Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Engages with Soldiers at Zojila Pass During Visit for Kargil Vijay Diwas

Leh/Srinagar, July 25, 2026: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the renowned Zojila Pass in Ladakh on Saturday, where he engaged with Indian Army personnel, commending their bravery and dedication in the challenging high-altitude environment. He also took photographs with the troops during his visit.

This visit was part of Singh's two-day tour of the region to attend the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations in Drass. After landing in Srinagar earlier that day, Singh was welcomed by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Srinagar International Airport. On July 26, he is set to participate in the main Vijay Diwas event at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass, paying homage to the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.

Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth accompanied Singh to Zojila Pass as they traveled towards Drass. The Defence Minister interacted with the troops stationed there, posed for group photographs, and took pictures at the viewpoint. Video from the site shows Singh ascending to the pass viewpoint amidst misty weather conditions, joining personnel for photos in front of the notable blue BRO sign reading “You Are Standing at the Zojila Pass: 11649 FT.”

Singh shared an image from the location on his official account, captioned “At Zojila Pass..”. Official communications and media reports highlighted his praise for the dedication and sacrifices of personnel serving in such harsh and operationally challenging conditions.

Zojila Pass, also referred to as Zoji La, is situated at an elevation of 11,649 feet (around 3,528 metres) on the Srinagar-Leh highway, and holds significant strategic and historical value. It acts as a vital connection between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The pass is notable in military history for being the site of India’s 1948 high-altitude tank battle during operations to secure the region. Maintaining this route, especially through the severe winters, has been a longstanding challenge for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which upholds connectivity under Project Beacon.

The stop at Zojila was part of Singh’s wider engagement with forward areas and troops during the visit. The two-day event focuses on the Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, which celebrate the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay in 1999, reclaiming the Kargil heights from Pakistani intruders.

Singh’s visit to the high-altitude pass highlights ongoing efforts to boost troop morale and ensure operational readiness in the northern sector, as well as the strategic importance of the Srinagar-Leh route for both military logistics and civilian access to Ladakh. The Zojila Tunnel project, once completed, promises to provide year-round connectivity and reduce reliance on the seasonal pass.

The Defence Minister is expected to deliver a speech at the Kargil War Memorial on Sunday and further engage with soldiers and veterans as part of the national tributes.