Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, paid tributes to the brave soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
During the commemoration, Prime Minister Modi reflected on Pakistan’s repeated misadventures and its failure to learn from history. He stated, “Pakistan has faced defeat whenever it carried out any misadventure. Today, I am speaking from a place where masters of terror can hear my voice directly. I want to tell patrons of terrorism that their nefarious designs will never succeed.” He emphasized that India’s bravehearts would always crush terrorism and give a befitting response to any enemy action. Modi also highlighted the courage, restraint, and strength displayed by Indian forces during the Kargil conflict.
President Droupadi Murmu hailed the “courage and extraordinary valour” of the armed forces, urging all citizens to draw inspiration from the soldiers’ sacrifices. In a post on X, she said, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion for a grateful nation to pay tribute to the indomitable courage and extraordinary valour of our armed forces. I pay tribute to each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting Mother India on the peaks of Kargil in 1999 and bow in reverence to their sacred memory.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a heartfelt post on X, praised the soldiers’ “unwavering commitment, valour, and patriotism,” noting their role in ensuring the country’s safety and security. “Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and our coming generations,” he added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Kargil Vijay Diwas as a symbol of the army’s unwavering resolve and valour. He praised the soldiers for their ultimate bravery in the inaccessible hills of the Himalayas, which forced the enemy to kneel and brought pride to the nation by hoisting the tricolour in Kargil.
Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar also saluted the soldiers’ valour and dedication, stating that their courage and patriotism act as a guiding light for all Indians. Similarly, Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, paid tributes, acknowledging the indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice of the Kargil heroes.
As the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, families of the martyrs remember the bravery and dedication of their loved ones. Madhubala, widow of Kargil hero Vinod Kumar, expressed her pride, saying, “I feel very good to be here and feel proud.” Rajender Kumar, elder brother of Kargil hero Bejender Kumar, shared his pride, stating, “I feel so proud; he died for the country. We remember him every day.” Prashanti, wife of Group Captain K. Nachiketa Rao, recalled the collective prayers for his repatriation from Pakistan and expressed her pride in his bravery.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999. During this conflict, Indian forces successfully reclaimed strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists. The day serves as a reminder of the valour and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces and a celebration of their victory in one of the most challenging terrains.
