Sacrifices of Kargil heroes will inspire generations, India emerging as trusted global defence partner: PM Modi

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Sunday asserted that India is continuously scaling new heights in defence production and military exports, as he cited commissioning of INS Mahendragiri, recent defence technology tests by DRDO and agreements on BrahMos and Astra missiles with Indonesia.In his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’, he also paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives during the Kargil war in 1999. “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, the nation expresses gratitude to the brave soldiers for their extraordinary courage and commitment towards securing India,” he said, adding their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride.During his visit to Drass, defence minister Rajnath Singh said the “success of Operation Sindoor is proof that India possesses the capability to respond to Pakistan’s every misadventure with a severity far beyond its imagination”. He reiterated that there would be no talks with Pakistan, and any dialogue would focus solely on POK.He said 27 years have passed after the Kargil war, and the paths taken by India and Pakistan have diverged sharply.“While India is exploring new avenues of innovation, Pakistan is seeking new routes for infiltration. India is engaged in chip design, whereas Pakistan is busy designing terror. India is building a start-up ecosystem, while Pakistan is constructing a terror ecosystem. India is manufacturing semiconductors; Pakistan is preparing suicide bombers. India is recognised for space missions, while Pakistan is running proxy missions. India is sending satellites into space, whereas Pakistan focuses on sending terrorists across the border. India is providing software to the world, while Pakistan is exporting sleeper cells. India is establishing data centers; Pakistan is setting up radicalisation centres,” Rajnath said.The PM also mentioned the successful testing of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile.“Today, be it defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly countries, India is consistently moving towards new heights,” he said. “At the beginning of this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major agreement was reached for the BrahMos and Astra missiles. The world’s trust in India’s defence equipment and technology is increasing,” he added.