If attacked, will give reply as in Kargil, says Rajnath
NEW DELHI: If an enemy attacks India, it will give a befitting response as shown in Kargil, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday, on the 21st anniversary of the country’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War.
He said India is a peace loving country but “we are ready to take any big step that is required to defend its national unity and sovereignty”.
Singh’s remarks come in the backdrop of the ongoing standoff with China along in Ladakh.
After paying tributes at the National War Memorial here on Sunday, he said, “I congratulate all Indian citizens on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The sacrifices made by soldiers, which helped us win the Kargil War, will always be a source of inspiration for the armed forces.”
Singh was accompanied by minister of state for defence Shripad Naik, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh.
Taking to Twitter later in the day, Rajnath Singh said that Kargil Vijay Diwas is a celebration of courage and valour of the Indian armed forces who fought the enemy under the most challenging conditions that the world had witnessed in recent history. “Kargil is not only a symbol of national pride but also a big step that was taken against injustice. I would like to mention the views of the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on national security. He said we have proved we will not bow down in front of any external pressures,” he said.
“He said we have proved we are a responsible country. Whatever steps we take with respect to national security, it is always in self-defense and not to attack anyone. If an enemy attacks our country, then we have proven we will give it a befitting response as shown in Kargil. Friends, this sentiment today is as strong as it was 21 years ago,” Singh added.