The Indian Army has made a significant strategic appointment by naming Major General Puneet Doval, SM, as the new Commandant of the esteemed High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) located in Gulmarg. The formal transfer of responsibilities was signified today through a traditional baton exchange ceremony.
HAWS, which was originally established in 1948 as a ski school, has evolved over the years, gaining recognition as a Category A Training Establishment in 1962. The institution is celebrated for its specialized training programs aimed at mountain and winter warfare. It conducts intensive Mountain Warfare courses in Sonamarg from May to October and Winter Warfare courses in Gulmarg from January to April, training over 10,000 personnel annually. These programs are critical for preparing troops to operate effectively in some of the country’s most challenging terrains, such as Siachen and Ladakh.
In addition to its core training functions, HAWS serves as a key center for formulating and refining doctrines related to mountain and snow warfare. The school also boasts advanced facilities for night training, aids in the development of Indian Army ski teams, and provides training opportunities for military personnel from friendly foreign nations.
The timing of Major General Doval’s appointment is particularly relevant, considering the current tensions along India’s northern borders, especially with China. His leadership at HAWS is seen as crucial for enhancing India’s capabilities in tackling threats that arise in extreme, high-altitude conditions.
Major General Doval, who has been awarded the Sena Medal, comes to this role with a wealth of operational experience, including extensive work in counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control. Notably, he is the son of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, which adds a unique dimension to his appointment, underscoring the Army’s commitment to experienced leadership in its strategic training institutions.
The new Commandant received warm congratulations from Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, GOC-in-C ARTRAC, and other ranks of the Army, who expressed confidence in his ability to guide HAWS toward achieving new milestones. Social media responses from defense enthusiasts and official military pages have reflected widespread support for Major General Doval’s appointment, with many optimistic about the future of the institution under his leadership.
