India seeks peace but also stands ready to defend its borders: Prez

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said India’s diplomacy, economic strength and armed forces collectively present a nation committed to peace while remaining fully prepared to defend its borders and citizens. Praising the armed forces for their “professionalism and patriotism”, she said the recent success of Operation Sindoor represents a pivotal moment in India’s counter-terrorism and deterrence strategy. Addressing the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, the President said, “The Indian armed forces have exemplified professionalism and patriotism in guarding the sovereignty of India. During every security challenge, be it conventional, counter-insurgency or humanitarian, our forces have displayed remarkable adaptivity.” “The recent success of ‘Operation Sindoor’ marks a defining moment in our counter-terrorism and deterrence strategy. The world took note of not only India’s military capability but of its moral clarity to act firmly yet responsibly in the pursuit of peace,” she added. The President said that she was pleased that, beyond their operational role, the defence forces continue to serve as a “major pillar of national development”, contributing significantly to infrastructure, education and other initiatives in border regions. Emphasising fast-changing geopolitical dynamics, President Murmu said, “The international system is being rewritten by contesting power centres, technological disruptions and shifting alliances. New domains of competition, cyberspace information and cognitive warfare are blurring the lines between peace and conflicts.”