New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that supreme sacrifice of our soldiers during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our armed forces and our country will remain forever indebted to their service.
“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation’s honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our armed forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service,” Rajnath Singh said in a post on X.
The Defence Minister also laid a wreath on the occasion of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas at the National War Memorial in the national capital today.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt. General NS Raja Subramani, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh accompanied the minster.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, marks the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay in which Indian armed forces recaptured key strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistani soldiers who had infiltrated disguised as militants. The war, which lasted over 60 days, ended in a decisive victory for India.
People from across India come together to remember and honour the valiant soldiers. The solemn day commemorates the successful culmination of Operation Vijay. The conflict began in May 1999 when Pakistani soldiers crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian positions with the objective of severing National Highway 1A — the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh.
In response, India launched a meticulously planned military campaign marked by fierce high-altitude battles fought in treacherous terrain and sub-zero conditions. Landmarks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 became symbols of sacrifice, etched forever in the national memory.
Heroes such as Captain Vikram Batra, Major Rajesh Adhikari, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar emerged as icons of Indian valour.
The war ended on July 26, 1999, with India regaining control of all positions without crossing the Line of Control — demonstrating remarkable military restraint and earning international respect.
