Israel envoy joins President, PM, Rajnath to hail Indian soldiers’ ‘indomitable courage and sacrifice’

NEW DELHI: Israeli ambassador to India Reuven Azar joined President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan and several other political and military leaders in praising the Indian Army’s bravery and saluting its courage on the Army Day.

The 78th Army Day parade was organised in Jaipur, marking the fourth time the event was hosted outside Delhi to decentralise the programme and take the parade to every part of the country. It was the first time the parade was held in a non-cantonment area.




President Murmu, also the commander of the Indian armed forces, noted that the Army has consistently upheld the highest traditions of professionalism, commitment, and bravery, whether in safeguarding the nation's borders or saving lives during natural calamities. She also commended the Army for its remarkable success in Operation Sindoor.

Modi saluted the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. “Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country,” he said on X. He also said the country remembers with deep respect those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Rajnath saluted the force’s courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and integrity. On the occasion in Jaipur, Rajnath said, “Operation Sindoor emerged as a balanced military response amidst the uncertainties prevailing worldwide, and it will be remembered in history as a symbol of India’s courage, strength, restraint & national character,” he said.

CDS Chauhan and Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi also extended greetings to all ranks, families, veterans and veer naris, remembering the organisation's role in Operation Sindoor.

NEW DELHI

While praising the Army, Reuven Azar reaffirmed cooperation between India and Israel. On X, he said that the partnership between the two countries focuses on counter-terrorism, technology, and innovation. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi also paid their respects to soldiers.

Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said in Jaipur, “The Indian Army is moving forward as a future-ready force, possessing well-trained soldiers, modern equipment, and multi-domain operational capabilities. Technology is being used to make the soldier even more capable." He also underscored the need for indigenous equipment, calling it a “strategic necessity”. He said that there has been a clear shift in the Indian Army's thinking in the last few years.

Operation Sindoor established a “new normal”, according to the Army chief. “It demonstrated the Indian Army's ability to respond with speed, coordination and precision. The operation reflected a mature and confident force, capable of safeguarding national interests through measured, firm and responsible action,” he said.

A wide range of hi-tech weapons, kamikaze drones, newly-raised battalions like Bhairav Battalion and advanced anti-missile systems used in Op Sindoor made their debut at this year’s parade. Artillery and rocket capabilities were also on display, with several missile and launcher systems, including BrahMos, Pinaka, BM-21 Grad, Smerch and the indigenous Akashteer on show.

Gen Dwivedi also said the Indian Army is continuously upgrading its capabilities and building ‘super specialists’ in preparation for future warfare.
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