On the 26th anniversary of India’s victory in the Kargil War, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Saturday said that continuing the legacy of Operation Vijay, the Indian Armed Forces once again thwarted Pakistan’s aggressive military actions, sending a strong and clear message that those who support and facilitate terrorism will not be spared.
Speaking at a commemorative ceremony held at Drass in Ladakh to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas, General Dwivedi paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War while defending the nation’s sovereignty.
General Dwivedi paid heartfelt tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Kargil War, lauding their unwavering courage and sacrifice. He reflected on the Indian Army’s historic victory in 1999 and its resolute defence of national sovereignty during the recent Operation Sindoor.
Emphasising that India seeks peace but will respond decisively to provocation, he highlighted the Army’s successful, precise operations against terror infrastructure without civilian harm. The Army chief outlined the Army’s transformation into a future-ready force through the ‘Rudra’ Brigade, ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions, ‘Shaktibaan’ artillery regiments, ‘Divyastra’ batteries, drone-equipped infantry battalions, and indigenous air defence systems. He also praised the Army’s role in national building, especially in border infrastructure, tourism, economy, and veteran welfare, affirming the soldier’s enduring role in building Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Calling upon youth to serve the nation with honesty and dedication, he concluded with a resolute commitment to safeguarding India’s unity, sovereignty, and honour.
The central event at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras spanned two days and was graced by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour & Employment and Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports; Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence; Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh; and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
The main event commenced with the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial. Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Sanjay Seth, Kavinder Gupta, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, and General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, led the nation in paying homage to the martyrs. They were joined by senior military officials, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, and families of the fallen.
Earlier in the morning, the rugged high-altitude town of Dras, forever etched in India’s memory for the valorous battles of 1999, came alive as Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and MoS Defence Sanjay Seth led a solemn ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’, retracing the steps of history with a thousand-strong crowd of youth, soldiers, and citizens.
The high-altitude battlefield of Dras bore witness to India’s fiercest fight for its peaks.
Organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the padyatra was a stirring tribute to India’s victory in the Kargil War and the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The two ministers then proceeded with 100 youth volunteers to the Kargil War Memorial, located at the foothills of Tololing — one of the key battle sites of the 1999 conflict.
Speaking on the occasion, Seth said the legacy of the Kargil heroes would continue to inspire the youth of the nation. In a post on X, he wrote, “The sacrifice of the bravehearts will forever keep the lamp of patriotism burning in the heart of every Indian.”
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the youth participation and said the padyatra reflected the spirit of “new India” — aware, respectful, and proud of its defenders.
The commemorative events began on Friday with a Battle Briefing and Remembrance Ceremony at Lamochen Viewpoint in Dras. Overlooking the same peaks where the Kargil conflict was fought, veterans and serving personnel recounted their experiences, supported by a stirring audio-visual presentation that brought to life the stories of sacrifice, courage, and resilience.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening was the Felicitation Ceremony, where the Next of Kin of nine Bravehearts were honoured by Lt General Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command.