On the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. During the commemorative Shraddhanjali Samaroh in Ladakh, Modi attended the Gaurav Gatha and visited the Amar Sansmaran and Veer Bhoomi memorials to honor the heroes of the Kargil War.
In addition to the solemn tributes, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, a 4.1 km twin-tube tunnel at an altitude of 15,800 feet on the Nimu–Padum–Darcha Road. This project aims to enhance all-weather connectivity to Leh.
Addressing the Shraddhanjali Samaroh, Modi highlighted the significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, stressing that the sacrifices made during the war are eternal and deeply cherished by the nation. He praised the soldiers for their bravery and emphasized that the country’s gratitude extends to all who defend its borders.
Modi reflected on the Kargil War, recalling his own experiences and commending the soldiers for their remarkable feats under challenging conditions. He praised the military’s resilience and underscored that the victory in Kargil symbolized “truth, restraint, and strength.”
The Prime Minister also criticized Pakistan for its ongoing support of terrorism and reaffirmed India’s resolve to confront and overcome such challenges. He emphasized that India’s commitment to development remains unwavering, with ongoing infrastructure projects like the Shinkun La Tunnel and improvements in various sectors, including defense.
Modi discussed the government’s focus on modernizing the defense sector, noting significant reforms and advancements such as the Agnipath Scheme, which aims to keep the armed forces young and agile. He addressed misconceptions about the scheme, clarifying that the primary goal is enhancing military readiness rather than saving on pensions.
The Prime Minister praised the defense forces for their progress and highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the lives of soldiers and their families. He concluded by celebrating the Kargil victory as a national triumph and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the soldiers for their contributions.
The event was attended by key figures including Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Brig (Dr) B D Sharma, Union Minister of State for Defence Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, and the Chiefs of Army Staff from the three armed forces.
