Nation marks 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, pays tribute to war heroes

New Delhi: India on Friday observed the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, paying tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives to secure victory in the 1999 Kargil War.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, saluting the courage and determination of the Armed Forces who reclaimed Indian territory from Pakistani intruders. Calling the victory a timeless example of bravery, he wrote on X, “India shall remain forever indebted to their supreme sacrifice.”

In Dras, Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Sanjay Seth led a ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ organized under Mera Yuva Bharat. Over 1,000 youth, ex-servicemen, martyrs’ families and members of civil society walked a 1.5 km route to honor the fallen soldiers. The ministers, along with 100 youth volunteers, also laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial.

Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also paid tributes at the National War Memorial, joined by Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Army Chief Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani.

General Chauhan said Kargil symbolized India’s military resilience and warned that adversaries would continue to test the nation’s resolve. “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds every Indian of the unparalleled bravery, tenacity and patriotism of our valiant soldiers who fought fearlessly to safeguard the territorial integrity of our nation, as also, the bitter truth of Pakistan's betrayal… 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.

The day stands as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice, courage and patriotism of those who fought to protect India’s territorial integrity.