Commemorating a battle that inflicted a humiliating defeat on arch-rival Pakistan, Indian soldiers and top brass gathered in the remote Himalayan foothills on Friday.
The 1999 Kargil conflict was the last major battle between the two nuclear-armed nations, who have a history of wars since their independence from British colonial rule.
Following tit-for-tat atomic weapons tests, the 1999 conflict raised international concerns about the risk of all-out nuclear war between the two nations.
The ceremony on Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the conflict’s end, which saw Pakistan withdrawing under diplomatic pressure from the US and other countries.
“Times change, seasons change, but the names of those who sacrifice their lives for the country live forever,” stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the memorial in Drass.
Modi also criticized Pakistan for its actions during the conflict, stating, “India was trying for peace at the time. But Pakistan once again showed its untrustworthy face.”
The ceremony included displays of India’s military strength, with air force jets performing a flyover and soldiers showcasing their skills.
The Kargil conflict began when Pakistan-backed militants crossed into Indian territory at Kargil, resulting in at least 1,000 casualties over 10 weeks.
Pakistan withdrew after pressure from the US, which was concerned about Islamabad’s nuclear deployment near the conflict zone.
Following the conflict, Pakistan’s prime minister blamed his army chief for igniting it without his knowledge, leading to a coup and political turmoil.
– ‘We are stronger’ –
Despite their contentious history, India and Pakistan have continued to face off over the Kashmir region, claimed by both countries.
The Kargil conflict is celebrated in India as a military triumph over Pakistan.
Reflecting on the conflict, General Ved Prakash Malik, India’s army chief during the conflict, emphasized India’s advancements in economy, military, and technology compared to Pakistan.
When asked about the possibility of a similar conflict in the future, Malik expressed confidence that Pakistan would not attempt it again.
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