New Delhi: India has proven that strength can be used responsibly and wisely as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor, President Droupadi Murmu said Wednesday.
The operation, she asserted in her address to a joint session of Parliament on the first day of the Budget Session 2026-27, showed India’s valour with the government giving a strong message that any terror attack will invite resolute and decisive action.
The President also outlined the Union government’s vision for social justice, inclusive growth, and a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
The Parliament session will be held in two phases, the first part of which will commence on Wednesday and end 13 February. The second part, which will see a debate on the Budget, will commence 9 March and continue till 2 April.
Murmu also stressed on the fact that a fearless mindset is essential for national security. Operation Sindoor, she said, highlighted the bravery of the Indian armed forces. Terror hubs were destroyed using indigenous resources, she added.
Emphasising zero tolerance towards terrorism, Murmu said the government’s response to attacks would remain strong and decisive. India must neither intimidate others nor live in fear, she said, referring to the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru.
“Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji taught us ‘bhay kahun ko deit nehn nehn bhay manat aan’. It means we should neither scare someone nor be scared of someone. With this fearless mind and spirit, we can ensure the country’s security,” the President said.
“India has proven that strength can be used responsibly and with wisdom. Through Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed the valour of the Indian armed forces. With its own resources, our country destroyed terror hotbeds.”
The President highlighted future defence preparedness, saying that work was underway on Mission Sudarshan Chakra to strengthen India’s security system.
“My government gave a strong message that the response to all attacks on India will be strong and decisive. The Indus Water Treaty has been kept in abeyance, and this is a part of our fight against terrorism. To further strengthen the security system of our country, work is also being done on Mission Sudarshan Chakra,” she added.
For employment and development in rural areas, the President said, the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G law has been formed. “With this new reform, there will be 125 days of employment guarantees in villages.”
As soon as the President made a mention of G-RAM-G ,the MPs of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including those of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), thumped their tables in appreciation. In contrast, the Opposition MPs stood up in a mark of protest and demanded that the law be withdrawn.
In her speech, the President quoted poet Rabindranath Tagore to drive home the point on self-reliance. “Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had said that independence is incomplete until a self-reliant life is lived. Towards making India ‘aatmanirbhar‘, my government is making continuous and concrete steps. Today, the products made with Make in India vision are reaching different markets across the world,” she said.
Old rules are being changed keeping in mind future needs, she said. “The government is moving on the path of ‘Reform Express’.”
Murmu said that the welfare of backward communities is the government’s priority and that it has been working in that direction.
Highlighting the achievements of the NDA government, the President said that it is succeeding in building a system free from corruption and scams. “As a result, every single rupee of taxpayers’ money is being spent on the nation’s development and public welfare. Today, India is making unprecedented investments in modern infrastructure.”
The government is committed to social justice in the country, she said.
“With the year 2026, our country has reached the second phase of this century. For India, the first 25 years of the century have concluded with many successes, proud achievements, and valuable experiences.
“Over the past 10-11 years, India has strengthened its foundation across various sectors… Babasaheb Ambedkar always emphasised equality and social justice. Our Constitution also inspires us in the same direction, that true social justice means ensuring that every citizen of the country receives their full rights, without any discrimination,” she said.
The President highlighted how the government is working for Dalits, the backward classes, the tribal community and ‘everyone with complete sensitivity’.
“The vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas is having a positive impact on the lives of every citizen,” she said, adding that while social security schemes reached only 25 crore citizens in 2014, about 95 crore Indians now have access to social security benefits.
The President further called for a united Parliament to work towards a Viksit Bharat and urged MPs cutting across party-line for a civil discussion in Parliament to work towards a stronger democracy and India’s development.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament that took place in July-August, 2025 was heavily disrupted, with significant portions washed out due to opposition protests.
(Edited by Tony Rai)