Kathmandu - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Kargil today, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. PM Modi, during his visit to Ladakh on the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War, paid tribute to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.

The Prime Minister visited the Kargil War Memorial on Friday morning to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Kargil war. The arrangements were made with full security measures at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, ahead of the Prime Minister's visit.

Leaders like President Droupadi Murmu and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also offered their tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Kargil War on the occasion of the 25th Vijay Diwas. 

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is an occasion for a grateful nation to pay tribute to the indomitable courage and extraordinary valour of our armed forces. I pay tribute to each soldier who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting Mother India on the peaks of Kargil in the year 1999 and bow in reverence to their sacred memory,” President Murmu posted on X.

After his visit to the Kargil War Memorial, PM Modi virtually carried out the first blast at the Shinkun La Tunnel Project in Ladakh. The Shinkun La Tunnel Project consists of a 4.1 km long twin-tube tunnel which will be constructed at an altitude of around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh, according to an official release. Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure the swift and efficient movement of the country's armed forces and equipment but also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remembered the sacrifices of soldiers on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He wrote on X, "On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of those brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 war. Their unwavering commitment, bravery, and patriotism ensured the security of our country. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and our future generations."

Notably, the Indian Army defeated Pakistan in the Kargil War on July 26, 1999. The war lasted for about two months. Initially, it was considered a Pakistani intrusion, but after reconnaissance operations along the Line of Control, Pakistan's planned strategy was revealed. The Indian Army discovered that Pakistan had planned a large-scale attack. Following this, the Indian government launched 'Operation Vijay,' deploying troops to the Kargil region. In this war, the Indian Armed Forces displayed their unwavering determination and indomitable spirit. The Kargil War is a testament to Pakistan's malicious intentions.

India's then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee taught Pakistan a lesson and showcased India's valor and strength to the world. In this war, India lost many brave soldiers, and their supreme sacrifices became an example for the nation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also paid tribute to the immortal soldiers of the Indian Army on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The BJP said that the soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for the honor of Mother India and the pride of the tricolor. The BJP wrote on X, "We humbly salute the immortal martyrs of the Kargil War who upheld the honor of Mother India and the pride of the tricolor with their indomitable courage and valor."