Defence Minister Rajnath Singh firmly stated that the success of Operation Sindoor was not solely the result of military firepower, but more importantly, due to “seamless logistics management”. In today’s modern era of warfare, he explained, victory hinges on how swiftly and efficiently resources are moved and deployed, rather than just relying on guns and bullets. Operation Sindoor, he added, is a “vivid example of excellent logistics management.”

Addressing the convocation ceremony of Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in Vadodara virtually on July 27, 2025, the minister praised the way India’s defence logistics teams handled the massive movement of troops and equipment during the operation. He emphasized, “Seamless logistics management by our agencies – from mobilisation of the Armed Forces to delivering the equipment at the right time and place – was a deciding factor in the success of Operation Sindoor.”

He underlined a vital shift in perspective, urging everyone to view logistics not as a routine process of moving goods but as a strategic pillar of national strength. Singh elaborated that in situations ranging from wars and disasters to pandemics, even the strongest intentions can collapse without effective logistics. “Whether it’s the soldiers fighting on the border or personnel engaged in disaster management, without coordination or proper management of resources, even the strongest of intentions weaken. Logistics is the power that transforms chaos into control. Power is measured not only by weapons, but also by timely resource management. Be it war, disaster or global pandemic, the nation which keeps its logistics chain strong is the most stable, secure and capable,” he said.

He further highlighted the economic significance of logistics, calling it a major driver that connects every phase from pre-production to final consumption. Singh noted that logistics is not only a key contributor to India's GDP, but it was a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the nation had to transport lakhs of vaccines, oxygen cylinders, and medical personnel urgently across regions.

Speaking about the broader infrastructure growth, the Defence Minister highlighted that India has undergone remarkable infrastructure development in the past 11 years. This progress, he noted, wasn’t coincidental but was rooted in well-thought-out policy reforms and mission-mode initiatives. He observed that the transformation has brought not only improved physical connectivity but also boosted productivity, reduced logistics costs, and enhanced service delivery nationwide.

He credited the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for building a new foundation for the nation’s economy. “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. PM GatiShakti is not just a scheme, but a vision – which is making infrastructure futuristic through cutting-edge technology and data-based planning,” Singh said.

On the National Logistics Policy, Singh explained that it seeks to establish a logistics system that is efficient, integrated, and cost-effective, aimed at reducing India’s logistics costs to global standards. “The policy aims to bring down the current 13-14% logistics cost to the level of developed countries. This will increase the competitiveness of Indian products in domestic and global markets. Reduction in logistics cost will increase efficiency in all sectors and will boost value addition and enterprise growth,” he said.

Commending Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya’s role in this mission, Rajnath Singh praised the institution and its students for powering India’s progress with innovation and speed. “GSV, one of the most prestigious study centers in the country in terms of logistics, is not just an educational institution, it is an idea, a mission. It is giving concrete form to the national aspiration of taking India forward in a fast, organised and coordinated manner,” he stated.

He emphasized that digital tools, AI-enabled logistics systems, and sustainable freight technologies are no longer luxuries but essential components of national growth. He lauded the efforts of GSV and its students for taking strides in these transformative fields.

In an inspiring message to the graduating students, Rajnath Singh urged them to look beyond conventional job roles and become problem-solvers for the nation’s logistics challenges. “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,” he remarked.

GSV, which was founded in 2022 as a central university under the Ministry of Railways, aims to nurture world-class talent in logistics and transportation. Its first Chancellor is Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was present at the ceremony along with Vadodara MP Dr Hemang Joshi and Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Manoj Choudhary.