Important for UPSC Prelims: Defence | Internal Security
What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?
- Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on 26 July to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War (1999). It honours the Bravehearts of Operation Vijay, whose courage and sacrifice ensured the recapture of all occupied Indian positions.
- The Kargil War was fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999, after Pakistani intruders occupied strategic heights along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kargil sector. Following intense high-altitude operations, India successfully regained all occupied positions on 26 July 1999.
Kargil War (1999): Background
- The conflict began in May 1999, shortly after the Lahore Declaration.
- Pakistani forces, under Operation Badr, infiltrated across the Line of Control (LoC) and occupied strategic heights in Kargil, Dras, Batalik, Mushkoh and Kaksar sectors.
- The intrusion aimed to sever the Srinagar–Leh Highway (NH-1), isolate Indian troops at Siachen Glacier, and internationalise the Kashmir issue.
Operation Vijay
- Operation Vijay was the Indian Army’s military operation to evict Pakistani intruders from Indian territory.
- The operation followed the strategy of “Contain – Evict – Deny.”
- India maintained its policy of not crossing the Line of Control (LoC).
- After nearly three months of intense fighting, all occupied positions were recaptured.
Operation Safed Sagar
- Operation Safed Sagar was the Indian Air Force’s operation, launched on 26 May 1999.
- It provided air support, reconnaissance and precision strikes during Operation Vijay.
- It marked the first large-scale use of air power in the Kashmir region since the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
Major Battles
Battle of Tololing
- One of the earliest major breakthroughs of Operation Vijay.
- Tololing and Point 4590 were recaptured on 13 June 1999, opening the way for further advances.
Battle of Tiger Hill
- One of the most decisive battles of the war.
- Tiger Hill, the highest strategic feature in the Dras sector, was recaptured on 4 July 1999, shifting the momentum decisively in India’s favour.
These battles enabled Indian forces to reclaim every occupied position without crossing the Line of Control (LoC).
Conclusion
The Kargil War remains a defining milestone in India’s military history. Operation Vijay, supported by Operation Safed Sagar and Operation Talwar, demonstrated the professionalism and joint operational capability of the Indian Armed Forces, while Kargil Vijay Diwas continues to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Bravehearts who defended the nation’s sovereignty.
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