India marks 25 years of Kargil War win with focus on defence reforms

ADDRESSES MILITARY UPGRADES AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

India is set to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its military victory in the 1999 Kargil War on Friday, July 26, a conflict imposed by a Pakistan Army Chief driven by ambitions to capture the Kashmir Valley and the Saltoro Ridge on the Siachen Glacier. The war involved planned troop intrusions north of Zoji La and south of Chorbat La. Despite initial surprise at the audacity of the plan, the Indian Army successfully repelled the intruders over two months, albeit at the cost of 527 brave soldiers. This victory highlighted the Indian Army’s capability to overcome formidable odds, demonstrating that every soldier, regardless of their background, was prepared to defend the nation.

The military triumph at Kargil not only drew global attention to the cross-border terrorism practiced by Pakistan since the early 1990s but also showcased India’s ability to defend its borders with restraint while imposing significant military and political costs on the enemy. Though India lost many fearless young officers and soldiers in challenging conditions, the war was a pivotal moment in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.