Lt Gen Gambhir Singh Evaluates High-Altitude Preparedness of Indian Army's Gajraj Corps
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh, who leads the Gajraj Corps, recently conducted a thorough inspection of high-altitude forward areas within the Corps Zone. This visit aimed to evaluate the corps' operational readiness and review ongoing training efforts, focusing on locations over 15,000 feet to highlight the Indian Army's commitment to maintaining preparedness in some of the country's most challenging terrains.
Throughout his visit, Lt Gen Singh engaged extensively with troops stationed in these demanding environments, praising their resilience and discipline in adapting to extreme weather conditions and rugged landscapes. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Military Medicine notes that the implementation of advanced acclimatization techniques has resulted in a 40 percent reduction in altitude-related illnesses among soldiers in these regions.
The Gajraj Corps is strategically tasked with overseeing India’s northeastern border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This area has received increased military attention following the 2020 border incidents. A 2021 report by the RAND Corporation emphasized the tactical significance of the region, noting an increase in troop numbers and the implementation of more frequent and terrain-specific operational exercises.
An important aspect of Lt Gen Singh's visit was to assess the testing of domestically developed drone technologies by the Gajraj Corps. These unmanned aerial vehicles, part of indigenous innovation efforts, demonstrate the Indian Army's drive towards self-reliance and modernization in response to evolving threats.
Lt Gen Singh also recognized the Army's dual role in both defense and community engagement. He mentioned the successful organization of the Spiti Marathon 2024 in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti region as an instance where military readiness enhances public involvement. The marathon, featuring a 77-km endurance run and other community activities, highlighted the Army’s physical capabilities in high-altitude conditions while fostering civil-military cooperation.
At the end of his visit, Lt Gen Singh urged personnel to continue setting high standards of excellence and to embody the ethos of "Fight Forward, Fight Aggressive," reinforcing the Army’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty under all circumstances.
