On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in honouring the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War. Senior military leaders, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, also paid their respects at commemorative events.
Taking to social media, PM Modi saluted the courage and sacrifice of India’s armed forces:
“Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for the motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!”
President Murmu echoed the sentiment, saying:
“On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolizes the extraordinary valor, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed every year on July 26, commemorates India’s hard-fought victory in the Kargil War of 1999. The conflict broke out in May 1999 when Pakistani troops and militants stealthily occupied strategic peaks in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a high-altitude military campaign conducted under some of the world’s most hostile weather and terrain conditions. After nearly two months of fierce combat, Indian forces reclaimed the territory by July 26, 1999. The war, however, came at a heavy price — 527 Indian soldiers laid down their lives to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty. Their sacrifice is remembered today as a symbol of unmatched bravery and patriotism.
Honouring the Heroes: Celebrations and New Initiatives
Marking the 26th anniversary of the Kargil victory, the central commemoration is taking place at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, with wreath-laying ceremonies led by senior military officers and the families of the fallen soldiers.
Across India, tributes are pouring in through:
Ceremonial events by armed forces and civil authorities
Patriotic songs, cultural performances, and war exhibitions
Educational initiatives in schools and colleges to engage the youth
Special programmes recognising the sacrifices of martyrs’ families