Indian armed forces fully prepared to counter any threat: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday asserted that the Indian Armed Forces are fully prepared to face any challenge, warning that while the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to resort to proxy wars and infiltration, India’s military remains vigilant and capable of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.

Addressing a commemorative event in Dras on the eve of the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Defence Minister paid tribute to the soldiers who secured India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War, saying their courage, patriotism and determination under the harshest conditions continue to inspire both the armed forces and the nation.

“Even as the enemy’s intentions remain unchanged and it continues to employ nefarious tactics such as proxy wars and infiltration, the Indian Defence Forces stand fully prepared to face any challenge,” Singh said.

Expressing confidence in the country’s military capabilities, he said no adversary dares cast an evil eye on India as long as the patriotism and resolve of its soldiers remain steadfast. Their courage, he added, enables every Indian citizen to pursue dreams and aspirations without fear.

Interacting with troops during the Barakhana, the Defence Minister said that while the country takes pride in the victory achieved during the Kargil War, it must remain mindful that security challenges have not diminished.

He reiterated the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers and said sustained emphasis is being placed on defence modernisation to equip the armed forces with world-class weapons, advanced technology and superior training.

Lauding the military for embracing cutting-edge technologies, Singh said the stories of India’s soldiers are admired not only within the country but across the world.

“This century belongs to us; the future belongs to us. Given the strides we have made towards self-reliance, I am confident that our defence forces will become the best in the world in the times to come,” he said.

The commemorative events included ‘Shaurya Bhoj’ at Vishwanathan Stadium, where military technology such as drones and robotic mules was showcased alongside Army martial arts demonstrations and cultural performances highlighting the heritage of the region.

The Defence Minister later joined Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, senior military officers, Kargil War veterans, gallantry award recipients, Veer Naris, families of martyrs and local residents for the commemorative dinner.

Earlier in the evening, Singh attended ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial, where patriotic performances were followed by tributes to the heroes of Operation Vijay. Family members of ten Kargil War martyrs were felicitated in recognition of their sacrifice and resilience.

The ceremony also included the presentation of a Kalash containing ‘Veeron Ki Mitti’, inter-faith prayers, the traditional Beating Retreat ceremony, the National Anthem and the lighting of lamps at the memorial in honour of the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice.

The day’s events began with ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ at Lamochen View Point, where veterans of the Kargil War, families of fallen soldiers and dignitaries gathered to remember the conflict. A documentary and a special film highlighting the bravery of 40 heroes of Operation Vijay were screened, while families shared personal memories of the martyrs.

The celebrations also featured ‘Gauravmay Sanskriti’, showcasing patriotic performances by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band, a precision motorcycle display by the ‘Shwet Ashwa’ team of the Corps of Military Police Centre and School, a national integration dance by students and demonstrations of the Indian Army’s growing use of advanced technologies in high-altitude operations.

The commemorations will conclude on July 26, when Singh will pay tribute to the heroes of Operation Vijay on behalf of the nation during the ‘Shradhanjali Samaroh’.

Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War, honouring the 545 bravehearts who laid down their lives, including 537 personnel of the Indian Army, five from the Indian Air Force, one Border Security Force personnel and two civilians, whose sacrifices ensured the country’s victory and safeguarded its territorial integrity.