𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐊 𝐚𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐎𝐰𝐧

New Delhi, May 29:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s firm stance on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), stating that it is an integral part of India and that its residents will one day reunite with the country. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Business Summit in New Delhi, Singh said only a few individuals in PoK have been misled, while most people share a strong bond with India.

He highlighted that the success of India’s indigenously developed defence manufacturing, under the “Make in India” initiative, played a crucial role in the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor—India’s counter-terror operations targeting Pakistan and PoK. “Our ability to act decisively stems from our strengthened domestic defence capabilities,” Singh said.

Citing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project as a major milestone, Singh noted that it marks a significant partnership between the private and public sectors in building a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The project will begin with five prototypes before moving into full-scale production.

Singh stressed that “Make in India” is more than just an industrial initiative—it is key to national security. He said India chose a path of balanced strength during Operation Sindoor, neutralizing terror bases with precision.

On future relations with Pakistan, Singh was clear that discussions would only revolve around terrorism and PoK. “India’s new strategy ensures that supporting terrorism now has consequences,” he said.

Drawing a historical parallel, Singh likened the people of PoK to Shakti Singh, Maharana Pratap’s brother, expressing confidence in their eventual reunion with India. Quoting a Hindi verse, he said their return is inevitable.

He also pointed to India’s growing defence production, which has surged from ₹43,000 crore a decade ago to over ₹1.46 lakh crore today, with the private sector contributing ₹32,000 crore. Defence exports have expanded to ₹24,000 crore across nearly 100 countries, supported by more than 16,000 MSMEs.

Singh underlined India’s advancements in cutting-edge areas like AI, cyber defence, unmanned systems, and space-based security, declaring India a creator and exporter of defence technologies.

Addressing the summit’s theme “Building Trust & India First,” Singh said national security and self-confidence are vital for trust. “Our industry must prioritize national interest. Serving the nation is our dharma,” he said, urging business leaders to align with the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.

Key attendees included Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat, Army Vice Chief Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani, and CII President Sanjiv Puri.