New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, Sunday paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, expressing the nation’s gratitude for the “extraordinary courage” and commitment shown by the soldiers in securing the country. In a post on the X social media, the Prime Minister stated that the bravery of the soldiers in the face of extreme challenges remains an enduring source of pride for the nation.
“On Kargil Vijay Diwas, our nation expresses gratitude to the brave soldiers for their extraordinary courage and commitment towards securing India. Their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride”, PM Modi said. He further added that the dedication of the heroes of the 1999 war would serve as an inspiration for future generations. “Their unwavering patriotism and devotion to duty will continue to inspire generations”, the Prime Minister further added.
On Kargil Vijay Diwas, our nation expresses gratitude to the brave soldiers for their extraordinary courage and commitment towards securing India. Their valour in the face of the most formidable conditions will forever remain a source of national pride. Their unwavering…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2026
PM Modi highlights growing indigenous defence capabilities & Shaurya Vijay Yatra
While addressing the 136th episode of the monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said that India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities and is emerging as a trusted global defence partner. “Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day fills us with pride and it reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers”, PM Modi said.
“The towering peaks of Kargil, the harsh weather, the enemy’s challenge, every circumstance stood before our soldiers, but their resolve was greater than every challenge. They dedicated everything they had to protect Mother India. Today, on ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, I pay my humble respects to all the brave martyrs and valiant soldiers”, PM Modi exclaimed.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas. “This year, a special ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ has been organised. This motorcycle journey, which began on July 14 from the National War Memorial in Delhi, will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Drass”, PM Modi said. “Its message is, One Ride, One Nation, One Salute. This journey reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation can never be forgotten”, he added.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities, citing the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri and recent defence technology tests conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO).
“A few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was commissioned in the Indian Navy. This modern warship has been designed in India and built in India. It incorporates more than 75 per cent indigenous materials. It is a symbol of the growing strength of Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, he said. PM Modi also mentioned the successful testing of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile.
“Today, be it defence production, defence exports or political cooperation with friendly countries, India is consistently moving towards new heights”, PM Modi added. “At the beginning of this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major agreement was reached for the BrahMos and Astra missiles. The world’s trust in India’s defence equipment and technology is increasing”, PM Modi reiterated.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Kargil heroes
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country during the Kargil War in 1999. He laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena also laid a wreath at the memorial to pay tributes to the bravehearts. The Defence Minister recalled the valour of soldiers in a post on the X social media.
“On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my deepest respects to all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives in the defence of our motherland. The nation will forever remain grateful and indebted to all those valiant soldiers who demonstrated extraordinary valour on the difficult peaks of Kargil in 1999”, he said.
“The indomitable courage, sacrifice and unwavering resolve of the Indian Armed Forces will continue to inspire future generations with patriotism, dedication to duty and the spirit of offering everything for the motherland”, he added. The Indian Army has organised the ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ event at Lamochen View Point in Drass, Ladakh.
कारगिल की हर चोटी हमारे सैनिकों के अदम्य साहस, अटूट संकल्प और सर्वोच्च बलिदान की गवाह है। हमारे वीरों ने अपने शौर्य से न केवल दुश्मन को परास्त किया, बल्कि आने वाली पीढ़ियों के लिए राष्ट्रभक्ति का अमिट आदर्श भी स्थापित किया। pic.twitter.com/dKW4l42fvo
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2026
Addressing a commemorative event in Drass yesterday on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Defence Minister expressed confidence in the capability of defence forces and stated that no one dares to cast an evil eye upon India as long as the patriotism and resolve of the valiant troops of the nation remain unwavering. Their courage enables every citizen to pursue and realise their dreams without fear, he added.
“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”, Rajnath Singh said.
Rajnath Singh takes sharp jibe at Pakistan: Warns against misadventure
India has the capability to respond to every misadventure by Pakistan in a manner far harsher than it can imagine, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Kargil War wasn’t just a military and diplomatic victory for the country but a moment when the world witnessed the indomitable bravery of Indian soldiers.
पाकिस्तान ने इस समय आतंकवाद को अपनी सरकारी नीति का हिस्सा बना लिया है। वहाँ पर Military और Militants के बीच का फर्क मिट चुका है। वहाँ की सेना, आतंकवादी संगठनों को संरक्षण ही नहीं देती है, उनके साथ मिलकर काम भी करती है। इसलिए हमने Operation Sindoor के समय ही साफ कर दिया है कि भारत…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 26, 2026
“Our brave soldiers have always displayed exceptional valour and courage. We recently celebrated the first anniversary of the success of Operation Sindoor. During the operation, our valiant soldiers and officers gave a befitting reply to the terrorists and their patrons, one they will never forget. India has the capability to respond to every misadventure by Pakistan in a manner far harsher than it can imagine. I want to send a clear message from this platform that this will be the outcome of every nefarious act that threatens India’s sovereignty”, he said.
India is designing ships & semiconductors, Pakistan is producing suicide bombers
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also lauched a scathing attack on Pakistan, highlighting the stark contrast between India’s developmental trajectory and Pakistan’s state-sponsored terrorism, asserting that India has moved far ahead, while the neighbouring country remains mired in its “nefarious designs”. Addressing a gathering in Drass, Ladakh, the Defence Minister drew a series of sharp comparisons between the two nations.
“Today, India is pursuing innovation, while Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration. While India is designing ships, Pakistan is engaged in designing terrorism. While India is creating a startup ecosystem, Pakistan is creating a terror ecosystem. While India is manufacturing semiconductors, Pakistan is producing suicide bombers”, Singh said.
आज भारत और पाकिस्तान के रास्ते एकदम अलग-अलग हैं। भारत Start-up Eco-system खड़ा कर रहा है, तो पाकिस्तान Terror Eco-system खड़ा कर रहा है। भारत Chip Design कर रहा है, तो पाकिस्तान Terror Design में लगा है। भारत Innovation और Development का नेतृत्व कर रहा है, जबकि पाकिस्तान… pic.twitter.com/Ht9uTkGpXB
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2026
Further contrasting the technological and scientific milestones of both countries, the Minister stated, “India is known for its space missions, while Pakistan is running proxy missions. While India is sending satellites into space, Pakistan remains engaged in sending terrorists across the border. While India is providing software to the world, Pakistan is supplying terror”. Singh also pointed out the difference in digital and social infrastructure, noting that while India connects the world, Pakistan radicalises it.
भारत दुनिया को Software दे रहा है, तो पाकिस्तान दुनिया को Sleeper Cells दे रहा है। भारत Data Centres बना रहा है, तो पाकिस्तान Radical Centres बना रहा है। भारत UPI से दुनिया को जोड़ रहा है, तो पाकिस्तान हवाला से आतंकवाद को जोड़ रहा है। यानि हमारे रास्ते अलग-अलग हैं, ऐसे में अगर…
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 26, 2026
“India is building data centers, while Pakistan is building radicalisation centres. While India is connecting the world through UPI, Pakistan is connecting terrorism through hawala. Our paths are different. If Pakistan attempts to obstruct our progress through its nefarious designs, our brave armed forces are fully prepared to give a befitting reply”, he added. Reiterating the government’s firm diplomatic stance, the Defence Minister ruled out any dialogue with Islamabad unless the agenda shifted to the liberation of illegally occupied territories.
“Our intention is clear. There will be no talks with Pakistan. If there are any talks, they will be only on PoJK, which is a part of India and illegally occupied by Pakistan”, Singh asserted. He further claimed that the line between the Pakistani state and non-state actors has been completely erased. “At present, Pakistan has made terrorism a part of its government policy and the distinction between the military and militants has completely disappeared there. The army not only protects terrorist organisations but also works closely with them”, he said.
हमारा intention साफ है कि अब पाकिस्तान से कोई बात नहीं होगी और अगर बात होगी भी तो सिर्फ PoK पर होगी जो कि भारत का हिस्सा है, जिस पर पाकिस्तान ने अवैध तरीके से कब्जा किया था: रक्षा मंत्री श्री @rajnathsingh
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 26, 2026
Operation Vijay: A befitting reply to intruding Pakistan
Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on July 26, is a day of profound significance for every Indian. It commemorates the bravery, sacrifice and unwavering determination of the Indian armed forces during the Kargil War of 1999. On this day, tributes are paid to the valiant soldiers who laid down their lives to protect the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.
The conflict that came to be known as the Kargil War began in May 1999 when intruders from Pakistan stealthily crossed the Line of Control and occupied Indian posts on towering ridges. Their sinister aim was to sever National Highway 1A, the vital artery connecting Srinagar to Leh. But they underestimated the will of a nation.
India responded with Operation Vijay, a mission that combined meticulous planning, steely determination and the indomitable spirit of its soldiers. For more than two months, Indian Armed Forces fought inch by inch across the harshest terrain, until every illicit intruder from Pakistan was driven out and every post restored to Indian control.
