President Droupadi Murmu and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan marking Kargil Vijay Diwas, paid their tributes to the courage and valour of the Indian armed forces. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on 26th July, marks India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War.
In a message shared in Hindi on X, President Murmu expressed her deepest respect for the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, writing, "Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion for a grateful nation to pay tribute to the courage and extraordinary valour of our armed forces".
"I pay tribute to each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting Mother India on the peaks of Kargil in 1999 and bow in reverence to their sacred memory. I am sure that all countrymen will draw inspiration from their sacrifice and valour. Jai Hind Jai Bharat!"
Meanwhile, CDS General Chauhan also paid tribute to the fallen soldiers and pointed out the significance of reforms within the armed forces to enhance their fighting efficiency and ensure they are always battle-ready.
He stressed the need to adopt new practices and discard obsolete ones, tailored to the unique challenges and environment of India.
While recalling the bravery of the soldiers during the Kargil conflict, General Chauhan stated, "Lessons learnt by shedding blood must not be forgotten, the mistakes must not be repeated, and the right lessons must be reinforced."
“He added that the supreme sacrifices made by the bravehearts in the Kargil War would not be in vain. It will continue to inspire and motivate future generations of not only soldiers but also the youth of the nation".
Kargil Vijay Diwas serves as a poignant reminder of the fierce counter-assault launched by the Indian Army to reclaim strategic heights in Ladakh that had been covertly occupied by Pakistani forces.
The conflict, which lasted for around three months, is remembered for its significant impact on India-Pakistan relations and the bravery of Indian soldiers.
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