Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026: India's Tribute to Bravehearts; PM Modi, Defence Minister Hail Soldiers' Valour

Marking the 27th anniversary of the Kargil War, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief Dhiraj Seth and several top-ranking officials paid tribute to India's bravehearts at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh. Prime Minister Modi and Rajnath Singh have hailed the valour of India's brave soldiers, calling their patriotism an inspiration for generations. Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the Kargil War heroes in his Mann Ki Baat address, and said "There are some dates in our lives that don't require a look at the calendar to remember. Today, July 26th, is one such date. Today is 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'. This day fills us with pride." PM Modi, in his X post, hailed the bravery of India's soldiers and expressed gratitude over their unwavering

patriotism.

Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial, offering his homage to the fallen heroes. Before him, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, Army Chief General Seth, and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, laid wreaths at the war memorial, among other senior officers of the force.Three helicopters in arrowhead formation, led by an advanced light helicopter and followed by two Cheetals, showered floral petals on the memorial. The defence minister participated in the solemn event and also handed a ceremonial ‘kalash’ to some of the family members of Army personnel who laid down their lives in the Kargil conflict.The Army is hosting a series of events here to mark the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay. The occasion marks the glorious victory in 1999 when Indian soldiers, braving snow-clad peaks and relentless firing by Pakistani troops, reclaimed the heights of Kargil.Operation Vijay was the name given to India's limited war after the neighbouring country's infiltration.Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999. (With PTI inputs)