Ajit Doval on Operation Sindoor: “Show Me One Photo of Damage on Indian Side” – NSA Hails Indigenous Tech at IIT Madras Convocation

Referring to the much-discussed cross-border operation, Doval said,
“We selected nine terrorist targets deep inside Pakistan—not just along the border—and missed none. Not a single strike went astray. It was so precise we knew exactly who was where. The entire mission lasted just 23 minutes, from 1:05 am to 1:28 am.”

Doval criticized misleading narratives in the foreign press, challenging them to present proof of any damage on Indian territory.
“They claimed Pakistan retaliated, but I ask you—can they show even one photograph, one image, that proves damage was done to India?” he questioned.

Pride in Indigenous Systems: BrahMos, IACCS, and Beyond

Highlighting the use of Indian-made military assets in Operation Sindoor, Doval said:
“We are extremely proud—not only of the operation’s outcome—but of how our indigenous systems performed. Whether it was the BrahMos missile, or the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), our technologies proved their reliability under pressure.”

Doval credited these achievements to India’s growing capability in homegrown defence and aerospace innovation. He argued that such capabilities are not just a matter of pride but a strategic necessity, especially in an era of evolving technological threats.

2020 Turning Point: India Rejects Imported 5G for National Security

Reflecting on a critical policy shift post-2020, Doval revealed that India made a decisive move to indigenise its entire communication infrastructure, especially 5G technology, citing data security and strategic independence.

“We decided we will not import 5G technology. The Chinese spent 12 years and $300 billion to build it. We didn’t have that time or money—but we had vision and talent,” Doval said.

He recounted turning to IIT Madras, led by Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, and India’s private tech sector to make this vision a reality.
“In just two and a half years, India achieved a fully indigenous 5G ecosystem. There is no foreign component in our core systems today. We owe this to IIT Madras, the private sector, and other committed Indian institutions,” he stated.

Trusted Sources for Every Component: A National Security Imperative

Doval further elaborated on India’s new "trusted source" policy for all components related to national security and data infrastructure.
“Even a screw used in any sensitive system must now come from either within India or a source we absolutely trust. That’s the level of control we’ve built into our security systems,” he said.

He credited Prof. Kamakoti for establishing this rigorous vetting mechanism, ensuring that all hardware used in defence and critical systems passes through national filters.
**“This is about more than just Make in India—it’s about Secure in India,” Doval emphasized.

Doval’s Personal Note: Reluctance, Responsibility, and a Message to the Youth

Beginning his address with humility, Doval admitted he rarely makes public appearances and was initially reluctant to attend the event.
“When Director Kamakoti invited me, I hesitated. But I had a small, important message to share, and I thought this was the right platform,” he said.

He urged young graduates to carry forward the mission of innovation and national service.
“We cannot afford to lose the technology battle. The future of India lies in your hands—not just to innovate, but to safeguard the nation with your knowledge,” he concluded.

Operation Sindoor, though largely kept out of the public domain, has now taken center stage in India’s national security discourse, with Doval’s remarks drawing attention not just to India’s military preparedness but also its rapid strides in self-reliant technology development.

The NSA’s comments underline a broader national strategy—where defence, innovation, and cybersecurity are increasingly seen as interconnected pillars of a secure and sovereign India.