Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh on the occasion of 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 16th July 2024. There he paid homage to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He also attended the Shraddhanjali Samaroh, heard the Gaurav Gatha: Briefing on Kargil War by NCOs and visited Amar Sansmaran: Hut of Remembrance. He also visited the Veer Bhoomi.

Addressing the Shrddhanjali Samaroh, the Prime Minister said that even though months, years, decades and centuries pass by, the lives laid down to protect the nation’s borders cannot be erased. “The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces”, PM Modi remarked.

“In Kargil, we not only won the war, we presented an incredible example of ‘truth, restraint and strength”, he said. The Prime Minister condemned terrorism and said “Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant.” He asserted that the bravehearts will trample all the terror attempts.

Further, PM Modi stated, “The victory of Kargil was not the victory of any government or any party. This victory belongs to the country, this victory is the heritage of the country. This is a festival of pride and self-respect of the country.” He saluted the brave soldiers on behalf of the entire country and conveyed his best wishes to all the countrymen on 25 years of Kargil victory.

The Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations, graced by the Prime Minister at Dras, was also attended by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Dr) B D Sharma (Retd), Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three Service Chiefs, veterans and Veer Naris.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath and paid homage to the bravehearts at the National War Memorial in New Delhi. He was accompanied by the Vice Chiefs of the three Services and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).

Through another post on X, the Raksha Mantri remembered the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the Kargil war, stating that their unwavering commitment, valour and patriotism ensured that India remained safe and secure. The service and sacrifice of the soldiers will continue to inspire every Indian and future generations.