President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid their respects to the martyrs of Kargil war on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

President Kovind took to Twitter and said every Indian acknowledges the efforts and gallantry of India’s armed forces.

“We salute the ultimate sacrifice of the martyrs of Kargil, and record our everlasting debt to their families,” he tweeted.

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, every Indian acknowledges the efforts and gallantry of our Armed Forces. We salute the ultimate sacrifice of the martyrs of Kargil, and record our everlasting debt to their families #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 26, 2018

Praising the soldiers, Prime Minister Modi wrote that they ensured India remains protected and gave a befitting answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace.

“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation pays homage to all those who served the nation during Operation Vijay. Our brave soldiers ensured that India remains protected and gave a befitting answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace,” PM Modi tweeted.

On #KargilVijayDiwas, a grateful nation pays homage to all those who served the nation during Operation Vijay. Our brave soldiers ensured that India remains protected and gave a befitting answer to those who tried to vitiate the atmosphere of peace.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2018

PM Modi also hailed former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and wrote, “India will always remember with pride, the outstanding political leadership provided by Atal ji during Operation Vijay. He led from the front, supported our armed forces and clearly articulated India’s stand at the world stage.”

India will always remember with pride, the outstanding political leadership provided by Atal Ji during Operation Vijay. He led from the front, supported our armed forces and clearly articulated India’s stand at the world stage. #KargilVijayDiwas

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2018

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to those who served the nation during Operation Vijay.

“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we salute the unflinching courage and supreme sacrifice of all those soldiers who fought valiantly in 1999. Every Indian citizen is proud of their heroism and service to the nation,” he tweeted.

On #KargilVijayDiwas we salute the unflinching courage and supreme sacrifice of all those soldiers who fought valiantly in 1999. Every Indian citizen is proud of their heroism and service to the nation.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2018