Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tributes at the National War Memorial in Delhi on the 21st anniversary of the country's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war.
On July 26, 1999, the Indian Army had announced the successful culmination of "Operation Vijay", declaring victory after the nearly three-month-long battles in the icy heights of Kargil. The country lost more than 500 soldiers in the war.
"I congratulate all Indian citizens on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The sacrifices made by soldiers, which helped us win the Kargil war, will always be a source of inspiration for the armed forces," Singh told reporters.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh visited National War Memorial today and paid tributes to soldiers who fell in the line of duty during Kargil War.#CourageInKargil pic.twitter.com/nDc6iAVt9O
July 26, 2020Along with the defence minister, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh also paid tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial.
The Kargil war was declared over on July 26, 1999, after Indian soldiers pushed back the Pakistani troops, a bulk of them drawn from the neighbouring country's Northern Light Infantry, from the captured peaks.
The day is observed as "Kargil Vijay Diwas" to commemorate India's victory in the war.
#IndianArmedForces overcame seemingly insurmountable odds, hostile terrain and inclement weather to flush out intruding militias & regular troops of Pakistan to win #KargilWar. Proud Nation salutes those bravehearts. #CourageInKargil pic.twitter.com/aH6Il21Qdm
July 26, 2020Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter and said that the country remains eternally grateful to its soldiers. “On Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the courage and determination of our armed forces, who steadfastly protected our nation in 1999. Their valour continues to inspire generations.”
India remains eternally grateful to our soldiers for their bravery. #CourageInKargil https://t.co/BCyl5ZMvzx
July 26, 2020The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last 10 weeks. The tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed by the Chinese troops in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15.
The Chinese side also suffered casualties, but is yet to give out the details. According to an American intelligence report, the number of casualties on the Chinese side was 35.
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