India’s victory in the Kargil War was as much against the terrain and the climate, as it was against Pakistani combatants. We tell you how our soldiers braved – and conquered – Kargil’s hostile conditions.

Kargil Vijay Diwas

• Tributes on Kargil Vijay Diwas: Leaders across India’s political spectrum paid tributes to the armed forces and fallen martyrs. The occasion marked the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
• Operation Vijay: The Indian Army sent a message not only to Pakistan but to the whole world that when it comes to our national interests, our Army will not back down at any cost.

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The Kargil War

• End of the Kargil War: Ended on July 26, 1999 with eviction of the last remaining Pakistani troops and infiltrators from positions on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC).
• Trigger of the Conflict: Infiltrators from Pakistan crossed the LoC and occupied high positions in Ladakh’s Kargil district.
• Realization of the Scale: Over the first few weeks, the scale of the invasion revealed the undeniable role of the Pakistani state. Indian forces began efforts to recapture critical positions.
• Recapture Efforts: Complete withdrawal of all Pakistani regular and irregular troops from Kargil announced on July 26, 1999.

Challenging Conditions

• Enemy Infiltrators: Supported by non-stop shelling from Pakistani artillery across the border.
• Geography: Located at the northern edge of the LoC, 200 km northeast of Srinagar, and 230 km west of Leh.
  • Enemy Advantage: Pakistani forces occupied high positions overlooking Indian positions.
• High Altitude Warfare: The high altitude environment determined the nature and conduct of the campaign.
• Physiological Effects: Acute mountain sickness, headaches, nausea, appetite loss, muscular weakness, general fatigue. Severe impact on human body, posing logistical and strategic challenges.
• Crippling Cold: Winter temperatures as low as (-)30 degrees Celsius where guns jam, operators expend great energy to keep warm.

How the Army Conquered Kargil’s Conditions

• Army’s Adaptations: Acclimatisation and training programs initiated to better prepare soldiers for high-altitude conditions.
  • Better cold-weather gear procured, though inadequacies persisted.
• High-Altitude Assault Techniques: Shifted from daytime frontal attacks to small groups scaling near-vertical terrain and honed techniques for high-altitude combat.
• Effective Use of Firepower: Artillery support coordination overwhelming firepower coordinated with daring manoeuvres.

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Conclusion

Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates India’s resilience and sacrifice, showcasing the armed forces’ adaptability and bravery in overcoming high-altitude challenges to defend national interests.