July 26 - Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating the triumphant completion of 'Operation Vijay' - evicting all Pakistani troops from the Indian soil, is a date which reshaped India-Pakistan's history 20 years ago.

While the nation gets ready to pay tribute to the fallen heroes on Kargil Vijay Diwas, here's a timeline of how the entire war was fought:

The war was fought along the Kargil district of Kashmir and other areas along the Line of Control (LoC) during May-July 1999.

Pakistan Will Not Dare Attempt Kargil-like Infiltration In Coming Years: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat

MAY 1999

May 4- The conflict along the Indo-Pak border started when reports emerged that Pakistani infiltrators had captured the heights of Kargil in the Indian territory.

May 5- May 14: In a bid to confirm the if summer positions could be reoccupied by the Army, several patrols were sent to survey the posts. When this survey mission was in progress, Lt Saurabh Kalia was the first one to observe and confirm the large-scale intrusion of Pakistani Army and foreign mercenaries on the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) at Kargil.

May 15 - Lt Saurabh Kalia and five other soldiers – Sepoys Arjun Ram, Bhanwar Lal Bagaria, Bhika Ram, Moola Ram and Naresh Singh of the 4 Jat Regiment, were encircled by the Pakistani platoon when they were out on routine patrol. They were then taken into captivity by the Pakistani Army. This triggered a very serious breach of security leading to an Indian Airforce attack.

May 26 - For the first time in 20 years, India launched strikes against militants in Kashmir beginning 'Operation Vijay', promising to continue doing so till the last of the militants were evicted from the Indian soil in Kashmir. This had put the Pakistan Army on high alert.

May 27 - During the continuing airstrike, India lost two of its aircraft (MiG-27) with one pilot who had ejected being taken in as a prisoner of war by the Pakistan troops. This was confirmed by the government.

May 29 - To de-escalate the rising tension between the two nations, Pakistan had proposed sending its then-foreign minister Sartaj Aziz to talk with the Indian government.

May 30 - One of the pilots who had been ejected from his falling plane, succumbed to bullet wounds shot at him.

May 31 - Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee declares the Kargil situation - 'War-like situation' while agreeing to hold talks over Kashmir with Pakistan.

Government flags-off train depicting saga of Kargil War to mark the 20th anniversary of 'Kargil Vijay Diwas'

JUNE 1999

June 5 - In a move to de-escalate tensions, IAF stops its continuing barrage of bombing to hand over the 'Pakistani bodies' in its territory.

June 9 - After fixing the date of talks, IAF continues its assault on suspected infiltrators holed up in the Himalayas with fresh airstrikes.

June 10 - In an outrageous move, Pakistan returns the mutilated bodies of six Indian soldiers. India's rage over this insult to war heroes is categorically denied by Pakistan.

June 12 - During the first talks, a deadlock occurs between foreign ministers Jaswant Singh and Sartaj Aziz in Delhi, where Pakistan is categorically told that the intruders must leave.

June 13- June 15 - With the breakdown of talks, India goes on the offensive with continuing airstrikes. Meanwhile, US President Bill Clinton urges then-Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to pull out his troops  

June 29 - Indian Army captures important posts near Tiger Hill. On the other side, Sharif return backs China amid the Indian offensive attack in Kashmir.

Kargil Vijay Diwas: Army Chief Bipin Rawat Says 'Warn Pakistan To Never Attempt Such Misadventures'

JULY 1999

July 4 - Indian Army captures Tiger Hill and unfurls the Indian tricolour following an all-out assault while Sharif and US President Bill Clinton meet in Washington to take 'concrete steps will be taken' to restore the Line of Control.

July 5 - Sharif announces pull-out of Pakistani troops from Kargil after the capture of Tiger Hill by India.

July 11 - Pakistan troops begin their pullout process from Kargil and other LOC  while Islamic militants are reported to be leaving the mountains of Kashmir.

July 14 - With the pullback of Pakistan troops, India declares 'Operation Vijay' a success.

July 26 -Kargil war comes to an end. India announces complete eviction of Pakistani troops from Indian territory.