In her Republic Day address, the President highlighted the success of Operation Sindoor as a testament to India's growing self-reliance in the defense sector. She emphasized that the operation, launched in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, showcased the country's ability to act decisively and protect its citizens.

Operation Sindoor was launched in May 2025 as a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians were killed. The attack, perpetrated by Pakistan-backed terrorists, targeted innocent tourists and aimed to incite communal violence. India responded with precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure across the border, demonstrating its zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.

The President noted that Operation Sindoor not only demonstrated India's military capabilities but also its "moral clarity to act firmly, yet responsibly in the pursuit of peace". She highlighted the world's recognition of India's stance: "we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defense of our citizens".

A key aspect of Operation Sindoor was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defense. The President emphasized that the operation served as a "test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector". The success of the operation proved that India is on the right path toward achieving self-sufficiency in meeting its security requirements through indigenous manufacturing.

India's defense sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with a focus on domestic production and reducing reliance on imports. The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative has been instrumental in this shift, encouraging local innovation and building a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem. The government has also earmarked a significant portion of the capital procurement budget for domestic suppliers, creating a long-term revenue pipeline for companies in the defense sector.

This focus on self-reliance has led to impressive growth in indigenous defense production, reaching a record Rs. 1.54 lakh crore in 2025. Defense exports have also seen a boost, growing approximately 12% to Rs. 24,000 crore. Over 65% of India's defense equipment is now produced domestically, a remarkable shift from being one of the world's largest arms importers.

President Murmu's address underscores the importance of continued investment in research and development, strengthening local supply chains, and fostering deeper global ties to further enhance India's defense capabilities. By promoting self-reliance and innovation, India aims to not only meet its current security needs but also emerge as a leading player in the global defense manufacturing landscape.