DRASS: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it employ nefarious tactics such as proxy wars & infiltration, the Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face challenges.
Defence Minister said this during a commemorative event in Drass on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas. Paying tribute to the bravehearts who secured India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War, Rajnath Singh said the courage, resolve and patriotism displayed under the harshest conditions continue to inspire both the military and the nation.
Expressing confidence in the defence forces, Rajnath Singh stated that no one dares to cast an evil eye upon India as long as the patriotism and resolve of the valiant troops of the nation remain unwavering. Their courage enables every citizen to pursue and realise their dreams without fear, he added.
As Defence Minister interacted with the troops over Barakhana, he asserted that “While we feel a sense of pride recalling the Kargil victory, we must remember that the challenges facing us have not diminished”. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government’s commitment towards the welfare of soldiers, adding that sustained emphasis is being laid on defence modernisation to ensure that the military is equipped with world-class weaponry and training.
Rajnath Singh acknowledged the defence forces for embracing the latest technologies, emphasising that their stories of valour and commitment are recognised not just nationally, but globally as well. “This century belongs to us; the future belongs to us. Given the strides we have made towards self-reliance, I am confident that our defence forces will become the best in the world in the times to come,” he said.
The event ‘Shaurya Bhoj’ at the Vishwanathan Stadium also featured a display of drones, robotic mules and Army Martial Arts Routine drills, as well as a cultural programme showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Defence Minister later joined the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, other serving personnel, Kargil War veterans, gallantry awardees, Veer Naris, Next of Kin of the heroes, civil dignitaries and local citizens for the Shaurya Bhoj.
Prior to ‘Shaurya Bhoj’, Shri Rajnath Singh graced ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial, where patriotic tunes set the tone for a solemn tribute to the heroes of Operation Vijay. 10 Next of Kin of Kargil War heroes were felicitated in recognition of the courage, resilience and sacrifice of their families.
A Kalash containing ‘Veeron Ki Mitti’ was presented to Raksha Mantri. Inter-faith prayers offered by religious teachers were followed by the solemn Beating Retreat ceremony and the National Anthem. Thereafter, Raksha Mantri lit lamps at the memorial in homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the war.
The commemorative events began with ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, attended by Kargil War veterans, Next of Kin of the fallen soldiers and other dignitaries. The programme featured the screening of the Yudh Sansmaran film and a short video recounting the extraordinary acts of courage and valour of 40 heroes of Operation Vijay. The Next of Kin were felicitated, following which family members shared their cherished memories of the soldiers.
The afternoon programme at Vishwanathan Stadium commenced with patriotic performances by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band. It was followed by a spectacular motorcycle display by the ‘Shwet Ashwa’ team of the Corps of Military Police Centre and School, demonstrating precision riding, discipline and professional excellence.
The celebrations will culminate on July 26, 2026, with Raksha Mantri paying homage to the heroes of ‘Operation Vijay’ on behalf of the nation during the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’. The commemorations pay tribute to the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives during the Kargil War – 537 personnel of the Indian Army, 05 of the Indian Air Force, 01 of the Border Security Force & 02 civilians – whose supreme sacrifice ensured India’s victory and safeguarded the nation’s territorial integrity.
Earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Srinagar to take part in the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations in Ladakh.
Singh arrived at the Srinagar International Airport on Saturday morning and was received here by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
They said the Defence minister is on a two-day visit to Ladakh to take part in the Vijay Diwas celebrations at Drass.
Singh was scheduled to reach Drass by air, but the chopper could not operate due to inclement weather, the officials said, adding, the Defence minister then proceeded to Drass via road.
The two-day Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations begin in Drass on Saturday.
