Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Zojila with soldiers on the eve of Kargil Vijay Diwas
NEW DELHI: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has asserted that the Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to face every challenge posed by the country’s adversaries. He stressed that despite continued attempts through proxy war and infiltration, the armed forces maintain vigilance, capable of protecting the nation’s sovereignty by remaining vigilant all the time.
Addressing a commemorative event in Drass on Saturday on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Singh paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers who secured India’s victory during the 1999 Kargil War. He said that their courage, patriotism and unwavering resolve continue to inspire both the armed forces and the whole of the nation.
“Even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to employ nefarious tactics such as proxy wars and infiltration, the Indian defence forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge,” Singh said.
He said no one dares cast an evil eye on India as long as the patriotism and determination of the country’s soldiers remain unshaken, adding that their sacrifices ensure every Indian can pursue dreams without fear. Incidentally, their preparedness had ensured a sound beating to Pakistan last year during Operation Sindoor in the early days of May.
Interacting with troops during the traditional Bara Khana, Rajnath Singh said that while the nation takes pride in remembering the Kargil victory, it must remain prepared as security challenges continue to persist. He reiterated the Narendra Modi-led government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers and emphasised that sustained efforts are being made to modernise the armed forces with world-class weapons, technology and training.
Singh lauded the armed forces for adopting advanced technologies and said India’s military professionalism and valour are recognised globally. Expressing confidence in the country’s growing self-reliance in defence production, he said India is steadily moving towards becoming one of the strongest military powers in the world.
The event ‘Shaurya Bhoj’, organised at Vishwanathan Stadium in Drass, featured displays of drones, robotic mules, Army martial arts drills and cultural performances showcasing Ladakh’s rich heritage. Singh joined Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Kargil War veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, families of martyrs and civil dignitaries during the programme.
Earlier, the defence minister attended ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial, where patriotic performances, inter-faith prayers, the Beating Retreat ceremony and the lighting of lamps were held in honour of the heroes of Operation Vijay. Some families of Kargil war martyrs were felicitated in recognition of their sacrifice and resilience.
The commemorative events also included ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, where Kargil war veterans and families of fallen soldiers remembered the sacrifices made during Operation Vijay. A documentary and special presentations highlighting the valour of 40 war heroes were screened during the event.
The celebrations will culminate on July 26, when Rajnath Singh will lead the nation in paying homage to the 545 martyrs of Operation Vijay, including 537 personnel of the Indian Army, five from the Indian Air Force, one from the Border Security Force and two civilians, who laid down their lives to safeguard India’s territorial integrity during the Kargil War.
Earlier in the day, Mr Singh stopped at the iconic Zojila Pass on way to Drass. Here, he interacted with and posed for photographs alongside soldiers, honouring their courage, dedication and unwavering service to the nation. He lauded their commitment after getting deployed in the challenging terrain, acknowledging their role in safeguarding the country’s borders under extreme weather and operational conditions.
The Defence Minister will be paying tributes to the brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War and address the gathering during the solemn ceremony being organised to mark the occasion.
