Monday 25th May, 2026
Surgical Strike displayed nation’s valour and new policy and strategy, says President
New Delhi, Jan 31: (UNI) President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday hailed government’s decision to undertake the unprecedented surgical strike against Pakistan-based terrorists in 2016 and said the move had highlighted government’s “New Policy” on matters concerning national security.
“Badaltey hue Bharat ney Seema par atankiyon ke thikano par Surgical Strike karke apni nayi Niti aur nayi Riti ka parichaya diya hae (In the changing times, the country undertook the Surgical Strike and displayed strongly the New Policy on national security),” the President said in his address to the Joint Sitting of Parliament.
Mr Kovind also referred to the Rs 80,000 crore special package announced for Jammu and Kashmir and said Rs 66,000 crore has been spent already on infrastructure, education and health.
“My Government is committed to the equitable development of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir. As a result of the efforts of my Government, an environment favourable to development has been created in the state,” he said.
Mr Kovind also said recently, in Jammu and Kashmir, elections to Urban Local Bodies after an interval of 13 years and in Panchayats after seven years have been conducted peacefully with more than 70 per cent voters participating enthusiastically.
“In the International context, while India is a staunch supporter of friendly ties with all countries, there is also a need to constantly strengthen our capabilities to tackle any challenges. Through the surgical strike on cross border terror posts, India has shown its new policy and strategy,” he said.
“Last year, India joined the handful of countries that possess the Nuclear Triad capability,” he said.
The President also said that the defence forces and their morale symbolise the prowess of the India of the 21st century.
“Not only has the Government fulfilled the demand for One Rank One Pension that had been pending for four decades, but it has also disbursed arrears amounting to more than Rs 10,700 crore to 20 lakh ex-servicemen,” President said.