On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Indian PM Modi calls Pakistan 'patrons of terrorism'; defends Agnipath scheme

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (July 26) addressed the country on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. "Today, this great land of Ladakh is witnessing the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Kargil Vijay Diwas tells us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal..." Prime Minister Modi said during an event in Dras, Ladakh.

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"I feel fortunate to have been among our soldiers during the Kargil War as a common citizen. Now, as I stand again on the sacred soil of Kargil, it's natural for those memories to resurface. I remember how our forces successfully executed the operation despite the extreme and challenging battle conditions," Modi added.

Modi calls Pak 'patrons of terrorism'

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to rekindle the pride and valour of the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. The day marks the victory of Indian soldiers in capturing the mountain heights that were occupied by the Pakistani Army on July 26, 1999, known as the Kargil War.

During his address on Friday, PM Modi hit out at Pakistan.

"Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past. But Pakistan has not learned anything from its history," Modi said and pointed out Islamabad was trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war.

"Today I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly, I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed.Our soldiers will crush terrorism with full force and the enemy will be given a befitting reply..." he added.

Modi defends Agnipath scheme

During the address, Modi hit out at Indian opposition parties for their criticism of the central government's Agnipath scheme, and accused them of attempting to weaken the army.

"Agnipath Scheme is an example of important reforms being undertaken by the Army. Unfortunately, a few people have made this important issue related with nation's security a topic of politics. A few people are doing politics over this important reform," said.

Watch: Modi pays tribute to bravehearts

Before his address,Modi laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial, paying homageto the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan and all ranks of the armed forces also joined the prime minister in remembering the supreme sacrifice made by the soldiers during the Kargil war.