Kargil Vijay Diwas observed annually on 26th July to pay tribute to the bravery of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for country during Kargil War, 1999.
- It also commemorates the success of Operation Vijay in 1999.
About Kargil War
- It occurred between India and Pakistan in Kargil district and along Line of Control (LOC) in 1999 when Pakistan forces occupied several points on Indian side of LoC in Mashkoh valley, Dras, Kaksar, Tiger Hill areas.
- It commenced shortly after the signing of Lahore declaration in 1999.
- It was a comprehensive framework to maintain peace and stability aimed at addressing longstanding issues between India and Pakistan.
- Kargil War Memorial (Dras War Memorial) and National War Memorial, New Delhi was built to pay tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in Kargil war etc.
Military reforms after Kargil War
- On recommendations of Kargil Review Committee
- Creation of Defence Intelligence Agency in 2002.
- Created National Technical Research Organisation as a dedicated technical intelligence agency.
- Appointment of First Chief of Defense Staff in 2019 to provide single-point military advice to government.
- Created first tri-service command i.e. Andaman and Nicobar Command.