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

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who toured Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh’s Drass on Saturday, July 25, 2026, said that the intentions of the enemies have not changed and proxy war continues to be a security issue in the region.

Without naming Pakistan, Mr. Singh said while speaking at Shaurya Bhoj in Drass: “As we celebrate the Kargil War victory, we must remind ourselves of the challenges. Our enemy’s intention remains the same. Proxy war is still being used as a tactic. Our army is ready to thwart these nefarious designs,” Mr. Singh said.

The Defense Minister arrived in Srinagar on Saturday morning, July 25, 2026, for a two-day tour of the region. It 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 killed a police officer three days ago.

Later, Mr. Singh visited the war memorial in Drass, Ladakh, on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas. While participating in ‘Shaurya Sandhya’, he paid tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives in the line of duty in the Kargil War against Pakistan in 1999.

“It is these sacrifices that make the people of India feel safe. When oxygen levels dropped in 1999, our soldiers’ guns did not fall silent until the Tricolor was unfurled as a sign of victory. We are proud of the brave soldiers and their degree of bravery,” Mr. Singh said.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensured that the morale of the soldiers remained high. “We are investing in modernization of equipment and training. We hope to see the Indian Army among the world’s leading forces,” he said.

Mr. Singh said the Indian armed forces are fully prepared to face any challenge posed by the country’s enemies. “The Indian army is alert, combat-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 brave-hearted families of the Kargil War were celebrated on the occasion. Commemorative events were held at ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen Observation Post, where Kargil War veterans and families of martyred soldiers commemorated the sacrifices made during Operation Vijay. Documentaries and special presentations about the heroism of 40 war heroes were shown at the event.

Mr. Singh will be the chief guest at the national tribute ceremony to be held on July 26. He is expected to lay a wreath at the war memorial and interact. Veer Narisand Veer Maas, open a virtual transit portal and flag the Shaurya Vijay Yatra motorcycle rally.