly simplified through AI-driven portals.
**Action Required**
Veterans and their families should utilize the SPARSH portal and AI chatbots for administrative and welfare needs.
**The Global South and International Partners**
**Impact**
India is emerging as a leader in shaping global AI standards and providing affordable defense technology under the "AI for All" mantra.
**Action Required**
Partner nations are encouraged to endorse the AI Manifesto and collaborate through frameworks established at the India AI Impact Summit.
Key Entities Referenced
Operation Sindoor: A tri-service military operation cited as a landmark shift in India's counter-terrorism strategy, demonstrating military-industrial synergy and decisive action.
IndiaAI Mission: A national initiative aimed at democratizing computing infrastructure and implementing a comprehensive strategy for AI research and skill development.
Sudarshan Air Defence system: A major defense project highlighted as a primary example of the application of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Science in India's military architecture.
AI Manifesto: A policy document endorsed by over 89 countries and organizations during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 to shape global AI standards.
SPARSH portal: An AI-enabled platform developed to streamline pension-related processes, grievance redressal, and welfare services for defense pensioners and veterans.
Ministry of Defence
Op Sindoor demonstrated a shift from old
mindset of issuing diplomatic statements on
terror attacks, it showcased PM Modi-led Govt’s
unwavering commitment through decisive action:
Raksha Mantri
“Op Sindoor displayed India's Tri-service military prowess;
We executed & halted the operation on our own terms”
“Terrorism emanates from a distorted mindset; Attempts are
made to justify it by giving it a religious colour or linking it to
a violent ideology”
“Operational, ideological & political dimensions of terrorism
need to be dealt with for its elimination"
“India is recognised globally for IT (Information Technology) &
Pakistan for IT (International Terrorism)”
“Sudarshan Air Defence system serves as a prime example of
exemplary application of AI; Through emerging tech, India will
become more secure & stronger”
Posted On: 30 APR 2026 12:35PM by PIB Delhi
“Operation Sindoor conveyed an unequivocal global message that India is no longer bound by the old
mindset of merely issuing diplomatic statements when terror attacks are perpetrated on its soil, and that
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government has moved beyond mere intent and rhetoric by
demonstrating its unwavering commitment through decisive action,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath
Singh as he addressed a National Security Summit in New Delhi on April 30, 2026. He asserted that the
Government has maintained a firm stance that any act of terrorism, under any circumstances, will not be
tolerated. He described the surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor as a manifestation of the
Government’s resolute stance against the menace.“Terrorism emanates from a distorted and perverse mindset. It casts a dark stain on humanity. The battle
against terrorism is not merely a matter of national security; it is, fundamentally, a battle to safeguard the
core values of humanity. It is a fight against a barbaric ideology that stands in direct opposition to every
human value. We have articulated this Indian perspective, both within the country and abroad,” said Shri
Rajnath Singh.
Raksha Mantri added that as long as terrorism exists, it will continue to challenge collective peace,
development, and prosperity. “Attempts are made to justify terrorism by giving it a religious colour or
linking it to a violent ideology such as Naxalism. This is extremely dangerous and, in a way, provides
cover fire to terrorists so they can slowly advance toward their goal. Terrorism is not just an anti-national
act; it has multiple dimensions - operational, ideological, and political. It can only be dealt with if we
tackle all these dimensions,” he said.
On Pakistan’s continuous support to terrorism, Shri Rajnath Singh said: “Both, India and Pakistan attained
independence at the same time. However, today India is recognised globally for IT i.e., ‘Information
Technology’, while Pakistan is regarded as the epicenter of a different IT i.e., ‘International Terrorism’”.
Shri Rajnath Singh termed Operation Sindoor as a shining example of jointness and synergy of the Indian
Defence Forces. He stated that the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force acted in concert and
under a unified plan, demonstrating conclusively that India's military might no longer operates in silos;
instead, it has emerged as a joint, integrated, and global power.Raksha Mantri added that India executed Operation Sindoor on its own terms and at a time of its own
choosing, and halted it strictly on its own terms. “During the course of the operation, we targeted, with
absolute precision, only those who had perpetrated the attack against us. We did not halt the operation
because our capabilities had been exhausted or diminished. We halted it entirely on our own terms. We
were fully prepared to sustain a prolonged conflict. We possess the requisite surge capacity, and the
inherent strength to rapidly scale up our capabilities in moments of sudden crisis,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the fact that India’s military-industrial complex has consistently
demonstrated, time and again, that it stands ready to meet not only the requirements of peacetime, but also
the demands for rapid supply and logistics during times of war. He asserted that, during that period, India
did not fall for the bluff or a threat of a nuclear strike and accomplished the set objectives. “This is the
‘New World Order’; the ‘New India’ of this new global era. This is an India which makes no distinction
between terrorism and those who sponsor it. This is the unequivocal policy of our Prime Minister, which
has transformed India amidst the shifting global landscape,” he said.
Describing Operation Sindoor as an embodiment of deterrence, Raksha Mantri stated that although the
operation was concluded within a span of just 72 hours, the preparatory work preceding it was extensive
and protracted. He pointed out that India’s surge capacity and its ability to rapidly mobilise resources,
strategic stockpiles, and the proven credibility of indigenously-developed weaponry have all become
integral components of deterrence posture.Shri Rajnath Singh added that a remarkable shift in global perception and a positive attitude towards the
reliability of indigenous weapons and defence products are being witnessed, as a direct result of Operation
Sindoor. “Numerous nations have expressed keen interest in procuring weapons and defence equipment
from India. The figures say it all. In the Financial Year 2025-26, defence exports reached a record high of
Rs 38,424 crore, a staggering surge of 62.66% compared to the previous fiscal year. We remain steadfastly
committed to further advancing our efforts to surpass these benchmarks,” he said.
On his recent visit to Germany, Raksha Mantri stated that major companies across Europe are keen to
collaborate with our private defence firms and Public Sector Units, terming it as a testament to India’s
growing credibility. India’s formidable standing in the world has been bolstered not only by its military
prowess, but also the capacity to establish deterrence, he added.
Highlighting the rapid transformation in the nature of deterrence, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the cyber
domain, space warfare, and information technology have emerged as integral components, and Artificial
Intelligence (AI) is at the epicenter of this paradigm shift. “From state-of-the-art missile systems like
BrahMos used during Operation Sindoor to various surveillance platforms, AI has been deployed with
great effectiveness across the board. It has elevated our precision and strike capabilities. While
information on major operations often reaches the public domain, there are countless smaller operations
and processes that activate preemptively to neutralise threats before they even materialise. AI is utilised
extensively in all such instances,” he said.
Underscoring the practicality of the application of AI, Raksha Mantri stated that it serves as a vital aid in
locating terrorists and delivering a decisive response. “AI also stands for ‘Augmented Infantry’. It is
significantly enhancing the capabilities of our troops. In keeping with the demands of modern warfare, we
are rapidly advancing toward transforming our military into a technology-driven, integrated fighting
machine. To this end, the Army has established agile, self-sufficient combat units such as the ‘Rudra’
Brigades, ‘Bhairav’ Battalions, ‘Shaktibaan’ Artillery Regiments, and ‘Divyastra’ Batteries, capable of
delivering an immediate and robust response to modern hybrid threats,” he said.Shri Rajnath Singh added that AI has emerged as a powerful instrument for transforming the working
culture, ensuring the welfare of our soldiers, and elevating their standard of living. He mentioned the
SPARSH portal developed for defence pensioners and veterans. Through AI-enabled chatbots, pension-
related processes have significantly been simplified, he said, adding that from grievance redressal to
medical records monitoring, all aspects are being managed through an AI-driven system. Furthermore, AI-
based tools are being utilised to ensure that the families of soldiers never lag behind in terms of education
and healthcare, he said.
Stressing that AI is becoming an indispensable component of India’s strategic preparedness in this new
global order, Raksha Mantri said the Government has not confined this initiative solely to the military, but
has formulated a comprehensive strategy for skill development and research across the entire nation.
“Through the ‘IndiaAI’ Mission, we’re actively democratising computing infrastructure across the
country, thereby enabling the youth in even the smallest of towns to contribute to AI. 10,000+ GPU
capacity, initiatives such as the FutureSkills program, and the establishment of Data and AI Labs serve as
a testament to our resolve not to be left behind in this era of technological revolution. We recently
successfully hosted India AI Impact Summit 2026, where Heads of State from over 20 nations, along with
89 countries and organisations, endorsed our AI Manifesto. Today, India plays a leading role in shaping
global AI standards. We are guided by the mantra of ‘AI for All,’ ensuring that its benefits are not confined
to a select few nations but extend to the Global South as well,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh, however, emphasised that AI cannot be viewed through a purely rosy lens, as
deepfakes, cyber warfare, and autonomous weapon systems pose new & formidable challenges. “We must
keep these challenges firmly in mind as they are bound to intensify further in the times to come. If AI were
to spiral out of control, the very tool we created for our protection could ultimately become the instrumentof destruction. Therefore, our endeavor must be to ensure that AI becomes a force that guides us, rather
than one that leads us astray. Through collective efforts and international cooperation can we effectively
harness the power of AI,” he said.
Raksha Mantri asserted that the role of AI across various domains, ranging from battlefield surveillance
and autonomous systems to logistics optimization and command decision support is being meticulously
studied. “Sudarshan Air Defence system is a massive project that serves as a prime example of the
exemplary application of AI. By leveraging AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data Science, our Defence
Forces have formulated a roadmap to bolster their capabilities in response to emerging AI-based
challenges. This strategy will prove instrumental in making them even more adaptable and responsive in
the future. Through such new and emerging technologies, our nation will not only become more secure but
also grow stronger and more prosperous,” he said.
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman
DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit attended the
event.
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