Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude towards the soldiers who protect India's borders with national pride. He emphasized that the principle of 'security first' stems from the concept of 'India first'. Singh acknowledged the unique duty and responsibility of soldiers who face the risk of death every day. He highlighted that many soldiers come from ordinary, poor families and join the Army out of their passion for serving the country. The Maruti Veer Jawan Trust honored 131 martyred soldiers by providing Rs 2.5 lakh financial assistance to their families.