Tried And Tested

Operation Sindoor validated decades of India'sindigenous R&D efforts, placing Indian PSUs and private firms at the heart of a self-reliant, export-ready military-industrial ecosystem

- By Ajun Yadav

PRIME MINISTER Narendra Modi's visit to the Adampur Airbase in Jalandhar on May 13 was strategically significant. It was his first trip outside Delhi since the launch of Operation Sindoor and the May 10 ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan. The visit spotlighted the Indian Air Force's precision strikes, especially by the Western Command, which targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border on May 7 and hit key Pakistani air bases on the intervening night of May 9-10.

One photo from the visit sent a clear message: the S-400 air defence system standing intact behind Modi as he addressed the troops. This directly countered Pakistan's claim that it had damaged the Adampur base and destroyed the S-400. On the night of May 7-8, Pakistan launched drones and missiles at military targets in northern and western India. These were intercepted by India's Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and air defence systems.

During the operation, the Russian S-400 and the French Rafale dominated headlines. However, as details of the operation were officially shared, it became clear that indigenous defence systems played a decisive role. While foreign platforms supported India's response, homegrown technologies formed the backbone of both offensive and defensive actions.

In his May 12 national address, Modi praised the performance of Made-in-India defence equipment, calling it a turning point. “India has Showcased its excellence in new-age warfare. The time has come for 'Made in India' defence equipment,” he said.

While defence stocks shot up in the initial days of the commencement of the operation, the real rally followed Modi’s address which acted like a trigger for investors to place their bets on the sector.