New Delhi : To commemorate the valour and supreme sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War of 1999, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on 14 July 2026 flagged off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ from the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
The commemorative motorcycle expedition will travel from the National War Memorial to the Kargil War Memorial at Drass, Ladakh, ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July 2026.
Carrying the message of patriotism and national pride, the expedition will cover nearly 1,900 kilometres through the challenging terrain of the northern Himalayas.
28 Riders to Honour Kargil Heroes
The ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ includes 28 riders, comprising serving and retired defence personnel as well as their family members.
The motto of the expedition is:
“One Ride, One Nation, One Salute”
The riders will retrace the path of courage and sacrifice, paying tribute to the Indian armed forces personnel who secured a historic victory during Operation Vijay in the 1999 Kargil War.
Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers
Addressing the gathering at the flag-off ceremony, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers of the Kargil War, stating that they created a golden chapter of courage, patience, discipline and unmatched patriotism that continues to inspire militaries across the world.
Recalling the extraordinary conditions faced by Indian troops, the Defence Minister said that at an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet and in extreme temperatures falling to minus 40 degrees Celsius, Indian soldiers achieved their objectives with exceptional courage and resilience.
He highlighted that the soldiers reclaimed every peak, hill and bunker from enemy control and upheld the honour of the Tricolour.
Rajnath Singh said the Kargil victory represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full strength to any threat against the nation’s land, identity and honour.
Tribute to Param Vir Chakra Awardees
The Defence Minister expressed gratitude to all Indian heroes of the Kargil War, including:
- Captain Vikram Batra (Param Vir Chakra)
- Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey (Param Vir Chakra)
- Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) (Param Vir Chakra)
- Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd) (Param Vir Chakra)
He said these brave soldiers remain a source of inspiration for India’s youth and will continue to motivate future generations.
Homage at War Memorials Enroute
During the journey, the riders will pay homage at several important military memorials, including:
- Chandimandir War Memorial
- Rezang La War Memorial
- Leh War Memorial
The participants will also interact with and felicitate Veer Naris — the courageous family members of fallen soldiers — acknowledging their strength and sacrifice.
The expedition will conclude at the Kargil War Memorial, Drass, Ladakh, on Kargil Vijay Diwas, 26 July 2026.
Sacred Soil from National War Memorial to Reach Kargil
A special highlight of the Shaurya Vijay Yatra is that riders will carry an urn containing the sacred soil of the National War Memorial.
The soil will be offered at Kargil in memory of the fallen heroes of the 1999 war.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the merging of soil from the National War Memorial with the soil of Kargil will symbolise the connection between the nation’s present generation and the valour of its heroes.
Symbol of Unity and Patriotism
Highlighting the significance of the expedition, Rajnath Singh said the Yatra brings together serving officers, veterans and civilians from different regions of India.
He emphasised that despite differences in languages, traditions and backgrounds, the country remains united by:
“One Tricolour, One Nation, and a shared reverence for our heroes.”
With National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets participating in the flag-off ceremony, the Defence Minister expressed confidence that the expedition would inspire a renewed spirit of patriotism, especially among the youth.
He said the defence of the nation’s freedom and honour is not only carried out at borders but also preserved through memories, values and respect for the nation’s heroes.
Senior Defence Leadership Present
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior military officials, including:
- Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani
- Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth
- Other senior officials of the Armed Forces
The Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to preserving the legacy of Operation Vijay and passing on the values of duty, honour and selfless service to future generations.