Dras/New Delhi: India on Sunday recalled the valour of the armed forces in the 1999 Kargil war with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticising Pakistan for making terrorism a “part of its state policy”, saying there will be no talks with the country other than on PoJK.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief ministers and leaders across the political spectrum paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the war.
Events were organised across states and at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh to mark the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
President Murmu paid tribute to the valiant warriors and said the nation shall forever remain indebted to them. “Their unparalleled valour, unwavering resolve, and unparalleled patriotism stand as exemplary models of our army’s glorious traditions,” she said in a post on X in Hindi.
Prime Minister Modi said the valour of India’s brave soldiers in the face of most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride.
“Their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride. Their unwavering patriotism and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations,” he said in a post on X.
The prime minister said there are certain days in people’s lives that do not require a calendar to be remembered.
“Today, the 26th of July, is one such date. Today is ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’. This day fills us with pride. This day reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers,” he said while addressing his monthly radio broadcast ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Paying glowing tributes to the fallen soldiers, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of the indomitable valour and extraordinary heroism of the Indian Army.
“In 1999, despite the harsh conditions and the enemy’s positions on high-altitude fronts on the formidable snowy peaks of the Himalayas, our brave soldiers brought the enemy to its knees through ‘Operation Vijay’,” he said in a post in Hindi on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh slammed Pakistan for making terrorism a “part of its state policy”, and said there will be no talks with the country other than on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir, which is a “part of India illegally occupied” by it.
In his address at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, the defence minister also said that Operation Sindoor clearly demonstrated what will be the fate of those who attempt to threaten India with terrorism, asserting that the country can respond to any misadventure by Pakistan in a manner “beyond their imagination”.
The occasion was the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, with Singh describing India’s victory in the Kargil war in 1999 as “a diamond studded in the crown of Bharat Mata”.
Recalling the Operation Sindoor conducted in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, he said the Indian armed forces dealt a severe blow to the backers and supporters of terrorism.
“Operation Sindoor made it clear what the fate will be of those who attempt to threaten India with terrorism,” Rajnath said.
Asserting that India and its armed forces have the capacity to respond to any misadventure by Pakistan in a manner “beyond their imagination”, he said, “Any evil step towards the sovereignty and integrity of India will meet with the same fate.”
“There will be no talks with Pakistan other than on Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK), a part of India which it occupied illegally,” the defence minister said.
Sharpening his attack on the neighbouring country, Singh said at a time when India is designing ships, Pakistan is busy engaging in terror design.
“While we are finding new ways of innovation, Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration. Today, India is making data centres but Pakistan is busy creating radical centres,” the defence minister said.
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay, the name given to India’s military operation to reclaim the heights of Kargil after Pakistan’s infiltration, which culminated on this day in 1999.
“The victory in Kargil wasn’t just a military or diplomatic success; our soldiers exhibited indomitable courage and valour. I salute our bravehearts and their valour on 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas,” Singh said.
Earlier, Singh, Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, and the GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, paid tribute at the Kargil War Memorial here, offering homage to the fallen heroes.
Three helicopters in arrowhead formation, led by an advanced light helicopter and followed by two Cheetals, showered floral petals on the memorial from the air to mark the occasion.
The defence minister, who arrived here on Saturday, was the chief guest at the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’.
Kargil martyrs protected nation’s sovereignty, scripted golden history: Indian Army chief
Kargil Vijay Diwas is an “eternal symbol” of the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, commitment, and supreme sacrifice, Indian Army Chief Gen Dhiraj Seth said on Sunday.
The nation on Sunday marked the 27th year of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the army chief and other military leaders and civil dignitaries laid wreaths at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass in homage to the fallen heroes.
The Indian Army on X shared its top officer’s message.
“Kargil Vijay Diwas is an eternal symbol of the Indian Army’s indomitable courage, commitment and supreme sacrifice. On this occasion, I offer my humble tribute to the bravehearts of Kargil, whose valour and unbreakable resolve, while protecting the sovereignty of the nation, scripted a golden history of victory,” the army chief said.
These sacrifices are a “source of limitless inspiration” for every soldier of the Indian Army, he said.
In his message, the army chief asserted that the Indian Army is “eternally dedicated to guarding the nation and contributing to the growth of the country.”
Seth, an officer with the rare distinction of heading two operational army commands along the western front, took charge as the new Chief of the Army Staff on June 30.
He assumed the reins of the 1.3 million-strong force at a time when it is forging a path to become self-reliant and future-ready while meeting challenges on the borders.
After the main anniversary event – Shradhanjali Samaroh – at the Kargil War Memorial here, Seth delivered brief remarks to the press.
“On the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I feel that my presence here injects a new energy and pride in me. I offer my humble tribute to our bravehearts and also affectionately greet their family members,” he said.
Seth in his remarks, delivered in Hindi, said an Indian soldier is “much ahead” of personnel in other forces of the world, and “cannot be competed with.”
“I want to assure the nation that the Indian Army is with the people in the growth story of the country, and in future, and will make the flag of the country fly higher,” he said.
Operation Vijay was the name given to India’s limited war against Pakistan after the neighbouring country’s infiltration in 1999.
Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999.
