India could have crossed the LoC, can and will do if the need arises: Rajnath Singh on Kargil Vijay Diwas

Speaking at the Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremony in Dras in Ladakh to commemorate the 24th anniversary of India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict, Singh said even after winning the war on July 26, 1999, Indian forces did not cross the LoC because India is peace-loving, believes in Indian values and is committed to international laws.

“At that time if we did not cross the LoC, it does not mean that we could not cross the LoC,” he said.

“We could have crossed the LoC, we can cross the LoC, and will cross the LoC in future if need be. I would like to reiterate that we could have crossed the LoC, we can cross the LoC, and will cross the LoC in future if the need arises. I assure the countrymen about this,” he said.

Declaring that no compromise will be made in protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country, he said the Armed Forces have a free hand to “eliminate the nation’s enemies”.

“India is a peace-loving nation which believes in its centuries-old values and is committed to international laws, but to safeguard our interests, we will not hesitate in crossing the LoC,” he said.

“Earlier, the nation lacked political will, which has now been provided to the Armed Forces by our government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We stand firm with our forces. The people and Parliament have full faith in our soldiers,” he said.

The valour and commitment of the Armed Forces, he said, have time and again helped the country stand tall in times of crisis.

He said India today rests on the foundation of the sacrifices made by the soldiers. He described ‘Operation Vijay’ as an episode that displayed India’s grit and determination as it stood its ground in the face of adverse circumstances, adding that the victory propelled the nation to achieve heights of success as a launch pad.

“Our greatness is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we fall. Despite the adversary having tactical military advantage during the war, our forces displayed unmatched bravery and skill to push them back and reclaim our land,” he said.

“With the victory, India sent a message to Pakistan and the world that our military will not back down at any cost if the nation’s interests are harmed,” he said.

He recalled the heroic roles of Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Pandey and Vir Chakra awardees Lieutenant Colonel R Vishwanathan, Captain Jintu Gogoi, Captain Vijayant Thapar and Naib Subedar Mangej Singh.

He also made special mention of Flight Lieutenants Gunjan Saxena and Srividya Rajan who displayed exceptional courage during the war and spread the message that Indian women are no less than their male counterparts when it comes to securing the country’s borders. He said that all soldiers belonged to different regions of India but fought as one to protect the interests of the nation and its people.

Singh said that wars are fought and won with not just weapons and bombs. Bravery and an indomitable spirit, he said, play an important role too.

This will power a sense of national pride and this is what separates Indian soldiers from the rest, he said, adding, “Our forces are imbued with the values of patriotism for the protection of the country, its civilisation and culture.”

Citing the example of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Singh said the war, which has been continuing for more than a year, reflects the unpredictable nature of conflicts in today’s times. He said the war has been prolonged as the people are training and joining their military in fighting for their cause.

He called upon the people to be ready to participate in wars not only indirectly but directly as well, if ever the need arises.

“People should be mentally prepared, so whenever the nation needs them, they should be ready to help the Armed Forces. Just as every soldier is an Indian; in the same way, every Indian should be ready to play the role of a soldier,” he said.

At the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army chief General Manoj Pande, Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, IAF chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi and 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Rashim Bali were among those who attended the ceremony.