Dras, July 26: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed Pakistan for making terrorism a part of its state policy, and said there will be no talks with the country other than on Pakistan-Occupied-Jammu-Kashmir, which is a "part of India illegally occupied" by it.
Addressing soldiers, veterans and families of Kargil martyrs, Singh asserted that the distinction between Pakistan's military establishment and terrorist groups had "completely disappeared".
He said Pakistan's Army was no longer merely sheltering terror outfits but was working "hand in hand" with them.
"Pakistan has now made terrorism a part of its government policy. The distinction between the military and militants there has been erased. The army there not only protects terrorist organisations but also works hand in hand with them. Therefore, during Operation Sindoor itself, we made it clear that India will no longer see terrorists and the governments that nurture them as separate," he said.
Reiterating India's position on engagement with Islamabad, the Defence Minister ruled out any future dialogue except on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
"Our intention is clear that there will be no talks with Pakistan henceforth, and if there are any talks, they will only be on PoK, which is a part of India and on which Pakistan has illegally encroached," he declared.
Drawing a sharp contrast between the developmental trajectories of the two countries, Singh said while India was emerging as a global hub for innovation and technology, Pakistan continued to invest in terrorism.
"Today, while India is exploring new paths of innovation, Pakistan is exploring new paths of infiltration. While India is engaged in chip design, Pakistan is immersed in terror design," he said.
In one of the strongest sections of his address, Singh remarked that India was creating a start-up ecosystem while Pakistan was building a "terror ecosystem".
"India is making semiconductors, while Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers. India is known for space missions, while Pakistan is running proxy missions. India is sending satellites into space, while Pakistan is still engaged in sending terrorists across borders," he said.
Continuing the comparison, he said, "India is giving software to the world, while Pakistan is giving sleeper cells to the world. India is building data centres, while Pakistan is building radical centres. India is connecting the world through UPI, while Pakistan is connecting terrorism through hawala."
He warned that if Pakistan attempted to obstruct India's progress through "vile intentions", the country's armed forces were fully prepared to deliver a befitting response.
Recalling the sacrifices of the 1999 Kargil War, Singh described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of national duty and sacrifice rather than merely a military victory.
"Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just an ordinary day for us. It is a day of inspiration for every youth who wants to understand the difference between personal success and national duty. This day teaches us that the spirit of sacrifice and service is the backbone of any nation," he said.
Paying homage to the fallen soldiers, he said the stories of heroes such as Captain Manoj Pandey and Captain Vikram Batra continued to inspire generations.
"Even today, when our mothers narrate stories of bravery to their children, their tales inevitably mention Captain Manoj Pandey, Captain Vikram Batra and countless other such heroes. We have preserved these heroes as our heritage, and generations yet unborn will continue to draw inspiration from their valour," he said.
Reflecting on the Kargil conflict, the Defence Minister recalled how Pakistani intruders had occupied strategic heights after exploiting winter vacancies, but said the Indian Army's courage ultimately turned the tide.
"The tricolour that flutters so proudly atop the Kargil War Memorial comes at a tremendous cost. Exactly 27 years ago, Pakistan, through its infiltrating army intruders, resorted to deceit and trickery to seize our peaks. But the enemy failed to gauge the heights of our army's valour and resolve. Our soldiers not only scaled the mountain heights but also transcended every definition of human limits," he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said the armed forces had recently demonstrated their capability by delivering a response that terrorists and their patrons would "never forget in their lifetime."
He also stressed that safeguarding the nation was not solely the responsibility of the armed forces but of every Indian citizen.
"National security is not just the responsibility of uniformed soldiers, but also the collective duty of 140 crore fellow countrymen. The spirit of nation first, discipline and duty-consciousness should remain awakened within every citizen," he said.