Drass: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday paid rich tributes to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil War, saying the courage and determination of India’s armed forces continue to inspire the nation and ensure that the country can move forward without fear.
Addressing troops and dignitaries at Drass on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh said the Indian Defence Forces remain fully prepared to meet any challenge, even as adversaries continue to adopt tactics such as proxy wars and infiltration.
“Even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to employ nefarious tactics such as proxy wars and infiltration, the Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge,” the Defence Minister said.
Singh was in Ladakh to participate in a series of commemorative events honouring the heroes of Operation Vijay, which led to India’s victory over Pakistani intruders in the Kargil sector in 1999.
At the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, Singh attended the ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ programme and paid homage to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the conflict. He also interacted with families of fallen soldiers and felicitated the next of kin of Kargil War heroes.
Recalling the extraordinary bravery displayed by Indian soldiers during the war, Singh said the nation today stands with pride because of their sacrifice.
“Today, we are able to breathe with our heads held high because our soldiers, even in minus temperatures and without oxygen, did not lower their guns. India’s flag is flying with pride because our soldiers demonstrated unmatched valour and hoisted the Tricolour on the enemy’s territory,” he said.
The Defence Minister expressed confidence that India’s armed forces would emerge as the world’s strongest military force in the coming years, highlighting the government’s focus on defencemodernisation and self-reliance.
He said sustained efforts were being made to equip the forces with advanced weapons, modern technology and improved training facilities.
“This century belongs to us; the future belongs to us. With the progress made towards self-reliance, I am confident that our defence forces will become the best in the world in the times to come,” Singh said.
He also praised the armed forces for adopting emerging technologies, including drones, robotic systems and advanced equipment designed for operations in difficult terrains.
The Defence Minister arrived in Srinagar earlier in the day for his two-day visit to Ladakh. He was received at Srinagar International Airport by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Singh was scheduled to travel to Drass by helicopter, but the sortie was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. He subsequently travelled to Drass by road.
The commemorations began with ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, where Kargil War veterans, families of fallen soldiers and dignitaries gathered to remember the valour of Operation Vijay heroes.
The programme included screenings highlighting the bravery of soldiers and accounts of their sacrifices during the 1999 conflict.
At Vishwanathan Stadium, Singh attended ‘Shaurya Bhoj’, which featured military displays, drone demonstrations, robotic mule showcases, Army martial arts performances and cultural programmes highlighting Ladakh’s heritage.
The main Kargil Vijay Diwas ceremony will be held on Sunday at the Kargil War Memorial, where Singh will lead the nation in paying homage to the martyrs of Operation Vijay.
The Defence Minister will participate in the ‘ShradhanjaliSamaroh’, a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial, along with senior military commanders, including Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Northern Command chief Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, veterans, Veer Naris and families of the fallen soldiers.
During the ceremony, Singh will also inaugurate a Virtual Walkthrough Portal at the Kargil War Memorial, allowing visitors to digitally explore the history and legacy of the historic battle.
The event will conclude with the flagging-in of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra, a motorcycle rally that began from the National War Memorial in New Delhi and will culminate at Drass.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory in Operation Vijay, launched to evict Pakistani troops and infiltrators who occupied strategic heights in the Kargil sector.
The nearly three-month-long conflict claimed the lives of 545 bravehearts, including 537 Indian Army personnel, five Indian Air Force personnel, one Border Security Force personnel and two civilians.
The day remains a symbol of India’s military courage, sacrifice and determination to protect its territorial integrity.
