No Talks Except on PoK
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan except on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he asserted is an integral part of India. Speaking at the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras, Ladakh, Singh said, “There will be no talks with Pakistan, and any dialogue will focus solely on the PoK.” He warned Islamabad against any misadventure, citing the success of Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s capability to respond with overwhelming force.
Singh emphasised that every nefarious act against India’s sovereignty would be met with the same resolute response demonstrated by Indian defence forces during Operation Sindoor. He stated, “The success of Operation Sindoor is proof that India possesses the capability to respond to Pakistan’s every misadventure with a severity far beyond its imagination.”
Sharp Contrast Between India and Pakistan
Drawing a stark contrast between the two nations, Rajnath Singh highlighted divergent paths in the 27 years since the Kargil War. “While India is exploring new avenues of innovation, Pakistan is seeking new routes for infiltration. India is engaged in chip design, whereas Pakistan is busy designing terror. India is building a start-up ecosystem, while Pakistan is constructing a terror ecosystem. India is manufacturing semiconductors, while Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers,” he said.
He further elaborated, “India is recognised for space missions, while Pakistan is running proxy missions. India is sending satellites into space, whereas Pakistan focuses on sending terrorists across the border. India is providing software to the world, while Pakistan is exporting sleeper cells. India is establishing data centers, while Pakistan is setting up radicalisation centres. India is connecting the world through UPI, while Pakistan is linking terrorism with hawala networks. In short, our paths diverge; should Pakistan attempt to obstruct our path to prosperity with its nefarious designs, our defence forces stand ready to deliver a befitting response.”
Singh accused Pakistan of blurring the line between its military and militant groups, making terrorism a state policy. “In Pakistan, the distinction between the military and militants has vanished, with the country making terrorism a part of its state policy. Pakistan’s military not only shelters terrorist organisations but also works with them. That is why during Operation Sindoor, we made it clear that India no longer views terrorists and the governments that nurture them as separate entities,” he stated.
Tribute to Kargil Heroes
The defence minister paid homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, remembering Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. He termed Kargil Vijay Diwas a day of inspiration for every young person who seeks to understand the distinction between personal success and national duty. “This day reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by our bravehearts to defend the motherland,” he said.
Singh laid a wreath at the cenotaph and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of those who fell during Operation Vijay. Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Northern Command GOC-in-C Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, 14 Corps GOC Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande, and 8 Mountain Division GOC Major General AP Singh also joined in paying respects.
Resolve and Shared Responsibility
Rajnath Singh emphasised that conflicts in West Asia and the Russia-Ukraine war have tested not only defence forces but also the resilience and resolve of nations. He asserted that while India has a strong military, safeguarding national security is a shared responsibility of every citizen. “The Centre possesses the political will to give the defence forces a free hand to respond decisively to threats. No adversary will dare cast a hostile eye on India while our soldiers guard the nation’s borders,” he said.
The minister’s remarks underscored India’s firm stance on PoK and its readiness to counter any aggression, reinforcing the message of national unity and military preparedness on the solemn occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
