Kargil Vijay Diwas: India fully capable of giving tough and decisive response to every Pakistani venture: Rajnath Singh

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JULY 26 (STC):
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a function held in Drass on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, said that if there is any discussion with Pakistan in the future, it will be only on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), as it is an integral part of India which is illegally occupied by Pakistan.
Rajnath Singh said that every conspiracy against the sovereignty and integrity of India will be responded to with the same determination and strength that the armed forces demonstrated against terrorists and their patrons during Operation Sindoor. He strongly criticized Pakistan, saying that the distinction between the army and terrorists has almost disappeared there and terrorism has been made a part of state policy.
“The Pakistani army not only shelters terrorist organizations but also works with them, which is why India made it clear during Operation Sindoor that terrorists and the governments that provide them protection will no longer be seen separately, the Defence Minister said.
He said that 27 years have passed since the Kargil War, but during this time the paths of India and Pakistan have completely diverged. According to him, India is strengthening its role in new technology, innovation, semiconductors, startups, space missions, digital payment systems (UPI), data centers and global development, while Pakistan is busy promoting infiltration, terrorism, suicide bombers, proxy wars, extremism and hawala networks.
Rajnath Singh said that if Pakistan tries to hinder India’s journey of development, the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to give a befitting reply and stressed that the current central government has given full freedom to the armed forces to take effective action against the enemy and the government has a strong political will to protect national security.
He expressed confidence that as long as the Indian Army is protecting the borders, no enemy will dare to look at India with a dirty eye.
The Defense Minister paid tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland in the Kargil War of 1999. Remembering all the martyrs, including Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, who were awarded the Param Vir Chakra, he said, “These great sons are still a beacon of light for the younger generation. Kargil Vijay Diwas teaches the youth to understand the difference between personal success and national responsibility and the spirit of sacrifice and service is the real strength of any nation.”Rajnath Singh said that the Kargil War Memorial actually represents the whole of India because the names of martyrs from every region of the country are listed here, which is a symbol of national unity and solidarity.
He said that global conflicts like the war in West Asia and Russia, Ukraine have proven that not only a strong army but also the courage, patience and unity of the entire nation are necessary for national security. He said that every citizen should have a soldier-like spirit, discipline, patriotism and a sense of “nation first” so that every individual is ready to defend the country when needed.
The Defense Minister said, “The dream of a developed India 2047 is not limited to economic prosperity only, but also includes defense strength, cultural prestige and social harmony, and to make this vision a reality, dedication and national spirit like the heroes of Kargil are needed in every field.” He said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving top priority to national security and welfare of soldiers.
He said that the Kargil war has taught the lesson that it is necessary to be vigilant on the borders in all weathers and in all conditions, which is why the border infrastructure is being continuously strengthened and the armed forces are being adapted to modern requirements.
Rajnath Singh, referring to Captain Vikram Batra’s famous slogan “Yeh Dil Mange Mor”, said that the government is moving rapidly towards the goal of self-reliance in the defense sector. “When the current government came to power, India used to import about 65 to 70 percent of its defense requirements from abroad, while today about 65 percent of defense equipment is being manufactured domestically,” he said. He added that the army now has Akash Tir Air Defense Control System, new generation Akash missile, INS Vikrant, Tejas fighter aircraft, Prachanda light combat helicopter, Dhru helicopter, Arjun Main battle tank, Panaka rocket launcher, Astra air-to-air missile and modern drone and anti-drone systems, but the government is committed to manufacturing more modern weapons, new generation fighter aircraft, submarines and missiles domestically.
Motably, earlier, the Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Cenotaph at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, paid tribute to the martyrs of Operation Vijay by observing silence and inaugurated a virtual walk-through portal, through which the public will be able to digitally familiarize themselves with the history and legacy of the Kargil War.
He also visited the Hill of Remembrance and Veer Bhoomi. The ceremony was attended by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, Army Chief General Dheeraj Seth, Northern Command GOC NCC Lt Gen Prateek Sharma, GOC 14 Corps Lt Gen Madan Raj Pandey, GOC 8 Mountain Division Maj Gen AP Singh, Kargil War veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Narees, families of martyrs, senior military and civil officials and a large number of local citizens.
(Straight Talk Communications)