Recalls bravery of soldiers
New Delhi, Jul 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the country during the 1999 Kargil War, saying Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds everyone of the “extraordinary courage” displayed by the armed forces in the face of extreme challenges.
Addressing the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi said that India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities and is emerging as a trusted global defence partner.
“Today is Kargil Vijay Diwas. This day fills us with pride, and it reminds us of the extraordinary courage of our brave soldiers.”
“The towering peaks of Kargil, the harsh weather, the enemy’s challenge–every circumstance stood before our soldiers, but their resolve was greater than every challenge. They dedicated everything they had to protect Mother India. Today, on ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’, I pay my humble respects to all the brave martyrs and valiant soldiers,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas.
“This year, a special ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ has been organised. This motorcycle journey, which began on July 14th from the National War Memorial in Delhi, will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Drass,” PM Modi said.
“Its message is – ‘One Ride, One Nation, One Salute.’ This journey reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation can never be forgotten,” he added.
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed annually on July 26 to commemorate India’s victory in the Kargil War of 1999 and honour the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during Operation Vijay.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities, citing the commissioning of INS Mahendragiri and recent defence technology tests conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
“A few days ago, INS Mahendragiri was commissioned in the Indian Navy. This modern warship has been designed in India and built in India. It incorporates more than 75 per cent indigenous materials. It is a symbol of the growing strength of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
PM Modi also mentioned the successful testing of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket and the Kusha missile.
“This month, DRDO also successfully tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket. Behind this success is the collective hard work of our scientists and engineers. Just two-three days ago, DRDO successfully tested the Kusha missile as well,” he said.
“Today, be it defence production, defence exports, or political cooperation with friendly countries, India is consistently moving towards new heights,” PM Modi added.
“At the beginning of this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major agreement was reached for the BrahMos and Astra missiles. The world’s trust in India’s defence equipment and technology is increasing,” he added.
INS Mahendragiri, the sixth Project 17A Nilgiri-class stealth frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 11. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, the warship has over 75 per cent indigenous content.
The frigate is equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and electronic warfare systems and is capable of undertaking anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine operations, besides maritime security, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. (Agencies)
‘Talks with Pak only on PoJK’: Rajnath
Drass, Jul 26: Operation Sindoor clearly demonstrated what will be the fate of those who attempt to threaten India with terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath said here on Sunday, asserting that the country can respond to any misadventure by Pakistan in a manner “beyond their imagination”.
In his address at the Kargil War Memorial here, he also slammed Pakistan for making terrorism a “part of its state policy”, and said there will be no talks with Pakistan other than on Pakistan-Occupied-Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK), which is a “part of India illegally occupied” by it.
The occasion was the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, with Singh describing India’s victory in the Kargil war in 1999 as “a diamond studded in the crown of Bharat Mata”.
The defence minister recalled the Operation Sindoor conducted in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.
Under Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces dealt a severe blow to the backers and supporters of terrorism, he said.
“Operation Sindoor made it clear what the fate will be of those who attempt to threaten India with terrorism,” Rajnath said.
He asserted that India and its armed forces have the capacity to respond to any misadventure by Pakistan in a manner “beyond their imagination”.
“Any evil step towards the sovereignty and integrity of India will meet with the same fate,” the defence minister said.
At a time when India is designing ships, Pakistan is busy engaging in terror design, he said.
“While we are finding new ways of innovation, Pakistan is seeking new ways of infiltration,” the defence minister said. (Agencies)
No Army matches Indian Army: Gen Seth
Drass, Jul 26: Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth on Sunday paid rich tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War, saying their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations while reaffirming the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s development.
Addressing a media briefing at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras during the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, the Army Chief said he felt “a new energy and a new pride” on being present at the memorial to honour the fallen heroes.
“On the 27th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, I am feeling a new energy and a new pride in my presence here. On this occasion, I pay my respects to our brave martyrs and also to their families,” General Seth said.
The Army Chief welcomed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended the commemorative event, and said his presence would serve as a source of inspiration for the Indian Army.
“On this occasion, the Defence Minister’s presence among us was a very important source of inspiration for the Indian Army in the future,” he said.
Recalling the courage of the soldiers who fought in the Kargil conflict, General Seth said their memories reminded him of a poem written by one of his own soldiers, which he recited during the briefing as a tribute to the spirit of the Indian Army.
Highlighting the unique character of Indian soldiers, the Army Chief said, “The soldiers of the Indian Army are so different from the soldiers of any other army in the world that there is no comparison.”
Reiterating the Army’s role beyond safeguarding the nation’s borders, the COAS assured the country that the force would continue contributing to national progress.
