Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday lauded the might of the Indian military and delivered a stern warning to Pakistan. While addressing the nation on the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, Singh warned Rawalpindi that every “misadventure” would invite a response “beyond their imagination”.

“Our intention is clear. There will be no talks with Pakistan. If there are any talks, they will be only on PoK, which is a part of India and illegally occupied by Pakistan,” Singh said in his speech. “At present, Pakistan has made terrorism a part of its government policy, and the distinction between the military and militants has completely disappeared there. The army not only protects terrorist organisations but also works closely with them. Therefore, during Operation Sindoor, we made it clear that India will no longer view terrorists and the governments that support them separately,” he added.

#WATCH | Kargil Vijay Diwas | Drass: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Our intention is clear. There will be no talks with Pakistan. If there are any talks, they will be only on PoK, which is a part of India and illegally occupied by Pakistan. At present, Pakistan has made… pic.twitter.com/Eqsx9U8LUS— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2026

#WATCH | Kargil Vijay Diwas | Drass: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "Our intention is clear. There will be no talks with Pakistan. If there are any talks, they will be only on PoK, which is a part of India and illegally occupied by Pakistan. At present, Pakistan has made… pic.twitter.com/Eqsx9U8LUS

Singh went on to draw a sharp contrast between India and Pakistan. The Defence Minister said that while India is focused on innovation, technology and development, Pakistan continues to promote infiltration and terrorism.

“India is pursuing innovation, while Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration. While India is designing ships, Pakistan is engaged in designing terrorism,” he said. “Indebted to all those valiant soldiers”.

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Singh pays respect to brave soldiers

In a post on X, Singh paid tribute to the brave soldiers and Kargil hero. “On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my deepest respects to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the defence of our motherland. The nation will forever remain grateful and indebted to all those valiant soldiers who demonstrated extraordinary valour on the inaccessible peaks of Kargil in 1999.”

He added that the Indian army’s sacrifice and unwavering resolve would continue to inspire future generations with patriotism, dedication to duty and “the spirit of offering everything for the motherland.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to social media to laud the valour of Indian soldiers.

कारगिल विजय दिवस के अवसर पर मातृभूमि की रक्षा में अपना सर्वस्व न्योछावर करने वाले सभी वीर सैनिकों को शत-शत नमन। वर्ष 1999 में कारगिल की दुर्गम चोटियों पर असाधारण पराक्रम का परिचय देने वाले सभी वीर सैनिकों के प्रति देशवासी सदैव कृतज्ञ एवं ऋणी रहेंगे।भारतीय सेना का अदम्य साहस,… pic.twitter.com/fxbRnVPyIZ— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2026

कारगिल विजय दिवस के अवसर पर मातृभूमि की रक्षा में अपना सर्वस्व न्योछावर करने वाले सभी वीर सैनिकों को शत-शत नमन। वर्ष 1999 में कारगिल की दुर्गम चोटियों पर असाधारण पराक्रम का परिचय देने वाले सभी वीर सैनिकों के प्रति देशवासी सदैव कृतज्ञ एवं ऋणी रहेंगे।भारतीय सेना का अदम्य साहस,… pic.twitter.com/fxbRnVPyIZ

“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, our nation expresses gratitude to the brave soldiers for their extraordinary courage and commitment towards securing India,” PM Modi wrote in the post. “Their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride. Their unwavering patriotism and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations,” he added.

India is observing the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating its victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The day marks the success of Operation Vijay and honours the 527 soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice while driving Pakistani intruders out of strategic heights in the Kargil sector.

It is pertinent to note that the Kargil conflict was fought between May and July 1999. It remains the only conventional war between two nuclear-armed neighbours. The conflict was fought across the rugged mountain terrain of Kargil, Dras, Batalik, Mushkoh and Kaksar in Ladakh at altitudes exceeding 5,000 metres.

During the war, Indian troops recaptured the occupied peaks without crossing the Line of Control. Over the years, Kargil Vijay Diwas has come to symbolise not only India’s military victory but also a defining moment that reshaped the country’s defence preparedness, strategic planning and national security framework.