"Humari vijay nischit hain aur hum vijay hokar dikhaenge", the iconic words of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee echoed across the nation once again this Saturday morning as the Indian Air Force (IAF) released a stirring tribute on the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Vajpayee, who was Prime Minister during the 1999 Kargil War, had remarkably rallied the country with those powerful words as India launched Operation Vijay to reclaim strategic heights in Ladakh.
Commemorating the historic victory, the IAF took to microblogging site X, sharing a tribute video, A.R. Rahman’s iconic, rousing rendition of Vande Mataram playing in the background, saluting the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the soldiers.
“The Indian Air Force pays heartfelt tribute to the valiant warriors of the Kargil War. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire a nation united in gratitude,” the IAF said in its post.
#IndiaSalutesKargilHeroesThe Indian Air Force pays heartfelt tribute to the valiant Warriors of the Kargil War. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve continue to inspire a nation united in gratitude.#KargilVijayDiwas #26YearsOfKargil#OpVijay#OpSafedSagar… pic.twitter.com/PX4cZfBkYa
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— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) July 26, 2025
The video, a little over two minutes long, features powerful stills and archival footage from the Kargil War, set to the Oscar-winning Rahman’s soul-stirring anthem ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’ echoing in the background.
The day began with solemn tributes from the highest offices in the country.
Currently in the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, greeting the nation on the solemn occasion, said the day reminds us of the "unparalleled courage and valour of soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the country’s honour." He added that their spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
देशवासियों को कारगिल विजय दिवस की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। यह अवसर हमें मां भारती के उन वीर सपूतों के अप्रतिम साहस और शौर्य का स्मरण कराता है, जिन्होंने देश के आत्मसम्मान की रक्षा के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। मातृभूमि के लिए मर-मिटने का उनका जज्बा हर पीढ़ी को प्रेरित करता रहेगा। जय…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu, in a heartfelt message, said, "Kargil Vijay Diwas symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens."
कारगिल विजय दिवस के अवसर पर मैं मातृभूमि के लिए प्राण न्योछावर करने वाले वीर सैनिकों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करती हूं। यह दिवस हमारे जवानों की असाधारण वीरता, साहस एवं दृढ़ संकल्प का प्रतीक है। देश के प्रति उनका समर्पण और सर्वोच्च बलिदान देशवासियों को सदैव प्रेरित करता रहेगा।
जय…— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 26, 2025
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve…— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2025
Home Minister Amit Shah also paid his respects, describing Kargil Vijay Diwas as “an unforgettable day of pride” and hailed the soldiers who “brought the enemy to its knees” through Operation Vijay, which turned the tide of the war.
'कारगिल विजय दिवस’ देश के वीर जवानों के गौरव और विजयगाथा का अविस्मरणीय दिन है। वर्ष 1999 में हमारे जवानों ने ‘ऑपरेशन विजय’ से दुश्मनों को घुटनों पर ला कर, अदम्य साहस व पराक्रम की अमिट मिसाल पेश की। कारगिल विजय दिवस के अवसर पर उन सभी शूरवीरों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ,… pic.twitter.com/25DZKUemd0— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 26, 2025
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay in 1999. The conflict erupted in May of that year when Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated and occupied key Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC), aiming to sever the Srinagar-Leh highway, which is a critical link to Ladakh.
The intrusion, which was uncovered by Indian patrols in the Batalik, Dras, and Kaksar sectors, led to a fierce cross-border military campaign in some of the world’s most inhospitable terrain.
The Indian response, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Vajpayee, was resolute.
Troops were mobilised swiftly, and over two months, Indian forces fought to reclaim every inch of occupied territory, notably, without crossing the LoC, in a show of strategic restraint that earned India global respect.
The war’s defining battles, at Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875, became symbols of unmatched bravery.
Major Rajesh Adhikari, Captain Anuj Nayyar, Capptain Vikram Batra (famous for his words “Yeh Dil Maange More”), and Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav are among the many who emerged as national heroes. They led daring assaults under enemy fire, often in pitch darkness, on vertical cliffs where every step was a gamble with death.
By late July, the Indian Army had reclaimed all positions.
A total of 545 soldiers were martyred and over 1,000 injured. India, however, had successfully restored its territorial integrity and demonstrated the indomitable spirit of its armed forces.
During the conflict, four soldiers were awarded the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest wartime gallantry award. Another 9 received the Maha Vir Chakra, and 55 were conferred the Vir Chakra. Numerous others were decorated with gallantry and distinguished service medals.
The Kargil War Memorial at Dras, built in memory of the fallen, now serves as a testament to their sacrifice.
Family members of martyrs pay tribute at the Kargil War Memorial to commemorate the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, at Drass in Ladakh's Kargil early Saturday morning.
More than a historical milestone, Kargil Vijay Diwas is a reaffirmation of India’s enduring resolve to defend its sovereignty. As citizens, leaders, and armed forces personnel pay tribute across the country today, the legacy of 1999 remains etched in the memory of the nation, a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and unity.
As President Murmu rightly notes, “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat,” in her tribute, echoing a sentiment shared by millions across the country.
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