Defense Minister Arun Jaitley along with Army Chief General Bipin Singh Rawat, Cheif of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, pay homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, in New Delhi, July 26. (Vijay Verma/PTI)

The day is a special occasion for the Indian Army for being the anniversary of the rarest battle which was fought and won by any country in the most adverse and challenging conditions. Observing Kargil Vijay Diwas is a humble tribute to the martyrs and an acknowledgement of their valor, fortitude and sacrifice. Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26 every year, marking successful conclusion of the war with Pakistan in the Kargil-Drass sector of Jammu and Kashmir in 1999. The Indian soldiers successfully gained back the high-altitude outposts occupied by Pakistani intruders culminating in Operation Vijay on the day. Over 500 Indian armed forces personnel laid down their lives during the 60-day long war. Siliconeer presents a photo essay.

Navy jawans leave after Kargil Vijay Diwas function at Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi, July 26. (Vijay Verma/PTI)
Kargil war martyr Ganesh’s family member pays homage to the martyrs of the historical Kargil War on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, in Patna, July 26. (Press Trust of India)
Army officers provide relief to families of the soldiers martyred in Kargil, on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas at Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Regimental Center War Memorial, in Jabalpur, July 26. (Press Trust of India)
NCC cadets pay tribute to Martyrs on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, at the War Memorial in Bengaluru, July 26. (Press Trust of India)
Brigadier N.S. Braad paying tributes to the martyrs at their memorial in Dharamsala on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, July 26. (Press Trust of India)
Army men paying tributes to the war martyrs at their memorial in Dharamsala on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, July 26. (Press Trust of India)