25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas
The Kargil War officially ended 25 years ago on July 26, 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas, observed annually on this date, commemorates India's victory over Pakistan and honors the sacrifices of hundreds of Indian soldiers who faced significant challenges beyond just the Pakistani infiltrators to achieve victory in Kargil. (PTI file photo)
Escalation into the Kargil War
The conflict that evolved into the Kargil War started when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and seized key high-altitude positions in Ladakh's Kargil district. (PTI file photo)
Intruders' allegiance to Pakistan
Initially reported to the Indian Army on May 3, the infiltrators were initially believed to be jihadis. However, as the weeks passed, the scale of the invasion revealed the unmistakable involvement of the Pakistani state. (PTI file photo)
Indian forces pushed back Pak infiltrators
In a robust response to the infiltrators, Indian forces steadily reclaimed key positions from the Pakistani infiltrators between mid-May and July, though they incurred significant casualties. (PTI file photo)
Indian side reported 500+ deaths and over 1,000 injuries
Official figures at the end of the war reported over 500 Indian deaths, more than 1,000 injuries, and one prisoner of war, flight lieutenant K Nachiketa, who was captured after his MiG-27 was shot down during a strike operation. (PTI file photo)
Two months of fierce combat
Over the course of two months, fierce battles unfolded in the rugged mountainous terrain. Under Operation Vijay, the Indian Army successfully expelled Pakistani intruders and reclaimed Tiger Hill along with other key positions. (PTI file photo)
Fighting continued after Pakistan's withdrawal announcement
Following a series of meetings between military leaders from both nations, the international community urged Pakistan to return to the Line of Control. On July 11, 1999, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced that the militants would withdraw, with India setting a deadline of July 16 for their departure. Despite this, fighting persisted frequently even after the deadline had passed. (PTI file photo)
Historical roots of Kargil War
The origins of Kargil Vijay Diwas trace back to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, which resulted in the creation of East Pakistan as the independent nation of Bangladesh. (PTI file photo)
Siachen glacier standoff
The two countries continued to clash, including a struggle for control of the Siachen Glacier by establishing military outposts on the surrounding mountain ranges. (PTI file photo)
Kargil Vijay Diwas marked India's victory in 1999 war
Indian soldiers achieved victory on July 26, 1999, after a three-month conflict. Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India's triumph in the Kargil War of 1999, highlighting the steadfast determination of the Indian armed forces in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. (PTI file photo)