Kargil Vijay Diwas: Raksha Mantri flags-off motorcycle expedition

As part of the nationwide observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh,today, flagged-off the 13-day ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’, a commemorative motorcycle expedition, from the National War Memorial, New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.

The expedition will witness 28 riders, including serving & retired defence forces personnel, and their family members, cover 1,900 kilometers while traversing through the demanding terrain of the northern Himalayas to honour the courage, resolve & supreme sacrifice of the Indian bravehearts who ensured victory in the 1999 Kargil War. The motto of the expedition is ‘One Ride, One Nation, One Salute’.

In his address, Raksha Mantri paid glowing tributes to the gallant Indian soldiers, who, he said, wrote a golden chapter of courage, patience, discipline, and unmatched patriotism that militaries across the world still study and regard with respect. “At an altitude of nearly 20,000 feet and temperatures plummeting to minus 40 degrees celsius, our soldiers achieved their objectives with courage and resilience.

During the expedition, riders will carry an urn containing the National War Memorial’s sacred soil, which will be offered at Kargil in the memory of the fallen heroes. “

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth and other senior officials were present on the occasion. Shaurya Vijay Yatra reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to carrying forward the values exemplified during Operation Vijay. By retracing this journey of courage, the expedition seeks to inspire future generations to uphold duty, honour and selfless service.(UPDATED ON 14TH JULY 2026)