Operation Sindoor will go down as example in humanity's fight against terrorism: President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday lauded as historic the Indian military response to Pakistan-sponsored terror attack in Pahalgam and said it would go down in history as an example in humanity's fight against terrorism.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the 79th Independence Day, Murmu described the killing of innocent citizens on a holiday in Kashmir as cowardly and utterly inhuman and said India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve.

"Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity’s fight against terrorism," she said.

The President also noted the national unity in the wake of the attack terming it India's biggest strength against the enemy.

The world, she said, has taken note of India’s stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens.

Murmu added that Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector.

"The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India’s defence history since Independence," she said.

In the backdrop of a tariff war with the US, the President spoke of the Indian economy being the fastest growing major economy.

She said India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence, and with a GDP growth rate of 6.5 per cent in the last fiscal, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world.

"Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health. This is as much due to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management as due to the hard work and dedication of our workers and farmers," she said, noting how several people had been pulled out of poverty.

Speaking of the need to root out corruption, the President said India is moving ahead towards that future with sustained good governance, and zero tolerance for corruption.