New Delhi: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced the inaugural session of the third edition of the Indian Army’s Seminar, ‘Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025’, in New Delhi today (November 27, 2025).
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the Indian Armed Forces have exemplified professionalism and patriotism in guarding the sovereignty of India. During every security challenge, whether conventional, counter-insurgency or humanitarian, our forces have displayed remarkable adaptability and resolve. The recent success of Operation Sindoor stands as a defining moment in our counter-terror and deterrence strategy. The world took note not only of India’s military capability but of India’s moral clarity to act firmly, yet responsibly, in the pursuit of peace. Beyond its operational role, the Indian defence forces remain a pillar of national development. Apart from strengthening our frontiers, they have also helped in border area development through infrastructure, connectivity, tourism and education.
The President said that today’s geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly. The international system is being rewritten by contesting power centres, technological disruptions and shifting alliances. New domains of competition – cyber, space, information and cognitive warfare are blurring the lines between peace and conflict. She stated that guided by our civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we have shown that strategic autonomy can coexist with global responsibility. Our diplomacy, economy and armed forces together project an India that seeks peace, but is prepared to protect its borders and its citizens with strength and conviction.
The President was happy to note that the Army is transforming itself through quantifiable deliverables under the Decade of Transformation. It is reforming structures, re-orienting doctrines and redefining capabilities to be future-ready and mission-capable across all domains. She expressed confidence that these defence reforms will help in making India self-reliant.
The President noted that the Army is investing in youth and human capital. It is instilling patriotism in youth through education, NCC expansion and sports. She underlined that the expansion of the contribution of young women officers and soldiers, both in role and character, would promote the spirit of inclusion. It will also inspire more young women to join the Indian Army and take up other professions.
The President expressed confidence that the discussion and outcome of Chanakya Defence Dialogue-2025 will provide valuable insights to policymakers for shaping the future contours of our national policy. She was also confident that our armed forces will continue to strive for excellence and move ahead with resolve and determination to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
