Page 48 - NIS English 1-15 June, 2026

Cover Story

Years
of Vikas Yatra

Rashtra Pratham

An Empowered, Prosperous, and Secure India

रााष्ट् राक्षाा समंं पुुण्यंं, रााष्ट्राक्षाासमंं व्रतमं ्

ै
रााष्ट् राक्षाा समंं यज्ञोो, दृष्टोो नैव च नैव च
ै
Meaning: There is no virtue, no vow, and no sacrifice greater than the defense of one’s nation.
To secure its land borders spanning over 15,000 kilometers across seven neighboring nations and its
maritime boundaries—extending beyond 7,500 kms—India today conducts its effective foreign policy
guided by the principle of ‘Nation First,’ while simultaneously advancing toward self-reliance in the defense
sector. The Central Government remains not only resolute but also deeply committed to a policy of ‘Zero
Tolerance’ against terrorism. The world witnessed this unwavering resolve following the terrorist attack on
the military camp in Uri, just as it did after the cowardly assault on the CRPF convoy in Pulwama. Just last
year—on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, 2025 ‘Operation Sindoor’ sent a clear message to the world:
India does not seek war, but terrorism will not be tolerated under any circumstances. India—the land of the
Buddha—has consistently conveyed the message that it places its faith not in war, but in the Buddha; that
is to say, in peace. While it is essential for any nation to possess robust military strength, neither war nor
military might constitutes the sole prerequisite for becoming a true global power. Over the past twelve years,
whether through the global propagation of Yoga, the branding of unique international image, emerging as a
beacon of support for both its own citizens and people across the globe during times of crisis, transforming
a global calamity like COVID-19 into an opportunity to set an example for the world, or spearheading a new
revolution in self-reliance within the defense sector—India is steadily forging a new identity for itself as a
formidable soft power.

46 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || June 1-15, 2026