India chooses innovation, Pakistan terror: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday drew a sharp contrast between India’s technological progress and Pakistan’s continued reliance on terrorism, stating that while India is manufacturing semiconductors, Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers.

Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras, after paying glowing tributes to India’s gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to defend the motherland during the 1999 Kargil War, Rajnath Singh said 27 years have passed since the Kargil War, and the paths taken by India and Pakistan have diverged sharply.

“While India is exploring new avenues of innovation, Pakistan is seeking new routes for infiltration. India is engaged in chip design, whereas Pakistan is busy designing terror. India is building a start-up ecosystem, while Pakistan is constructing a terror ecosystem. India is manufacturing semiconductors; Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers. India is recognised for space missions, while Pakistan is running proxy missions. India is sending satellites into space, whereas Pakistan focuses on sending terrorists across the border. India is providing software to the world, while Pakistan is exporting sleeper cells. India is establishing data centres; Pakistan is setting up radicalisation centres. India is connecting the world through UPI, while Pakistan is linking terrorism with hawala networks,” he added.

Meanwhile, he further added that our paths diverge; should Pakistan attempt to obstruct our path to prosperity with its nefarious designs, our defence forces stand ready to deliver a befitting response.

Standing tall in front of mighty peaks, conquered by the brave hearts of the Indian Army, Singh reiterated that the success of Operation Sindoor proves India can respond to every Pakistani misadventure with severity far beyond its imagination. Singh made it crystal clear that there will be no talks with Pakistan; any dialogue will focus solely on PoK, an integral part of India under illegal Pakistani occupation.

Boosting the morale of the soldiers standing guard in the cold desert region, the Defence Minister stated that every nefarious act against India’s sovereignty would be met with the same resolute response that the Indian Defence Forces delivered to terrorists and their patrons through Operation Sindoor with unmatched bravery.

Rajnath Singh asserted that, in Pakistan, the distinction between the military and militants has vanished, with the country making terrorism a part of its state policy. “Pakistan’s military not only shelters terrorist organisations but also works with them. That is why, during Op Sindoor, we made it clear that India no longer views terrorists and the governments that nurture them as separate entities,” he said.

Singh asserted that the Central Government possesses the political will to give the defence forces a free hand to respond decisively to threats, exuding confidence that no adversary would dare cast a hostile eye on India while its soldiers guard the nation’s borders.

Rajnath Singh remembered the countless brave hearts, including Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, who continue to inspire the nation, especially the youth. He termed Kargil Vijay Diwas as a day of inspiration for every young person who seeks to understand the distinction between personal success and national duty. “This day teaches us that the spirit of ‘sacrifice’ and ‘service’ forms the backbone of any nation,” he said.

The Defence Minister highlighted that the Kargil War Memorial reflected the entirety of India as the fallen heroes represented every region of the country. “This wall of unity, despite diversities, stands tall against those who wish to harm us,” he said.

Stressing the importance of the spirit of ‘Nation First’, discipline and a sense of duty, Rajnath Singh said every Indian should possess a soldier-like consciousness. “I am not suggesting that every citizen must become a soldier, but should the nation ever face a situation requiring the direct or indirect support of its people, every Indian must be mentally, morally and physically prepared to step forward in defence of the country. Just as every soldier is first and foremost an Indian, the courage, discipline and patriotism of a soldier must always remain alive within every Indian,” he added.

Rajnath Singh underlined that the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 extends beyond economic prosperity, describing it as a commitment to strategic strength, cultural pride and social harmony.

The Defence Minister highlighted that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is giving the highest priority to national security and the welfare of soldiers. “Kargil War has taught us that we must remain ever-vigilant at our borders in every season and under all circumstances”, he said, pointing out that border infrastructure is being continuously strengthened, with equal emphasis being laid on modernising the military capabilities in sync with the changing times to enhance their operational efficiency.

Drawing inspiration from Captain Vikram Batra’s iconic catchphrase ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’, Rajnath Singh asserted that rapid strides are being made to achieve Atma Nirbharta in defence production, and the Government remains committed to accelerating the progress.

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 Lt Gen Madanraj Pande and GOC 8 Mtn Div Maj Gen AP Singh also joined Singh in paying homage to the Kargil War heroes. Senior military and civil dignitaries, Kargil War veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, Next of Kin and local citizens also attended the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’.

Raksha Mantri signed the Visitors’ Book and witnessed ‘Gaurav Gatha’, presented by two Non-Commissioned Officers, recounting the courage, determination and indomitable spirit displayed by Indian soldiers during Operation Vijay. He also inaugurated the Virtual Walkthrough Portal, designed to provide wider public access to the history and legacy of the Kargil War. He then visited the Hut of Remembrance and paid homage at Veer Bhoomi.