Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed strong confidence that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will voluntarily return to India’s fold, describing them as “our own” and “part of the Indian family.” Speaking at the CII Annual General Meeting & Business Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Singh said that India’s ties with PoK are rooted in a deep emotional and cultural connection.
“I believe that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are our own, part of our family,” Singh said. “We have full faith that those of our brothers who are geographically and politically separated from us today will also return to the mainstream of India someday, listening to their voice of soul.”
The Defence Minister said most people in PoK feel a strong bond with India, and only a few have been misled. He emphasised that India’s approach has always been about “connecting hearts” and that love, unity, and truth will ultimately bring PoK back to India. “The day is not far when our own part, PoK, will return and say, ‘I am India, I have returned,’” he said.
In a message to Pakistan, Singh asserted that any future dialogue will only focus on terrorism and PoK. He reiterated India’s stand that Pakistan should vacate the Indian territory it occupies illegally and forcibly.
He also warned Islamabad that terrorism is no longer a viable strategy. “The business of terrorism is not cost-effective and comes with a heavy price – something Pakistan is beginning to realise,” he said.
Highlighting India’s strides in defence manufacturing, Singh noted the rise in defence exports from less than ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to ₹23,500 crore today. He credited this success to the Make-in-India initiative, adding that India’s home-grown platforms proved their strength during Operation Sindoor.
“Today, we are not just building fighter jets or missile systems; we are preparing for new-age warfare,” Singh said, underscoring the transformation of India’s defence ecosystem.
