Prime Minister Narendra Modi Pays Homage to the Soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas

On 26 July 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty on the occasion of 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.

The Prime Minister also witnessed in the virtual mode the first blast of the Shinkun La tunnel project in Ladakh. The Shinkun La tunnel project consists of a 4.1km long twin-tube tunnel to be constructed at around 15,800 feet on the Nimu-Padum-Darcha Road to provide all-weather connectivity to Leh. Once completed, it will be the highest tunnel in the world. Shinkun La tunnel will not only ensure swift and efficient movement of the Indian armed forces and equipment but will also foster economic and social development in Ladakh.

Addressing the gathering at Dras, the Prime Minister said that the glorious land of Ladakh is witness to the 25th year anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. “Kargil Vijay Diwas reminds us that the sacrifices made for the nation are immortal”, he said, adding that, “The nation is forever indebted and deeply grateful to the mighty superheroes of our armed forces.”

Recalling the days of Kargil war, the Prime Minister said he was fortunate to be amidst the soldiers back then, adding that he still remembers how our soldiers carried out a difficult operation at such a height. “I salute the brave sons of the country who made the supreme sacrifice to protect the motherland,” Prime Minister Modi said.

Condemning terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “Pakistan has not learnt anything from its past and has continued to wage war in the garb of terrorism and proxy wars to stay relevant… India will overcome all challenges that come in the way of development, be it Ladakh or Jammu & Kashmir.” Reminding the audience that in a few days the abrogation of Article 370 will complete five years, Modi said that the Jammu & Kashmir of today is talking about a new future full of dreams. He gave examples of progress and mentioned holding G20 meetings in the UT, government’s focus on infrastructure development and tourism, opening up of cinema halls, and the Muharram procession being initiated after three and a half decades. “This heaven on earth is swiftly moving in the direction of peace and prosperity”, he added.

Underlining the developments taking place in Ladakh, the Prime Minister said that through Shinkun La Tunnel, the union territory will remain connected with the whole country throughout the year. “This tunnel will open doors of new possibilities for the development and better future of Ladakh,” he said.

Underlining the government’s efforts to boost ease of living and provide more services for the people of Ladakh, the Prime Minister mentioned an approximate six-time increase in the budget from Rs 1,100 crores to Rs 6,000 crores in the last five years. “Be it roads, electricity, water, education, power supply, employment, every direction of Ladakh is transforming”, he said, giving examples of more than 90 per cent coverage of drinking water in Ladakh households under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the upcoming Sindhu Central University for quality higher education for the youth of Ladakh, work to establish a 4G network in the entire Ladakh region, and ongoing work for 13-kilometer long Zojila tunnel for all-weather connectivity on NH 1.

Referring to the ambitious targets for the border areas, the Prime Minister mentioned that the Border Road Organization (BRO) has completed more than 330 projects including Sela Tunnel, showcasing New India’s capabilities and direction.

Emphasizing the importance of upgrading military technologies, the Prime Minister said in the changing global scenarios, our defence force needs the latest weapons and equipment along with a modern working style and arrangements. “In the last 10 years, defence reforms have been prioritised, making our forces more capable and self-reliant,” he said, adding that today a major stake in defence procurement is being given to the Indian defence industry, with 25 per cent being reserved for the private sector. “As a result of these efforts, India’s defence production has crossed 1.5 lakh crore.” The Prime Minister further said that today, India is making its mark as an arms exporter as well, contrary to its past image of a country that was counted as an arms-importing one.

Dwelling at length on the Agnipath Scheme, the Prime Minister referred to the long pending concern for the average age of the Indian soldier as compared to the global average. “The purpose of Agnipath is to keep forces young and continuously battle-ready,” he said, lamenting the blatant politicization of this sensitive subject. “The truth is that the Agnipath scheme will increase the strength of the country and the country will also get capable youth. Announcements have been made to give priority to Agniveers in the private sector and paramilitary forces as well”, he said.

Rejecting the propaganda about the intention of saving pension burden as the main reason behind Agnipath Scheme, the Prime Minister reminded that pension burden of the soldiers being recruited today will come up after 30 years, therefore, this cannot be the reason behind the scheme. “We have respected this decision taken by the armed forces because for us the security of the country is more important than politics”, he added.