The Kargil War: A Turning Point in India's Defence Landscape

Amid this hostile environment, a surprising turn of events occurred with the establishment of the Lahore Declaration in February 1999. Despite underlying animosity, the declaration aimed to seek a peaceful resolution to the complex Kashmir issue. However, behind the diplomatic façade, a clandestine plot unfolded within the Pakistani military. Disguised as mujahideen, troops and paramilitary forces were covertly trained and sent into Indian territory. Their audacious mission sought to disrupt Indian forces and sever the connection between Kashmir and Ladakh, ultimately pressuring India into broader negotiations for a comprehensive Kashmir settlement, particularly regarding the strategic Siachen Glacier.

Pakistan harboured another ambition. It believed that by escalating tensions in the region, the Kashmir dispute would gain international attention and hasten its resolution. It was a calculated gamble and a bold endeavour that aimed at boosting the morale of the rebellion in Indian-held Kashmir. By assuming a proactive role, Pakistan sought to inject renewed vigour into the hearts of the insurgents.

Hidden within their ambitions, there may have, also, been a thirst for retribution. India's successful Operation Meghdoot in 1984, which captured a substantial part of the Siachen Glacier, remained a lingering wound for Pakistan. The Kargil operation could have been Pakistan's way of seeking retaliation, aiming to restore their pride and impart a harsh lesson to India in the realm of warfare.

The infiltration, named Operation Badr, had prior planning and logistical supply route construction. The Pakistani Army had proposed similar infiltrations in the Kargil region to past Pakistani leaders Zia ul Haq and Benazir Bhutto in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the fear of starting a destructive war led them to abandon these plans and keep them cautiously hidden.

Analysts speculate that the attack plan resurfaced when Pervez Musharraf became Chief of Army Staff in October 1998. The then Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, admitted to being unaware of the intrusion's preparation and learned about it through an urgent call from his Indian counterpart, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Amidst the ensuing chaos, accusations were thrown around. Musharraf boldly claimed that the Prime Minister had been briefed about the Kargil operation a staggering 15 days before Vajpayee's historic visit to Lahore on 20 February. The blame game intensified as Sharif attributed the plan to Musharraf, a view supported by some Pakistani writers who claim that only four generals, including Musharraf, were aware of the plan.

​​Till today, the truth remains elusive, shrouded in a fog of conflicting narratives. But one thing is certain—as the echoes of Operation Badr reverberated across the mountains and power struggles played out against the backdrop of Kargil's treacherous peaks, brave soldiers fought with unwavering resolve.