In a significant advancement of military collaboration, India and Argentina have inaugurated a high-altitude expedition to Mt. Kun, a towering 7,077-meter peak in the Indian Himalayas. The event was ceremonially flagged off by Lieutenant General Ajay Ramdev, Director General of Integrated Training of the Indian Army, and attended by high-ranking military officials from both nations.
The expedition consists of eight soldiers from each of the Indian and Argentine armed forces, with the team being led by Lieutenant Colonel Jay Prakash Kumar from the Indian Army. This initiative builds upon their earlier success during a joint ascent of Mt. Aconcagua, which stands at 6,995 meters in Argentina, earlier this year. The team’s summit attempt is expected to take place in August 2025.
Mt. Kun is notorious for its technical challenges, featuring treacherous crevasses, steep ice walls, and unpredictable weather conditions. The climbers plan to establish progressive camps at elevations of 5,300 meters, 6,000 meters, and 6,200 meters before making their final ascent. Historical records indicate that successful climbs of Mt. Kun were remarkably rare prior to 1971, highlighting the mountain’s daunting nature.
The primary goals of the joint expedition include fostering mutual military learning, improving professional capabilities in high-altitude warfare, and enhancing camaraderie between the two armies. Indian troops bring extensive experience from the challenging terrains of the Himalayas, while their Argentine colleagues offer valuable expertise accumulated in the Andes. This partnership is both a symbolic and practical demonstration of international military cooperation.
Defense analysts perceive this initiative as a strategic element of India’s wider diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties in Latin America. As China’s influence in the region grows through military and economic initiatives, India is positioning itself as a dependable and strategic ally. The two nations celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations earlier in February 2024, and have notably expanded their defense cooperation. This includes a recent 2023 agreement between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the Argentine Air Force focused on helicopter spare parts and engine maintenance.
The Mt. Kun expedition is anticipated to enhance interoperability and set the stage for future joint training exercises, further solidifying the defense relationship between India and Argentina based on shared values and operational compatibility.
