Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasised the crucial role of civil servants in strengthening India’s national security framework, citing Operation Sindoor as a model of civil–military coordination while addressing the valedictory ceremony of the 100th Common Foundation Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie.
Operation Sindoor: A Benchmark of Civil–Military Fusion
Calling Operation Sindoor a “brilliant example of civil–military fusion,” the Raksha Mantri said the operation demonstrated seamless coordination between the Armed Forces and administrative machinery in building public confidence and communicating vital information. He urged young civil servants to stay prepared for critical situations with the same readiness as soldiers.
Balanced Response During Border Tensions
Rajnath Singh noted that the Armed Forces neutralised terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in a balanced and non-escalatory response. He said India aimed for stability, but the neighbouring country’s actions prevented normalcy along the border. He praised soldiers’ courage and commended administrative officers for conducting nationwide mock drills and ensuring timely flow of information.
Civil Servants Central to India’s 2047 Vision
Linking governance with national security, he stressed deeper administrative–defence coordination to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Recalling the Prime Minister’s governance mantra of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” and “Reform, Perform, Transform,” he said civil servants are crucial to India’s economic and developmental rise.
India’s Economic Rise and the Role of Integrity
Highlighting India’s leap from the 11th-largest economy in 2014 to the 4th-largest today, he noted projections that India may become the third-largest economy within two to three years. Reminding officers that they are “people’s servants, not platonic guardians,” he urged them to uphold integrity and foster a governance culture where honesty becomes routine.
Technology as an Enabler of Transparent Governance
Encouraging trainees to innovate in a tech-driven era, he highlighted initiatives such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Direct Benefit Transfer, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and Faceless Assessment. He mentioned the Ministry of Defence’s AI-based SAMPURNA system that enhances transparency in defence procurement and payments. He emphasised that technology should increase accessibility, inclusivity, and transparency.
Empathy as the Foundation of Public Service
The Raksha Mantri underscored the importance of empathy and people-centric governance. Officers, he said, must understand that many struggles arise from wider social and economic structures, not individual failure.
Women’s Growing Leadership in Civil Services
Celebrating the rise of women in governance, he noted that the latest UPSC results were topped by a woman, with three of the top five ranks secured by women. He expressed confidence that by 2047, many women will lead India’s administrative machinery as Cabinet Secretaries.
LBSNAA’s Role in Shaping India’s Administrators
Calling the Foundation Course a commitment to building a sensitive and capable governance system, he praised LBSNAA’s comprehensive training ecosystem. He recalled the legacy of Lal Bahadur Shastri, describing the academy as a symbol of courage, simplicity, and integrity.
Tributes and Pavilion Inauguration
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also inaugurated an ODOP Pavilion on the academy premises to promote local products and regional craftsmanship.
