Kargil victory in 1999 represents India’s resolve to meet any threat: Rajnath

India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War underscores the nation's unwavering resolve to confront any threat to its territory, identity, or honor with full force, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said Tuesday.

Speaking at an event leading up to the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, Singh lauded the bravery of soldiers who fought in extreme conditions at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet, where breathing is difficult and temperatures plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius. He noted that these soldiers turned the impossible into the possible in remote and harsh environments.

“

At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet, where breathing is difficult, oxygen is scarce, and the temperature drops to minus 40 degrees, our brave soldiers turned the impossible into the possible under such remote and harsh conditions.

Singh recalled how the Indian Army rewrote the rules of mountain warfare 27 years ago, overcoming astonishing odds to expel a "treacherous foe" from strategic heights in the Kargil sector. He emphasized that Indian soldiers achieved their objectives with courage and resilience, reclaiming every peak and bunker from enemy control and upholding the honor of the nation's flag.

To mark the 27th anniversary, the defense minister flagged off a motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras. The 13-day "Shaurya Vijay Yatra" involves 28 riders, including serving and retired defense personnel and their families. They will cover 1,900 kilometers through the Himalayas to honor the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers. A total of 527 Indian soldiers were killed in action during the Kargil War.

“

They reclaimed every peak, hill and bunker from enemy control and upheld the honour of the Tricolour. The victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze on our land, identity and honour.