**Summary of Ministry of Defence Press Release: Tribute to Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, MVC**
**Event Overview**
On April 10, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh expressed profound grief and paid tribute to Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), a highly decorated hero of the 1999 Kargil War, following his passing.
**Key Achievements and Recognition**
* **Military Honors:** Colonel Wangchuk was a recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) for his gallantry and leadership during Operation Vijay.
* **Professional Legacy:** He was recognized as a symbol of resilience and steadfastness, specifically noted for leading his men by personal example under extreme high-altitude conditions.
* **National Significance:** Described as a "proud son of Ladakh," the Raksha Mantri highlighted his role as a testament to courage, sacrifice, and national integration.
**Official Statements**
In a formal tribute posted via X (formerly Twitter), Shri Rajnath Singh emphasized that Colonel Wangchuk’s legacy of unwavering commitment to duty and service to the nation would serve as an inspiration for future generations.
**Release Metadata**
* **Source:** Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi
* **Date and Time:** 10 APR 2026, 5:29 PM
* **Release ID:** 2250859
* **Visitor Counter:** 312
* **Language Availability:** Urdu, Hindi, and Marathi
* **Reference Code:** SR/Savvy
Key Entities Referenced
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk: A highly decorated Indian Army officer and 1999 Kargil war hero whose passing is the subject of the tribute.
Operation Vijay: The 1999 military operation during the Kargil War where Colonel Wangchuk demonstrated exceptional leadership and gallantry.
Maha Vir Chakra: India's second-highest military decoration, awarded to Colonel Wangchuk for his conspicuous acts of bravery during the war.
Indian Army: The military organization in which Colonel Wangchuk served as a renowned officer and leader.
Ladakh: The home region of Colonel Wangchuk, central to his identity and the theater of his military contributions.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri pays tribute to 1999 Kargil war
hero Col Sonam Wangchuk, MVC on his passing
Col Wangchuk is a testament to courage, sacrifice & national
integration, and inspiration to future generations: Shri Rajnath
Singh
Posted On: 10 APR 2026 5:29PM by PIB Delhi
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has expressed grief at the passing of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Colonel Sonam Wangchuk
(Retd), a braveheart of the 1999 Kargil war. In a post on X, Raksha Mantri paid glowing tribute to Colonel Wangchuk describing
him as a highly decorated officer of the Indian Army, renowned for his gallantry, resolute leadership and unwavering
commitment to duty.
“A proud son of Ladakh, he exemplified the spirit of the region - resilient, steadfast and deeply rooted in
service to the nation, while standing as a symbol of India’s unity in diversity. His courageous actions of
leading by personal example during Operation Vijay inspired his men under the most demanding
conditions in high-altitude. His life remains a testament to courage, sacrifice & national integration, and
his legacy will continue to inspire coming generations,” Shri Rajnath Singh said.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Colonel Sonam Wangchuk. He was a highly
decorated officer of the Indian Army, renowned for his gallantry, resolute
leadership and unwavering commitment to duty. A proud son of #Ladakh, he
exemplified the spirit of the region- resilient, steadfast… https://t.co/I1XBxj3eA8
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 10, 2026
***
SR/Savvy
(Release ID: 2250859) Visitor Counter : 312
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Marathi