Kargil War: Reflections on the Tenth Anniversary

Abstract

In May 1998, India and Pakistan surprised the world by carrying out nuclear weapon tests. The tests were followed by two developments. The positive development was Lahore Summit in February 1999. In a simultaneous negative development, Pakistan initiated the Kargil war. Due to difficult terrain, inadequate intelligence and poor surveillance, it took time to clear the initial fog of war. Later, despite a self-imposed strategy, Indian forces responded with a resolve and daring that few believed was possible. The conflict terminated in a resounding politico-military triumph for India and a humiliating setback for Pakistan. The author reflects on the war, its geo-political impact and the follow up on its key lessons.