People of POK will voluntarily return to India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh claimed that the people of POK will voluntarily return to India as they feel a deep connection with India & only a few of them are misled. Read more on Dynamite News

New Delhi: "The day is not far off when the people of (PoK), being a part of the Indian family, will voluntarily return to India," said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

He said that possible dialogue with Islamabad will be only on terrorism and PoK, as New Delhi has "redesigned and redefined" its strategy and response to terrorism. At the CII Business Summit, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), emphasizing that India views them as part of its own family.

He stated, “I believe the people of PoK are our own, a part of our family. 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."

India always talks about connecting hearts, and we believe that by walking on the path of love, unity, and truth, the day is not far when our own part, PoK, will return and say, I am India; I have returned," he said.

Singh asserted that a majority of PoK's population feels a strong emotional bond with India, and only a small fraction has been misguided.

Highlighting India's inclusive approach, he said that the country believes in winning hearts and that through the principles of love, unity, and truth, PoK would eventually return to India willingly, declaring, “I am India; I have returned.”

Delivering a firm message to Pakistan, the defense minister warned that supporting terrorism is no longer a viable or affordable option, and Islamabad has started feeling the consequences.

He also shed light on India’s growing strength in domestic defense manufacturing. While a decade ago defense exports stood at less than ₹1,000 crore, today they have surged to a historic high of ₹23,500 crore.

Rajnath Singh underscored that the Make-in-India initiative in the defense sector is now a key pillar for national security and economic progress. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said India's indigenously developed military systems showcased exceptional performance, surprising the global community.

He added that India is not only producing advanced fighter jets and missile systems but is also actively preparing for futuristic warfare with new-age technology.