Topic: Kargil War

From the Sangh agenda to Pakistan policy, Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a man of contradictions. On his death anniversary, a look at a political life that defied pinning down.

If “message is also strategy” where are policies and structural reforms?

Captain Vijayant Thapar was 22 when he died in the Kargil War on 29 June 1999. A quarter century later, his family keeps his legacy alive. ‘If you’re a kind human being, you’ll be a good soldier.’

In May 1999, Pakistani troops crossed the Line of Control in Kargil, occupying strategic heights. On 7 June 1999, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee addressed the nation, condemning Pakistan’s invasion and rallying India to defend its borders.

A quarter of a century ago, the Pakistan Army was at one of its lowest points after getting defeated from a winning position. But it has now returned to centre stage despite severe political setbacks.

India observes 26 July each year as Kargil Vijay Diwas in memory of soldiers who laid down lives to secure key strategic heights captured by Pakistani intruders in 1999.

The book was launched as India celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July. It commemorates our victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War.

Military leadership 'must have the ability to have a 360-degree outlook towards the threats and challenges that face the nation,' he asserts.

The need for robust and adaptive defence structures is critical than ever in the contemporary global landscape, marked by evolving threats and technological advancements.

Post the victory, the Kargil Review Committee went to great lengths in identifying the causative factors and detailing systems required to mitigate future national security threats.