Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on 26 July, it honours the bravery and the supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers who reclaimed victory during the 1999 Kargil War.As dawn breaks over the rugged peaks of the Kargil sector, India pauses to remember and honour the bravehearts who reclaimed its sovereignty 26 years ago. As dawn breaks over the rugged peaks of the Kargil sector, India pauses to remember and honour the bravehearts who reclaimed its sovereignty 26 years ago. The Battle of Kargil in 1999 was unlike any conflict India had fought before. Pakistani troops and militants, exploiting the treacherous terrain and frigid altitudes, infiltrated key positions in the Dras sector of Kargil. The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a daring campaign, in one of the world’s most unforgiving battlefields. Peaks like Tololing, Tiger Hill, Gun Hill, and Batra Top became household names. The Battle of Kargil came at a steep human cost. More than 500 Indian soldiers were martyred, and over 1,300 were injured. The nation still reverberates with the stories of sacrifices made by officers and jawans, such as Captain Vikram Batra and Lieutenant Manoj Pandey. Pakistani casualties remain disputed, but estimates suggest they lost several hundred soldiers and did not officially accept many casualties. Despite limited technological support and under extreme conditions, Indian soldiers kept fighting the war that lasted over two months. It culminated in a decisive victory on July 26, 1999, now commemorated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. This year, the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas deepens in light of Operation Sindoor. Launched in the wake of a devastating terror attack, Operation Sindoor saw the Indian Armed Forces unleash a precise, multi-domain offensive against terror infrastructure, not only in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but also deep inside Pakistan itself. Pakistan attempted to strike military and civilian infrastructure along the northern and western borders but failed miserably and requested a ceasefire. In Dras, drones were sighted, prompting additional air defence deployments. In fact, short-range artillery guns engaged most of these drones. While the 1999 battle was challenging, with the Army often relying on less sophisticated weapons and lacking seamless integration across services, Operation Sindoor launched recently showcased a transformed force. During the Kargil War, the Indian Army leveraged the Bofors FH-77B howitzer to devastating effect, using its precision and range to dislodge adversaries from mountain outposts. Infantry units relied on the INSAS rifles, LMGs, SLRs, and support weapons such as the Carl Gustav rocket launcher. MiG-21s and Mirage 2000 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force provided vital aerial cover and precision bombing, especially during the recapture of strategic positions like Tiger Hill. Despite major logistical constraints and sometimes limited surveillance and night-vision capability, the tenacity and innovation of Indian soldiers overcame the odds. The Indian Army is technologically advanced today. From indigenous communication handsets to cutting-edge artillery and missile defense systems, the force is better equipped for modern warfare. The Army’s arsenal reflects a leap in capability and modernisation. Indigenously developed platforms like the Dhanush and ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) howitzers (to be inducted soon) have replaced legacy artillery, providing greater range and accuracy. Infantry is now equipped with modern assault rifles such as the SIG716, AK-203, and protected by advanced body armor and helmets. Surveillance has dramatically improved with long-range drone systems, while integrated battlefield management systems facilitate seamless communication. The air defense is bolstered with indigenous Akash and imported S-400 missile systems, drastically improving the ability to intercept aerial and drone threats Integration across the Army, Navy, and Air Force has enabled multi-domain operations. The armed forces now train for hybrid conflict, counter-drone operations, and information warfare, cementing their place among the world’s most professional militaries.
Dr Suresh Chandra Dalei,IAS; Let’s salute the strength of our armed forces and honour their commitment to our country. Jai Hind!
Amber kumar Kar,OAS; Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas! We are proud of the armed forces and their dedication.
Yashpratap Shrimal,SP,Jajpur; Let us never forget the sacrifice and courage of our soldiers who made this victory possible. Wishing you all a Happy Vijay Diwas.
Jayaprakash Nayak,Writer; Let us bow our heads in respect for the real heroes of India. Happy Kargil Vijay Diwas .
Amitam Mohapatra,Police Officer; Celebrating the spirit of valour, unity, and patriotism today and always.
Nebidita Jenapatra,Social Worker; A true nation’s strength lies in the bravery of its soldiers. Today, we honour their spirit on Vijay Diwas. Jai Hind!
Sasmita Behera,Social worker; The tricolour flies high today because of their unwavering strength.
Tapan kumar Nayak,Police Officer; As we celebrate Vijay Diwas, let’s remember the heroes who fought for our motherland, ensuring peace and security. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Happy Vijay Diwas to all.
Asish kumar Sahoo,Police Officer; Saluting the brave souls who sacrificed everything for our tomorrow. Jai Hind!
Chinmayee Sahoo,Police Officer; Let us never forget the valour of our heroes. Happy Vijay Diwas!
Anshumala Das,Police Officer; The tricolour flies high because of their courage. Proud to be an Indian.
Sanjay kumar Mishra,Journalist; A nation’s strength lies in the bravery of its soldiers. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 – salute to our real heroes.
Srinibash jena,Tree Man; Let’s take a moment to honour the real heroes of India.
By Akshya Rout