NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri Visits Siachen Base Camp

NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Ashok K. Lahiri visited the Siachen Glacier base camp along with his team and undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the Northern Glacier, according to the government think tank on Saturday. During the visit, Lahiri witnessed the extreme terrain and conditions in which Indian Army personnel operate while guarding the country's frontiers in one of the world's most challenging high-altitude environments.

According to NITI Aayog, Lahiri was briefed by the Commander of the Siachen Brigade during his visit. He also visited the Rockcraft Training School and paid homage at the Siachen War Memorial. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the operational conditions and the infrastructure required to support troops deployed in the remote and difficult terrain of the region.

At Headquarters Fire and Fury Corps, Lahiri was briefed by Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande, General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps. The briefing covered operational and developmental aspects of Ladakh, including modernisation, logistics, infrastructure, connectivity and social outreach. These areas are considered important for maintaining access and supporting personnel in the strategically significant region.

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The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas, northeast of NJ9842, where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends. Situated at an altitude of around 5,753 metres, it is widely described as the world's highest active battlefield. The glacier is also the longest in the Karakoram and among the longest in the world's non-polar regions.

India has maintained control over the Siachen Glacier and the major passes in the area since 1984, when the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Meghdoot. The operation was undertaken to secure the glacier and surrounding heights before Pakistan could establish control through its own planned operation. Pakistani positions remain on the western side of the Saltoro Ridge.

Lahiri's visit highlighted the difficult conditions faced by Indian Army personnel stationed in the Siachen region, as well as the importance of logistics, connectivity and infrastructure in sustaining operations there. His interaction with military officials and visit to the war memorial also underscored the role of the armed forces in maintaining India's presence and security in the high-altitude region.

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