Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday (26 July), reaffirmed India's commitment to maintaining its honor and dignity, stating that the country is prepared to cross the Line of Control (LoC), if necessary.

Singh was reiterating the break from the Vajpayee-era policy of not crossing the LoC, to prevent an escalation of the Kargil war.

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee prohibited Indian armed forces to cross the LoC, which led to the brave and valiant Indian Army soldiers successfully mounting suicidal frontal attacks at an enemy sitting on commanding heights.

Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial on the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh drew attention to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and cited civilian participation as a crucial factor in sustaining the conflict for over a year.

He emphasised the significance of public support for the armed forces and urged citizens to be prepared to extend their backing directly to the soldiers if required.

Singh, laying a wreath at the memorial, paid tribute to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil war. Speaking about the conflict, he recalled how the war was thrust upon India, describing the nation as having been backstabbed by Pakistan.

He saluted the brave sons of India who put their country first and laid down their lives for its defence.

"We were backstabbed by Pakistan... The war was imposed on India. I salute our brave sons who put the country first and sacrificed their lives," he said.

The Defence Minister added, "Whenever there has been a war situation, our public has always supported the forces but that support has been indirect. I urge the public to be ready to support the soldiers directly in the battlefield, if the need arises."

The Defence Minister's address highlighted India's unwavering determination to defend its honor and dignity and asserted that the country is prepared to go to any extent, including crossing the LoC, to protect the nation's interests.

Singh said, "We can go to any extreme to maintain the honour and dignity of the country... if that includes crossing the LoC, we are ready to do that."

The Kargil War, which took place in 1999, saw the Indian Army launch a fierce offensive to repel Pakistani forces that had stealthily occupied strategic heights in Kargil disctrict in Ladakh.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on 26 July to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan during the conflict.