Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is scheduled to visit Ladakh this week to oversee a major exercise conducted by an Indian Army Strike Corps, defense officials announced. This extensive drill, which includes all major combat elements such as armored formations and other military assets, aims to assess and validate new warfighting concepts and technological advancements tailored for high-altitude operations.
The exercise is part of a broader strategy to enhance the Indian Army's readiness in response to ongoing tensions with China. Since the 2020 military standoff began, the Indian Army has deployed over 500 tanks and armored fighting vehicles in the Ladakh region. Additionally, rapid infrastructure development has been undertaken to support the increased military presence.
The India-China conflict, which flared up in 2020, stems from long-standing border disputes between the two countries. The two nations share a 3,488-kilometer boundary, known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has been a source of friction for decades. In recent years, the situation escalated with violent clashes and a significant build-up of troops on both sides. Despite numerous rounds of military and diplomatic talks, a resolution to the standoff has remained elusive.
According to the defence officials, the Strike Corps, now integrated into the Northern Command, has been working to refine its operational strategies for the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. "This exercise is designed to test these new strategies and ensure that the Indian Army is well-prepared for any potential conflict scenarios in the challenging environment."
