Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that the success of Operation Sindoor reflects India’s growing military capability and determination to respond firmly to any threat against its sovereignty. Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations at Dras, he stated that any future engagement with Pakistan would focus only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India.
Highlighting the government’s resolve to counter cross-border terrorism, the Defence Minister said that India’s armed forces had demonstrated their ability to deliver a strong response against terrorists and their supporters. He alleged that Pakistan’s military and militant organisations operate in coordination, making no distinction between terrorist groups and those supporting them.
“Operation Sindoor has shown that India possesses the capability to respond to every misadventure with a force far beyond the adversary’s expectations,” Singh said, adding that the armed forces remain prepared to protect the nation’s territorial integrity.
India’s Development Path Contrasts with Pakistan’s Approach:
Drawing a contrast between India’s progress and Pakistan’s policies, the Defence Minister said India is focused on innovation, technology, manufacturing and economic growth, while Pakistan continues to pursue activities linked to infiltration and terrorism.
He highlighted India’s achievements in areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, space technology, start-ups, digital infrastructure and defence production, stating that the country is moving towards becoming a technologically advanced and self-reliant nation.
Singh warned that any attempt to disrupt India’s development journey through hostile activities would receive an appropriate response from the armed forces.
Tribute to Kargil War Heroes:
Paying homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, the Defence Minister remembered the bravery of Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, along with other fallen heroes of Operation Vijay.
He said Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of the values of sacrifice, service and national duty. Referring to the Kargil War Memorial, Singh noted that the names of soldiers from every part of India symbolise the country’s unity and collective strength.
Nation’s Security as a Collective Responsibility:
The Defence Minister stated that ongoing global conflicts, including those in West Asia and between Russia and Ukraine, have highlighted the importance of military preparedness and national resilience.
While emphasising that India has a capable and modern armed force, he said national security is a shared responsibility of all citizens. He called for every Indian to develop a sense of discipline, duty and commitment towards the nation.
“Every citizen need not become a soldier, but everyone should be mentally, morally and physically prepared to support the nation whenever required,” Singh said.
Defence Self-Reliance Gains Momentum:
Highlighting the government’s focus on Aatmanirbharta in Defence, Singh said India has made significant progress in reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.
He pointed to indigenous platforms and systems such as the Akash missile system, INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Prachand Light Combat Helicopter, Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, Arjun Main Battle Tank, Pinaka rocket system, Astra air-to-air missile and modern drone and counter-drone technologies as examples of India’s growing defence manufacturing capability.
Recalling Captain Vikram Batra’s famous phrase “Yeh Dil Maange More,” Singh said India would continue expanding domestic defence production and work towards developing next-generation fighter aircraft, submarines, missiles and advanced military technologies.
Focus on Viksit Bharat and Strategic Strength:
The Defence Minister stated that the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 goes beyond economic development and includes strategic strength, cultural confidence and social harmony.
He stressed that the lessons of Kargil—courage, dedication and service to the nation—must guide India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
Singh also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen border infrastructure and modernise the armed forces to meet emerging security challenges.
Homage Paid at Kargil War Memorial:
During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial and observed silence in memory of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay.
Senior military and civil officials, including Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior commanders, joined the Defence Minister in paying tribute to the Kargil heroes.
The Defence Minister also inaugurated the Virtual Walkthrough Portal showcasing the history and legacy of the Kargil War, visited the Hut of Remembrance and paid homage at Veer Bhoomi.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan and senior defence officials also paid homage to the fallen soldiers.
The Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations concluded with a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to national security, military modernisation and the ideals of courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the heroes of 1999.
