Delhi, 11 May (H.S.): Operation Sindoor was highlighted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during a virtual address on May 11, 2025, at the inauguration of the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the operation as a testament to India's resolve against terrorism, displaying the Armed Forces' commitment to justice for terror attack victims. It serves as proof that terrorists are not safe even beyond India's borders. Singh cited India's surgical strikes post-Uri and air strikes post-Pulwama, illustrating decisive responses to terrorism.
He detailed that Operation Sindoor aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir while protecting civilians. He contrasted this with Pakistan's attacks on Indian civilian areas. The Armed Forces received commendation for their valor, having targeted various military bases in Pakistan, including those near Rawalpindi's military headquarters.
Singh also discussed the newly inaugurated BrahMos facility, which will enhance India’s defense self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) and create jobs, contributing to regional socioeconomic growth. On National Technology Day, he lauded BrahMos as one of the fastest supersonic cruise missiles globally, a reflection of India’s defence capabilities, developed through collaboration between India and Russia.
He recognized the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) for generating significant employment and supporting India's defense industry vision. With 180 MoUs signed and an investment of Rs 34,000 crore planned, the corridor focuses on sectors like aircraft manufacturing and ammunition. Singh reinforced the 'Make-in-India, Make-for-the-World' vision, positioning India as a future global defense export leader, amidst a forecasted rise in global military spending. The BrahMos facility inauguration marks a crucial step towards establishing India in the global defense arena.
Rajnath Singh praised the Uttar Pradesh government's initiatives under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and acknowledged the efforts of DRDO scientists and engineers in completing a project in just 40 months. He highlighted the necessity for consistent progress in defense objectives and lauded the state's development ecosystem, including the UPDIC and the DRDO Defense Technology & Test Centre in Lucknow. At the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defense Minister Singh for their roles in designating Lucknow as a defense manufacturing hub. He believed that the new facility would bolster the Make-in-India campaign, encourage self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), and attract investments in defense.
Yogi affirmed the commitment to enhance defense manufacturing across all six nodes of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC), outlining various public and private sector projects in progress. The Chief Minister pointed to Operation Sindoor, framing it as a resolute stance against terrorism, advocating for total eradication.
A key highlight is the establishment of the 200-acre BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow, which will focus on integrating critical components like Booster subassemblies and engines. The investment of around Rs 300 crore aims to boost skill development for local industries and entrepreneurs, fostering a robust defense ecosystem while providing employment opportunities for local ITI students and graduates.
BrahMos Aerospace has appointed 36 trainees to manage operations at the center, with five receiving commendations from the Chief Minister. Notable attendees included Deputy Chief Ministers and various state and central officials.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
