Seamless logistics management key to Op Sindoor's success: Rajnath Singh

India Today

17 hours ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing an event on Sunday, credited seamless logistics management as the deciding factor in the success of Operation Sindoor, stating that wars today are won not just with weapons, but with the timely delivery of resources.'Seamless logistics management by our agencies – from mobilisation of the Armed Forces to delivering the equipment at the right time and place – was a deciding factor in the success of Operation Sindoor,' said the Defence Minister, while virtually addressing the convocation ceremony of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Vadodara.advertisementHe emphasised that logistics should be viewed through the prism of strategic importance. 'Whether it's the soldiers fighting on the border or personnel engaged in disaster management, without coordination or proper management of resources, even the strongest of intentions weaken. Logistics is the power that transforms chaos into control. Power is measured not only by weapons, but also by timely resource management,' he said.
The Defence Minister highlighted logistics as a crucial element in national stability, security and capability. 'Be it war, disaster or global pandemic, the nation which keeps its logistics chain strong is the most stable, secure and capable,' he emphasised.The Defence Minister underlined the importance of logistics in economic development, calling it a key pillar that connects every step from pre-production to consumption. He cited the role logistics played during the COVID pandemic, enabling the movement of vaccines, oxygen cylinders, and medical teams during critical times.He said that India has seen unprecedented infrastructure development over the last 11 years, driven by policy reforms and mission-mode projects. This, he added, has improved economic productivity, reduced logistics costs, and enhanced service delivery.'Under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, seven powerful pillars of development like Railways, Roads, Ports, Waterways, Airports, Mass Transport and Logistics Infrastructure are together giving a strong foundation to India's economy. PM GatiShakti is not just a scheme, but a vision – which is making infrastructure futuristic through cutting-edge technology and data-based planning,' Singh said.Referring to the National Logistics Policy, he stated that the initiative aims to build an integrated, efficient and cost-effective logistics network. 'The policy aims to bring down the current 13–14% logistics cost to the level of developed countries. This will increase the competitiveness of Indian products in domestic and global markets,' he said. 'Reduction in logistics cost will increase efficiency in all sectors and will boost value addition and enterprise growth.'On Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Singh said, 'GSV, one of the most prestigious study centers in the country in terms of logistics, is not just an educational institution, it is an idea, a mission. It is giving concrete form to the national aspiration of taking India forward in a fast, organised and coordinated manner.'advertisementHe described digitisation, automation, real-time tracking, AI-enabled logistics forecasting, and sustainable freight systems as national necessities, and appreciated the efforts of GSV and its students in these areas.The Defence Minister urged students to become problem-solvers. 'For India to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, one of the things we need is smart logistics systems. No country can become developed until goods, services and people move fast and easily in the country,' he said.Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, established in 2022 as a central university under the Ministry of Railways, is dedicated to creating world-class talent in the logistics and transportation sectors. Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw is its first Chancellor. He was present at the event along with Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi and Vice-Chancellor Professor Manoj Choudhary.- EndsMust Watch