New Delhi, May 29 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reaffirmed India’s unwavering stance on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), declaring that its residents are Indians and will eventually return to the national fold. His remarks were made during the inaugural plenary session of the CII Annual Business Summit 2025 in the capital.
“Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir is home to our own people,” Singh said. “Most of the people in PoK feel a deep connection with India. There are only a few who have been misled.”
Expressing confidence in the emotional and cultural bond between PoK and the rest of India, Singh stated: “We have full faith that those of our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today will also return to the mainstream of India someday, listening to the voice of their soul.”
Singh added that India’s approach has always been guided by compassion and unity: “India always talks about connecting hearts. We believe that by walking on the path of love, unity and truth, the day is not far when our own part, PoK, will return and say, ‘I am India. I have returned.’”
‘Operation Sindoor’ and India’s Defence Preparedness
Highlighting India’s advancing military capabilities, Singh spoke extensively about the successful execution of 'Operation Sindoor' and its strategic message to adversaries.
“Our home-grown systems during ‘Operation Sindoor’ have shocked the entire world, proving that we possess the strength to penetrate any enemy’s armour,” he said. Emphasizing India's commitment to measured responses, he added: “We could have done something else too, but restraint is required with power.”
Singh underscored the significance of domestic defence manufacturing, linking it to national security imperatives. “Through ‘Operation Sindoor’, it has been proved that Make in India is critical to safeguarding the nation,” he asserted. “Today, we are not just building fighter jets or missile systems; we are also preparing for New Age Warfare Technologies.”
The Defence Minister noted that India has established itself as a global force in key areas of defence innovation. “Under the banner of self-reliance, we are achieving success in critical and frontier technologies. India’s grip in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security is now firmly established on the global stage,” he said.
A Firm Message to Pakistan
In a strong critique of Pakistan’s continued harbouring of terrorism, Singh warned that such actions come with consequences. “Running the business of terrorism is not cost-effective; rather, it may come with a heavy price, as Pakistan has realised today,” he said.
He also spoke of India’s recalibrated diplomatic posture: “We have redesigned and redefined both India’s strategy and response against terrorism. We have recalibrated our engagement and scope of dialogue with Pakistan. Now, whenever there are talks, it will be only on terrorism and the PoK.”
Singh concluded by affirming that India's national security doctrine is now rooted in self-reliance, deterrence, and a deep commitment to peace through strength.
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