After the controversial statement of Prithviraj Chavan, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Minister of State for PMO (2004-10) in the Manmohan Singh government, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has called on the top commanders of the Air Force to learn a lesson from Operation Sindoor (6-10 May) and to be alert and always ready to deal with every future challenge. Emphasizing the importance of a thorough understanding of the enemy’s offensive and defensive capabilities to maintain a decisive edge, the Defense Minister told the commanders that during ‘Operation Vermillion’, the Armed Forces strongly demonstrated India’s ability to take high-impact and short-term decisive action.
On Thursday, Rajnath Singh was addressing the half-yearly commanders’ conference of the Indian Air Force in the capital Delhi. The Defense Minister described the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a technologically advanced, operationally agile, strategically confident and future-oriented military force. The Defense Minister appreciated the courage, speed and precision displayed by the Indian Air Force in destroying the terrorist camps during the operation and also praised the Air Force for effectively countering Pakistan’s ‘irresponsible response’ following the attacks. He underlined the deep confidence of the public in the armed forces, especially the air defense capabilities.
Ruckus due to Prithviraj Chavan’s statement on Operation Sindoor
It is noteworthy that senior Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan had given a statement on the night of Operation Sindoor (6-7 May) regarding the loss caused to the Indian Air Force, which has created an uproar. On Thursday, Union Minister of State (Energy) Shripad Naik had also lodged an objection to Chavan’s statement. Naik had said that no senior leader of the opposition should make any such statement in public, which is harmful for the soldiers and countrymen.
‘Operation Sindoor proved the decisive power of the Air Force’
Expressing his views on the changing nature of war, Rajnath Singh said that the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel-Hamas war, Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor are strong proofs of the fact that the Air Force has emerged as a decisive force in the contemporary scenario. The Defense Minister said, ‘The Air Force provides any leadership with the ability to give a clear strategic message to the enemy that every necessary step will be taken to protect national interests. He said that on the strength of speed, reach and accuracy, air power has become a very effective means of achieving national objectives through military means.
