Operation Sindoor Proved India’s Resolve; Talks With Pakistan Only on PoJK: Rajnath Singh

DRAS, July 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor sent a clear message that India will respond decisively to terrorism and warned that any attempt by Pakistan to threaten the country’s sovereignty would invite consequences “beyond their imagination.” Addressing the nation at the Kargil War Memorial on the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh said there would be no dialogue with Pakistan except on Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), which he described as an integral part of India under illegal occupation. Paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, the Defence Minister termed India’s victory “a diamond studded in the crown of Bharat Mata” and said the courage and sacrifice of the armed forces continue to inspire the nation. Recalling Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said the Indian armed forces dealt a severe blow to the infrastructure supporting terrorism. “Operation Sindoor made it clear what the fate will be of those who attempt to threaten India through terrorism,” he said, adding that India possesses the capability to respond to any hostile act with overwhelming force. Criticising Pakistan, Singh accused the neighbouring country of making terrorism a part of its state policy. He said that while India is focusing on innovation, technological advancement and defence modernisation, Pakistan continues to promote infiltration and terror activities. The Defence Minister reiterated that any attempt to undermine India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with a strong and decisive response. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay, through which the Indian Armed Forces recaptured strategic heights in the Kargil sector after Pakistani intrusions in 1999.