No Talks with Pakistan Except on PoJK, Says Rajnath Singh at Kargil Vijay Diwas; Hails Operation Sindoor

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reiterated that there would be no talks with Pakistan and that any dialogue in the future would be held only on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras, in the Kargil district of Ladakh, Rajnath Singh said that the success of Operation Sindoor is proof that India possesses the capability to respond to every misadventure by Pakistan with a severity far beyond its imagination.

He reiterated that there would be no talks with Pakistan and that any dialogue would focus solely on PoJK, which, he said, is an integral part of India that has been illegally occupied by Pakistan.

The Defence Minister stated that every nefarious act against India's sovereignty would be met with the same resolute response that the Indian Armed Forces delivered to terrorists and their patrons during Operation Sindoor with unmatched bravery.

Rajnath Singh asserted that, 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 said.

He added that 27 years after the Kargil War, the paths of India and Pakistan have diverged sharply.

• India is exploring new avenues of innovation; Pakistan is seeking new routes for infiltration.
• India is engaged in chip design; Pakistan is busy designing terror.

• India is building a start-up ecosystem, while Pakistan is constructing a terror ecosystem.
• India is manufacturing semiconductors; Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers.
• 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 centres, whereas Pakistan is setting up radicalisation centres.
• India is connecting the world through UPI, while Pakistan is linking terrorism with hawala networks.

"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," the defence minister said.

"India is manufacturing semiconductors; Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers. 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 centres, whereas 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," he stated.

Rajnath Singh asserted that the Central Government possesses the political will to give the defence forces a free hand to respond decisively to threats, expressing confidence that no adversary would dare cast a hostile eye on India while its soldiers guard the nation's borders.

Singh paid glowing tributes to India's gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the motherland during the 1999 Kargil War. He remembered the countless bravehearts, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, who continue to inspire the nation, especially its youth.

He described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a day of inspiration for every young person who seeks to understand the distinction between personal success and national duty.

"This day teaches us that the spirit of sacrifice and service forms the backbone of any nation," he said.

Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Kargil War Memorial reflects the entirety of India, as the fallen heroes represented every region of the country.

"This wall of unity, despite our diversities, stands tall against those who wish to harm us," he said.

He emphasised that conflicts such as those in West Asia and between Russia and Ukraine have tested not only the capabilities of defence forces but also the resilience, patience and resolve of nations.

He asserted that while India has a strong and capable military, safeguarding national security is a shared responsibility of every citizen. Stressing the importance of the spirit of 'Nation First', discipline and a sense of duty, he said every Indian should possess a soldier-like consciousness.

"I am not suggesting that every citizen must become a soldier. However, should the nation ever face a situation requiring the direct or indirect support of its people, every Indian must be mentally, morally and physically prepared to step forward in defence of the country. Just as every soldier is first and foremost an Indian, the courage, discipline and patriotism of a soldier must always remain alive within every Indian," he added.

Rajnath Singh underlined that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 extends beyond economic prosperity, describing it as a commitment to strategic strength, cultural pride and social harmony. He stressed that this vision can be realised only by embracing the same dedication and sense of duty exemplified by the heroes of the Kargil War in every sphere of nation-building.

Singh highlighted that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accords the highest priority to national security and the welfare of soldiers.

"The Kargil War has taught us that we must remain ever vigilant at our borders in every season and under all circumstances," he said, adding that border infrastructure is being continuously strengthened, while equal emphasis is being laid on modernising military capabilities in line with changing times to enhance operational efficiency.

Drawing inspiration from Captain Vikram Batra's iconic catchphrase, "Yeh Dil Maange More", Rajnath Singh asserted that rapid strides are being made towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence production and that the government remains committed to accelerating this progress.

"When our government assumed office, India used to import 65 to 70 per cent of its defence equipment. Today, we are manufacturing 65 per cent of our defence equipment on Indian soil," he said.