New Delhi, July 26: The scheduled visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir was cancelled on Friday due to bad weather. On the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas, President Kovind was supposed to visit Kargil War Memorial in Drass to pay tribute to martyrs. The fly-past by the fighter aircraft that took part in the Kargil war, was also called off due to bad weather at Dras.

While Kovind won't be able to visit Kargil War Memorial, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the three services' chiefs - Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy - would be present for the wreath-laying ceremony at Dras. According to the government, the function to be presided over by the President, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces, will now be held at the Badami Bagh headquarters of the Army's 15 Corps in Srinagar city. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2019: Remember Kargil Heroes Who Turned Tables on Pakistan in The 1999 War.

Earlier today, President Kovind hailed the "grit and valour of those who defended India" on the 20th anniversary of India's triumph in the Kargil war. "On Kargil Vijay Diwas, a grateful nation acknowledges the gallantry of our Armed Forces on the heights of Kargil in 1999. We salute the grit and valour of those who defended India, and record our everlasting debt to those who never returned. Jai Hind," he tweeted. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2019: Photos of the Indo-Pakistan War on Its 20th Anniversary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude. "This day reminds us of the courage, bravery and dedication of our soldiers. On this occasion, my humble tribute to those mighty warriors, who gave up their all to defend their motherland," PM Modi tweeted in Hindi. He also shared his old pictures with soldiers of the Indian Army.

The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days and ended with India regaining control of all the previously held territory on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2019 10:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).