How do you define a victory?

 Is the price worth the gain?

I have just watched the film Line of Control: Kargil War; again it raises the question in my mind is the price you pay worth the gain you get?

From a military standpoint, in this case, the answer is yes. The Indian Army had to retake the point on National Highway 1 to protect the people in Kashmir from the incursions by Pakistan. The victory cost the lives of over 500 soldiers.

The main criterion for victory is to achieve your aim.

During World War 2, many people thought Tito's aim was to rid Yugoslavia of German troops, which was a secondary aim of his planned attacks. The main aim was to free the wounded soldiers in a hospital held by the Germans. His victory was doubled as he achieved both his primary goal and his secondary aim.

No matter what your aim is there is only one winner in any war; they are people who make the guns, bullets, and bombs that kill and maim. 

As one mother said, "Too many young men have died fighting battles for old men."