Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: 26 years of honour; from the battlefield of 1999 to the brilliance of Operation Sindoor

Time of India

3 days ago

The Battle of Kargil: A Defining Moment
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As India marks the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas , the legacy of heroism and sacrifice continues to resonate deeply—not just through history, but also through recent acts of bravery like Operation Sindoor . Over the past 26 years, India has made significant progress, yet the memories of the Kargil War remain etched in the nation's conscience.Fought in the summer of 1999, the Kargil conflict was unlike any India had faced before. Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated strategic high-altitude positions in the Dras sector of Kargil, taking advantage of the harsh terrain and extreme weather. In response, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a bold military campaign to reclaim the occupied peaks under some of the most difficult combat conditions in the world.Mountainous landmarks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, Gun Hill, and Batra Top became symbols of national pride as Indian forces successfully regained control. The war came at a heavy price: over 500 Indian soldiers were martyred and more than 1,300 were injured. Bravehearts such as Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Manoj Pandey are still remembered for their extraordinary courage. While the exact number of Pakistani casualties remains unclear, hundreds of their soldiers were believed to have been killed—many of whom were never officially acknowledged by Pakistan.Despite minimal technological aid and the brutal high-altitude conditions, Indian soldiers displayed unmatched determination. The two-month-long conflict concluded with a decisive Indian victory on July 26, 1999, a date now celebrated each year as Kargil Vijay Diwas , honouring those who fought and fell in service of the nation.This year, Kargil Vijay Diwas holds even greater significance in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. Initiated in response to a brutal terror attack, Operation Sindoor showcased the Indian Armed Forces' capability through a coordinated, multi-domain strike targeting terror infrastructure—not just in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, but extending deep into Pakistani territory as well.The 1999 Kargil War posed immense challenges, with the Indian Army operating with limited technology, old weaponry, and minimal coordination between the armed services. In contrast, Operation Sindoor highlighted the evolution of India's military into a modern, integrated force. Today, the Indian Army is technologically superior, equipped with indigenous communication systems, advanced artillery, and state-of-the-art missile defense systems. The armed forces are now well-prepared for hybrid warfare, including counter-drone strategies and information warfare, firmly establishing themselves as one of the world's most capable and professional military powers.