Operation Sindoor highlighted how indigenous defence capabilities are integral to enhancing operational readiness and strategic effectiveness of a nation, said President Droupadi Murmu as she asserted that a self-reliant country is better equipped to maintain its economic stability.
Addressing a group of officer trainees of Military Engineer Services (MES), who had called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, she said in today's world, marked by conflicts and geopolitical tensions, self-reliance has become a strategic necessity for nations.
"This was evident during Operation Sindoor, which highlighted how indigenous defence capabilities, advanced technology, and a robust domestic industrial base are integral to enhancing operational readiness and strategic effectiveness of a nation," the president said, addressing the officer trainees of 2023 and 2024 batches.
Further, she pointed out that MES forms the backbone of the defence infrastructure in India.
"By developing and maintaining strategic installations, it plays a vital role in strengthening the operational capabilities of our Armed Forces. The skill, dedication and hard work of the Military Engineer Service officers are fundamental to ensuring that our soldiers, sailors, and air warriors can perform their duties of defending the nation effectively and efficiently," she said, according to a release from the President's Secretariat.
Murmu said that women's participation in every field, including the armed forces and defence establishments, had increased significantly in recent years.
She noted that women across the Army, Navy, Air Force and supporting organisations were breaking barriers and excelling in roles that were once considered beyond their reach. She said their professionalism, leadership, courage and commitment had enriched the institutions and strengthened the country's national defence.
Expressing hope that women officers would be part of the upcoming batches of the MES, the President said a diverse and inclusive workforce not only reflected the values of the Constitution but also enhanced organisational effectiveness and innovation.
"Their professionalism, leadership, courage, and commitment have enriched our institutions
and strengthened our national defence. I hope to see women officers of MES in the upcoming batches."
