General
5d ago
Kargil Vijay Diwas: India builds startups, Pakistan builds terror: Rajnath Singh
Drass, Jul 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday asserted that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces but a collective duty of all 140 crore Indians, calling upon every citizen to imbibe the discipline, courage and patriotism of a soldier. Addressing the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass after paying homage to the martyrs of Operation Vijay, Singh said the spirit of "Nation First" must remain alive in every Indian. Congratulating the nation on the completion of 27 years of Operation Vijay, the Defence Minister described Kargil as "a diamond attached to the crown of Mother India" and paid rich tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 conflict. He said every peak of Kargil stands as a testimony to the indomitable courage, unwavering resolve and supreme sacrifice of the Indian armed forces. Recalling the Kargil War, Singh said Pakistan had occupied strategic mountain peaks through deception, believing India would be unable to reclaim them. However, he said Indian soldiers overcame impossible odds, scaling steep, heavily defended heights under enemy fire to secure victory. He said the Kargil War was not merely a military triumph but a defining moment that showcased the bravery and professionalism of Indian soldiers before the world. Referring to international appreciation of the operation, Rajnath said that even foreign military experts had acknowledged the extraordinary courage displayed by Indian troops in one of the most challenging high-altitude battles in military history. Launching a sharp attack on Pakistan, the Defence Minister said the trajectories of the two neighbouring countries have diverged significantly over the past 27 years. "India is building a Start-up ecosystem, while Pakistan is building a Terror ecosystem. India is doing Chip Design, while Pakistan is engaged in Terror Design. India is leading in innovation, technology and development, while Pakistan continues to promote terrorism and infiltration," he said. Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said India's response to terrorism has demonstrated that every act of aggression against the country would receive a firm and decisive reply. He reiterated that there would be no dialogue with Pakistan except on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India under illegal occupation. Paying homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice, the Defence Minister remembered the grief of families who lost their loved ones and said the stories of heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey continue to inspire generations of Indians. He said Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a commemorative occasion but a reminder that sacrifice and service form the backbone of a strong nation. Highlighting India's security policy, Singh said the spirit of Captain Vikram Batra's famous battle cry, "Yeh Dil Maange More", continues to inspire the country's defence preparedness. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, the armed forces are undergoing rapid modernisation while the country's defence manufacturing sector is steadily moving towards self-reliance. Stressing the importance of national preparedness, Singh said every citizen should possess the vigilance and discipline of a soldier. "I am not saying every citizen should become a soldier, but every Indian must awaken the consciousness of a soldier within. Whenever the nation requires, every citizen should be mentally, morally and practically prepared to stand for the country," he said. The Defence Minister said India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 is not limited to economic growth but also includes strategic strength, cultural pride and social harmony. He added that the government remains committed to strengthening border infrastructure, modernising the armed forces and promoting indigenous defence production, including advanced aircraft, helicopters, drones, submarines and next-generation weapon systems. Assuring the armed forces of the government's unwavering support, Singh said the welfare of soldiers and the security of the nation remain the Centre's highest priority. He expressed confidence that the Indian armed forces would continue safeguarding the country's borders with the same courage, determination and dedication that ensured victory during Operation Vijay.
