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**India Commemorates 26th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas**

**New Delhi, July 26, 2025** – India today marked the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, honoring the sacrifices and victory achieved during the 1999 Kargil War against Pakistan. The day commemorates the nearly 500 Indian soldiers who died defending the nation’s sovereignty after Pakistani forces infiltrated strategic positions along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

The conflict, dubbed “Operation Vijay,” saw intense fighting across treacherous high-altitude terrain, including key battlegrounds like Tololing Peak, Tiger Hill, and Point 5140, often at altitudes exceeding 17,000 feet. The recapture of these strategic points was critical to securing India’s supply lines and ultimately forcing the withdrawal of Pakistani forces.

Commemorations included tributes from President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and an address by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. A special outreach initiative was undertaken to honor the families of fallen soldiers across India and Nepal.

The Kargil War underscored India’s resolve to defend its borders and led to significant reforms in defense policy, modernization efforts, and border security. The day serves as a reminder of the high cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of Indian soldiers, with numerous gallantry awards, including four Param Vir Chakras, awarded for exceptional bravery.

Notable heroes remembered include Captain Vikram Batra, Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav, Rifleman Sanjay Kumar and Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, among many others, whose courage inspired the nation. Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a military commemoration but a tribute to resilience and a call for peace and dialogue between neighboring nations.

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