Kargil Vijay Diwas: Honoring the Heroes of the Kargil War

Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated on July 26, commemorates India's victory in the Kargil War against Pakistan in 1999. This article delves into the causes of the conflict, the challenges of high-altitude warfare, and the significant sacrifices made by Indian soldiers. It highlights the bravery of Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena, the first woman officer to serve in a combat zone during the war. The Kargil War not only reshaped India's military strategies but also reinforced the nation's commitment to its security. Discover the stories of courage and resilience that define this pivotal moment in Indian history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2025, 12:22 IST

Commemorating Kargil Vijay Diwas

Anupama Sharma
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26, marking India's triumph over Pakistan during the Kargil War, which aimed to reclaim occupied territories in the northern Kargil district of Ladakh in 1999.

Overview of the Kargil War

The Kargil War unfolded between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999 in the Kargil district of Ladakh, previously part of the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. This conflict is also known in India as Operation Vijay, the codename for the military operation executed in the area.

Military Operations

The Indian Air Force collaborated with the Indian Army to dislodge Pakistani forces and paramilitary troops from Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) during Operation Safed Sagar. The conflict was fueled by various hidden ambitions from Pakistan.

Causes of the Conflict

The war was ignited by the infiltration of Pakistani troops, disguised as Kashmiri militants, into key positions on the Indian side of the LoC, which serves as the unofficial border in the disputed Kashmir region.

Initially, Pakistan attributed the conflict to independent Kashmiri insurgents. However, evidence from documents left by casualties and statements from Pakistani officials revealed the involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces, led by General Ashraf Rashid. The Indian Army, later supported by the Air Force, successfully reclaimed most positions on the Indian side of the LoC, leading to the withdrawal of Pakistani forces amid international diplomatic pressure.

Challenges of High-Altitude Warfare

The Kargil War stands as a notable instance of high-altitude combat in mountainous terrain, presenting significant logistical challenges for both sides. It is one of the rare cases of conventional warfare between nuclear-armed nations, alongside the Sino-Soviet border conflict.

India conducted its first successful nuclear test in 1974, while Pakistan, secretly developing its nuclear capabilities, conducted its first known tests in 1998, shortly after India's second series of tests.

Background of Tensions

Following the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, there was a prolonged period with minimal direct military confrontations between the two nations. However, the 1990s saw rising tensions due to separatist activities in Kashmir, some of which were supported by Pakistan, and the nuclear tests conducted by both countries in 1998. In an effort to ease tensions, both nations signed the Lahore Declaration in February 1999, committing to a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Pakistani Infiltration

During the winter of 1998-1999, elements of the Pakistani military covertly trained and dispatched troops and paramilitary forces into Indian territory, some disguised as ‘mujahideen’. This operation, codenamed 'Operation Badr', aimed to disrupt the connection between Kashmir and Ladakh and compel Indian forces to withdraw from the Siachen Glacier, thereby forcing India to negotiate a broader settlement regarding Kashmir.

Pakistan believed that escalating tensions would internationalize the Kashmir issue, facilitating a quicker resolution. Additionally, it aimed to bolster the morale of the ongoing rebellion in Jammu and Kashmir.

Casualties and Losses

The Kargil War resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. Indian forces reported 527 fatalities and 1,363 injuries, with one soldier taken as a prisoner of war. Pakistani casualties are estimated to range from 400 to 4,000, although the country has not officially disclosed its figures. Eight Pakistani soldiers were captured during the conflict.

Among the 527 Indian soldiers who lost their lives, 52 hailed from Himachal Pradesh. Notably, two of the four Param Vir Chakra recipients were from this state. Captain Vikram Batra, a courageous soldier from Palampur, and Havildar Sanjay Kumar from Bilaspur, were honored for their bravery during the war.

Post-War Reforms

In the aftermath of the Kargil War, India implemented significant reforms in its national security framework, focusing on intelligence, border management, and defense coordination. Key changes included the establishment of new intelligence agencies, improved tri-service integration, and enhanced logistical capabilities.

Trailblazing Women in Combat

Flight Lieutenant Gunjan Saxena made history as the first female officer in the Indian Air Force to operate in a combat zone during the Kargil War. She undertook perilous missions, including casualty evacuations and surveillance, earning recognition for her bravery and contributions. Her story was later depicted in a Bollywood film titled ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’.