If enemy attacks, will give befitting reply: Rajnath

New Delhi, July 26: If an enemy attacks India, it will give a befitting response as shown in Kargil, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said on the 21st anniversary of the country’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War.

He also 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”.

Mr Singh’s remarks come in the backdrop of the ongoing standoff with China along the Ladakh borders.

After paying tributes at the National War Memorial here on Sunday morning, he told reporters, “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.”

Along with the defence minister, 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 also paid tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the memorial.

On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army had announced the successful culmination of “Operation Vijay”, declaring victory after the nearly three-month-long battles in the icy heights of Kargil. The country lost more than 500 soldiers in the war.

Later during the day, Rajnath Singh said on Twitter that Kargil Vijay Diwas is a celebration of courage and valour of the Indian armed forces.

“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,” Singh mentioned.

“He (Vajpayee) said we have also 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,” he added.

Kargil is not only a symbol of national pride but also a big step that was taken against injustice

— Rajnath Singh, Defence minister