Operation Sindoor reflected India’s commitment to righteous conduct in war, says Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (December 31, 2025) said that even during Operation Sindoor, India upheld the principle of righteousness embodied by Lord Rama, with the Army acting with restraint and resolve while taking precise action against terrorists.

Addressing a gathering in Ayodhya after installing the Dharm Dhwaja atop the spire of the Maa Annapurna Temple within the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, Mr. Singh said the Indian Army had “acted with restraint and resolve, taking precise and purposeful action to teach terrorists a lesson by striking their hideouts.” The event coincided with the second anniversary of the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram, observed as Pratishtha Dwadashi.

The Defence Minister said every street and intersection of Ayodhya resonated with the spirit of Lord Ram. “The spiritual radiance is no longer confined to Ayodhya alone, but has spread across the whole of Awadh and the nation. This sacred land has endured immense sacrifice. The consecration in Ayodhya is the consecration of India’s spiritual power. The present generation is fortunate to have witnessed this historic moment,” he said.

Describing the Ram temple movement as a 500-year-long peaceful struggle with no parallel in history, Mr. Singh said, “May this flag of Sanatana Dharma continue to fly as long as the sun and the moon endure. May Lord Ram guide us all on the path of duty.”

Referring to development works in Ayodhya, the Minister said the city was witnessing rapid transformation. “In addition to the construction of the Shri Ram Temple, Ayodhya is experiencing swift development through improved air, rail and road connectivity. This is generating new opportunities in trade and industry. This transformation is not limited to Ayodhya alone but is extending across the entire Awadh region,” he said, congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for what he described as visionary leadership under the double-engine government.

Earlier, Mr. Singh, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offered prayers at Hanuman Garhi and later had darshan at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

Mr. Adityanath said it was a moment of pride to witness Lord Ram Lalla at the Janmabhoomi after 500 years and to see the temple taking shape. He said that before 2017, Ayodhya lacked basic amenities such as electricity and water. He added that devotees were earlier punished for chanting “Jai Shri Ram”, whereas today pilgrims from across India and abroad were visiting Ayodhya in large numbers.

“The number of visitors, which once stood at a few lakh, has crossed 45 crore in the last five years. The city now has an international airport, double-line railway connectivity and significantly improved infrastructure. Roads that were once single-lane have been expanded into four-lane highways, ensuring seamless connectivity from all directions,” the Chief Minister said.