Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said national security today extends beyond safeguarding territorial borders and includes protecting communities, the environment and citizens, as he lauded the work of Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) during a photo exhibition organised by the organisation in collaboration with Centre for Land Warfare Studies at the Manekshaw Centre.
Addressing the event in the national capital, Singh said the concept of a strong India was now closely linked to ensuring safety and resilience in disaster-prone and strategically sensitive regions such as the Himalayas.
“Today, when we talk about the empowerment and security of the entire India, it does not remain limited merely to the protection of borders, but it also becomes connected to the security of our society, our environment, and our citizens. An empowered India is one where borders are secure, communities are confident, and the protection of every life is ensured in times of disaster,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of TMR’s role in the Himalayan region, the Defence Minister said the organisation had emerged as a crucial support system for both the armed forces and civilians operating in difficult terrain. “In the remote and sensitive region like the Himalayas, Tiranga Mountain Rescue is not limited to rescue operations alone, but it is a strong pillar of support for our armed forces, trust of local communities, and national resilience,” he said.
Praising the organisation’s expertise in high-altitude rescue operations, Singh said TMR had successfully brought global standards of rescue training and operational knowledge to India’s mountainous regions.
“TMR has brought world-class training and practical knowledge to the ground in the field of high-altitude rescue. TMR has not only played a support role, but has carved out its place as a force multiplier,” he said.
The Defence Minister said TMR personnel had repeatedly supported soldiers operating in harsh weather and difficult terrain, often stepping in when natural conditions became life-threatening.
“The people of Tiranga Mountain Rescue are those whose presence provides strength to our armed forces. Our soldiers endure all kinds of hardships at the border. Sometimes, nature itself stands before them like an enemy. In such situations, it is these mountain rescuers who risk their lives to safely extract them,” he said.
“And now, civilians have also joined in this effort. Whether it’s a trekker, a local, or a worker, the TMR team is always ready for everyone. It is this spirit of service that sets TMR apart,” he said.
Referring to TMR’s institutional partnerships, Singh said the organisation had emerged as one of India’s leading rescue institutions through collaborations with the Army, National Disaster Response Force and various military commands.
“Today, through MoUs with our army, NDRF, and various commands, TMR is counted among India’s leading, premier rescue institutions. But I would like to say that your true achievement is even greater than what the statistics show. You have instilled faith in people. You have boosted the morale of soldiers.
You have made the communities living in the Himalayan region realize that they are not alone. Rescue is not just about saving lives, but about reviving people’s faith,” he said.
Emphasising the strategic significance of the Himalayan region, Singh said the safety of people living there was directly linked to national security.
“We must understand that the security of the Himalayas and the security of human life in the Himalayas are interconnected. Only if our border areas are secure, prosperous, and confident will our borders also be strengthened. Therefore, the work of institutions like TMR is not limited merely to rescue. You are also indirectly strengthening border stability, community confidence, and national resilience,” he added.
The photo exhibition highlighted TMR’s rescue missions and contributions in high-altitude emergency response operations across the Himalayan region.
