Drass, July 26 (JKNS): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that India will hold no talks with Pakistan except on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), while reaffirming that every threat to the country’s sovereignty will be met with a strong and decisive response.
Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorative function at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Singh, as per news agency JKNS, said any future dialogue with Pakistan would only be on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
“Any future dialogue with the neighbouring country would only be on the issue of PoK,” the Defence Minister said.
Singh alleged that Pakistan has institutionalised terrorism as part of its state policy and said there is no distinction between its military establishment and terrorist organisations.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the Indian Armed Forces had delivered a strong response to terrorists and their supporters, demonstrating India’s capability to retaliate with even greater force against any hostile act.
“Every attempt to threaten India’s sovereignty will be met with a befitting response from our armed forces,” he said.
Paying rich tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, Singh described the conflict as not only a military and diplomatic victory but also a defining moment that showcased the courage, determination and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers before the world.
He said the names of the martyrs engraved at the Kargil War Memorial represent every region, religion and community of the country, reflecting India’s unity and sending a strong message to those attempting to divide the nation.
Drawing a comparison between India and Pakistan, the Defence Minister said India is progressing through innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and space exploration, while Pakistan continues to promote terrorism, radicalisation and cross-border infiltration.
“India is building semiconductors, startups, satellites and digital infrastructure, whereas Pakistan is nurturing terrorism and proxy warfare,” he said, adding that the Indian Armed Forces remain fully prepared to counter every hostile design.
Recalling the sacrifices of the Kargil War heroes, Singh said many soldiers were in their early twenties with dreams and aspirations, yet willingly laid down their lives in service of the nation.
He also remembered the immense grief and sacrifice of the families of the fallen soldiers, including their mothers, wives and children.
On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Defence Minister paid homage to all soldiers who sacrificed their lives to safeguard India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing them as devoted sons of Mother India whose courage and sacrifice will continue to inspire generations. (JKNS)
