President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday paid tributes to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defending the nation and laid a wreath at the Dagger War Memorial at Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The President was earlier scheduled to visit Dras to pay homage to the indomitable courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces during the Kargil War on the 22nd Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas today to mark the victory over the Pakistani army.  However, the trip was cancelled due to bad weather and the function was shifted to the Baramulla War Memorial.

Built by the Indian army, the Kargil War memorial wall in Dras has inscriptions of all the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the war. The Memorial also has a museum with documents, recordings and pictures of the Indian soldiers at Kargil.

The President arrived in Srinagar on Sunday on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The President spent the night in Srinagar. He will now visit a High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg.

The Indian Army in a tweet said that Kargil Vijay Diwas epitomizes the saga of valour of our soldiers during the Kargil War. The gallant soldiers of the Indian Army triumphed over Pakistani invaders with undaunted courage and determination.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu paid tributes to the heroes of the 1999 Kargil War, recalling their valour and sacrifice.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I join the nation in remembering our armed forces' saga of valour & gallantry. I salute the heroes of the Kargil war & Operation Vijay and pay my respectful homage to the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted, quoting Naidu. "The nation will remain forever grateful to them & their families."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called upon people to pay tributes to soldiers who made the nation proud in 1999, a day ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas on Monday. "It is only natural to be filled with emotions in respect for the one who raises the Tricolour for the country. This feeling of patriotism unites us all," PM Modi said while addressing Mann Ki Baat.

“ The Kargil war is a symbol of the valour and discipline of our armed forces, which has been seen by the whole world. This time this glorious day will also be celebrated in the middle of 'Amrit Mahotsav'. That's why it becomes even more special. I would like you to read the thrilling story of Kargil and salute the heroes of Kargil," PM Modi added during his monthly radio programme.