India 'Won't Have To Use Force To Take PoK': Rajnath Singh Opens Up On Pakistan, Border Talks With China

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's claim to Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, emphasising that India won't yield and anticipates voluntary integration by PoK's people.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated India's stance on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), stating that India will never relinquish its claim on the region. Singh expressed confidence that the people of PoK would voluntarily seek integration with India, inspired by the developmental progress witnessed in Kashmir. In an exclusive interview with PTI, Singh remarked, "We will not have to use force to take PoK as people would say that we must be merged with India. Such demands are now coming." He emphasised that PoK "was, is, and will remain ours."

He highlighted the significant improvements in the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that a time will come when the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will no longer be necessary in the region. However, he deferred decisions regarding AFSPA to the Union Home Ministry.

"The way the ground situation has changed in Jammu and Kashmir, the way the region is witnessing economic progress and the way peace has returned there, I think demands will emerge from people of PoK that they should merge with India, he said. We will not have to use force to take PoK as people would say that we must be merged with India. Such demands are now coming," he said. 

"The way the situation is improving in Jammu and Kashmir, I think a time will come when AFSPA will no longer be required there," the Defence Minister further stated, as quoted by PTI.

Regarding Pakistan's involvement in cross-border terrorism, Singh urged Islamabad to cease its destabilising activities, "They are trying to destabilise India and we will not allow it to happen". He affirmed India's commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and maintaining normal neighborly relations, contingent upon Pakistan creating an environment free of terror and hostility.

India-Pakistan relations have remained strained, particularly since India's airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, in February 2019, following the Pulwama terror attack. The situation further deteriorated when India revoked the special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and reorganised the state into two union territories on August 5, 2019.

India has consistently advocated for normal neighborly relations with Pakistan, while emphasising Pakistan's responsibility to address terrorism and hostility. In recent years, India has pursued an assertive approach to dealing with terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh On India-China Border Talks

As the military standoff persists between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed optimism regarding the ongoing talks between the two sides. Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Singh indicated progress in the dialogue process and expressed hope for a resolution to the lingering border dispute.

"The talks are going on well," Singh remarked, refraining from divulging further details due to the sensitivity of the matter, as per PTI. When asked about his outlook on a positive outcome and the potential end to the nearly four-year face-off, Singh responded emphatically, stating, "If there was no hope, then why have talks? They (the Chinese side) also have hope, and that is why we are holding the talks."

Since May 2020, the Indian and Chinese militaries have been in a deadlock, with a comprehensive resolution yet to be achieved despite disengagement from several friction points. Singh highlighted India's rapid development of infrastructure along the frontier with China, reaffirming the country's commitment to ensuring the safety of its borders.

In a critical stance against the Congress, Singh condemned continuous attacks on the government over the eastern Ladakh standoff. "They (Congress) are questioning the bravery of Indian soldiers... who are you demoralising? What is your intention? I can also go back to 1962 as well," Singh asserted, as quoted by PTI.

Relations between India and China plummeted notably following a fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, marking the most serious military confrontation between the two nations in decades. India has consistently emphasized that normalizing ties with China hinges on achieving peace in the border areas.

The latest high-level military talks took place in February, aiming to address the border row. Although no breakthrough was indicated during the 21st round of talks, both sides committed to maintaining peace and tranquillity on the ground while continuing communication to chart a path forward. The next round of military talks is anticipated to convene soon.