Intent of infiltrators hasn’t changed since 1999 conflict, says Rajnath in Dras

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on Saturday that the "intent of infiltrators" remains unchanged since the 1999 Kargil conflict, asserting that the Indian Army is fully prepared for any such challenges. He addressed Army personnel at a Shaurya Bhoj in Dras on the eve of the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

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We have to remember that even today challenges have not reduced; the intent of infiltrators hasn't changed, and even today it adopts tools like a proxy war or infiltration.

Singh arrived in Dras to attend Shaurya Sandhya, an event at the Kargil War Memorial marking the anniversary of Operation Vijay, which concluded on July 26, 1999, when the Army regained Indian territories captured by Pakistani troops. "We have to remember that even today challenges have not reduced; the intent of infiltrators hasn't changed, and even today it adopts tools like a proxy war or infiltration," Singh said, in a veiled reference to Pakistan. "I am fully assured that our Army is fully prepared for any such challenges."

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I am fully assured that our Army is fully prepared for any such challenges.

The Defence Minister highlighted the government's emphasis on modernizing the armed forces, aiming to equip the military with the latest technology and provide the best training. He expressed confidence that with the focus on Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), the Indian armed forces will become the best in the world. Singh saluted the armed forces and the valor of the soldiers, stating, "Today we are breathing free and living with our heads held high, as our soldiers in Kargil, despite plummeting mercury and dipping oxygen levels, have not lowered their guard."

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Today we are breathing free and living with our heads held high, as our soldiers in Kargil, despite plummeting mercury and dipping oxygen levels, have not lowered their guard.

Singh conveyed the profound pride he felt in Dras, stating that the feeling cannot be expressed in words. He believes that as long as Indian soldiers possess inner strength and a sense of nationalistic sentiment, "no force of the world will dare to cast an evil eye on India." He also observed the Army's tradition of "Bada Khana," where jawans and officers dine together, as a symbol of excellent teamwork. "Your ability to rise above the limitations found in society is your true strength. And this strength alone enables us to win wars like the Kargil one," Singh concluded.

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no force of the world will dare to cast an evil eye on India.