'Capital Of Valour & Bravery,' Says Rajnath Singh As He Visits Soldiers At Siachen

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accompanied on trip by Army chief General Manoj Pande. His visit involved a review of India's overall military preparedness in the region.

The jawans chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' after the defence minister interacted with them. ( Image Source :PTI )

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Siachen base camp on Monday, and called it the capital of valour and bravery. Singh interacted with the armed forces personnel deployed at the Kumar post of Siachen glacier in Ladakh. He also exchanged sweets with the personnel, according to an ANI report. 

#WATCH | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with the Armed Forces personnel deployed in Siachen, Ladakh.

Among the personnel is Captain Suman who is going to be deployed at Kumar Post of Siachen Glacier on 1st May. pic.twitter.com/MTZTHOmg3N

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024

Rajnath Singh in his address, commended the soldiers for protecting the nation with valour & determination in extreme weather & tough terrain. 

“Acts of bravery & iron-clad will of our soldiers in the icy Siachen glacier will always inspire future generations”, he said, as per an official statement. 

"The land of Siachen is not an ordinary land. It is a symbol of the country's sovereignty and perseverance. It represents our national determination. Our national capital is Delhi, Mumbai is our economic capital, and our technological capital is Bengaluru. Siachen is India's capital of valour and bravery," the defence minister was quoted as saying by ANI.

#WATCH | Ladakh: Addressing the troops at Siachen Base Camp, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "I congratulate you for the way you protect the country at the world's highest battlefield, Siachen glacier. The land of Siachen is not an ordinary land. It is a symbol of the… pic.twitter.com/5V9UrQrieG

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024

Singh also laid a wreath at the war memorial at the base camp.

The defence minister was accompanied by Army Chief, Manoj Pande, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar and General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps Lieutenant General Rashim Bali. His visit involved a review of India's overall military preparedness in the region. He was given a detailed brief on the operational readiness in the Siachen Glacier and the prevalent security situation. The defence minister also discussed the aspects associated with the operational challenges with the Commanders on the ground.

Chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' followed the defence minister's interaction with the personnel, reported ANI. 

#WATCH | Defence Minister and Armed Forces Personnel deployed at Siachen in Ladakh chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. pic.twitter.com/4aTJw1IMIs

— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2024

The nation recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of the success of Operation Meghdoot. Rajnath Singh termed the operation, which was launched by the Indian Army in Siachen on April 13, 1984, as a golden chapter of the country’s military history.

Rajnath Singh was scheduled to visit Siachen on March 24 to celebrate Holi with the armed forces personnel, but the plan was cancelled and he instead spent the day with troops in Leh.

The Siachen glacier, which is at a height of around 20,000 feet above sea level in the Karakoram range, is the highest militarised zone in the world where the soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.