Rajnath Singh Salutes Armed Forces Veterans, Calls Them India’s Greatest Strength

On Armed Forces Veterans’ Day in Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a powerful message highlighting the deep respect India holds for its soldiers and veterans. He said that the true strength of a nation is not defined by policies or schemes on paper, but by the social consciousness with which it honours those who have served in uniform. Calling veterans India’s greatest “social capital”, he said their sacrifice connects generations and strengthens the very soul of the nation.

The Defence Minister underlined that respect for soldiers in India flows naturally from the country’s cultural values, not from official instructions. From children to the elderly, every Indian instinctively honours those in uniform, and it is encouraging to see the younger generation proudly carrying this tradition forward. He assured veterans that the government remains fully committed to ensuring their lives are lived with dignity, security and a sense of fulfilment.

Rajnath Singh also noted that India’s growing global stature is now widely recognised, with the world paying close attention when the country speaks on international platforms. In such a time, he said, the experience, leadership and values of veterans are invaluable to the nation, especially for inspiring and guiding India’s youth.