Colonel Lalit Rai, VrC is a former Indian Army officer who was decorated for his brave actions during the Kargil War in 1999.

As the commanding officer (CO) of the 1st battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles, he was tasked with capturing the strategic heights of Khalubar in the Batalik sector during the Kargil War.

He took over command of 17 RASHTRIYA RIFLES (17 RR) in the thick of Counter Terrorist operations in Doda Dist of Jammu and Kashmir.

He accepted this offer and was moved to Batalik sector, Kargil district in May 1999, to take over command of 1/11 GORKHA RIFLES (1/11 GR).

This operation accounted for killing of 25 enemy soldiers and capture of large amount of arms and ammunition including a Stinger missile, air defence guns and important documents.

[4] For his inspirational leadership and conspicuous bravery of a very high order, he was awarded the Vir Chakra on 15 August 1999, by the President of India.

[5][6] In the 2003 war film LOC Kargil, Bollywood actor Sudesh Berry played the role of Col. Lalit Rai.