Indian Army's Rising Star Corps Demonstrates Strategic Preparedness in Kathua Border Region
Lieutenant General Rajan Sharawat, the General Officer Commanding of the Rising Star Corps, has recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of the operational readiness of troops in the Bani-Macchedi sector of Kathua. This area is of strategic importance, situated along the border between India and Pakistan.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharawat praised the troops for their bravery and commitment, highlighting their essential role in ensuring regional security. His review encompassed an in-depth analysis of the current security landscape, the deployment of forces, and overall strategic preparedness, underscoring the Army's emphasis on vigilance and the ability to respond swiftly to threats.
Since its inception in 2005, the Rising Star Corps has been restructured into Integrated Battle Groups by 2019, bolstering India's defensive capabilities. These flexible units can now be deployed within 12 to 48 hours, a significant reduction from the previous 72-hour timeframe outlined in the Cold Start Doctrine. This advancement, validated by field exercises reported in 2022, supports the Western Command's strategy to address emerging threats.
In addition to military readiness, the visit also underscored the Army's efforts to engage with local communities. According to the Ministry of Defence, around 70% of the population in border areas holds a favorable view of the Army, largely due to its contributions to infrastructure development and aid provided during natural disasters.
Under the leadership of Lt Gen Rajan Sharawat, the Rising Star Corps continues to embody the Indian Army's commitment to being both "strong and capable," effectively merging security operations with community support in one of India's most challenging regions.
