Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Southern Command, recently conducted a thorough review of the operational readiness of the Konark Corps during his visit to Jodhpur. This review assumes significance against the backdrop of rising tensions in the desert sector following the initiation of Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to recent terrorist activities and cross-border threats.
During his visit, Lt Gen Seth engaged with senior commanders and staff officers of the Konark Corps, praising their operational readiness and commitment to national security. He emphasized the critical importance of maintaining heightened preparedness in India’s western desert region, which features sensitive borders and is a key strategic theater in the current security context.
Established on February 26, 1987, during Operation Trident, the Konark Corps, also known as the Desert Corps, is headquartered in Jodhpur and operates under the Southern Command based in Pune. The Corps is entrusted with the defense of India’s desert frontiers, and its insignia, inspired by the Sun Temple at Konark, symbolizes strength and resilience amid challenging desert conditions.
The timing of this review follows a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, at the hands of terrorists associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. This attack, reportedly masterminded by Hafeez Saeed and Saifullah Kasuri from Pakistan and executed by Hashim Moosa, has triggered a robust response from India, characterized by precision strikes under Operation Sindoor.
Lt Gen Seth’s assessment comes in conjunction with recent joint operational initiatives, including Exercise Desert Hunt 2025, a Tri-Service Special Forces exercise designed to enhance coordination and capabilities in desert warfare. These endeavors underscore the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization and collaborative efforts across services in high-stakes situations.
The Army Commander underscored the necessity for continuous technological advancements, efficient logistics, and rigorous training to effectively combat evolving threats. His visit serves to highlight the Indian Army’s resolve to ensure that the desert sector remains a fortified and responsive frontier amidst prevailing regional instability.
Concluding the review, Lt Gen Seth reaffirmed the Southern Command’s readiness to support national defense objectives and safeguard the integrity of India’s borders. As Operation Sindoor progresses, the Konark Corps stands as a crucial element of India’s strategic military posture in the western theater.
