Jaipur, Jan 15 (PTI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Operation Sindoor is not yet over, emphasising that India's efforts toward achieving peace will persist until the mindset that fuels terrorism is eradicated.

"Through Operation Sindoor, India has not only demonstrated its military strength but also its national character," Singh said in his address at the Shaurya Sandhay event on Thursday evening at the SMS stadium in Jaipur.

He explained that during Operation Sindoor, the actions taken against terrorists were carried out with careful consideration and a commitment to humanitarian values.

He said that Operation Sindoor emerged as a balanced military response amidst the uncertainties prevailing worldwide, and it will be remembered in history as a symbol of India's courage, strength, restraint and national character.

"Because of this approach, Operation Sindoor will be remembered in India's history not merely as a military operation but as a symbol of courage and balance," he said.

The defence minister congratulated the armed forces for the bravery displayed during the operation and reiterated that the operation remains ongoing as long as the ideology of terrorism persists.

"Operation Sindoor has not yet fully concluded. Our efforts towards peace will continue as long as the mindset of terrorism persists," he said.

Singh asserted that the terrorists could never have imagined the bravery and swift actions of the Indian Armed Forces in response to their threats.

"The situation was difficult, and there was pressure, but the restraint, unity and patience with which our soldiers executed the operation were unprecedented and praiseworthy," he said.

He said that the use of indigenous weapons during the operation underscored the fact that self-reliance is not a matter of pride but a necessity. He added that the nation has come a long way on the path of 'Aatmanirbharta', with the Armed Forces taking the lead and contributing significantly to this endeavour.

He further stressed the need to accelerate efforts to achieve the goal of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' in the future. Additionally, he underscored the importance of enhancing inter-service cooperation in light of the evolving nature of warfare.

Singh highlighted that the government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is equipping the Armed Forces with indigenous, state-of-the-art weapons and platforms tailored to India's needs.

He noted that domestic defence production, which was only Rs 46,000 crore in 2014, has increased to a record Rs 1.51 lakh crore. Similarly, defence exports, which were less than Rs 1,000 crore in 2014, have surged to approximately Rs 24,000 crore.

Mentioning that the world is going through a period where all established notions are being challenged, he asserted that it is more important to bolster the Armed Forces and ensure their modernisation and self-reliance.

Singh described the Indian Army as a beacon of indomitable courage, unwavering dedication & unparalleled sacrifice, and a shining example of unity in diversity, saying that soldiers from across the country, with different cultures and backgrounds, unite for a common goal at a young age.

"The Indian Army has made an invaluable contribution to strengthening the nation's social unity. It is not just a military force but a major pillar of nation-building. Most of the military forces around the world operate as a separate domain. But in India, the army works together with civilians," he said.

He also highlighted the contribution of Indian soldiers in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.

Singh noted that the government is committed to the welfare of the veterans. On the increasing role of women in the Armed Forces, he said earlier, women were recruited in support roles, but the prime minister envisioned expanding their role.

"Now, in the army, Permanent Commission is being granted to women, while the National Defence Academy has also opened its doors to them. Our effort is to continuously provide women with equal opportunities at par with their male counterparts in the Armed Forces," he added.

Singh's visit to Jaipur included an interaction with troops at the Jaipur Military Station.

During the Shaurya Sandhya event, the valour, tradition and operational readiness of the Army were showcased as part of the Army Day celebrations.

The event began with a paramotor show and the release of balloons. Displays of martial arts and traditional sports, including Kalaripayattu and Mallakhamb, highlighted the physical prowess, discipline, and rich martial heritage of the Indian Army.

A notable highlight of the show was a static performance by a 30-member Nepalese Army Band, which was also honoured by the defence minister on this occasion.

The evening culminated with an enactment of Operation Sindoor, a synchronised sight and sound show, followed by a drone display.

As part of the event, 50 NAMAN centres were virtually launched. Project NAMAN is designed to provide dedicated support and services to Army Veterans, Pensioners, Veer Naris and Next of Kin (NoK), offering SPARSH-enabled pension services, government-to-citizen services and business-to-consumer services at a single and convenient location.

Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Mizoram Governor General VK Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Rajasthan Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, South Western Army Commander Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, other senior Army officers, veterans and a large number of citizens were present in the programme. PTI SDA MPL MPL