July 26th: Kargil Diwas In India

July 26th is celebrated annually in India as Kargil Diwas. This day marks India's victory over Pakistan in the 1999 Kargil War, commemorating the successful expulsion of Pakistani forces from their entrenched positions on the mountain tops in the Northern Kargil District of Ladakh.

Key Points

10 May 1999- The Indian Army launched Operation Vijay to drive out the intruders and recapture strategic positions. The war saw intense battles over rugged terrain, with the Indian Army ultimately emerging victorious.
26 May 1999- Indian Air Force begins Air ‘Operation Safed Sagar’ in support of 15 Corps.
31 May 1999- Atal Bihari Vajpayee announces a war-like situation with Pakistan.
13 June 1999 - 56 Brigade successfully recaptured Tololing and Point 4590. Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Kargil and addressed the troops.
15 June 1999 - US President Bill Clinton urges Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to withdraw his forces.
14 July 1999 - Prime Minister Vajpayee declared the success of Operation Vijay. The government also outlined conditions for future talks with Pakistan.
18 July 1999 - Ceasefire to allow withdrawal of troops.
26 July 1999 - Kargil War officially comes to an end.