Kargil Vijay Diwas 2025: Top leaders pay tributes as country marks Indian Army's 1999 victory

On this day, on July 26, 1999, the Indian Armed Forces emerged victorious against Pakistani intrusion in the 1999 Kargil war. The day is celebrated as the Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the sacrifice, valor, and indomitable spirit of the nation's armed forces. As India celebrated the 26th anniversary of the Kargil victory, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lt. General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh. K. Tripathi and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh gathered at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to pay tributes to the Kargil war martyrs. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi said, "We are indebted to heroes who laid down their lives to ensure the nation is safe."

Tributes also poured in from the political sphere to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. Top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, and the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed their wishes on Kargil Vijay Diwas. 

President Draupadi Murmu took to X to extend her greetings to the countrymen, "On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay my heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland. This day symbolises the extraordinary valour, courage, and steadfast determination of our jawans. Their dedication and supreme sacrifice for the nation will forever inspire its citizens."

कारगिल विजय दिवस के अवसर पर मैं मातृभूमि के लिए प्राण न्योछावर करने वाले वीर सैनिकों को श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करती हूं। यह दिवस हमारे जवानों की असाधारण वीरता, साहस एवं दृढ़ संकल्प का प्रतीक है। देश के प्रति उनका समर्पण और सर्वोच्च बलिदान देशवासियों को सदैव प्रेरित करता रहेगा।
जय…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 26, 2025

PM Modi wrote that the Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds the unparalleled courage of the Indian Armed Forces for their motherland. His post read, "Heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on Kargil Vijay Diwas. This occasion reminds us of the unparalleled courage and valour of those brave sons of Mother India who dedicated their lives to protect the nation's pride. Their passion to sacrifice everything for their motherland will continue to inspire every generation. Jai Hind!"

देशवासियों को कारगिल विजय दिवस की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। यह अवसर हमें मां भारती के उन वीर सपूतों के अप्रतिम साहस और शौर्य का स्मरण कराता है, जिन्होंने देश के आत्मसम्मान की रक्षा के लिए अपना जीवन समर्पित कर दिया। मातृभूमि के लिए मर-मिटने का उनका जज्बा हर पीढ़ी को प्रेरित करता रहेगा। जय…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 26, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the Indian Armed Forces on social media. Joining the celebrations, he wrote, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit, and determination in defending our nation's honor in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during the Kargil War is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve of our Armed Forces. India shall remain forever indebted to their service." 

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I pay heartfelt tributes to our bravehearts who displayed extraordinary courage, grit and determination in defending our nation's honour in the toughest of terrains. Their supreme sacrifice during Kargil war is a timeless reminder of the unwavering resolve…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 26, 2025

Congress President and LOP in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge shared, "On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families, and all fellow Indians. We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs, who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil war. Their inflicting courage and valor will forever inspire generations. Jai Hind."

On #KargilVijayDiwas, we extend our heartfelt greetings to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces, ex-servicemen, their families and all fellow Indians.

We bow in reverence and salute the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs who valiantly defended our motherland in the Kargil War.… pic.twitter.com/RZn63PzHBa

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 26, 2025

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, wrote that the country will forever be indebted to the martyrs and their families. He posted, "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I offer my heartfelt tributes and countless salutations to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. India will forever remain indebted to them and their families. Jai Hind!"