Major General VS Deshpande, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Dao Division under the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, recently visited frontline formations in Arunachal Pradesh to conduct a thorough review of operational preparedness. This inspection underscores the Indian Army’s sustained focus on combat readiness in this strategically sensitive region.
During the visit, Maj Gen Deshpande assessed troop morale, logistical capabilities, and the operational effectiveness of units stationed along the eastern Himalayan frontier. The review particularly emphasized readiness in the challenging high-altitude terrain, where unpredictable weather and complex topography pose significant obstacles to mobility and defense operations. His engagements with the troops reflected high levels of professionalism and unwavering commitment.
A poignant moment of the visit was when the GOC paid tribute at the Nyukmadong War Memorial, a site dedicated to the brave Indian soldiers who fought in the 1962 conflict. Situated above the Tawang–Bomdila route, the memorial serves as a sobering reminder of past sacrifices and the enduring strategic considerations that shape India’s military stance in the region.
This visit occurs amid heightened vigilance along the border and follows Maj Gen Deshpande’s earlier discussions with Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (retd). Their meeting centered on crucial topics such as border management, welfare initiatives stemming from the Army’s Sadbhavana programme, and the significance of civil-military cooperation within the Vibrant Village Programme—an initiative aimed at bolstering the development of border communities.
The Spear Corps is essential to India’s defensive posture in the northeastern states, with specialized units like the Arunachal Scouts—formed after past incursions—providing critical terrain knowledge and cultural insights that enhance border surveillance and defense operations. The presence of well-trained officers in Arunachal Pradesh remains vital in safeguarding India’s territorial integrity amidst evolving regional threats.
Maj Gen Deshpande’s review reaffirms the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining vigilance and adaptability in response to ongoing Chinese assertiveness and the complex dynamics affecting the eastern border sector.
