In order to protect its honour and dignity, India is prepared to breach the Line of Control (LoC), according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who also urged citizens to be ready to back the military in such a case.

He used the Russia-Ukraine conflict as an example, claiming that it has lasted for more than a year because citizens have stepped up and joined the fighting. On the occasion of the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh was addressing at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh.

To honour the soldiers who gave their lives in the Kargil conflict in 1999, he had earlier put a wreath at the memorial.

“We can go to any extreme to maintain the honour and dignity of the country; if that includes crossing the LoC, we are ready to do that — if we are instigated and if the need arises, we will cross the LoC,” he stated.

Our population has always supported the troops indirectly whenever there has been a conflict, though. If necessary, I implore the population to be physically and emotionally equipped to assist the military on the battlefield.

According to Singh, Pakistan ‘backstabbed’ India and forced it to go to war in Kargil.

India was made to fight in the Kargil conflict. India had attempted to resolve the concerns with Pakistan through dialogue at the time; Pakistan, he claimed, had betrayed them.

“During Operation Vijay, the Indian Army made it clear that when it comes to protecting our national interests, our Army will not back down at any cost, not just to Pakistan but to the entire world.

Even now, the minister declared, “We are fully committed to defending our national interests.”

Many of the men who fought in the Kargil conflict were recentlyweds, engaged, or served as their families’ main breadwinners. However, Singh claimed that they did not consider their lives as they put them in danger.

“I commend our courageous sons who gave their lives in service to the nation. Their contributions will continue to inspire generations, he said, so their sacrifices had not been in vain.

The defence minister urged the Army to do its part to make sure that these unsung heroes’ contributions are recognised.

Operation Vijay, a furious counterattack led by the Indian Army, was started in 1999 to drive Pakistani forces out of strategic heights in Ladakh. In the Drass, Kargil, and Batalik sectors of the conflict, the Indian armed forces fought in some of the most difficult terrains and adverse weather circumstances.

India celebrates Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate its triumph over Pakistan.