India Will Talk to Pakistan Only on PoJK: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that India will hold talks with Pakistan only on Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), declaring the region an integral part of India under Pakistan's "illegal occupation."

Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Singh said Pakistan has "institutionalised terrorism" as a state policy, leaving no distinction between its military establishment and terrorist organisations. He said India's armed forces have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to respond decisively, citing Operation Sindoor as a recent example of the country's resolve to counter terrorism and its sponsors.

"Any attempt to undermine India's sovereignty will be met with a befitting response," he said.

Paying tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War, Singh described the conflict as a defining moment that showcased India's military strength, diplomatic resolve and the indomitable courage of its soldiers. He said the names engraved at the Kargil War Memorial represent every region, religion and community, symbolising the country's unity and sending a strong message to forces seeking to divide the nation.

Drawing a contrast between India and Pakistan, the Defence Minister said India is progressing through innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and space exploration, while Pakistan continues to promote terrorism, radicalisation and cross-border infiltration. India is building semiconductors, startups, satellites and digital infrastructure, whereas Pakistan continues to nurture proxy warfare, he said.

Singh said hostile forces are increasingly relying on indirect warfare through terrorism, infiltration and proxy conflicts, but asserted that India's armed forces remain fully prepared to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that the sacrifices of young soldiers, many in their early twenties, continue to inspire the nation.

Highlighting the government's push for defence modernisation and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Singh said rapid progress in indigenous defence manufacturing, advanced technologies and world-class training would soon place India's military among the world's finest.

During his visit, the Defence Minister attended Shaurya Sandhya and Shaurya Bhoj, honouring Kargil War veterans, serving soldiers, Veer Naris and the families of martyrs. The commemorative events also featured cultural performances, military demonstrations and exhibitions of modern defence technologies, including drones and robotic systems.

Earlier in the day, Singh, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and senior military officers paid tributes at the Kargil War Memorial. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta also laid a wreath, while helicopters showered flower petals over the memorial in a ceremonial aerial salute. Singh handed over ceremonial kalash urns to the families of fallen soldiers in remembrance of their sacrifice during Operation Vijay.

Marking the 27th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War, Singh said the nation would remain forever indebted to its Bravehearts. He said the courage, patriotism and sacrifice of the 545 soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay would continue to inspire generations and strengthen India's resolve to protect its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.