President Murmu Says Operation Sindoor Sent Clear, Firm Message to Terrorists, Supporters
President Droupadi Murmu on August 14, 2026, said Operation Sindoor had delivered a clear and forceful message to terrorists and those who support them, describing the military action as a decisive demonstration of India’s capability to respond to terrorism.
In her address to the nation on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, the President referred to the first anniversary of the operation, which was launched on May 7, 2025. She praised the armed forces for their courage and said the operation had shown India’s ability to carry out precise military action against terrorism.
According to President Murmu, the message of Operation Sindoor was that terrorists and their supporters would face consequences no matter where they tried to hide. Her remarks reflected the government’s continued focus on countering terrorism and the networks that aid it.
The President also described India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty as a decisive step taken in the national interest, particularly in light of Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism. She linked the issue to the importance of water resources for Indian agriculture and for farmers.
Turning to internal security, Murmu said the country had made notable progress in dealing with Left-Wing Extremism and described the reported end of Maoism as a major achievement. She said development and wider public participation had taken root in areas that were once affected by insurgency.
She cited the Bastar Olympics as an example of that change, noting that the event drew participation from a large number of sportspersons and also gave artists a platform to display their talent. The President presented it as evidence of how development, sport and community engagement are increasingly coming together in regions that had earlier seen violence.
President Murmu also spoke about India’s growing sports ecosystem, saying the country’s improved results at international sporting events were linked to initiatives such as Khelo India and to higher investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.
In her remarks on governance and civic life, she underlined the importance of Jan Bhagidari, or public participation, saying citizen involvement remains central to India’s democratic tradition. She said people continue to play an important role in supporting national welfare programmes and contributing to the country’s development.
The President further said that a rising sense of cultural pride was strengthening India’s collective confidence. She stressed the need to balance the country’s heritage with its development goals as it moves ahead.
Her Independence Day-eve message combined tributes to the armed forces and references to national security with a wider emphasis on development, public participation, sports and cultural confidence as India prepared to mark its 80th Independence Day.
