Why in NEWS
On the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas (26 July 2025), the Indian Army launched three key initiatives to honour the bravery of soldiers from the 1999 Kargil War.
Key Terms / Concepts
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Kargil Vijay Diwas | Observed on July 26 every year to commemorate India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War. |
| Operation Vijay | Indian Army’s mission to evict Pakistani intruders from Kargil heights. |
| Operation Safed Sagar | Indian Air Force’s operation to support ground troops during the war. |
| Operation Talwar | Indian Navy’s operation to blockade Pakistani ports and exert maritime pressure. |
| Lahore Declaration (1999) | Peace agreement signed by India and Pakistan before the war began. |
| Batalik Sector | One of the strategic sectors in Ladakh where fierce battles were fought. |
India’s 2025 Initiatives to Honour Kargil Heroes
| Initiative | Description |
|---|---|
| E-Shradhanjali Portal | Online platform to pay tribute to war heroes. |
| QR Code-based Audio App | Offers audio stories of Kargil war battles and bravery. |
| New LoC Viewpoint at Batalik | A public viewpoint built at the Line of Control in Batalik sector to honour soldiers. |
Operations during the Kargil War
| Operation Name | Conducted By | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Vijay | Indian Army | Recapture Kargil heights from intruders. |
| Operation Safed Sagar | Indian Air Force | Bomb enemy positions at high altitudes. |
| Operation Talwar | Indian Navy | Blockade Pakistani ports, strategic pressure in Arabian Sea. |
Key Battle Zones in Kargil War
| Location | Significance |
|---|---|
| Tololing | One of the first major victories for Indian Army. |
| Tiger Hill | High altitude peak recaptured after intense fighting. |
| Drass | Scene of some of the fiercest battles. |
| Batalik | Crucial for access and infiltration routes. |
War Memorials Honouring India’s Military Heroes
| Memorial | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Kargil War Memorial (Dras) | Built in 2000, commemorates success of Operation Vijay. |
| National War Memorial (Delhi) | Honours soldiers from all major wars since independence including Kargil. |
In a nutshell
Mnemonic: VICTORY
Vijay Operation honoured
Initiatives launched in 2025
Challenging terrain battles
Tiger Hill & Tololing key wins
Operations by Army, Air Force, Navy
Remembrance via memorials
Yearning for peace post Lahore pact
Prelims Questions
- Which operation was launched by the Indian Navy during the Kargil War?
a) Operation Blue Star
b) Operation Talwar
c) Operation Meghdoot
d) Operation Vijay - The Kargil War was fought in which Indian Union Territory?
a) Jammu
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Ladakh
d) Uttarakhand - What does the newly launched QR-code based app on Kargil Vijay Diwas provide?
a) War documentaries
b) Real-time war maps
c) Audio stories of Kargil war bravery
d) Live videos from the LoC
Mains Questions
- Discuss the strategic importance and impact of Operation Vijay in the 1999 Kargil War. (10 Marks)
- Kargil Vijay Diwas is not just a day of remembrance but a reaffirmation of national unity and military preparedness. Elaborate. (15 Marks)
Answers – Prelims
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b | Operation Talwar was the Navy’s contribution during the Kargil War. |
| 2 | c | The Kargil War was fought in the Kargil district of Ladakh. |
| 3 | c | The app provides audio stories recounting acts of bravery during the Kargil War. |
