Rajnath Singh Calls for Army-Police Unity to Safeguard Nation

Speaking at the Police Memorial Day program at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, Singh highlighted the vital role of the police and armed forces in maintaining India’s security, drawing on his experience as both Home Minister and Defense Minister.

“As the Home Minister, I had the opportunity to closely observe the operations of the police and now as the Defense Minister, I closely observe the actions of the Army. Both the Army and the police are the pillars of the security of the country. It is the same spirit that makes every individual stand up for the security of India, no matter who the enemy is – be it across the border or at home,” Singh said.

When entering India he said Amrit Kaal aims to be and Viksit Bharat By 2047, balancing internal and external security is more important than ever. “The military and the police may have different platforms, but their mission is the same; national security,” he emphasized.

Praising the police for their dual role, Singh said, “Today, the police need to fight not only crime but also perception. It is commendable that our police fulfill their moral responsibility as well as their official duty. Citizens have confidence that the police will be with them when something goes wrong.”

The Defense Minister expressed regret that police contributions went unnoticed for long but credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for changing this. “For a long time, we could not fully appreciate the sacrifices of the police. Under Prime Minister 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 tribute to the brave police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation. Police Commemoration Day, celebrated every year on October 21, commemorates the sacrifice of ten police officers who were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh in 1959.

The National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, dedicated to the nation in 2018, honors their legacy. There is a 30-metre-high granite monolith here, symbolizing strength and sacrifice, along with the ‘Wall of Courage’ and a museum chronicling the history of the Indian police force.

Commemorative events are held every year between 22 and 30 October across the country, including visits by families of deceased personnel, police band performances, motorcycle parades, blood donation drives and exhibitions celebrating the bravery and service of Indian police forces.