Defense minister visits Siachen in Ladakh to review military preparedness

Rajnath Singh also interacted with soldiers deployed in Siachen.

New Delhi:

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday visited Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and reviewed India’s overall military preparedness in the region.

Singh’s visit to Siachen comes a week after the Indian Army celebrated its 40th anniversary in this strategically critical region.

The defense minister, accompanied by Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, reviewed the overall security situation in the region, officials said.

Mr. Singh also interacted with soldiers deployed in Siachen.

Located in the Karakoram Mountains at an altitude of about 20,000 feet, the Siachen Glacier is known as the world’s highest military zone, where soldiers must battle frostbite and strong winds.

In April 1984, the Indian Army took full control of the Siachen Glacier through Operation Meghdoot.

The Indian Army has stepped up its presence in Siachen over the past few years.

In January last year, Captain Shiva Chauhan of the Army Corps of Engineers was assigned to a forward post on the Siachen Glacier, the first such combat deployment of a female Army officer on a critical battlefield.

“The Indian Army’s control of the Siachen Glacier is not only a story of unparalleled courage and determination, but also an incredible journey of technological advancement and logistical improvements that transformed it from one of the most formidable terrains to one of indomitable spirit and a symbol of innovation,” an Army official said last week.

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