'Maa tujhe salaam': IAF's heartfelt tribute as India marks 26 years of Kargil victory | Watch

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.

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." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too shared his tribute, calling the soldiers' sacrifice a "timeless reminder" of the resolve of India’s armed forces. "Their supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces," he said in a post on X.

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.

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.