Enemy’s intentions unchanged, proxy war still a challenge: Rajnath

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Defence Minister reaches Ladakh, pays tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War

Published - July 26, 2026 04:50 am IST - Srinagar

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh speaks during a commemorative event on the eve of 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas at Dras, in Ladakh. Photo credit: @SpokespersonMoD X/ANI

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who toured Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh’s Drass on Saturday (July 25, 2026), said the intentions of the enemies have not changed, and the proxy war remains a security challenge in the region.

Without naming Pakistan, Mr. Singh, while speaking at Shaurya Bhoj in Drass, said, “As we celebrate the Kargil War victory, we have to remind ourselves of the challenges. The intention of our enemy remains the same. Proxy war is still used as a tactic. Our Army is ready to foil these nefarious designs,” said Mr. Singh.

The Defence Minister arrived in Srinagar on Saturday (July 25, 2026) morning on a two-day tour of the region. He was received by J&K Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha. Officials said they discussed the current security situation in J&K, especially in the wake of the Anantnag attack that left one policeman dead three days ago.

Later, Mr. Singh visited the war memorial at Ladakh’s Drass on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas. He paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan, as he attended the ‘Shaurya Sandhya’.

“It’s these sacrifices that make people of India feel safe. When oxygen levels dropped in 1999, the guns of our soldiers did not fall silent till the Tricolour was unfurled as a mark of victory. We are proud of the valiant soldiers and their degree of courage,” said Mr. Singh.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ensured that the morale of soldiers remains high. “We are investing in modernisation of equipment and training. We are hopeful to see the Indian Army among the leading forces in the world,” he said..

Mr. Singh said the Indian armed forces were fully prepared to face every challenge posed by the country’s adversaries. “India’s military remains vigilant, battle-ready, and capable of protecting the nation’s sovereignty,” he said.

He said no one dares cast an evil eye on India as long as the patriotism and determination of the country’s soldiers remain unshaken, adding that their sacrifices ensure every Indian can pursue dreams without fear.

Ten families of Kargil War bravehearts were felicitated on the occasion. Commemorative events were held at ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, where the Kargil War veterans and families of fallen soldiers remembered the sacrifices made during Operation Vijay. A documentary and special presentations highlighting the valour of 40 war heroes were screened during the event.

Mr. Singh will be the chief guest at the national homage ceremony on July 26. He is expected to lay a wreath at the war memorial, interact with Veer Naris and Veer Maas, inaugurate a virtual walkthrough portal, and flag off the Shaurya Vijay Yatra motorcycle rally.

Published - July 26, 2026 04:50 am IST

unrest, conflicts and war / India / Pakistan

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