India makes data centres, Pakistan creates radical centres: Rajnath Singh on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Pakistan while addressing the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations in Dras, saying that while

"India makes data centres, Pakistan creates radical centres," and warning that every "misadventure" by the neighbouring country would invite a response "beyond their imagination."

Also read: Rajnath Singh, Army chief lay wreaths at war memorial to pay tributes to Kargil heroes

He also reiterated that there would be no dialogue with Islamabad except on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India under illegal occupation.

'Indomitable courage and valour'

Addressing soldiers, veterans and families of martyrs at the Kargil War Memorial, Singh paid tributes to the armed forces, saying the Kargil victory was not merely a military and diplomatic success but also a testament to the "indomitable courage and valour" displayed by Indian soldiers.

"Generations will draw inspiration from the tales of valour of the Kargil heroes," he said, saluting the bravehearts who laid down their lives in the 1999 conflict.

In one of his strongest remarks against Pakistan, the Defence Minister contrasted India's developmental trajectory with Pakistan's alleged support for terrorism.

"Today, India is pursuing innovation, while Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration. While India is designing ships, Pakistan is engaged in designing terrorism. While India is creating a startup ecosystem, Pakistan is creating a terror ecosystem. While India is manufacturing semiconductors, Pakistan is producing suicide bombers. India is known for its space missions, while Pakistan is running proxy missions. While India is sending satellites into space, Pakistan remains engaged in sending terrorists across the border. While India is providing software to the world, Pakistan is supplying terror. India is building data centres, while Pakistan is building radicalisation centres. While India is connecting the world through UPI, Pakistan is connecting terrorism through hawala," Singh said.

He asserted that India's armed forces were fully prepared to respond to any attempt by Pakistan to derail the country's progress.

Also read: Intent of infiltrators hasn't changed since 1999 conflict, says Rajnath Singh in Dras

India's forces ready to give 'befitting reply'

"If Pakistan attempts to obstruct our progress through its nefarious designs, our brave armed forces are fully prepared to give a befitting reply," he said, adding that every misadventure by Pakistan would draw a response beyond its imagination.

Reiterating the Centre's position on bilateral engagement with Pakistan, Singh said there would be no talks with Islamabad except on the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

"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," he said.

The Defence Minister also accused Pakistan of making terrorism a part of its state policy, alleging that the distinction between its military and terrorist organisations had "completely disappeared."

"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," Singh said.