Rajnath: India has shaped own destiny

Rajnath Singh (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Pakistan thought it could frighten India through infiltration, guerrilla tactics and surprise attacks during the 1965 war, but little did it know every Indian soldier serves motherland with the feeling the nation’s sovereignty & integrity will never be compromised at any cost, defence minister Rajnath Singh said Friday. Interacting with veterans and families of fallen heroes of the 1965 war on its diamond jubilee, Singh hailed then PM Lal Bahadur Shastri’s leadership. “No war is fought only on the battlefield. Victory in war is the result of the collective resolve of entire nation.”He recalled the “unmatched bravery and patriotism” displayed by Indian soldiers during battles fought during the war, including the Battle of Asal Uttar, Battle of Chawinda and Battle of Phillora. Asserting that Indians have time-and-again proved the country creates its own destiny, Singh described Op Sindoor as “a shining example” of this firm resolve. “Coordination and courage with which our forces executed the operation is proof victory is no longer an exception for us; it has become our habit. We must always maintain this habit.”