Murmu added, “I am happy to know that beyond its operational role, the Indian defence forces remain a strong pillar of national development. Apart from strengthening our frontiers, they have also helped in border area development through infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, and education.”

The President also said the global system was being reshaped by competing power centres, rapid technological shifts, and changing alliances.

She noted that new areas of competition — cyber, space, information, and cognitive warfare — were increasingly blurring the boundaries between peace and conflict. She highlighted the Army’s push to transform itself under its ‘Decade of Transformation’ plan.

“It is reforming structures, re-orienting doctrines, and redefining capabilities to be future-ready and mission-capable across all domains. I am confident that these defence reforms will help in making India self-reliant,” she said.

Praising Army initiatives involving younger generations, she said, “It is instilling patriotism in youth through education, NCC expansion, and sports. The expansion of the contributions of young women officers and soldiers, both in their roles and in their character, would promote the spirit of inclusion. It will also inspire more young women to join the Indian Army and take up other professions.”

She added that she believed the armed forces would continue to pursue excellence and work with determination toward the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

President’s Praise

• India’s values and strategic autonomy align with global responsibility

• The nation seeks peace but will defend its borders with conviction

• Armed forces praised for professionalism, adaptability, and patriotism

• The military contributes to border development, connectivity, and education

• Global order is shifting amid new power rivalries and tech disruptions

• Future conflicts will unfold in cyber, space, information, and cognitive domains

• The Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ is making the force future-ready and self-reliant