Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asserted that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) will eventually become an integral part of India, not through military action, but by the will of its own people. Singh made this strong statement while interacting with the Indian community in Morocco on Monday, September 22, 2025. He stated that the residents of PoK are demanding freedom from the current administration and that "PoK will be ours on its own".

Singh recalled a statement he made five years prior, while addressing the Indian Army in the Kashmir Valley. At that time, he said that India would not need to attack and capture PoK because it is already inherently a part of India. He confidently stated that "PoK itself will say, 'Main bhi Bharat Hoon'. That day will come".

The Defence Minister's remarks come amid criticism from opposition leaders regarding the government's decision to agree to a ceasefire during Operation Sindoor against Pakistan earlier this year. These leaders claimed that India missed an opportunity to capture PoK during that time. However, Singh has dismissed these claims. He has also indicated that further operations like Sindoor could occur if terrorist activities from Pakistan resume.

Singh emphasized that India's response during Operation Sindoor was measured and targeted, focusing on actions rather than religious identity. He quoted the Ramcharitmanas, stating, "Humne dharm dekh kar nahi, karm dekh kar maara hai" (We have killed not based on religion but based on deeds). He assured the Indian community in Morocco that the response was designed to avoid escalation while ensuring justice for the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Beyond the geopolitical statements, Singh's visit to Morocco is historically significant as the first by an Indian Defence Minister. He is scheduled to inaugurate a Tata Advanced Systems manufacturing facility for Wheeled Armoured Platforms (WhAP) 8x8 in Berrechid, marking the first Indian defence manufacturing plant in Africa. Furthermore, he will hold a bilateral meeting with his Moroccan counterpart, Abdeltif Loudiyi, with both countries expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation. This MoU aims to expand bilateral military relations through joint training programs, industrial collaboration, and strategic exchanges.

Singh also highlighted India's economic and strategic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting its rise from the 11th to the 4th largest economy globally. He also mentioned the boom in India's digital and startup sectors and the significant increase in defence exports. He praised the Indian diaspora for their contributions as global ambassadors of Indian values.

The Defence Minister's vision aligns with the concept of "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," expressing confidence that the people of PoK will voluntarily rejoin the mainstream of India, driven by their "inner voice" and a deep connection with Indian culture. He believes that the integration of PoK depends on the cultural, social, and economic prosperity of India.