26-July-2024-Editorial

KARGIL VIJAY DIWAS 2024

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 to honor the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War (1999).

What is Kargil Vijay Diwas?

Kargil Vijay Diwas or Kargil Victory Day is observed annually on July 26 in India.

This day commemorates India’s victory in the 1999 conflict with Pakistan and honors the bravery and sacrifices of Indian soldiers.

The Kargil War of 1999 was the first military confrontation in a nuclearized South Asia and the first real war between two nuclear states.

Background

Historical Context:

• India and Pakistan have a history of conflicts, including a significant one in 1971, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
• Post-1971, ongoing tensions were particularly focused on controlling the Siachen Glacier through military outposts on nearby mountain ridges.
• In 1998, both countries conducted nuclear tests, escalating tensions further.
• The Lahore Declaration in February 1999 aimed to resolve the Kashmir conflict peacefully and bilaterally.

The Kargil Conflict:

• During the winter of 1998-1999, Pakistani forces covertly trained and deployed troops across the Line of Control (LOC) to seize fortified positions overlooking NH 1A in the Drass and Batalik Sectors of Kargil, Ladakh.
• Initially, Indian troops mistook the infiltrators for terrorists, but it soon became evident that the attack was a well-organized military operation.
• The war was fought along a 170km mountain frontier, stretching from Mashkoh Valley to Turtuk in the Kargil sector.
• India responded by launching Operation Vijay, deploying over 200,000 troops to counter the incursion.

Significance of Kargil Vijay Diwas

Commemoration:

• Since 1999, July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to remember and honor the supreme sacrifices of Indian soldiers.
• The Kargil War Memorial in Dras, built in 2000 and renovated in 2014, commemorates the success of Operation Vijay.
• The National War Memorial, inaugurated in 2019, is dedicated to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts, including the Kargil War.

Impact of Kargil War

Global Recognition of the LOC:

• The international community largely recognized the Line of Control (LoC) as the de facto border between India and Pakistan, reinforcing India’s stance on the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.

Strengthened Strategic Partnerships:

• Kargil marked a turning point in Indo-US relations, with India regarded as a responsible nuclear actor, leading to the Indo-US Nuclear Deal.

Diplomatic Gains:

• The war placed significant diplomatic pressure on Pakistan, culminating in a high-profile visit by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to the US, where he faced strong criticism from the US President.

Highlighting Nuclear Diplomacy:

• The conflict brought global attention to the volatile relationship between India and Pakistan, especially concerning nuclear risks.

Impact on Global Perception:

• The war highlighted India’s military capabilities and its ability to effectively manage and respond to regional conflicts, enhancing its global stature.

Operations Associated with the Kargil War

Operation Vijay:

• The code name for India’s military response to the Pakistani incursion in the Kargil region aimed to clear the infiltrators from the Indian side of the LOC and restore the status quo.

Operation Safed Sagar:

• Conducted by the Indian Air Force to support ground operations. High-altitude operations involved aircraft like MiG-21s, MiG-23s, MiG-27s, Mirage 2000, and Jaguars.

Operation Talwar:

• Ensured maritime security and deterrence by the Indian Navy, sending a strong message to Pakistan about potential responses to further aggression.

Reforms Undertaken After the Kargil War

Security Sector Reforms:

• The war prompted a review of India’s national security structure, leading to the establishment of the Kargil Review Committee (KRC) led by K Subrahmanyam.
• The KRC report highlighted deficiencies in intelligence, border, and defense management, leading to significant security sector reforms and institutional changes.

Creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS):

• The CDS was created to promote “jointness” among the Army, Navy, and Air Force and acts as the single-point military advisor to the government.

Establishment of Tri-Service Commands:

• The 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:

• The National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) was established to enhance technical intelligence capabilities.
• The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) was formed to coordinate intelligence across all three services.
• The Technical Coordination Group was created to oversee high-tech intelligence acquisitions.
• The National Security Advisor (NSA) was designated as the coordinator of all intelligence agencies.

Border Management Enhancements:

• Improved surveillance and patrolling along the borders to prevent incursions.
• Deployment of better technology for border security, such as thermal imaging cameras, motion sensors, and radar systems.

Operational Reforms:

• Weapon systems, artillery, and communication equipment were modernized.
• Increased focus on specialized training for high-altitude warfare and joint operations.

Improved Coordination and Communication:

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

Counter-Terrorism Measures:

• The Intelligence Bureau (IB) became the principal counter-terrorism agency, with strengthened counter-terrorism capabilities and coordination among various security agencies.

Indigenous Satellite Navigation System:

• The need for an indigenous satellite navigation system was highlighted, leading to the development of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).

Doctrinal Changes:

• The war led to the evolution of Indian military doctrines, including the Cold Start Doctrine, and emphasized the need for a holistic doctrine to address multi-dimensional proxy wars.

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 defense 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 defense strategies and diplomatic relations.