Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed his confidence that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will eventually become a part of India. Singh believes this will occur not through military aggression, but because the people of PoK themselves will desire to be part of India. He envisions a day when the residents of PoK will declare, "Main Bhi Bharat Hoon" (I am also India).

Singh made these remarks while interacting with the Indian community in Morocco. He recalled making a similar statement five years prior while addressing the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. At that time, he asserted that India would not need to attack and capture PoK, as it inherently belonged to India. He believes that day is approaching when PoK itself will express its desire to be reunited with India.

The Defence Minister's statement comes after allegations that the central government missed an opportunity to reclaim PoK during Operation Sindoor. Some opposition leaders criticized the government's agreement to a ceasefire, arguing that India had the upper hand and could have captured the territory.

Reaching out to the people of Pakistan, Singh stated that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are part of the Indian family. He added that those brothers who are geographically and politically separated from India today will return to the mainstream. Singh believes that most of the people in PoK feel a deep connection with India, and only a few have been misled. He stated that India has always talked about connecting hearts and believes that by walking on the path of love, unity and truth, the day is not far when PoK will return and say, "I am India, I have returned".

Singh highlighted India's commitment to 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Great India), expressing faith that those geographically and politically separated from India will one day reunite with dignity and self-respect. He drew an emotional parallel, likening the situation in PoK to that of Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, emphasizing India's unwavering faith in its brothers and sisters across the Line of Control.

Laying out New Delhi's policy stance towards Pakistan, the defense minister said that any future dialogue with Islamabad would only focus on terrorism and PoK. He stated that Pakistan is paying a heavy price for sponsoring terrorism and that running the business of terrorism is not cost-effective. He also said that terror and talks cannot happen at the same time and that if there will be talks between India and Pakistan, it will only be on terrorism and PoK.

Singh also lauded the 'Make-in-India' initiative for its role in strengthening India's national security. He cited the success of Operation Sindoor as an example of India's indigenous capabilities. He highlighted the growth of India's defense exports, which have increased from under Rs 1,000 crore a decade ago to a record Rs 23,500 crore today.