Defence Minister calls Operation Sindoor ‘symbol of India’s willpower’
New Delhi, May 11: Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister on Sunday inaugurated the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow via video link, hailing both the occasion and India’s recent cross-border operation as reflections of the country’s strategic strength and self-reliance. In his virtual address, the Defence Minister described Operation Sindoor as “not just a military action, but a symbol of India’s political, social and strategic willpower.” He said the precision strikes following the terror attack in Pahalgam demonstrated the capability and determination of the Indian Armed Forces and served as justice for the victims of terrorism on Indian soil.
“Whenever India acts against terrorism, even land across the border is not safe for terrorists and their masters,” he said, referencing previous responses to cross-border attacks such as the surgical strikes after Uri and the air strikes following Pulwama.
He emphasised that Operation Sindoor followed the same principle under a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism, affirming that “this New India will take effective action against terrorism on both sides of the border.”
The defence minister stated that while Indian strikes targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir without harming civilians, Pakistan’s response deliberately targeted Indian civilian areas and religious sites. “Our Armed Forces displayed valour and restraint,” he said, adding that retaliatory Indian strikes extended deep into Pakistani territory, even near Rawalpindi, the location of Pakistan’s military headquarters.
Turning to the new facility, the defence minister said the BrahMos Integration and Testing Centre represents a major step towards India’s defence self-reliance and is a key milestone for the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). “This inauguration on National Technology Day is a landmark moment reflecting India’s growing innovative energy,” he said, noting that the centre aligns with global advances in high-end and frontier technologies.
Rajnath Singh called BrahMos as not just one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, but a message of the strength of the Indian Armed Forces, a message of deterrence to adversaries, and a message of the nation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its borders. He added that BrahMos is a confluence of top defence technologies of India and Russia. Quoting the Missile Man of India and former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam who had said ‘Unless India stands up to the world, no one will respect us. In this world, fear has no place, only strength respects strength’, the Defence Minister stated that India is one of the most powerful nations today and the centre will help in further strengthening India’s power.
The new 200-acre BrahMos complex will house facilities for integration of booster subassemblies, avionics, propellants and Ramjet engines. Administrative and design blocks are also planned. The facility is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment in the region, supporting industrialisation and skill development, particularly for students, engineers, and technical trainees.
Rajnath Singh said that the UPDIC has so far signed 180 Memoranda of Understanding with a proposed investment of Rs 34,000 crore, of which Rs 4,000 crore has already materialised. Investments have covered diverse areas including aircraft, UAVs, ammunition, critical materials, small arms, and textiles. Titanium and super-alloy plants by PTC Industries Limited are also underway in Lucknow, and foundations are being laid for seven additional critical defence projects.
“Make-in-India, Make-for-the-World is not just a slogan but a mission,” the Defence Minister said, adding that India’s goal is not only to meet domestic defence needs but also to become a global hub for defence exports. Citing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, he pointed out that global military expenditure rose to $2,718 billion in 2024, presenting a significant market opportunity for India.
He commended the Uttar Pradesh government, DRDO scientists, engineers, and all stakeholders for completing the project in just 40 months, and lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s efforts in making Lucknow a hub for defence manufacturing.
Speaking at the site, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister for supporting the vision of UPDIC and highlighted progress across all six nodes of the corridor. He called Operation Sindoor a clear message to the world that India will not tolerate terrorism and said, “There can be no solution to terrorism other than being absolutely crushed.”
The BrahMos complex, built with an investment of approximately Rs 300 crore, is also expected to drive the growth of ancillary industries and prevent outmigration by creating local employment opportunities. BrahMos Aerospace has selected 36 local trainees for the facility’s operation, five of whom were felicitated during the event.
Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brijesh Pathak, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat, BrahMos DG Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi, and other senior officials from the central and state governments were also present at the inauguration.
