Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 26: The nation solemnly observed the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Friday, paying heartfelt homage to the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who secured victory during the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistani intruders.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the tributes in the capital by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial (NWM). Honouring the courage and determination of the Armed Forces, he described the Kargil victory as a timeless symbol of valour. “India shall remain forever indebted to their supreme sacrifice,” he posted on X.
In Dras, Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth spearheaded a commemorative ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ under the Mera Yuva Bharat initiative. The march witnessed the participation of over 1,000 people — including ex-servicemen, martyr families, youth volunteers, and civil society members — walking a 1.5-km route to honour the heroes of the Kargil conflict. The ministers and 100 youth delegates also paid tribute at the Kargil War Memorial, laying wreaths in memory of the fallen.
Top military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, also paid their respects at the National War Memorial. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Army Chief Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani were also in attendance.
CDS General Anil Chauhan remarked that Kargil remains a testament to India's military resilience, cautioning that adversaries would continue testing the nation's strength. “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds every Indian of the unparalleled bravery, tenacity and patriotism of our valiant soldiers… Our adversaries will continue to test our resolve, but the legacy of Kargil reminds us that jointness, preparedness and unwavering courage — proven once again by the success of Operation Sindoor — will always triumph over the enemy's deceit and aggression,” he said.
Kargil Vijay Diwas continues to stand as a powerful symbol of India’s enduring patriotism, unity, and the supreme sacrifices made in defence of the nation’s sovereignty.