Kargil War Explained: What Really Happened in 1999

Background and Causes The Kargil War, also known as the Kargil Conflict or Operation Vijay, was a major military confrontation between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999. The conflict occurred in the Kargil district of Ladakh, along the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. The immediate cause was the infiltration of Pakistani troops and paramilitary forces, disguised as Kashmiri militants, into strategic positions on the Indian side of the LoC during the winter months when Indian posts were temporarily vacated due to harsh weather. Course of the War The conflict began when Indian forces discovered the infiltration in early May 1999. Heavy fighting ensued in the mountainous terrain, with India launching major military operations to recapture lost positions. The Indian Army and Air Force worked together in challenging high-altitude conditions to push back the infiltrators. International diplomatic pressure, especially from the United States, played a crucial role in compelling Pakistan to withdraw its forces. By late July, Indian forces had regained most of the territory, and the war officially ended on July 26, 1999. Aftermath and Impact India suffered over 500 military casualties, while Pakistani losses are estimated between 400 and 4,000. The war was a decisive military and diplomatic victory for India, which regained nearly all the occupied territory. The conflict heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors and had lasting effects on Indo-Pakistani relations and the security situation in Kashmir. The Kargil War remains the most recent example of high-altitude warfare between nuclear states, highlighting both the logistical challenges and the risks of escalation in such conflicts. Summary The Kargil War was triggered by a covert Pakistani military operation to seize strategic heights on the Indian side of the LoC. India responded with a determined military campaign, ultimately recapturing the lost ground. The conflict ended with Pakistan withdrawing under international pressure, and India emerging with a clear tactical and diplomatic advantage.