14 August,2025 08:41 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
President Droupadi Murmu addresses the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, on Thursday. PIC/PTI
On the eve of 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday lauded the armed forces for their decisive response during Operation Sindoor - India's retaliatory response following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.
Labelling the killing of innocent civilians in Pahalgam as "cowardly and inhuman", President Murmu said India's retaliation through Operation Sindoor will be remembered as an example of humanity's fight against terrorism, ANI reported.
"This year, we had to face the scourge of terrorism. Killing innocent citizens on holiday in Kashmir was cowardly and utterly inhuman. India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve. Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe, Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity's fight against terrorism," she said in her virtual address to the nation.
Highlighting the country's unity during Operation Sindoor, the President praised multi-party delegations of lawmakers who engaged with global counterparts to explain India's position, ANI reported.
"In our response, what was most noticeable was our unity, which is also the most befitting response to those who wanted to divide us. Our unity was also on display in the multi-party delegations of the Members of Parliament that reached out to various nations to explain India's position. The world has taken note of India's stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens," President Murmu asserted.
She also emphasised India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, noting that Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country's capability to meet its security needs indigenously, reported ANI.
"The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India's defence history since Independence," she said.
The Pahalgam terror attack had claimed 26 lives. In response to the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, attacking nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over 100 terrorists were neutralised in the operation.
Following India's response, the government dispatched seven multi-party delegations worldwide to highlight New Delhi's firm stance against cross-border terrorism.
(With ANI inputs)
