New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declared today that the residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) are integral members of the Indian family and expressed confidence that they will voluntarily reintegrate into India in the future.

Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Business Summit in New Delhi, Singh emphasized that India has "redesigned and redefined" its approach to combating terrorism, with any potential dialogue with Pakistan focusing solely on terrorism and PoK.

Singh stated, "I believe that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are our own, part of our family," and expressed full faith that those currently separated from India will eventually return to the nation's mainstream.

He noted that most PoK residents feel a deep connection with India, with only a few having been misled. Singh reiterated that PoK is, and will remain, an integral part of India.

This statement aligns with Singh's previous remarks, including a May 2024 interview where he asserted that India would not need to use force to reclaim PoK, as its people would choose to join India voluntarily after witnessing the development in Kashmir.

Singh's comments reflect India's ongoing commitment to integrating PoK and its residents, emphasizing a vision of peaceful reunification.