Operation Sindoor reflects India’s resolve to respond decisively to every threat: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister pays tribute to martyrs at Drass War Memorial on 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas

DRASS: Amid solemn tributes to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday declared that the success of Operation Sindoor has demonstrated India’s ability to respond to every act of aggression by Pakistan with a force “far beyond its imagination,” while reiterating that any future dialogue with Pakistan would focus only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India under illegal occupation.

Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, the Raksha Mantri paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay in 1999 and asserted that the courage and sacrifice displayed by the Indian Armed Forces continue to inspire the nation.

“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,” Rajnath said, adding that every attempt to undermine India’s sovereignty would be met with the same decisive response demonstrated by the armed forces against terrorists and their handlers.

Launching a sharp attack on Pakistan, the Defence Minister alleged that the distinction between its military establishment and terrorist organisations had disappeared. “Pakistan’s military not only shelters terrorist organisations but also works with them. During Operation Sindoor, we made it clear that India no longer views terrorists and the governments that nurture them as separate entities,” he asserted.

He further stated that there would be no talks with Pakistan, and if dialogue were to take place, it would be confined solely to the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Drawing a stark contrast between the developmental trajectories of the two neighbouring countries over the past 27 years since the Kargil conflict, Singh said India had emerged as a global hub of innovation, technology and economic progress, while Pakistan continued to promote terrorism.

He remarked that while India is designing semiconductor chips, building a vibrant start-up ecosystem, launching satellites, developing software, establishing data centres and strengthening digital payment systems through UPI, Pakistan remains engaged in designing terror networks, training suicide bombers, exporting sleeper cells, facilitating infiltration and financing terrorism through hawala channels.

“Our paths have diverged completely. If Pakistan attempts to obstruct India’s journey of prosperity through its nefarious designs, our armed forces stand fully prepared to deliver a befitting response,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Cenotaph at the Kargil War Memorial and observed a moment of silence in honour of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 conflict.

He paid glowing tributes to the fallen heroes, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, describing them as eternal symbols of courage, patriotism and selfless service whose lives continue to inspire generations of Indians.

Calling Kargil Vijay Diwas a day of national inspiration, Rajnath Singh said it reminds every young Indian of the difference between personal achievement and duty towards the nation. “This day teaches us that the spirit of sacrifice and service forms the backbone of every strong nation,” he said.

Describing the Kargil War Memorial as a powerful symbol of national unity, he observed that soldiers from every corner of the country laid down their lives during the conflict, making the memorial a testament to India’s unity in diversity.

The Defence Minister stressed that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 extends beyond economic progress and encompasses strategic strength, cultural pride and social harmony. He urged every citizen to imbibe the discipline, courage and patriotism of a soldier, stating that national security is not the responsibility of the armed forces alone but of every Indian.

“I am not suggesting that every citizen must become a soldier, but every Indian should always remain mentally, morally and physically prepared to stand with the nation whenever required,” he said.

Highlighting the Government’s continued emphasis on national security under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shri Rajnath Singh said lessons from the Kargil War have reinforced the importance of maintaining constant vigilance along the borders and investing in modern military capabilities.

He noted that India has made remarkable progress towards Aatmanirbharta in defence production, reducing dependence on imports and significantly expanding indigenous manufacturing. Recalling Captain Vikram Batra’s iconic words, “Yeh Dil Maange More,” the Defence Minister said the country remains committed to achieving greater self-reliance in defence technology.

He pointed out that while India earlier imported nearly 65 to 70 per cent of its defence equipment, today around 65 per cent is manufactured domestically. He highlighted indigenous platforms such as the INS Vikrant, Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Prachand Light Combat Helicopter, Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, Arjun Main Battle Tank, Pinaka rocket system, Astra missile, Akash-Teer air defence system, next-generation Akash missile, drones and counter-drone systems as examples of India’s growing defence capability.

During the commemorative programme, the Defence Minister signed the Visitors’ Book, witnessed “Gaurav Gatha”, a presentation by two Non-Commissioned Officers recounting the bravery and determination displayed during Operation Vijay, and inaugurated a Virtual Walkthrough Portal to enable wider public access to the history and legacy of the Kargil War.

He also visited the Hut of Remembrance and paid homage at Veer Bhoomi before interacting with soldiers, veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris and families of fallen soldiers over tea.

Later, Rajnath Singh flagged in the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle rally organised as part of the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, which had commenced from the National War Memorial in New Delhi on July 14.

The solemn ceremony was attended 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, GOC 8 Mountain Division Major General A.P. Singh, senior civil and military officials, Kargil War veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, next of kin of martyrs and a large gathering of local citizens.

Simultaneously, at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth paid floral tributes to the fallen heroes. He was joined by Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Sandeep Jain, who also honoured the supreme sacrifices made by the soldiers during the Kargil War.

The 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations once again reaffirmed the nation’s enduring gratitude to the heroes of Operation Vijay while underscoring India’s unwavering resolve to safeguard its sovereignty, strengthen its defence capabilities and uphold the legacy of courage, sacrifice and patriotism that defines the Kargil victory.