Defense Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong message from the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. Rajnath Singh stated that India will not hold any talks with Pakistan until talks are held on the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which is an integral part of India but is currently under illegal occupation.
Speaking at the Kargil Vijay Diwas event, Singh said that Pakistan has made terrorism an official tool of its government policy, and there is no real distinction between its army and the terrorist groups it supports. He warned that the armed forces will respond strongly to any attempt to threaten India’s sovereignty.
Rajnath Singh emphasized that the Indian Army has already inflicted a crushing defeat on terrorists and their supporters through Operation Sindoor, which demonstrates India’s readiness and capability to respond with overwhelming force to any hostile act.
Paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1999 Kargil War, the Defense Minister said that the conflict was not only a military and diplomatic victory, but also a shining example of the courage, determination, and sacrifice of Indian soldiers before the world. He said that the names inscribed on the memorial represent every region, religion, and community of India—a great example of national unity against those who seek to divide the country.
Noting the stark difference between the two countries nearly 27 years after Kargil, Singh said that India is rapidly progressing through innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, semiconductor manufacturing, startups, satellite and digital infrastructure. In contrast, Pakistan is promoting terrorism, radicalism, proxy wars, and cross-border infiltration. He remembered the young soldiers, many of whom were in their twenties and with unfulfilled dreams, who willingly gave their lives, and the deep grief of their families. On this day of remembrance, Singh saluted the dedicated sons of Mother India whose valour continues to inspire the nation and whose sacrifices safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country.