Rajnath Singh warns Pakistan of ‘unimaginable’ response, says talks only on PoK

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday issued a stern warning to Pakistan, saying any future misadventure against India would invite a response “beyond its imagination” and reiterating that New Delhi would hold talks with Islamabad only on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Dras, Singh said Operation Sindoor had demonstrated India’s resolve to strike both terrorists and the governments that support them, asserting there was no distinction between Pakistan’s military and terror groups.

“Pakistan’s military not only shelters terrorist organisations but also works with them. During Operation Sindoor, India made it clear that terrorists and the governments nurturing them will be treated alike,” he said.

Drawing a sharp contrast between the two neighbours, Singh said India was advancing in innovation, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration and digital technology, while Pakistan continued to foster terrorism, infiltration and radicalisation.

“Kargil taught us the importance of remaining vigilant at our borders under all circumstances,” he said, adding that the conflict led to sweeping reforms in India’s intelligence network, military modernisation and border management.

Paying tribute to the 527 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, Singh also highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, citing platforms such as INS Vikrant, Tejas, Prachand, Arjun, Pinaka, Akash and Astra missile systems.

Invoking Kargil hero Captain Vikram Batra’s iconic slogan, “Yeh Dil Maange More,” Singh said India would continue developing next-generation fighter aircraft, submarines, missiles and indigenous defence technologies to further strengthen its armed forces.