New Delhi: Every year on July 26, India solemnly observes Kargil Vijay Diwas to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces who secured a resounding victory in the Kargil War of 1999. This day marks the successful completion of Operation Vijay, through which Indian troops evicted Pakistani infiltrators and reclaimed strategic peaks in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Kargil War was not a conventional battlefield conflict. In early May 1999, Pakistani soldiers, disguised as militants, infiltrated Indian territory and occupied crucial heights in the Drass, Kargil, Batalik, and Mushkoh sectors. These positions gave them a commanding view over National Highway 1A, a vital supply route connecting Srinagar to Leh. The intrusion was a calculated move by Pakistan’s military establishment, breaching the trust built through the Lahore Declaration signed just months earlier in February 1999.
India responded with restraint and resolve. After confirming the infiltration, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, supported by the Indian Air Force under Operation Safed Sagar, to push the infiltrators back across the Line of Control (LoC).
The rugged terrain, soaring altitudes of over 16,000 feet, and harsh weather conditions made the Kargil conflict one of the most challenging military operations ever conducted. Indian soldiers, many of them young officers and jawans, showed unparalleled courage. Names like Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, and Rifleman Sanjay Kumar are etched in the national memory for their valour. They and many others became legends for fighting fearlessly against all odds, often at the cost of their lives.
By July 26, 1999, Indian forces had successfully recaptured almost all the occupied positions. This hard-won triumph came after more than 500 Indian soldiers laid down their lives and over a thousand were injured.
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, tributes pour in from across the country. The Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Ladakh, stands as a symbol of national pride. Each year, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony is held there, attended by the President, Prime Minister, military chiefs, war veterans, and family members of martyrs. Candlelight marches, patriotic performances, and educational programs are held in schools and institutions to instil the spirit of nationalism in younger generations.
In New Delhi and across state capitals, citizens pay homage through cultural events and commemorative gatherings. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of gratitude, and television channels replay documentaries and films like LOC Kargil and Shershaah to honour the legacy of the heroes.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is not merely a day of remembrance it is a reminder of the constant vigil needed to secure India's borders. It underlines the importance of strong intelligence networks, unwavering national unity, and the readiness of our armed forces.
In the years since Kargil, India has significantly upgraded its border surveillance systems, modernised military equipment, and strengthened strategic deterrence. Yet, the spirit of Kargil of ordinary men performing extraordinary feats remains the most powerful shield of the nation.
As India celebrates the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas in 2025, it does so not with triumphalism, but with reverence and resolve. It is a time to honour those who gave their all and to renew our collective commitment to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. The legacy of Kargil lies in every Indian’s heart a legacy built on courage, conviction, and sacrifice.
"They gave their today for our tomorrow."