Billionaire Gautam Adani on Tuesday said drones and anti-drone systems made by his conglomerate played a frontline role in Operation Sindoor — the precision counter-terror strike launched by Indian Armed Forces in direct retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack.“Operation Sindoor called, and we delivered,” Adani told shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting.According to Adani, loitering munitions manufactured by Adani Defence conducted precision strikes while its counter-drone units were deployed to protect Indian assets from retaliatory threats. “Our drones became the eyes in the skies as well as the swords of attack, and our anti-drone systems helped protect our forces and citizens,” he said, as quoted PTI.Developed in collaboration with Alpha Design Technologies — in which Adani Defence holds a 26% stake — and Israel’s Elbit Systems, the SkyStriker loitering munition or kamikaze drone can carry 5–10 kg warheads, fly silently at low altitudes up to 100 km, and precisely strike targets.“As I have always believed — we don’t operate in safe zones. We operate where it matters — where India needs us the most,” Adani added.He opened his address by saluting India’s soldiers, stating, “This year, during Operation Sindoor, our brave men and women in uniform stood tall. Not for fame, not for medals — but for duty. Their courage reminded us that peace is never free, it is earned. And that the freedom to dream, to build, and to lead — stands firmly on the shoulders of those who protect.”Referring to the counterstrike, Adani said, “India understands the value of peace. But if someone dares to threaten it, India also knows how to respond in their own language.”At the AGM, Adani said the world had undergone dramatic change over the past year with more than 60 nations going to polls, alliances being tested and economies shaken. Yet, amid global volatility — wars in the Middle East, economic stumbles in Europe, and challenges in the US — India continued to outpace major economies, he noted, reported PTI.“This is not a coincidence. It is the result of vision. Of intent. Of policy,” he said. “The Indian Government, both at the Centre and across the states, has laid down the foundation for a truly historic transformation — not for a few, but for an entire nation whose best chapters are just beginning.”Adani reaffirmed the group’s commitment to its national mission and announced a record capital investment pipeline across key sectors. Despite global headwinds, including US regulatory scrutiny, he asserted that the group continues to uphold global governance standards.“No one from the Adani Group has been charged with violating the FCPA or conspiring to obstruct justice,” he said, adding, “Truth often speaks softer than negativity but carries more weight.”Financially, the Adani Group posted revenue of Rs 2.71 lakh crore and adjusted EBITDA of Rs 89,806 crore, maintaining a healthy net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 2.6x. Annual capital expenditure is projected to reach $15–20 billion over the next five years.“And our numbers tell their own story,” Adani said. “Even in a year of turbulence, we saw record-breaking revenue, unprecedented growth and historic profitability. We are proof of a group that dares to dream beyond constraints and powered by a nation that breathes possibility into every tomorrow ahead of us.”
