National Security Advisor Ajit Doval delivered a firm and spirited defense of India’s military precision during Operation Sindoor, challenging foreign media outlets to show even a single image of damage to Indian infrastructure. Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Doval emphasized that not a single intended target in Pakistan was missed during the May 7 operation, which was carried out in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 that left 26 dead. He underlined the accuracy and restraint of Indian forces, noting that all nine terrorist targets across Pakistan were struck with pinpoint precision, without harming any civilian or Indian asset. “You tell me one image that shows even a broken glass pane on our side,” he declared, directly naming The New York Times for its reporting.

Doval praised India’s use of indigenous technologies during the operation, from BrahMos missiles to battlefield surveillance systems and integrated air command. He highlighted how the mission was a demonstration of India’s growing self-reliance in strategic capabilities, asserting that the entire 23-minute operation was driven by home-grown systems and intelligence. “Much of it was driven by indigenous content,” he said proudly, reinforcing the government’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defense sector. He also lauded the collaborative efforts between public institutions like IIT Madras and the private sector in closing the technology gap with global powers. For example, India developed its own 5G in just two and a half years—compared to China’s 12-year timeline and massive $300 billion expenditure.

The convocation also saw Padma Vibhushan awardee Padma Subrahmanyam commend Operation Sindoor as an embodiment of India’s valor, linking it to the ethos of the Bhagavad Gita. Doval, in turn, told the graduating class that modern warfare is inseparable from technology, and insisted that India must insulate its systems from adversarial influences. He stressed the importance of developing trusted, in-house tech infrastructure, especially in data and security-related areas. A total of 3,661 degrees, including 529 PhDs and joint degree doctorates, were conferred during the ceremony. The event concluded with a powerful message — that India’s future in both national defense and technological leadership rests on self-reliance and strategic clarity.