President Droupadi Murmu said the nation witnessed "terrible violence" during India-Pakistan partition and paid tributes to the victims of the horror.
Addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day, President Murmu said, "Today we observed Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas. Terrible violence was witnessed, and millions were forced to relocate due to partition. Today, we pay tributes to the victims of the follies of history."
The president lauded Operation Sindoor and called the Pahalgam terror attack "utterly inhuman." Murmu said India responded to the attack with steely resolve. "Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe, Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity’s fight against terrorism," she said.
The president said India's unity in the aftermath of the attack was a befitting response to those who wanted to divide us. "Our unity was on display also in the multi-party delegations of the Members of Parliament that reached out to various nations to explain India’s position. The world has taken note of India’s stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens."
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President Murmu added that Operation Sindoor was also a test case of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. "Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements," she said.
On India's economy, President Murmu said, "India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence." She added, "Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health."