Blood, Snow And Victory: The Untold Story Of Kargil's Bravehearts Opinion

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A Day to Remember Our Brave Soldiers and Their Heroic Victory

Every year on 26th July, our nation India celebrates Kargil Vijaya Diwas with great pride and respect. This special day marks one of the most significant victories in Indian military history. In 2025, we commemorate the 26th anniversary of our triumph in the 1999 Kargil War. This year, Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 is observed on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

What is Kargil Vijaya Diwas?

Kargil Vijay Diwas (Kargil Victory Day) is celebrated every year on 26 July in India to honour India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil War. This day commemorates the courage, sacrifice, and determination of our Indian Armed Forces who protected our motherland and successfully drove out the enemy infiltrators from our territory.

The Background Story

In the harsh winter of 1998-1999, while peace talks were ongoing between India and Pakistan, something shocking happened. Pakistani forces covertly infiltrated the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) under a secret operation called "Operation Badri." These enemy soldiers illegally entered our territory in the Kargil region of Ladakh (now a Union Territory) and occupied important mountain peaks that belonged to India.

The Pakistani military thought that due to heavy snowfall, the Indian Army would not be able to detect their infiltration or respond effectively. They aimed to cut off the vital link between Kashmir and Ladakh and force India into negotiations over the broader Kashmir dispute.

India's Swift Response - Operation Vijay

When our government discovered this treacherous act, they immediately launched a counter-offensive. The Government of India responded with "Operation Vijay," mobilizing over 200,000 Indian troops to drive out the intruders from our sacred land. This was one of the largest military operations ever conducted by India.

The Heroic Fight

The Kargil War began in May 1999 and lasted until July 26, 1999. Our brave soldiers had to fight in extremely challenging conditions. The battle was fought on treacherous mountain terrain at altitudes ranging from 4,500 to 5,500 metres above sea level, where temperatures could drop to -60°C. The lack of oxygen and harsh weather made every step a struggle, but our soldiers never gave up.

The Role of Indian Air Force - Operation Safed Sagar

The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in this victory through "Operation Safed Sagar." Initially, the IAF faced difficulties as the high altitude affected aircraft performance, and early missions using MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s faced challenges from Pakistani anti-aircraft weapons.

Aircraft That Made the Difference

Mirage 2000:The game-changer aircraft that proved most effective in the high-altitude warfare. The Mirage 2000 fighters flew over 500 sorties during the war, delivering precision-guided bombs with remarkable accuracy. These French-made aircraft were specifically chosen for their superior performance at high altitudes and their ability to carry laser-guided bombs with pinpoint accuracy.

MiG-25 Foxbat: India used the world's fastest reconnaissance aircraft, the MiG-25, for gathering crucial intelligence. Flying at speeds of Mach 2.5 and altitudes above 70,000 feet, these aircraft were beyond the reach of Pakistani defences and provided vital battlefield information.

Jaguar Aircraft: These British-made deep-penetration strike aircraft supported the operations with their precise weapon systems and all-weather capabilities.

Attack Helicopters: Mi-17 helicopters initially provided close air support but were later withdrawn from offensive roles after suffering losses to Pakistani Stinger missiles.

Weapons and Ammunition That Secured Victory

For the Army:

- INSAS Rifles: Our soldiers used the newly introduced Indian Small Arms System rifles, though they faced some reliability issues in the extreme cold

- Bofors 155mm Howitzer: These Swedish-made artillery guns provided crucial fire support

- Carl Gustav Recoilless Rifles: Licensed Indian copies of these weapons were effective against enemy bunkers

- Vintage Spanish Bombs: Interestingly, 250kg bombs from the 1970s, originally made for HAL Ajeet aircraft, were successfully used by Mirage 2000s

International Support: Israel became one of the few nations to directly support India by providing mortars, ammunition, and laser-guided missiles for our fighter jets, despite pressure from other countries to stop the supplies.

The Victory

After intense fighting for over two months, July 26, 1999, marked the day when Indian forces successfully recaptured all strategic positions. The Pakistani forces were completely evicted from Indian territory. Our tricolour once again flew proudly over the peaks of Tiger Hill, Tololing, Point 5140, and other strategic locations.

The Supreme Sacrifice

This glorious victory came at a heavy cost. About 527 brave soldiers from the Indian Armed Forces made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Their courage will be remembered forever. Many soldiers received the highest military honours including four Param Vir Chakras (the highest award for gallantry) and eleven Maha Vir Chakras. Some of our heroes included:

• - Captain Vikram Batra (posthumous Param Vir Chakra winner)
• - Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (posthumous Param Vir Chakra winner)
• - Grenadier Yogendra Singh Yadav (living Param Vir Chakra recipient)
• - Rifleman Sanjay Kumar (living Param Vir Chakra recipient)

Honouring Kargil Heroes Across India

National Level: The Prime Minister pays homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi. The main ceremony takes place at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.

Military Outreach: In 2025, the Indian Army is conducting special outreach programs, visiting families of the 527 martyred soldiers across 25 states, two Union Territories, and Nepal to deliver letters of gratitude and commemorative mementoes.

Community Celebrations: Schools, colleges, and communities organize patriotic programs, cultural events, and memorial services to honour our heroes.

Lessons and Legacy

The Kargil War taught us several important lessons about national security, the need for constant vigilance, and the importance of modern military technology. It demonstrated that air power, particularly precision-guided weapons, could be dec in mountain warfare. The conflict also showed the world that India would not compromise on its territorial integrity.

Message for the Nation

Kargil Vijaya Diwas 2025 reminds us that freedom and peace come at a price. Our brave soldiers paid that price with their lives, courage, and unwavering dedication. As we remember this historic victory, let us pledge to honour their memory by being responsible citizens and working towards making our nation stronger and more prosperous.

The technological superiority demonstrated by our armed forces, from the precision of Mirage 2000s to the intelligence gathered by MiG-25s, showcases how preparation, training, and modern equipment can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!

Remember: Every citizen has a role in national security. Stay informed, stay united, and always be proud of our armed forces who guard our borders day and night

(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: ...)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or stance of the organization. The organization assumes no responsibility for the content shared.

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