Beneath the uniform and the gallantry award was a man of rare humility. There was no trace of bravado in Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, no attempt to wear his achievements on his sleeve.
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.
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.
India’s university towns initiative is an opportunity to do something we have never managed at scale: build knowledge ecosystems rather than knowledge silos.
Share of trade with FTA partners rose from 4.6% in 2006 to 28.8% in 2024. India is currently negotiating or advancing agreements with US, Israel, GCC, Canada & Mexico.
American objectives are unmet. They neither have muscle nor motivation to resume the war. As for Iran, the regime didn’t just survive, it’s now led by more radical individuals.
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