Drass, Ladakh, July 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday declared that India will not engage in any dialogue with Pakistan except on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), asserting that the country remains fully prepared to respond decisively to every threat against its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Singh said any future discussions with Pakistan would be confined solely to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which he described as an integral part of India under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Reiterating India’s firm stand against terrorism, the Defence Minister accused Pakistan of institutionalising terrorism as a matter of state policy, stating that there is no distinction between its military establishment and terrorist organisations operating from its soil.
He said India’s armed forces, through Operation Sindoor, had delivered a strong and effective response to terrorists and those supporting them, demonstrating the nation’s capability to retaliate with even greater force against any act of aggression.
“Every attempt to challenge India’s sovereignty will be met with a befitting and powerful response from our armed forces,” Singh asserted.
Paying glowing tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War, the Defence Minister described the victory as not only a remarkable military and diplomatic achievement but also a defining chapter in India’s history that showcased the unmatched courage, determination and patriotism of the Indian Armed Forces before the world.
He said the names of the martyrs inscribed on the Kargil War Memorial represent every region, religion and community of the country, symbolising India’s unity in diversity and sending a strong message to forces attempting to divide the nation.
Drawing a sharp contrast between India and Pakistan, Singh said India is moving ahead with innovation, technological advancement, entrepreneurship, semiconductor manufacturing, digital infrastructure, startups and space exploration, while Pakistan continues to promote terrorism, radicalisation, proxy warfare and cross-border infiltration.
“India is creating data centres, satellites and cutting-edge technologies, while Pakistan continues to nurture terror networks and extremist infrastructure,” he said, adding that the country’s armed forces remain fully equipped and vigilant to counter every hostile design.
Recalling the sacrifices of the Kargil heroes, Singh said many of the soldiers who fought in the war were in their early twenties with dreams and aspirations, yet they willingly laid down their lives in defence of the nation. He also remembered the immense pain and sacrifice borne by the families of the martyrs, including their parents, wives and children.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Defence Minister paid heartfelt homage to all brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while safeguarding India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing them as immortal heroes whose courage, patriotism and supreme sacrifice will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
He reaffirmed that the nation remains forever indebted to its armed forces and their unwavering commitment to protecting the country’s unity, security and honour. (KNC)
