Defence personnel pay tribute to Kargil martyrs

Valour in stone. Kargil Vijay Diwas

Every July 26, India comes together in pride and remembrance, honouring the heroes of the Kargil War. The day commemorates our country's major military success against Pakistan during the war. After the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, direct armed conflicts were rare until the 1990s when tensions rose due to separatist activities in Kashmir and nuclear tests by both nations in 1998. Despite the Lahore Declaration in 1999, Pakistan initiated the covert Operation Badri, leading to the Kargil War that lasted for almost 3 months.

In response to Operation Badri, India launched Operation Vijay, which involved intense combat in high-altitude mountainous terrain, presenting significant challenges for the Indian troops. Nevertheless, their bravery, determination and superior military strategy enabled them to achieve victory on July 26, 1999, a date now celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. On this day, the Prime Minister of India pays homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate, to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. Various functions and events are organised nationwide to commemorate the contributions of the Indian Armed Forces.