Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said Operation Sindoor sent an unequivocal message to terrorists and their backers, asserting that India has the capability to respond to any provocation by Pakistan in a manner "beyond their imagination".
Addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Singh also ruled out any dialogue with Pakistan except on Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), describing it as an integral part of India under illegal occupation.
Recalling Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Singh said the operation reflected India's firm resolve against terrorism.
"Operation Sindoor made it clear what the fate will be of those who attempt to threaten India with terrorism," Rajnath said.
He asserted that India and its armed forces have the capacity to respond to any misadventure by Pakistan in a manner "beyond their imagination".
"Any evil step towards the sovereignty and integrity of India will meet with the same fate," the defence minister said.
Singh accused Pakistan of making terrorism a part of its state policy and reiterated that New Delhi's position on bilateral engagement remains unchanged.
"There will be no talks with Pakistan other than on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK)," he said, calling it "a part of India illegally occupied" by Pakistan.
The defence minister said, "At a time when India is designing ships, Pakistan is busy engaging in terror design." "While we are finding new ways of innovation, Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration," the defence minister said.
Paying tribute to the soldiers who fought in the 1999 Kargil conflict, Singh described India's victory as "a diamond studded in the crown of Bharat Mata".
Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the success of Operation Vijay, India's military campaign to recapture strategic heights in the Kargil sector after Pakistani intrusions, culminating in victory on July 26, 1999.
(With inputs from PTI)
