Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 PM Modi Drass Visit Live: 'Pakistan trying to remain relevant through terror and proxy war,' says PM Modi in Kargil

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech at the Kargil Vijay Diwas Shradhanjali Samaroh in Drass on Friday, criticised the opposition for their efforts to create a rift within the armed forces and mislead the nation's youth regarding the initiative.

"For decades, there have been discussions on making the armed forces young, from Parliament to various committees. The average age of Indian soldiers being higher than the global average has been raising concerns. Therefore, this topic was raised in many committees for years. But the will to solve this challenge related to the country's security was not shown earlier," PM Modi said.

In a recently surfaced audio clip, shared by Modi Archive on the occasion of the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recounts his journey to Kargil during the war. The clip sheds light on the Prime Minister's unwavering support for the soldiers during that critical period.

At the time, PM Modi, who was responsible for overseeing work in Himachal Pradesh, took the initiative to board a Mi-17 helicopter laden with essential supplies. The helicopter landed in Srinagar, marking the beginning of his mission to support the brave soldiers fighting on the frontlines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remotely triggered the inaugural blast, marking the commencement of the Shinkun La Tunnel project in Kargil, Ladakh. The endeavor entails the development of a twin-tube tunnel spanning 4.1 kilometers, situated at a height of roughly 15,800 feet along the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road.

The tunnel, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and accessibility in the region, particularly during the harsh winter months when heavy snowfall often renders the area inaccessible. The project is seen as a crucial step towards bolstering infrastructure and promoting economic growth in Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation during the Kargil Vijay Diwas Shradhanjali Samaroh in Drass, Ladakh, marking the 25th anniversary of India's victory in the Kargil War. He emphasised the eternal nature of the sacrifices made by the soldiers for the country's security, stating that their names will forever be remembered in the nation's collective memory.

PM Modi shared his personal experience of being among the soldiers during the Kargil War as a common citizen. He recalled the challenging battle conditions and how the Indian forces successfully executed the operation despite the extreme circumstances.

"Today, the majestic land of Ladakh marks a significant milestone - 25 years since the triumphant victory of Kargil. Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for our nation are eternal and forever remembered. As time passes, days turn into months, months into years, and years into centuries - the names of those who laid down their lives for the sake of national security remain etched in our collective memory, forever immortalised!" PM Modi said.

"Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past. But Pakistan has not learned anything from its history. It is trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war. Today I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly, I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed. Our soldiers will crush terrorism with full force and the enemy will be given a befitting reply," he added.

PM Modi: Some people are also spreading a misconception that the government came up with this scheme to save pension money. I want to ask such people, the question of pension for today's recruitment will arise after 30 years. Why would the government take a decision for it today? We would have left that to the governments, but we have respected this decision taken by the forces because for us, the security of the country is paramount, not politics.

PM Modi: Agnipath aims to make the forces young... The aim of Agnipath is to keep the armies continuously fit for war. Unfortunately, some people have made such a sensitive topic related to national security a subject of politics. Some people are doing politics of lies in their personal interest even on this reform of the army. These are the same people who weakened our forces by running scams worth thousands of crores in the forces.

"Agnipath Scheme is an example of the necessary reforms done by the Army. For decades, there have been discussions on making the armed forces young, from Parliament to various committees. The average age of Indian soldiers being higher than the global average has been raising concerns. Therefore, this topic was raised in many committees for years. But the will to solve this challenge related to the country's security was not shown earlier. The country has addressed this concern through the Agnipath scheme," PM Modi in Drass.

"India was trying to establish peace at that time, in return, Pakistan once again showed its untrustworthy face. However, lies and terror were defeated by the truth. Every time Pakistan attempted something nefarious, it has received a befitting reply in the past. However, Pakistan has not taken any lessons from its own history. It is trying to keep itself relevant taking help of terrorism and proxy war," says PM Modi speaking during Kargil Vijay Diwas Shradhanjali Samaroh in Dras, Ladakh.

"India was trying to establish peace at that time, in return, Pakistan once again showed its untrustworthy face. However, lies and terror were defeated by the truth. Every time Pakistan attempted something nefarious, it has received a befitting reply in the past. However, Pakistan has not taken any lessons from its own. It is trying to keep itself relevant taking help of terrorism and proxy war," says PM Modi speaking during Kargil Vijay Diwas Shradhanjali Samaroh in Drass, Ladakh.

PM Narendra Modi says, "Be it Ladakh or Jammu and Kashmir, India will defeat every challenge that comes in the way of development. In a few days, on August 5, it will be 5 years since Article 370 was abolished. Jammu and Kashmir is talking about a new future, talking about big dreams... Along with infrastructure development, the tourism sector is also growing rapidly in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. After decades, a cinema hall has opened in Kashmir. After 3 and a half decades, Tazia procession has been taken out in Srinagar for the first time. Our heaven on earth is rapidly moving towards peace and harmony."

"This country will always be indebted to the brave soldiers of our Army. This country is grateful to them. It is my good fortune that during the Kargil war, I was amongst our soldiers as a common countryman," says PM Modi speaking during Kargil Vijay Diwas Shradhanjali Samaroh in Drass, Ladakh.

"Pakistan has failed in all its nefarious attempts in the past. But Pakistan has not learned anything from its history. It is trying to keep itself relevant with the help of terrorism and proxy war. Today I am speaking from a place where the masters of terror can hear my voice directly, I want to tell these patrons of terrorism that their nefarious intentions will never succeed. Our soldiers will crush terrorism with full force and the enemy will be given a befitting reply," PM Modi said.

PM Narendra Modi says, "Today, this great land of Ladakh is witnessing the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Kargil Vijay Diwas tells us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal..."

The Shinkun La Tunnel Project involves the construction of a twin-tube tunnel spanning 4.1 km in length. The tunnel will be built at an impressive altitude of approximately 15,800 feet along the Nimu – Padum – Darcha Road, with the primary objective of establishing all-weather connectivity to Leh.

On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Indian Army Chief, honored the fallen soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War by laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass. The solemn gesture served as a tribute to the brave men who sacrificed their lives in the conflict.

The Kargil War Memorial also witnessed the presence of Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff, and Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Navy Chief, who paid their respects to the courageous soldiers by laying wreaths at the memorial. Their presence underscored the unity and solidarity among the different branches of the Indian Armed Forces.

In West Bengal's capital, Kolkata, Lieutenant General RC Srikanth, Chief of Staff, Eastern Command, paid homage to the heroes of the Kargil War at the Vijay Smarak. The tribute served as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifices made by the soldiers during the conflict.

The families of the fallen soldiers also gathered to remember and honor the courage and dedication of their loved ones. They paid their respects to the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War, acknowledging the immense sacrifice they made for the nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. The Prime Minister laid wreath at the Kargil War Memorial, Drass, Ladakh, on the occasion of 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh honored the courageous armed forces personnel on Friday for their valiant fight in the Kargil war, which took place 25 years ago. The defence minister offered his tributes at the National War Memorial in Delhi.

On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, honored the soldiers who fought in the Kargil War. The commemoration took place at the Smritika War Memorial in Lucknow, where the UP chief minister paid his respects to the fallen heroes.

On the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, defence minister Rajnath Singh paid heartfelt tributes to the courageous armed forces personnel who fought with exceptional bravery in the harsh conditions of Kargil in Ladakh during the war in 1999. The Indian Army declared victory on July 26, 1999, after nearly three months of intense battle in the icy heights, successfully concluding "Operation Vijay". The day is commemorated as 'Kargil Vijay Diwas' to honor India's triumph over Pakistan in the conflict.

In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, "Today, on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, we remember the indomitable spirit and courage of the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 war." He emphasized that the soldiers' unwavering dedication, valor, and patriotism ensured the safety and security of the nation. Their service and sacrifice will continue to inspire every Indian and future generations.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and all ranks of the armed forces also joined in remembering the supreme sacrifice made by the "Bravehearts" during the Kargil war.

During his visit, PM Modi will pay homage to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Following the tribute ceremony, the Prime Minister will proceed to virtually initiate the Shinkun La Tunnel Project by conducting the inaugural blast.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass and paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.

Earlier, Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid homage to the courageous heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation. In his message, he acknowledged Uttarakhand's tradition of selfless service to the country, emphasizing that numerous brave sons from the state laid down their lives during the Kargil war to defend the nation.

Chief Minister Dhami affirmed the state government's dedication to the well-being of soldiers, veterans, and their families. He praised the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to upholding the country's honor through their bravery and valor, which is recognised worldwide. "The nation will always remember the sacrifice of brave soldiers to protect the country's borders in the Kargil war," he stated.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, celebrated every year on July 26 in India, honors the triumph of Operation Vijay in 1999, which marked the end of the Kargil War between India and Pakistan. The conflict, which started in May 1999, saw Indian forces successfully recapturing strategic positions in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir that had been infiltrated by Pakistani soldiers and terrorists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to virtually conduct the "first blast" on Friday, marking the commencement of the construction of the Shinkun La tunnel, a project of strategic importance aimed at providing alternate all-weather connectivity and faster troop mobility to Ladakh. The tunnel, spanning 4.1 km in length and situated at an altitude of 15,800 feet, will be built under the daunting Shinkun Pass on the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,681 crore. The PM-led cabinet committee on security approved the project in February of the previous year.

Despite the challenging weather conditions and harsh terrain, the construction of tunnels along the northern borders with China remains a top priority, especially in light of the ongoing military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, which has now entered its fifth year. In March, the Sela tunnel, constructed at an altitude of over 13,000 feet on the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road in Arunachal Pradesh at a cost of Rs 825 crore, was inaugurated. These tunnels serve multiple purposes, including the underground storage of ammunition, missiles, fuel, and other essential supplies.

An officer stated, "Several more tunnels are under-construction or in the planning stage." The government's focus on developing critical infrastructure along the border regions underscores the importance of enhancing connectivity and strengthening the country's defense capabilities in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.

In preparation for Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Kargil War Memorial, security measures have been heightened. The visit marks the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day dedicated to the bravery of Indian soldiers.

PM Modi will virtually initiate the Shinkun La Tunnel Project, featuring a 4.1 km long Twin-Tube tunnel at 15,800 feet. This project aims to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh and bolster economic development in Ladakh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kargil to honor the brave soldiers on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. He will pay homage at the Kargil War Memorial and carry out the first blast of the Shinkun La Tunnel Project virtually.