Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marked the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, 2026, in Drass, Ladakh, by paying tribute to the soldiers who fell during the 1999 Kargil War. In his address to Army personnel at a Shaurya Bhoj event on July 25, Singh emphasized that the “intent of infiltrators” has not changed since the conflict, and the Indian Army remains “fully prepared” for any challenge.
Government Focus on Modernisation
Singh highlighted the government's emphasis on modernising the armed forces, stating that efforts are underway to ensure the military receives the latest equipment and the best training. He noted that the commitment to Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) will make the Indian armed forces among the best in the world.
Address at Shaurya Sandhya
The minister arrived in Drass on July 25 evening to attend Shaurya Sandhya at the Kargil War Memorial, part of a two-day programme commemorating the anniversary. Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999, launched to reclaim Indian territories in the Kargil district captured by Pakistani troops.
“We have to remember that even today challenges have not reduced; the intent of infiltrators hasn’t changed, and even today it adopts tools like a proxy war or infiltration,” Singh said in a veiled reference to Pakistan. He expressed full confidence that the Army is prepared for such challenges.
Valour and Sacrifice
Singh saluted the armed forces and the valour of the soldiers, noting that Indians breathe free and live with heads held high because soldiers in Kargil have not lowered their guard despite harsh conditions like plummeting mercury and low oxygen levels. He said the pride he felt in Drass was beyond words.
He asserted that as long as Indian soldiers possess inner strength and nationalistic sentiment, no force will dare to cast an evil eye on India. Reflecting on Army traditions, Singh praised the Bada Khana tradition, where soldiers and officers sit together for the same meal, symbolising teamwork. “This strength alone enables us to win wars like the Kargil one,” he added.
Context of Kargil Vijay Diwas
Operation Vijay was launched in May 1999 after Pakistani troops and militants infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied strategic heights in Kargil. The Indian Army successfully evicted them by July 26, 1999. The annual commemoration honours the sacrifices of more than 500 soldiers who lost their lives.
Singh's remarks come amid ongoing tensions along the LoC, with periodic ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts. The defence minister's assurance of Army preparedness underscores India's continued vigilance.
