Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday flagged off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a commemorative motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh, as part of the nationwide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026.
The expedition, themed “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute,” will see 28 riders, including serving and retired armed forces personnel along with their family members, cover nearly 1,900 kilometres through the challenging terrain of the northern Himalayas to pay tribute to the courage, determination and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who secured India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
Addressing the flag-off ceremony, Singh paid homage to the brave soldiers who fought in the Kargil conflict, describing their victory as a symbol of India’s unwavering determination to safeguard its sovereignty.
“The victory in the 1999 Kargil War represents India’s enduring resolve to respond with full might to any hostile gaze upon our land, identity and honour,” the Defence Minister said.
Recalling the difficult conditions in which the war was fought, Singh said Indian soldiers displayed unparalleled courage and resilience while fighting at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.
“Our soldiers reclaimed every peak, hill and bunker from enemy control and upheld the honour of the Tricolour. They wrote a golden chapter of courage, patience, discipline and unmatched patriotism that militaries across the world continue to study with respect,” he said.
The Defence Minister also paid tribute to all the soldiers who participated in Operation Vijay, making special mention of Param Vir Chakra awardees Captain Vikram Batra, Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Sanjay Kumar (Retd). He said their courage continues to inspire India’s youth and future generations.
During the journey, the riders will pay homage at several prominent military memorials, including the Chandimandir War Memorial, Rezang La War Memorial and Leh War Memorial. They will also interact with and felicitate Veer Naris, recognising their resilience and sacrifice.
The expedition will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, marking Kargil Vijay Diwas.
In a symbolic gesture, the riders are carrying an urn containing sacred soil from the National War Memorial, which will be offered at the Kargil War Memorial in honour of the fallen soldiers.
“When the soil from here unites with the soil of Kargil, it will symbolise the confluence of the reverence of the nation’s present generation and the valour of our heroes,” Singh said.
Highlighting the significance of the expedition, the Defence Minister said it brings together serving personnel, veterans and civilians from diverse backgrounds, reflecting India’s unity in diversity.
“Diverse backgrounds, languages and traditions, yet one Tricolour, one nation and a shared reverence for our heroes—this is the true identity of our country,” he said.
With National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets attending the ceremony, Singh expressed confidence that the expedition would inspire patriotism among young Indians and reinforce the values of duty, sacrifice and national service.
“The defence of the nation’s freedom and honour is preserved not only at our borders but also in our memories and values,” he said.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, and other senior military officials were present at the event.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said the Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects its commitment to carrying forward the legacy of Operation Vijay and aims to inspire future generations to uphold the ideals of duty, honour and selfless service.
