In a profoundly emotional and symbolic gesture, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday paid a special visit to a forward post in Siachen, the world’s highest and most challenging battlefield, where he interacted with the brave soldiers of the 18 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (18 JAK RIF) — the very battalion into which he was originally commissioned and later went on to command.
The visit carried immense personal significance for General Dwivedi, marking a return to his roots in uniform, surrounded by snow-clad peaks that have borne witness to countless acts of valour and sacrifice.
The Indian Army, sharing poignant photographs from the visit on X (formerly Twitter), noted the depth of emotion tied to the occasion.
“General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, visited a forward post in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield, and interacted with the valiant troops of 18 JAK RIF.
The visit was emotionally resonant, as it brought the COAS back to the very battalion he was once commissioned into and had the honour to command,” the post read.
Reconnecting with Comrades: A Moment of Nostalgia
In what the Army described as a “truly touching moment,” General Dwivedi reunited with seven Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) who had once served under his command when they were young soldiers.
The reunion was rich with nostalgia, as memories of shared experiences and past missions came flooding back.
“Amidst the icy heights of Siachen, the COAS relived cherished memories, shared heartfelt moments, and celebrated the unbreakable bond of camaraderie and timeless brotherhood with the soldiers,” the Army shared in a follow-up post.
The encounter underscored the deep-rooted connections and unwavering loyalty that exist within the ranks of the Indian Army, where bonds forged in adversity remain strong through decades.
Kargil Vijay Diwas and Strategic Announcements
This memorable visit came just a day after General Dwivedi addressed troops and families at the Kargil War Memorial in Drass during the solemn observance of the 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas — a tribute to the indomitable courage of India’s armed forces during the 1999 Kargil War.
During his address, the Army Chief made a significant announcement: the formation of a new all-arms brigade named ‘Rudra’, signaling a strategic strengthening of India’s integrated battle formations and readiness posture.
He also invoked the recently executed Operation Sindoor, calling it a powerful demonstration of the Indian Army’s unwavering resolve and firm messaging.
“Operation Sindoor is our resolve, message, and answer,” General Dwivedi said, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to national security amid evolving regional threats.