As part of the nationwide commemorations for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ motorcycle expedition from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial at Dras, Ladakh.
The expedition brings together 28 riders, including serving and retired Armed Forces personnel and their family members, who will cover approximately 1,900 kilometres across the challenging terrain of the northern Himalayas. Organised under the motto “One Ride, One Nation, One Salute,” the yatra honours the courage, determination and supreme sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who secured victory during the 1999 Kargil War.
Addressing the gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the soldiers who fought during Operation Vijay, describing their actions as a defining chapter of courage, discipline and patriotism. He noted that despite operating at altitudes of nearly 20,000 feet in extreme weather conditions, Indian troops successfully recaptured every occupied peak, hill and bunker, safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and upholding the honour of the Tricolour.
The Defence Minister stated that the victory in Kargil continues to symbolise India’s unwavering resolve to respond decisively to any threat against its territorial integrity, national identity and honour.
He also acknowledged the extraordinary contributions 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), describing them as enduring inspirations for India’s youth and future generations.
During the expedition, 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 sacrifices.
A key feature of the yatra is the carrying of an urn containing sacred soil from the National War Memorial, which will be ceremonially offered at the Kargil War Memorial on July 26, symbolising the nation’s enduring tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives during the conflict.
Highlighting the significance of the expedition, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the participation of serving personnel, veterans and civilians from diverse backgrounds reflects India’s unity and shared respect for its Armed Forces. He expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen patriotic sentiment, particularly among the youth, and reinforce the message that safeguarding the nation’s freedom and honour is a collective responsibility extending beyond the battlefield.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and senior defence officials.
The Shaurya Vijay Yatra underscores the Indian Army’s continued commitment to preserving the legacy of Operation Vijay and inspiring future generations to uphold the values of duty, honour and selfless service. The expedition will culminate at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on July 26, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas.
