India marks the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas today, on July 26, commemorating the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who secured victory during the 1999 Kargil War. Across the country, tributes poured in for the armed forces who reclaimed the icy heights of Kargil, pushing back intruders and restoring India’s territorial integrity.

At the central ceremony, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi delivered a stirring address, paying homage to the martyrs and reiterating the Army’s unwavering commitment to national security. “We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors… We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we can live peacefully,” he said.

Operation Vijay to Operation Sindoor

Reflecting on India’s military legacy, General Dwivedi reminded the gathering of the remarkable triumph of Operation Vijay in 1999, which saw Indian forces push Pakistani troops from strategic high-altitude positions. “In 1999, India achieved an unparalleled victory under Operation Vijay, chasing away the Pakistani soldiers on high hill posts, and hoisting the tricolour there,” he recalled.

He also linked that victory to more recent operations, particularly Operation Sindoor, highlighting the Army’s readiness to neutralise threats. “Keeping up with the tradition of unbreakable Indian integrity, the army carried out precision strikes on the terror infrastructure under Operation Sindoor and attained a decisive victory, effectively retaliating and knocking down Pakistan’s violent attacks,” he said.

#WATCH | Dras, Kargil | Addressing the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, Chief of Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, “We stand near Tiger Hill, Tololing and Point 4875, remembering the resolve and valour of the warriors… We salute those who sacrificed their lives so we… pic.twitter.com/F7AozRLXuk

— ANI (@ANI) July 26, 2025

Also Read : Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025 — 5 Bravehearts Who Led India To Victory

Pahalgam’s Cowardly Attack Received Strong Response

In a hard-hitting statement, General Dwivedi underscored the Army’s firm stance in the face of provocation. “We gave a chance for peace, but they (Pakistan) acted out of cowardice, to which we answered with courage,” he declared. He condemned the “cowardly attack in Pahalgam”, calling it a national tragedy, but stressed that “this time, we didn’t sit with our grief but decided to give a strong response… Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message and response.”

Veteran voices also echoed the Army Chief’s sentiments. General VP Malik, who led the Army during the Kargil War, said, “It is 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, when such events happen, we remember the martyrs, study the war that had happened, take resolve to win further battles. This operation (Operation Sindoor) was also very successful, we inflicted damage to Pakistan, the Army, Air Force, Navy did well.”

As the nation reflected on the sacrifices made at Tiger Hill, Tololing, and beyond, the message from the armed forces was clear: India’s commitment to peace is strong, but its resolve to defend its borders is stronger.

VIDEO | Kargil Vijay Diwas: General VP Malik, who was the Army chief at the time of Kargil War, says, “It is 26th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas, when such events happen, we remember the martyrs, study the war that had happened, take resolve to win further battles. This… pic.twitter.com/iMCFchfx9W

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 26, 2025