Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, recently conducted a significant review of air maintenance and logistical support operations in Chandigarh. This high-level visit underscores the Army’s ongoing commitment to enhancing infrastructure and ensuring operational readiness along India’s sensitive borders with Pakistan and China.
Known for his strategic acumen and extensive operational experience, Lt Gen Sharma highlighted the vital need for collaboration between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Addressing officers and logistical personnel, he stressed the integration of modern technologies into supply chain processes to boost efficiency and responsiveness in operations.
During his inspection of air maintenance facilities, Lt Gen Sharma engaged with ground crews and commended their dedication in maneuvering through challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions. He acknowledged the critical role of logistics units in maintaining essential supplies to high-altitude areas, especially given the heightened tensions along both the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC).
Having previously served as Director General of Information Warfare, Lt Gen Sharma is recognized for championing the incorporation of cyber technologies and psychological operations into India’s military framework. His current visit reflects Northern Command’s shift towards technology-driven logistics that align with the evolving operational demands of the Army, both in times of conflict and peace.
Headquartered in Udhampur with a logistical base in Chandigarh, the Northern Command oversees four key corps: XIV Corps (Leh), XV Corps (Srinagar), XVI Corps (Nagrota), and recently, I Corps (Mathura). Under Lt Gen Sharma’s leadership, the command has adopted a proactive stance, marked by recent initiatives such as the appointment of the first-ever Command Subedar Major in June 2025, which is perceived as a significant step toward fostering inclusive leadership and improving morale across the ranks.
The review holds added importance as it coincides with India’s expanding network of international military logistics agreements with countries including the United States, France, and Australia. These partnerships aim to streamline deployment and enhance joint operational capabilities, reflecting India’s strategic priorities for rapid logistics responses in critical border areas.
Lt Gen Sharma’s visit reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to achieving logistical excellence and conveyed a strong message regarding operational readiness in a crucial defense region. As the security landscape in India continues to evolve, the Northern Command, under his leadership, is poised to be a critical component of strength and innovation in the nation’s defense strategy.
