Kargil War
The conflict, which escalated into the Kargil War, began when Pakistani intruders crossed the Line of Control and occupied strategic high positions in Ladakh’s Kargil district.Initially reported to the Indian Army on May 3, the infiltrators were thought to be jihadis. However, over the following weeks, the scale of the invasion disclosed the clear and direct involvement of the Pakistani state.
In strong retaliation to the infiltrators, between mid-May and July, the Indian forces gradually recaptured critical positions from the Pakistani infiltrators, despite facing heavy casualties. The Kargil War officially concluded on July 26, 1999, when the Indian Army announced the complete eviction of Pakistani forces from Indian soil.
According to official figures, Indian casualties at the end of the war included 527 dead, 1,363 wounded, and 1 prisoner of war, Flight Lieutenant K Nachiketa, whose MiG-27 was shot down during a strike operation.
Over two months, intense battles took place in the challenging mountainous terrain. The Indian Army, as part of Operation Vijay, managed to drive out Pakistani intruders and successfully recaptured Tiger Hill and other strategic positions.
Failed diplomatic exchange
The bitter clash took place in harsh terrain 5,000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level while intensive diplomatic activity was underway elsewhere. On June 12, then-Pakistani foreign minister Sartaj Aziz visited New Delhi, but his talks with his Indian counterpart Jaswant Singh failed to produce results.
Subsequent meetings between military leaders from both countries occurred, and in the following weeks, the international community stressed the need for Pakistan to return to the Line of Control. Eventually, on July 11, 1999 Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced that the militants would withdraw, and India gave them until July 16 to do so. However, frequent fighting continued even after the deadline.
Kargil Vijay Diwas
The Indian soldiers secured victory on July 26, 1999, after a three-month conflict. Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrates India’s win in the Kargil War of 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas marks the unwavering resolve of Indian armed forces in protecting India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.