India's military evolution: From Op Vijay to Op Sindoor and strategic modernisation

INDIA MARKS 26TH KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS WITH SOLEMN TRIBUTE

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

As the country solemnly celebrated the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Saturday, a close analysis of India's defence strategy in the past, present, and future assumes clear colour. At the same time, taking pride in the glorious tops of Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875 in Operation Vijay (1999) to the precision strikes of Operation Sindoor (May 2025) of the modern era, India's Armed Forces stand reformed — robust, dynamic, and technologically progressive.

Launched in May 1999, Operation Vijay saw the Indian Army deploy under harsh winter conditions to drive out infiltrators from strategic heights—Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Point 4875—along the Line of Control in Kargil.

Through coordinated efforts by infantry, artillery, and the Air Force, the Army recaptured every hostile ground. Despite heavy losses, the triumph was complete: India ensured that no ground was lost, sending a strong message about its territorial sovereignty.

During the nights of 6-7 May, the Indian armed forces carried out Operation Sindoor—a measured attack on nine terror hideouts in Pakistan and PoJK, killing more than 100 terrorists, without causing any civilian casualties. The Indian Air Force breached hostile air defences using loitering weapons, jamming methodology, and precision assets. The procedure allegedly took only 23 minutes, putting Pakistan's air capabilities back by as much as five years.