Kargil Vijay Diwas: Significance and History

Every year on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed to honour the bravery of Indian soldiers who gave their lives in the Kargil War (1999) to defend their nation.
The Kargil War, which broke out between India and Pakistan in May 1999, comes to an end with this incident.

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BACKGROUND HISTORY OF KARGIL WAR

• There has long been hostilities between India and Pakistan, the most notable of which occurred in 1971 and resulted in the birth of Bangladesh.
• Both countries continued to be at odds after 1971, especially as they vied for dominance over the Siachen Glacier by stationing military outposts on neighbouring mountain ranges.
• Nuclear tests were carried out by both nations in 1998, which increased tensions. A bilateral, peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute was the goal of the Lahore Declaration in February 1999.
• In order to capture strong positions overlooking NH 1A in the Drass and Batalik Sectors of Kargil, Ladakh, the Pakistani armed forces secretly trained and sent men across the Line of Control (LOC) during the winter of 1998–1999.
• The infiltrators were initially mistaken for terrorists or "jihadis" by Indian troops, but it soon became apparent that the attack was a well-planned military operation.
• The Kargil sector's 170 km alpine border, which ran from Mashkoh Valley to Turtuk, was the site of the battle in the summer of 1999. In response, India launched Operation Vijay, sending nearly 200,000 troops to the area to thwart the assault.

IMPACT OF KARGIL WAR:

• Global Acknowledgment of LoC: The Line of Control (LoC) has gained global recognition as the de facto border between India and Pakistan. This has strengthened India's position regarding the territorial integrity of Jammu & Kashmir.

• Enhanced Strategic Alliances: Kargil also signaled a sea change in ties between India and the United States. The second phase of the Strategic Partnership, which resulted in the Indo-US Nuclear Deal, was made possible by India's reputation as a responsible nuclear player in the international arena.

• Gains in Diplomacy: The war exerted tremendous diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, which culminated in the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, paying a high-profile visit to the United States on July 4, 1999, when he was sharply criticized by the US President. Pakistan's actions were diplomatically isolated thanks to the international condemnation of them.

• Emphasizing Nuclear Diplomacy: The war made the unstable relationship between India and Pakistan more widely known, particularly in light of the potential nuclear dangers. The war highlighted the possibility of escalating hostilities in a region with nuclear weapons.

• Impact on World Perception: India's status as a growing power with strong defense capabilities was enhanced by the war, which brought to light its military prowess and capacity to handle and respond to regional wars.

OPERATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE KARGIL WAR

• Operation Vijay: Operation Vijay was the code name for India's military response to the Pakistani incursion in the Kargil region. The operation aimed to clear the infiltrators from the Indian side of the Line of Control (LOC) and restore the status quo.

• Operation Safed Sagar: The Indian Air Force conducted "Operation Safed Sagar" to support ground operations. High-altitude operations involved aircraft like MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-27s, Mirage 2000, and Jaguars.

• Operation Talwar: The Indian Navy’s "Operation Talwar" ensured maritime security and deterrence. The Navy's readiness sent a strong message to Pakistan about potential responses to further aggression.

KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

SIGNIFICANCE: WHY WE CELEBRATE KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS

• Since 1999, July 26 has been observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to remember and honour the supreme sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the war.
• The Kargil War memorial in Dras was built in 2000 by the Indian Army to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay in 1999.
• It was later renovated in 2014. It is also known as the "Dras War Memorial" due to its location in the town of Dras in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The National War Memorial, inaugurated in 2019. It is dedicated to kargil vijay diwas real heros who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts and missions, including the Sino-Indian war in 1962, Indo-Pak wars in 1947, 1965, and 1971, Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka 1987-90, and the Kargil Conflict in 1999.

REFORMS UNDERTAKEN AFTER THE KARGIL WAR

• Security Sector Reforms: The Kargil War prompted a review of India’s National Security Structure, leading to increased transparency and the establishment of the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) led by K Subrahmanyam. The KRC report highlighted deficiencies in intelligence, border, and defence management, leading to significant security sector reforms and institutional changes.

• Creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): It was created to promote "jointness" among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The CDS acts as the single-point military advisor to the government and oversees the integration of the three services.

• Establishment of Tri-Service Commands: Andaman and Nicobar Command was created as a test-bed for future theatre commands, integrating resources from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Intelligence Reforms: National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) was established to enhance technical intelligence capabilities.

  • Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was formed to coordinate intelligence across all three services. Technical Coordination Group was created to oversee high-tech intelligence acquisitions.
  • National Security Advisor (NSA) was designated as the coordinator of all intelligence agencies, supervising the NTRO and ensuring better intelligence integration.

• Border Management Enhancements: Improved surveillance and patrolling along the borders to prevent incursions. Deployment of better technology for border security. E.g., installation of thermal imaging cameras, motion sensors and radar systems.

• Operational Reforms: Weapon systems, artillery, and communication equipment were modernised. Increased focus on specialised training for high-altitude warfare and joint operations. E.g., Dhanush Artillery Gun, Akash surface-to-air missile etc.

• Improved Coordination and Communication: Emphasis was put on joint exercises and operations among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure better coordination. Enhanced mechanisms were established for real-time sharing of intelligence between different agencies and military branches.

• Counter-Terrorism Measures: Intelligence Bureau (IB) became the principal counter-terrorism agency. Cunter-terrorism capabilities and coordination among various security agencies were strengthened.

• Indigenous Satellite Navigation System: The space-based navigation system maintained by the US government would have provided vital information, but the US denied it to India. A need for an indigenous satellite navigation system was felt earlier, but the Kargil experience made the nation realise its inevitability. E.g., Development of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

• Doctrinal Changes: The war led to the evolution of Indian military doctrines, including the Cold Start Doctrine. Kargil highlighted the need for a holistic doctrine to address multi-dimensional proxy wars and shaped future military strategies.

CONCLUSION

The Kargil War of 1999 was a pivotal event for India, significantly impacting its military strategy and national security policies. Operation Vijay's success restored control over strategic areas and strengthened India's defence capabilities. The war highlighted the need for robust security measures and prompted major reforms in national security infrastructure. It reaffirmed the Line of Control (LoC) as an effective international border and accelerated the development of new military doctrines, such as the Cold Start Doctrine. The conflict’s legacy continues to shape India's defence strategies and diplomatic relations.