Indian Army Chief Reunites with Former Battalion at Siachen, Announces Formation of New "Rudra" Brigade
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited a forward post at Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, where he interacted with troops from the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. During the visit, he shared poignant moments with soldiers he had once commanded.
In a heartwarming reunion, General Dwivedi met seven Junior Commissioned Officers and soldiers from his early service years within the same battalion. The Indian Army highlighted this interaction on social media as emotionally significant, marking the Army Chief's return to the battalion where he was initially commissioned and eventually led.
The visit to Siachen followed his address at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass on July 26, commemorating the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas. There, he disclosed the establishment of a new integrated “all-arms brigade” named ‘Rudra,’ sanctioned the day before. This development is regarded as a critical enhancement of India’s operational readiness along the northern borders.
At the memorial, General Dwivedi reiterated the Army’s dedication to national security, highlighting India’s precise and robust response during the recent Operation Sindoor, akin to its actions in the Kargil conflict. He described Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of India’s resolve and a direct answer to cross-border terrorist activities in May 2025.
He strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, labeling it a cowardly act that affected the entire nation. Emphasizing the Army's no-tolerance policy towards such acts, the COAS stated, “This time India did not express doubt. The decision was that the answer would be decisive.” He praised the strategic freedom granted by the Government, enabling Indian forces to deliver a determined, precise, and decisive response.
The visit to Siachen underscored General Dwivedi’s commitment to uplifting the morale of soldiers enduring challenging conditions and demonstrated the leadership’s ongoing engagement with frontline troops, affirming their dedication to protecting every inch of Indian soil.
