New Delhi, May 29 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are part of the Indian family and expressed confidence that they will one day rejoin India’s mainstream voluntarily.
Speaking at the CII Business Summit in New Delhi, Singh said India’s policy towards Pakistan has been “redesigned and redefined,” with any future dialogue limited to issues of terrorism and PoK.
“We believe the people of PoK are our own. They are part of our family. The day is not far when they will return to the mainstream of India, listening to their inner voice,” he said, adding that most people in PoK feel a strong bond with India and only a few have been misled.
He emphasized India’s commitment to unity and peace, saying, “India always talks about connecting hearts. One day, PoK will say, ‘I am India. I have returned.’”
Sending a strong message to Pakistan, Singh said terrorism now comes with a heavy cost and Islamabad is beginning to realize it.
Highlighting India’s progress in the defence sector, the minister said defence exports have surged from under ?1,000 crore a decade ago to ?23,500 crore today.
“Make-in-India in defence is now a pillar of both our security and prosperity,” he added, citing the success of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor and preparations for future warfare technologies.(KNS)
