Twenty-seven years after the Kargil War, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who reclaimed every inch of Indian territory during Operation Vijay. The special report traces India's military journey from the icy heights of Kargil to the modern battlefield, highlighting the evolution of the country's defence strategy.

The report also explores how India's response to cross-border terrorism has changed over the years, culminating in Operation Sindoor, while showcasing the country's growing focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat, indigenous defence production, rising defence exports, and military modernization.

Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026: From Operation Vijay to Op Sindoor | How India's Military Became Stronger

Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorated annually on July 26, marks India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War. It honours the lives of 527 soldiers who died during Operation Vijay and pays tribute to the courage of thousands who fought in the icy heights of Kargil, the toughest battlefields in the world. Nearly twenty-seven years after Indian soldiers reclaimed the strategic heights, the legacy of the Kargil War continues to influence India's military doctrine, defence modernisation and national security strategy. Fought between May and July 1999, the war remains the only conventional warfare between two nuclear-armed neighbours. The battle was fought at elevations above 5,000 metres, spanning the rugged terrain of Kargil, Dras, Batalik, Mushkoh and Kaksar of the Ladakh region.<h3>Tri-service coordination</h3>The 1999 Kargil War stands out not just as a military victory at the world's toughest battlefields but as a defining example of coordinated tri-service warfare in Indian military history. While the Indian Army spearheaded Operation Vijay on the ground, reclaiming peak after peak from Pakistani infiltrators, the Indian Air Force launched Operation Safed Sagar on May 26, 1999, providing critical air support in some of the most challenging high-altitude combat conditions ever faced by the IAF. Simultaneously, the Indian Navy deployed its fleet in the Arabian Sea, applying strategic pressure on Pakistan and safeguarding maritime approaches, even though the conflict itself was confined to the mountains of Ladakh.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-remembers-heroes-of-kargil-vijay-diwas-pm-modi-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-salute-extraordinary-courage-1785040248320">India remembers heroes of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh salute ‘extraordinary courage’</a> This coordinated approach, infantry battling at altitudes exceeding 5,000 metres, fighter jets striking enemy positions in thin air, and naval assets projecting power at sea, reflected a strategy of "contain, evict and deny." The synchronised effort across all three services proved instrumental in reclaiming Indian territory without crossing the Line of Control. However, a war at such a level was not as easy as we think. During the operation, Indian troops faced unprecedented challenges. Soldiers had to climb nearly vertical cliffs under enemy fire along with heavy equipment. In addition, oxygen levels were quite low, temperatures remained below freezing and artillery support was also frequently limited by the difficult terrain.

Indian troops faced unprecedented challenges during the war, where soldiers had to climb nearly vertical cliffs under enemy fire along with heavy equipment. In addition, oxygen levels were quite low, temperatures remained below freezing and artillery support was also frequently limited.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorated annually on July 26, marks India's victory in the 1999 Kargil War. It honours the lives of 527 soldiers who died during Operation Vijay and pays tribute to the courage of thousands who fought in the icy heights of Kargil, the toughest battlefields in the world. Nearly twenty-seven years after Indian soldiers reclaimed the strategic heights, the legacy of the Kargil War continues to influence India's military doctrine, defence modernisation and national security strategy. Fought between May and July 1999, the war remains the only conventional warfare between two nuclear-armed neighbours. The battle was fought at elevations above 5,000 metres, spanning the rugged terrain of Kargil, Dras, Batalik, Mushkoh and Kaksar of the Ladakh region. Tri-service coordination The 1999 Kargil War stands out not just as a military victory at the world's toughest battlefields but as a defining example of coordinated tri-service warfare in Indian military history. While the Indian Army spearheaded Operation Vijay on the ground, reclaiming peak after peak from Pakistani infiltrators, the Indian Air Force launched Operation Safed Sagar on May 26, 1999, providing critical air support in some of the most challenging high-altitude combat conditions ever faced by the IAF. Simultaneously, the Indian Navy deployed its fleet in the Arabian Sea, applying strategic pressure on Pakistan and safeguarding maritime approaches, even though the conflict itself was confined to the mountains of Ladakh. Also read: India remembers heroes of Kargil Vijay Diwas, PM Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh salute ‘extraordinary courage’ This coordinated approach, infantry battling at altitudes exceeding 5,000 metres, fighter jets striking enemy positions in thin air, and naval assets projecting power at sea, reflected a strategy of "contain, evict and deny." The synchronised effort across all three services proved instrumental in reclaiming Indian territory without crossing the Line of Control. However, a war at such a level was not as easy as we think. During the operation, Indian troops faced unprecedented challenges. Soldiers had to climb nearly vertical cliffs under enemy fire along with heavy equipment. In addition, oxygen levels were quite low, temperatures remained below freezing and artillery support was also frequently limited by the difficult terrain.

Indian troops faced unprecedented challenges during the war, where soldiers had to climb nearly vertical cliffs under enemy fire along with heavy equipment. In addition, oxygen levels were quite low, temperatures remained below freezing and artillery support was also frequently limited.

Tri-service coordination: How the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force worked together in Operation Vijay

On December 19, 2025, after 451 years of Portuguese rule, Goa achieved independence. It was a culmination of decades of resistance, diplomacy and military action. Following India's Independence, Portugal retained control of Goa, claiming it as an overseas province. India tried to diplomatically negotiate, but in vain, as India initiated military operations, Portugal sought the help of the United Nations. In the United Nations Security Council, Britain, France, and the United States supported a resolution critical of India until the Soviet Union vetoed it, blocking any UN action against India. India, under Jawaharlal Nehru, launched Operation Vijay and swiftly liberated Goa within 36 hours. On December 19, 1961, Portuguese Governor-General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva surrendered unconditionally.<h2>Key figures and their role in Goa's liberation</h2>Tristão de Bragança CunhaAlso known as the “Father of Goan Nationalism”. He initiated the liberation struggle of Goa in 1926 with the launch of the Goa Congress Committee. At first Indian National Congress offered it recognition, but soon withdrew it, calling Goa an “alien territory”. As Goa, Daman and Diu were outside the jurisdiction of the Imperial British. Cunha, a committed nationalist and communist, sought to integrate Goa with India. He made a series of publications like Four Hundred Years of Foreign Rule and The Denationalisation of Goans, which led to his isolation, arrests, and exile. The rationale of INC and Gandhi was that they wanted non-interference in Portuguese territory, to avoid uniting the British and the Portuguese, but in 1947, the INC-led Indian Government declared Goa an important part of India and recognised the Goan Satyagrahis, and ultimately launched a military operation.Dr Julião MenezesHe was a medical practitioner who invited Dr Ram Manohar Lohia to Goa at a time when the Indian National Congress was not involved in the Goan struggle. He founded Gomantak Praja Mandal to inculcate the spirit of nationalism among Goans. He kept the spirit of liberation alive within the Goans through publications and gatherings.Dr Ram Manohar LohiaDr Ram Manohar Lohia was part of the Congress Socialist Party, which was often seen as a rogue fragment of the Indian National Congress. He visited Goa with Dr Julião Menezes in 1946, when Goa was not central to the mainstream nationalist agenda. He launched civil disobedience in Goa in 1946, with Dr Julião Menezes and was arrested by the Portuguese police.Purushottam Kakodkar, Libia Lobo Sardesai, Vaman SardesaiPurushottam Kakodkar was one of the ordinary Goans who, along with Libia Lobo Sardesai, Vaman Sardesai, kept the dream of the Goan liberation alive with resistance, publications, and radio after Indian Independence. The strengthen the anti-colonial consciousness of the ordinary Goan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From T.B. Cunha and Ram Manohar Lohia to Operation Vijay, here’s how Goa was liberated from 451 years of Portuguese rule in 1961.

On December 19, 2025, after 451 years of Portuguese rule, Goa achieved independence. It was a culmination of decades of resistance, diplomacy and military action. Following India's Independence, Portugal retained control of Goa, claiming it as an overseas province. India tried to diplomatically negotiate, but in vain, as India initiated military operations, Portugal sought the help of the United Nations. In the United Nations Security Council, Britain, France, and the United States supported a resolution critical of India until the Soviet Union vetoed it, blocking any UN action against India. India, under Jawaharlal Nehru, launched Operation Vijay and swiftly liberated Goa within 36 hours. On December 19, 1961, Portuguese Governor-General Manuel António Vassalo e Silva surrendered unconditionally. Key figures and their role in Goa's liberation Tristão de Bragança Cunha Also known as the “Father of Goan Nationalism”. He initiated the liberation struggle of Goa in 1926 with the launch of the Goa Congress Committee. At first Indian National Congress offered it recognition, but soon withdrew it, calling Goa an “alien territory”. As Goa, Daman and Diu were outside the jurisdiction of the Imperial British. Cunha, a committed nationalist and communist, sought to integrate Goa with India. He made a series of publications like Four Hundred Years of Foreign Rule and The Denationalisation of Goans, which led to his isolation, arrests, and exile. The rationale of INC and Gandhi was that they wanted non-interference in Portuguese territory, to avoid uniting the British and the Portuguese, but in 1947, the INC-led Indian Government declared Goa an important part of India and recognised the Goan Satyagrahis, and ultimately launched a military operation. Dr Julião Menezes He was a medical practitioner who invited Dr Ram Manohar Lohia to Goa at a time when the Indian National Congress was not involved in the Goan struggle. He founded Gomantak Praja Mandal to inculcate the spirit of nationalism among Goans. He kept the spirit of liberation alive within the Goans through publications and gatherings. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Dr Ram Manohar Lohia was part of the Congress Socialist Party, which was often seen as a rogue fragment of the Indian National Congress. He visited Goa with Dr Julião Menezes in 1946, when Goa was not central to the mainstream nationalist agenda. He launched civil disobedience in Goa in 1946, with Dr Julião Menezes and was arrested by the Portuguese police. Purushottam Kakodkar, Libia Lobo Sardesai, Vaman Sardesai Purushottam Kakodkar was one of the ordinary Goans who, along with Libia Lobo Sardesai, Vaman Sardesai, kept the dream of the Goan liberation alive with resistance, publications, and radio after Indian Independence. The strengthen the anti-colonial consciousness of the ordinary Goan.

From T.B. Cunha and Ram Manohar Lohia to Operation Vijay, here’s how Goa was liberated from 451 years of Portuguese rule in 1961.

Who freed Goa? The story behind Goa’s liberation from Portuguese rule

The USSR vetoed the resolution, blocking attempts to force an Indian withdrawal. According to Stanford archival material, Soviet President Mr. Khrushchev sent a telegram to Mr. Nehru calling India’s position and actions “absolutely lawful and justified."

India–Russia Summit 2025: How Soviet's UN support helped India liberate Goa

As the nation reflects on this defining chapter, here are seven compelling facts that reveal why the Kargil War endures as a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the motherland.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: 7 untold facts that redefined India’s most daring war

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday visited Dras sector in Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed operational preparedness.

During the visit, he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding, 'Fire and Fury'&nbsp;Corps on the prevailing situation and operational preparedness in the sector.

General Rawat also interacted with soldiers deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) and was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command.

While interacting with the jawans, the COAS appreciated the tenacity and resolve of the soldiers guarding the borders in the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions.

Recalling the valour and sacrifice of troops who fought in Operation Vijay in this sector in 1999, he exhorted all ranks to execute their assigned tasks with the same josh, vigour, and responsibility.

He also called upon all ranks of the 'Fire &amp; Fury'&nbsp;Corps to re-dedicate themselves towards upholding the values that the Indian Army stands for.&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday visited Dras sector in Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed operational preparedness. During the visit, he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding, 'Fire and Fury' Corps on the prevailing situation and operational preparedness in the sector.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday visited Dras sector in Jammu and Kashmir and reviewed operational preparedness. During the visit, he was briefed by the General Officer Commanding, 'Fire and Fury' Corps on the prevailing situation and operational preparedness in the sector. General Rawat also interacted with soldiers deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) and was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command. While interacting with the jawans, the COAS appreciated the tenacity and resolve of the soldiers guarding the borders in the harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions. Recalling the valour and sacrifice of troops who fought in Operation Vijay in this sector in 1999, he exhorted all ranks to execute their assigned tasks with the same josh, vigour, and responsibility. He also called upon all ranks of the 'Fire & Fury' Corps to re-dedicate themselves towards upholding the values that the Indian Army stands for.

J&K: General Bipin Rawat visits Dras sector, reviews operational preparedness

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/rajnath-singh-holds-high-level-meet-after-taking-charge-as-defence-minister-223394">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> will visit Kargil on July 20 to pay tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War.

On July 14, a `Victory Flame` was lit by Singh at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India`s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities and finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial."I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their lives for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh had said on the occasion.

The event was also attended by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War and the milestone is being celebrated grandly by the Indian Army to rekindle the pride and valour of all the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Kargil on July 20 to pay tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War. On July 14, a `Victory Flame` was lit by Singh at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India`s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Kargil on July 20 to pay tributes to soldiers who laid down their lives in the Kargil War. On July 14, a `Victory Flame` was lit by Singh at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India`s victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities and finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial."I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their lives for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh had said on the occasion. The event was also attended by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers. This year is the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War and the milestone is being celebrated grandly by the Indian Army to rekindle the pride and valour of all the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

Rajnath Singh to visit Kargil on July 20

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