https://sputniknews.in/20260114/rajnath-singh-honors-veterans-hails-ipkfs-grit-in-sri-lanka-mission-10345469.html
Rajnath Singh Honors Veterans, Hails IPKF’s Grit in Sri Lanka Mission
Rajnath Singh Honors Veterans, Hails IPKF’s Grit in Sri Lanka Mission
Sputnik India
On the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday, hailed India’s veteran soldiers, remembering martyrs and saluting... 14.01.2026, Sputnik India
2026-01-14T17:40+0530
2026-01-14T17:40+0530
2026-01-14T17:40+0530
defenсe news
rajnath singh
sri lanka
narendra modi
india
new delhi
special military operation
military cooperation
ministry of defence (mod)
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.in/img/07ea/01/0e/10346602_0:181:2047:1332_1920x0_80_0_0_8ceb79bf5a04c46fc131b7deb6ee786c.jpg
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF), who served in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago during Operation Pawan, highlighting their courage and sacrifices despite the mission’s political challenges.“In Operation Pawan, the Indian Army showed great courage, bravery and strength. This should be an inspiration for our future generations,” Singh said during his address at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.Operation Pawan was the IPKF’s military effort from 1987 to 1990 to disarm the armed Tamil militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)* during the Sri Lankan civil war, following the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. The mission involved challenging guerrilla warfare across northern and eastern Sri Lanka. While politically controversial, the operation is remembered for the professionalism and sacrifices of Indian soldiers, many of whom laid down their lives.Singh said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is formally recognising the contribution of the IPKF peacekeepers.“Our government is not only accepting the contribution of the peacekeepers who took part in Operation Pawan, but is also trying to recognise them,” he said.Honouring veteran soldiers across generations, Singh described them as pillars of national consciousness and symbols of courage and dedication.He highlighted the lifelong commitment soldiers make from a young age, spending their prime years in harsh terrains—from Siachen’s icy heights to Rajasthan’s scorching deserts—prioritising national security over personal comfort.“At 20, when you joined, you did not just choose a profession. You took a decision as a soldier… giving priority to the nation over yourself… A soldier is taught to fight fear, endure fatigue and never back down,” Singh noted, emphasising that this rigorous life forges unbreakable character and dedication.* The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a Sri Lanka-based armed Tamil militant group banned in India.
https://sputniknews.in/20250923/india-sri-lanka-discuss-boosting-defence-cooperation-in-indian-ocean-9809787.html
sri lanka
india
new delhi
Sputnik India
feedback.hindi@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
2026
Sangeeta Yadav
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.in/img/07e6/0c/0f/110602_0:0:641:640_100x100_80_0_0_c298016a79eb02ef8caa9d1f688c12a5.jpg
Sangeeta Yadav
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.in/img/07e6/0c/0f/110602_0:0:641:640_100x100_80_0_0_c298016a79eb02ef8caa9d1f688c12a5.jpg
News
en_IN
Sputnik India
feedback.hindi@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sputnik India
feedback.hindi@sputniknews.com
+74956456601
MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“
Sangeeta Yadav
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.in/img/07e6/0c/0f/110602_0:0:641:640_100x100_80_0_0_c298016a79eb02ef8caa9d1f688c12a5.jpg
operation pawan, sri lanka, defence minister rajnath singh, indian peacekeeping force, ipkf,
operation pawan, sri lanka, defence minister rajnath singh, indian peacekeeping force, ipkf,
Rajnath Singh Honors Veterans, Hails IPKF’s Grit in Sri Lanka Mission
On the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans’ Day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday, hailed India’s veteran soldiers, remembering martyrs and saluting the lifelong service and sacrifices of the armed forces in safeguarding the nation.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF), who served in Sri Lanka nearly four decades ago during Operation Pawan, highlighting their courage and sacrifices despite the mission’s political challenges.
“The decision taken by the then government to send Indian forces to Sri Lanka can be debated. But the soldiers who took part in Operation Pawan and the sacrifices they made should have be honoured and respected,” Singh said, adding that the Indian Army displayed exceptional bravery during the operation.
“In Operation Pawan, the
Indian Army showed great courage, bravery and strength. This should be an inspiration for our future generations,” Singh said during his address at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
Operation Pawan was the IPKF’s
military effort from 1987 to 1990 to disarm the armed Tamil militant group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
* during the Sri Lankan civil war, following the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord. The mission involved challenging guerrilla warfare across northern and eastern Sri Lanka. While politically controversial, the operation is remembered for the professionalism and sacrifices of Indian soldiers, many of whom laid down their lives.
Singh said that under
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government is formally recognising the contribution of the IPKF peacekeepers.
“Our government is not only accepting the contribution of the peacekeepers who took part in Operation Pawan, but is also trying to recognise them,” he said.
Honouring veteran soldiers across generations, Singh described them as pillars of national consciousness and symbols of courage and dedication.
“You are not just a retired soldier from the service. You are a pillar of our national consciousness, a symbol of our collective courage and an inspiration to our future generations,” he said.
He highlighted the lifelong commitment soldiers make from a young age, spending their prime years in harsh terrains—from Siachen’s icy heights to
Rajasthan’s scorching deserts—prioritising national security over personal comfort.
“At 20, when you joined, you did not just choose a profession. You took a decision as a soldier… giving priority to the nation over yourself… A soldier is taught to fight fear, endure fatigue and never back down,” Singh noted, emphasising that this rigorous life forges unbreakable character and dedication.
* The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a Sri Lanka-based armed Tamil militant group banned in India.
