After Operation Sindoor, IAF Pushes For More Rafale Jets To Stem Depletion Of Fighter Squadrons
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Hindustan Times
8 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
President Murmu approves wartime honours for Operation Sindoor heroes
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday acknowledged the heroism of its soldiers who took part in Operation Sindoor and played a pivotal role in hitting terror and military targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir three months ago, with President Droupadi Murmu approving scores of wartime honours for them. Top military commanders monitor 'Operation Sindoor' live in this image from the May edition of Indian Army's monthly magazine 'Baatcheet'. (Indian Army/ PTI) Among the 127 gallantry medals and 40 distinguished service awards cleared by the President on the eve of the 79th Independence Day are awards are four Kirti Chakras, 15 Vir Chakras, 16 Shaurya Chakras, two bar to Sena Medals (Gallantry), 58 Sena Medals (Gallantry), six Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry), 26 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva medals, nine Uttam Yudh Seva medals and 24 Yudh Seva medals, the defence ministry said. Vir Chakra is India's third-highest wartime honour, and has been awarded to soldiers who demonstrated uncommon valour during Operation Sindoor --- India's direct military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror strike. The Vir Chakra awardees include Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Group Captain Ranjeet Singh Sidhu, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Animesh Patni, Group Captain Kunal Kalra, Wing Commander Joy Chandra, Squadron Leader Sarthak Kumar, Squadron Leader Siddhant Singh, Squadron Leader Rizwan Malik, Flight Lieutenant Aarshveer Singh, BSF Sub Inspector Mohd Imteyaz (Posthumous) and Constable Deeapk Chingakham (Posthumous). India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7 and struck terror and military installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following the Pahalgam terror strike in which 26 people were killed. Between the launch of the operation in the early hours of May 7 and the ceasefire on May 10 evening, Indian forces bombed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, killing at least 100 terrorists, and the Indian Air Force struck targets at 13 Pakistani airbases and military installations. The nine terror camps hit by the Indian forces with a mix of missiles and smart munitions included Markaz Subhanallah in Bahawalpur, Markaz Taiba near Muridke, Mehmoona Joya in Sialkot, Sawai Nala and Syed Na Bilal in Muzaffarabad, Gulpur and Abbas in Kotli, Barnala in Bhimber, and Sarjal. The targets in Bahawalpur and Muridke were hit by the IAF; the rest by the army. The air force also struck military targets in Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur, Sialkot, Skardu, Sargodha, Jacobabad, Bholari and Malir Cantt in Karachi. In one of the counterstrikes on the night of May 7-8, Islamabad launched aerial attacks using drones and missiles at multiple towns and cities, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Phalodi, Suratgarh, Uttarlai, Nal and Bhuj. India's air defence shield fended off the attacks. In an address to soldiers, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor was a balanced military response that signalled India is no longer bound by traditional boundaries, but is using modern technology, accurate intelligence and smart military strategies to target terror. 'It was a clear message from India that we are tolerant, but when it comes to the safety of our people and the dignity of our country, we unite and face every challenge boldly. Operation Sindoor is a part of India's new policy, a clear message that no matter how deep the roots of terrorism are, its complete destruction will be ensured,' he said. The success of Operation Sindoor will be celebrated at the Independence Day function at the Red Fort on Friday. A Mi-17 helicopter will fly a flag depicting Operation Sindoor, the invitation cards carry the operation's distinct logo, the view cutter at Gyanpath will showcase the logo, and the floral decoration will be based on the operation.
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First Post
8 minutes ago
- First Post
Operation Sindoor showcased India's steely resolve and self-reliance in defence, says President Murmu
The president said that with 6.5 per cent GDP growth and world-leading digital payment adoption, India is charting a confident path toward becoming a developed economy On the eve of the 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, extending her heartfelt greetings to all citizens and reflecting on India's journey since independence. President Murmu paid tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters, celebrated the country's democratic values, highlighted achievements in economy, technology, defence and social empowerment and called for unity, integrity and environmental stewardship. Leading her remarks with the nation's decisive response to terrorism, she reaffirmed India's resolve to protect its sovereignty while advancing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Operation Sindoor: A decisive response 'This year we had to face the scourge of terrorism. Killing innocent citizens on holiday in Kashmir was cowardly and utterly inhuman,' President Murmu said. She added, '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.' 'In our response, what was most noticeable was our unity, which is also the most befitting response to those who wanted to divide us,' the President noted. 'Our unity was on display also 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.' 'Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector,' she said. '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.' Remembering struggle and sacrifice 'The 15th of August is a date etched in our collective memory. During the long years of colonial rule, generations of Indians dreamt of the day of independence,' the president said. She recalled, 'Men and women, old and young, from all parts of the country, yearned to throw away the yoke of foreign rule. Their struggle was marked by robust optimism, which has continued to propel our progress since Independence too. As we salute the tricolour tomorrow, we will also be paying homage to the memory of all freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India Independence on the 15th of August, 78 years ago.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'As we look back on the past, we must not forget the pain inflicted by the Partition of the country,' President Murmu added. 'Today we observed Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas. Terrible violence was witnessed, and millions were forced to relocate due to Partition. Today, we pay tributes to the victims of the follies of history.' Democracy and constitutional values 'After regaining our freedom, we also became a democracy with universal adult franchise,' the President said. 'The transition was a natural reflection of our ancient democratic ethos. India had the oldest republics in the world. It is rightly acknowledged as the mother of democracy. When we adopted the Constitution, it provided the edifice of democracy. We built democratic institutions that strengthened the practice of democracy. We prize our Constitution and our democracy above everything else.' She stressed, 'Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are – justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we re-discovered during the Freedom Struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand.' Economic growth and social welfare 'After the long years of foreign rule, India was in utter poverty at the time of Independence,' President Murmu said. 'But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields. India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence.' 'With a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in the last fiscal, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world,' she pointed out. 'Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health. This is as much due to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management as due to the hard work and dedication of our workers and farmers.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, 'A large number of people have been pulled out of poverty through good governance… Income inequality is reducing. Regional disparities are also disappearing. The States and regions, earlier known for weaker economic performance, are now showing their true potential and catching up with the front-runners.' Infrastructure and connectivity 'Our business leaders, small and medium industries and traders have always exhibited a can-do spirit,' the president said. 'That is so visible when it comes to infrastructure development over the past decade. We have expanded and strengthened the National Highway network under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The Railways too have innovated, introducing new types of trains and coaches equipped with latest technologies. The inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment. Rail connectivity with the valley will boost trade and tourism in the region and open new economic possibilities. This engineering marvel at Kashmir is a historic milestone for our country.' Urban development and basic amenities 'The country is rapidly urbanising. Hence, the Government has been paying special attention to improve the conditions of the cities,' President Murmu said. 'The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, or AMRUT, has ensured more and more households have access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.' She added, 'The Government considers the basic amenities of life as rightful claims of the citizens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is making progress in providing tap water supply to rural households.' Healthcare revolution 'In the healthcare sector, we have been witnessing a paradigm shift with a variety of initiatives under Ayushman Bharat, the largest healthcare scheme of its kind in the world,' the President said. 'This scheme has already provided cover to more than 55 crore people. The government extended this benefit to all senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above, regardless of their income. As inequalities in access are removed, the poor and the lower middle-class also benefit from the best possible health-care facilities.' Digital transformation and AI mission 'In this digital age, it is apt that one sector in India that has seen the most dramatic advances is information technology,' she said. 'Nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousands will be covered soon… More than half of the total number of digital transactions in the world take place in India.' She continued, 'Artificial intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered our lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country's AI capabilities… As we aspire to become a global-AI-hub by 2047, our focus will remain on making the best use of the advances in technology for the common people, to improve their lives by improving governance.' Swadeshi spirit 'Last week, on August 7, the country celebrated 'National Handloom Day' which honours our weavers and their products,' the President recalled. 'The idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring our national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products.' Youth, women and social empowerment 'Our youth have finally found the right environment for the realisation of their dreams,' President Murmu said. 'Brimming with a new confidence, our youth are making a mark in sports and games. Chess, for example, is now dominated by India's youngsters like never before.' She added, 'Our daughters are our pride. They are breaching barriers in every field, including in the areas of defence and security… With 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', the empowerment of women is no longer a slogan but a reality.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'People belonging to a major segment of our society comprising Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and other communities are shedding the tag of the marginalised,' she said. 'The Government has been actively helping them to realise their social and economic aspirations with several initiatives.' Call for integrity and good governance 'We are moving ahead towards that future with sustained good governance, and zero tolerance for corruption,' the President said. 'Here I am reminded of an important statement by Mahatma Gandhi. He had noted, and I quote: 'Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy.' Let us pledge to realise Gandhiji's ideal and weed out corruption.' Environmental responsibility 'I would like to take this opportunity to urge all of you to do what you can, to protect the environment,' President Murmu urged. 'To respond to the challenge of climate change, we must also change. We must change our habits and our world-view. We must change our relationship with our land, rivers, mountains, and with flora and fauna. With contribution from all of us, we will leave behind a planet in which life will be flourishing in natural order.'
Hindustan Times
8 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
India warns Pakistan of ‘painful consequences' to any misadventure
New Delhi: India on Thursday warned Pakistan of 'painful consequences' in the event of any misadventure, responding to 'war-mongering and hateful comments' from Pakistan's civilian and military leadership—particularly army chief field marshal Asim Munir's nuclear threats. On Tuesday, Shehbaz Sharif promised to 'teach India a lesson' if it interferes with Pakistan's water supply. (Representative photo) External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing a weekly media briefing, subtly alluded to India's military response during Operation Sindoor when commenting on recent aggressive rhetoric from Pakistan, including statements by Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and defence minister Khawaja Asif. 'We have seen reports regarding a continuing pattern of reckless, war-mongering and hateful comments from Pakistani leadership against India,' Jaiswal said. 'Pakistan would be well advised to temper its rhetoric, as any misadventure will have painful consequences, as was demonstrated recently.' He added that it is a 'well-known modus operandi of the Pakistani leadership to whip up anti-India rhetoric time and again to hide their own failures.' Since last week, Pakistan's leadership has escalated its rhetoric over issues ranging from threats to use nuclear weapons to the possibility of war if India restricts the flow of cross-border rivers amid the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Munir, elevated to field marshal following four days of hostilities with India in May, reportedly told the Pakistani diaspora in the US last week that Pakistan could use its nuclear weapons to take down India and 'half the world' in case of an existential threat, and would use missiles to destroy Indian dams on shared rivers. Also read: Outcome of India-Pakistan conflict: Much to be pleased about, much to learn On Tuesday, Shehbaz Sharif promised to 'teach India a lesson' if it interferes with Pakistan's water supply. 'I want to tell the enemy today that if you threaten to stop our water, keep this in mind—you cannot snatch even one drop from Pakistan,' he said. At a related event on Wednesday marking Pakistan's response to Operation Sindoor, Sharif announced the creation of an 'Army Rocket Force Command' to enhance missile combat capabilities. A senior official told Reuters that the force, meant for conventional conflict, 'is obvious that it is meant for India.' Asif stated over the weekend that any violation of Pakistan's sovereignty would provoke a 'swift, surefire and proportionate response.' Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari described India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an 'attack,' affirming that Pakistan would not back down if forced into war. India initially responded to Munir's nuclear threats by warning that such rhetoric sparks doubts about Pakistan's nuclear command-control integrity, given its military's proximity to terrorist groups. The ministry reiterated that India will not succumb to nuclear blackmail. Also Read: Pakistan took 48 hours to admit intrusion, refused to take back body initially: BSF Following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack by The Resistance Front (a proxy for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba), India applied punitive diplomatic and economic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and launching Operation Sindoor on May 7. Four days of hostilities followed, ending with a mutual understanding on May 10. Jaiswal also rejected a recent ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which instructed India to 'let flow' waters of western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty. 'India has never accepted the legality, legitimacy or competence of the so‑called Court of Arbitration. Its pronouncements are therefore without jurisdiction, devoid of legal standing, and have no bearing on India's rights of utilisation,' he said. He added that India rejects Pakistan's 'selective and misleading references to the so-called 'award.'' Referring to India's June 27 statement that the Indus Waters Treaty 'stands in abeyance,' Jaiswal noted it was a sovereign decision motivated by 'Pakistan's continued sponsorship of cross‑border terrorism, including the barbaric Pahalgam attack.' India has not participated in arbitration proceedings since Pakistan challenged components of the Kishanganga (330 MW) and Ratle (850 MW) hydropower projects under the treaty. While the World Bank appointed both a neutral expert and a Court of Arbitration in 2016, India only recognized and engaged with the neutral expert, rejecting the Court of Arbitration.
