New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday stressed the importance of unity between the Army and the police in ensuring national security, saying both forces share the same spirit in protecting the country.
Addressing the Police Commemoration Day programme at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, Singh drew on his experience as both Home Minister and Defence Minister to highlight the vital role of the police and armed forces in maintaining India’s security.
“I have had the opportunity to observe the operations of the police up close as Home Minister, and now, as Defence Minister, I closely observe the actions of the Army. Both the Army and the police are pillars of the nation’s security. Whoever the enemy may be—whether across the border or within—it is the same spirit that drives every individual standing up for India’s safety,” Singh said.
He said that as India enters the Amrit Kaal and aims to become a Viksit Bharat by 2047, balancing internal and external security is more important than ever. “The military and police may have different platforms, but their mission is the same—national security,” he emphasised.
Praising the police for their dual role, Singh said, “Today, the police have to fight not only crime but also perception. It is commendable that our police, along with their official duty, are fulfilling their moral responsibility as well. Citizens have confidence that the police will stand with them when something goes wrong.”
The Defence Minister expressed regret that police contributions had long gone unrecognised but credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for changing that. “For a long time, we didn’t fully recognise the sacrifices of the police. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the National Police Memorial was established in 2018, and the force has since been equipped with modern weapons and better facilities,” he said.
Singh paid homage to the brave police personnel who laid down their lives in service to the nation. Police Commemoration Day, observed on October 21 each year, marks the sacrifice of ten policemen who were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959.
The National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, dedicated to the nation in 2018, honours their legacy. It features a 30-foot-high granite monolith symbolising strength and sacrifice, along with the ‘Wall of Valour’ and a museum chronicling the history of Indian policing.
Commemorative events are organised annually across the country between October 22 and 30, including visits by families of fallen personnel, police band displays, motorcycle rallies, blood donation drives, and exhibitions celebrating the valour and service of India’s police forces.