New Delhi, Aug 1 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday attributed the success of Operation Sindoor to the seamless coordination between the armed forces and the civilian arms of the Ministry of Defence.
Speaking at the 84th Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day in New Delhi, Singh emphasised that national security is a collective responsibility requiring robust civil-military cooperation.
Addressing civilian personnel at DRDO Bhawan, the minister said that wars in the modern era are fought not just by soldiers, but by the entire nation. He described the AFHQ Civilian Services as a critical pillar of India’s integrated defence structure, noting their consistent role in both day-to-day administration and emergency situations.
“We cannot afford even minor lapses in today’s volatile global security climate,” Singh said, urging personnel to embrace innovation, agility, and ethical conduct as part of their working culture.
Referring specifically to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the operation’s success was underpinned by the strong administrative and logistical backing of civilian departments. He highlighted that the AFHQ Services provide institutional continuity and domain knowledge that are essential during crisis responses and long-term policy planning.
He also underscored the need for ongoing skill development within the services. “Training must go beyond technical know-how and include value-based education that aligns personal conduct with national interests,” he added.
As part of the event, Singh unveiled the upgraded website of the Office of the Joint Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer (www.caomod.gov.in), aimed at improving access to official services for MoD employees. He also released Viksit Bharat@2047: Karmikon Ke Vichar—a collection of essays by MoD staff—and the latest issue of Samvad, the AFHQ’s in-house magazine.
Awards were presented to AFHQ personnel and their children for outstanding performance in academics and sports. The event was attended by top military and defence officials, including the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as senior MoD administrators.
AFHQ Day is observed every year on August 1 to celebrate the contributions of civilian staff working across various branches of the Ministry of Defence.(KNS).
