Why in News? 

July 7, 2025 marks the 26th death anniversary of Captain Vikram Batra, the iconic Indian Army officer who laid down his life during the Kargil War of 1999 while recapturing Point 4875 in the Drass sector. His bravery and leadership became symbols of Indian valor during the war. 

Captain Vikram Batra 

• Captain Vikram Batra played a heroic role in the Kargil War of 1999, serving in the 13 JAK Rifles of the Indian Army. 
• He was martyred on 7 July 1999 while leading a daring assault to recapture the crucial Point 4875 in the Drass sector. 
• For his exceptional courage and leadership during the war, he was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India’s highest wartime gallantry award. 
• Codenamed "Shershaah", he is remembered for his iconic words: “Tirange mein lipta aaoonga ya tiranga lehrake aaoonga.” 

Captain Vikram Batra

Kargil War (1999)  

• Parties Involved: Fought between India and Pakistan. 
• Location: High-altitude region of Kargil district (now in Ladakh), along a 170 km stretch near the Line of Control (LoC). 
• Key Battle Zones: Tololing, Tiger Hill, Batalik, Drass, Mushkoh Valley, Kaksar, Chorbat La. 
• Timeline: May to July 1999. 
• Trigger: Pakistan Army intruded and occupied Indian posts vacated for winter despite the Lahore Declaration (Feb 1999). 
• Result: India won the war and regained all occupied positions under Operation Vijay. 

Key Indian Operations 

• Operation Vijay: Indian Army’s mission to evict intruders and restore LoC status quo. 
• Operation Safed Sagar: Air Force's high-altitude air strikes (Mirage 2000, MiGs, Jaguars). 
• Operation Talwar: Indian Navy’s maritime deployment to deter further aggression.