New Delhi, India – Seamless logistics management played a decisive role in the triumphant execution of Operation Sindoor, declared Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today. Addressing the convocation ceremony of Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) virtually, the Defence Minister asserted that modern conflicts are not merely won by firepower, but by the time-bound delivery of resources.
"Be it war, disaster or global pandemic, the nation which keeps its logistics chain strong is the most stable, secure & capable," Shri Singh emphasized, underscoring the strategic imperative of efficient logistics. He highlighted that Operation Sindoor stands as a vivid example of excellent logistics management, from the mobilization of Armed Forces to the precise, timely delivery of equipment.
Logistics: A Strategic Pillar for National Strength and Economic Growth
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh urged a shift in perspective, viewing logistics not just as a process of delivering goods, but through a prism of strategic importance. He stressed that without proper coordination and resource management, even the strongest intentions can falter, whether for soldiers on the front lines or personnel engaged in disaster management.
"Logistics is the power that transforms chaos into control. Power is measured not only by weapons, but also by timely resource management," he stated, reinforcing the critical role institutions like GSV play in fueling India's 21st-century aspirations.
Beyond defence, Shri Singh underscored logistics as a fundamental pillar of the country's economic progress. Connecting every step from pre-production to consumption, logistics significantly contributes to India’s GDP, both directly and indirectly.
He cited the crucial role it played during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the rapid distribution of vaccines, oxygen cylinders, and medical teams across the nation.
India’s Infrastructure Revolution and PM GatiShakti
Raksha Mantri also lauded the unprecedented infrastructure development India has witnessed over the last 11 years. This transformative journey, he noted, is built upon a foundation of holistic policy reforms and mission-mode projects, leading to enhanced physical connectivity, increased economic productivity, reduced logistics costs, and improved 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," Shri Rajnath Singh articulated.
He described PM GatiShakti as not merely a scheme, but a visionary approach that leverages cutting-edge technology and data-based planning to create futuristic infrastructure.
Towards a Cost-Effective and Digitized Logistics Ecosystem
Speaking on the National Logistics Policy, Raksha Mantri highlighted its goal of establishing an integrated, efficient, and cost-effective logistics network. The policy aims to drastically reduce the current logistics cost from 13-14% of GDP to the level of developed countries, thereby boosting the competitiveness of Indian products in both domestic and global markets. This reduction, he added, will enhance efficiency across all sectors, fostering value addition and enterprise growth.
Shri Rajnath Singh also commended the vital role played by Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in shaping the nation's future. Describing GSV as more than just an educational institution, he termed it "an idea, a mission" that is giving concrete form to the national aspiration of propelling India forward in a fast, organized, and coordinated manner. He emphasized the national necessity of digitization, automation, real-time tracking, AI-enabled logistics forecasting, and sustainable freight systems, applauding GSV's pioneering efforts in these domains.
Exhorting students to become innovative problem-solvers rather than merely job-seekers, Raksha Mantri concluded, "For India to become Viksit Bharat by 2047, one of the things we need is the smart logistics systems. No country can become developed until goods, services and people move fast and easily in the country.” GSV, established in 2022 under the Ministry of Railways, continues its mission to cultivate world-class talent for India's crucial logistics and transportation sectors.
Source - PIB (Release ID: 2149047).