Dras (Ladakh), July 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the success of Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s capability to respond to every act of aggression by Pakistan with a force “far beyond its imagination.” Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations in Dras, he reiterated that India would not hold any talks with Pakistan, and if any dialogue takes place, it would be limited to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India under Pakistan’s illegal occupation.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said every attempt to undermine India’s sovereignty would be met with the same decisive response that the Indian Armed Forces delivered against terrorists and their supporters with exceptional courage and determination.
Rajnath Singh alleged that Pakistan has erased the distinction between its military establishment and terrorist groups by making terrorism an instrument of state policy. He said the Pakistani military not only shelters terrorist organisations but also works in coordination with them. During Operation Sindoor, India made it clear that it no longer views terrorists and the governments supporting them as separate entities, he added.
Highlighting the contrasting trajectories of the two countries over the past 27 years since the Kargil War, Rajnath Singh said India is advancing through innovation and technological progress, while Pakistan continues to promote infiltration and terrorism. He said India is designing advanced semiconductor chips, developing a thriving start-up ecosystem, manufacturing semiconductors, launching satellites, exporting software, building data centres, and connecting the world through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). In contrast, he alleged, Pakistan is designing terror networks, nurturing a terror ecosystem, preparing suicide bombers, supporting proxy operations, exporting sleeper cells, creating centres for radicalisation, and using hawala networks to finance terrorism.
The Defence Minister asserted that the Central Government has given the Armed Forces complete operational freedom to respond decisively to any threat. He expressed confidence that no adversary would dare challenge India while its soldiers remain vigilant on the nation’s borders.
Paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, Rajnath Singh remembered the bravery of all fallen heroes, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. He described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a day of inspiration, saying it reminds the nation that sacrifice and service form the foundation of a strong and united country.
He noted that the Kargil War Memorial represents the unity of India, with martyrs from every region of the country making the supreme sacrifice for the nation. According to him, the memorial stands as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity and its collective resolve against those who threaten national security.
Referring to ongoing global conflicts in West Asia and between Russia and Ukraine, Rajnath Singh said such wars test not only military strength but also the resilience and determination of nations. He stressed that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of every citizen and urged people to embrace the spirit of “Nation First.” While clarifying that every Indian need not become a soldier, he said every citizen should be mentally, morally, and physically prepared to support the nation whenever required.
The Defence Minister said the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 extends beyond economic development and includes strategic strength, cultural pride, and social harmony. He emphasised that this goal can only be achieved by adopting the same commitment and sense of duty demonstrated by the heroes of the Kargil War.
Highlighting the government’s focus on defence preparedness under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh said border infrastructure is being continuously strengthened while the Armed Forces are being modernised to meet emerging security challenges. He recalled that the Kargil conflict underscored the need for constant vigilance along India’s borders in every season and under all circumstances.
Speaking on defence self-reliance, Rajnath Singh said India has significantly reduced its dependence on imports. He stated that while the country earlier imported nearly 65 to 70 per cent of its defence equipment, today about 65 per cent is manufactured domestically. He highlighted indigenous defence platforms, including the Akash-Teer air defence control system, next-generation Akash missile, INS Vikrant, Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, Arjun Main Battle Tank, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, Astra air-to-air missile, and advanced drone and counter-drone systems. Quoting Captain Vikram Batra’s famous slogan, “Yeh Dil Maange More,” he said the government remains committed to accelerating indigenous production of advanced weapons, next-generation fighter aircraft, submarines, and missile systems.
During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial Cenotaph and observed a moment of silence in memory of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay in 1999.
He was joined by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, GOC 14 Corps Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande, and GOC 8 Mountain Division Major General A.P. Singh in paying homage to the Kargil War heroes. Senior military and civil officials, Kargil War veterans, gallantry award recipients, Veer Naris, families of martyrs, and local residents also attended the Shradhanjali Samaroh.
The Defence Minister also signed the Visitors’ Book, witnessed “Gaurav Gatha,” a presentation by two Non-Commissioned Officers recounting the bravery and determination of Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay, inaugurated the Virtual Walkthrough Portal to provide greater public access to the history of the Kargil War, and visited the Hut of Remembrance and Veer Bhoomi to pay his respects to the fallen heroes.