Rajnath Singh Affirms Connection with Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Residents
Defence Minister's Remarks on Kashmir
On Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed that individuals residing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are integral to the Indian family and will eventually choose to return to India. He made these comments during a summit hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry.
Singh highlighted that India has revamped its counter-terrorism approach, stating that any future discussions with Pakistan will focus solely on terrorism and the status of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
His statements come in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following military operations on May 7, where the Indian armed forces executed strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
These military actions were a direct response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals on April 22.
आतंकवाद का कारोबार चलाना cost effective नहीं है, बल्कि उसकी एक भारी क़ीमत अदा करनी पड़ सकती है, इसका अंदाज़ा आज पाकिस्तान को हो चुका है। pic.twitter.com/jbe5e879Tx
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 29, 2025
During his address, Singh reiterated that the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are considered family. He expressed confidence that those currently separated from India will eventually reunite with the nation, guided by their intrinsic connection.
He noted that a significant number of people in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir maintain a strong bond with India, while only a minority have been misled. Singh optimistically stated, “The day is not far when our own part, PoK [Pakistan-occupied Kashmir] will return and say, I am India, I have returned.”
Furthermore, he remarked that Pakistan is facing severe repercussions for its support of terrorism.
Watch: Interview: ‘Op Sindoor won't stop terror; conflict with India existential for Pak Army’