On July 14, 1999, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success. (Image: Shutterstock)
Pakistani troops were forced to leave their occupied Indian territory on July 26, 1999, which ended the Kargil War in India’s favour.
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. This historic triumph saw the Indian Army reclaim strategically vital territory in Kargil, Ladakh, previously occupied by Pakistani forces. The day celebrates the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers who valiantly defended the nation’s sovereignty.
WATCH: Kargil War 25th Anniversary: A Tribute to the Kargil Heroes
History of Kargil Vijay Diwas
On May 26, 1999, the Indian Air Force launched its operation in Kargil. A total of 527 Indian soldiers were martyred in the war. During the Kargil conflict, the gallant soldiers of the Indian Army, with the help of Indian Air Force, overcame insurmountable odds, hostile terrain and inclement weather to win against the enemy that had occupied dominating heights.
The victory against Pakistan remains one of the most significant moments of the Indian Army during the war.
It was on July 14, 1999 then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success. ‘Operation Vijay’ was initiated due to unprovoked intrusion of Pakistan Army backed armed terrorists on the Indian side of Line of Control (LC) at Kargil.
Significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas
India has great significance for this day since it was during the war that 527 troops from the Indian Armed Forces were martyred. The day is observed in commemoration of their sacrifice.
Celebration of Kargil Vijay Diwas
In honour of the 25th anniversary of the Kargil victory, the Indian Air Force will be commemorating ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Rajat Jayanti’ at Air Force Station Sarsawa from July 12 to July 26.
Tomorrow, 26th July, is a very special day for every Indian. We will mark the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is a day to pay homage to all those who protect our nation. I will visit the Kargil War Memorial and pay tributes to our brave heroes. Work will also commence for the Shinkun…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 25, 2024
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Kargil War Memorial on July 26 and pay homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, his office said on Thursday. He will also carry out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project virtually.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Top Quotes
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Their valour continues to inspire generations.Will speak more about this during today’s #MannKiBaat, which begins shortly. #CourageInKargil
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2020
In 2020 PM Modi stated on X, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Their valour continues to inspire generations.”
We remember their sacrifices.We remember their valour.
Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day.
Also sharing an excerpt from last year’s ’Mann Ki Baat.’ pic.twitter.com/jC42es8OLz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2021
In 2021 PM Modi stated, “We remember their sacrifices. We remember their valour. Today, on Kargil Vijay Diwas we pay homage to all those who lost their lives in Kargil protecting our nation. Their bravery motivates us every single day.”
कारगिल विजय दिवस मां भारती की आन-बान और शान का प्रतीक है। इस अवसर पर मातृभूमि की रक्षा में पराक्रम की पराकाष्ठा करने वाले देश के सभी साहसी सपूतों को मेरा शत-शत नमन। जय हिंद! pic.twitter.com/wIHyTrNPMU— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2022
The 2022 post read, “Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of the pride and glory of Mother India. On this occasion, I salute all the brave sons of the country who displayed the ultimate valour in protecting the motherland. Jai Hind!”
कारगिल विजय दिवस भारत के उन अद्भुत पराक्रमियों की शौर्यगाथा को सामने लाता है, जो देशवासियों के लिए सदैव प्रेरणाशक्ति बने रहेंगे। इस विशेष दिवस पर मैं उनका हृदय से नमन और वंदन करता हूं। जय हिंद!— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2023
His 2023 post read, “Kargil Vijay Diwas brings forth the saga of the bravery of those amazing brave soldiers of India, who will always remain a source of inspiration for the countrymen. On this special day, I salute and salute them from the bottom of my heart. Jai Hind!.”
Kargil Vijay Diwas: Key Facts
- Indian Air Force launched its operation in Kargil on May 26, 1999.
- On July 4, 1999, the Indian Army recaptured Tiger Hill after a nighttime attack.
- Pakistani troops were forced to leave their occupied Indian territory on July 26, 1999, which ended the war in India’s favour.
- The Indian Army discovered Pakistan’s involvement in the conflict from documents found near the dead bodies of Pakistani soldiers after the war ended.
- A total of 527 Indian soldiers were martyred in the war.
- On July 14, 1999, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declared Operation Vijay a success.
- Soldiers such as Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey, Captain Vikram Batra, and Captain Keishing Clifford Nongrum, who sacrificed their lives to secure Kargil hill, were posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra.
- Every year, on July 26, the Prime Minister pays his respects to the soldiers who were martyred in the war.
