Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, recently conducted an extensive review of the operational preparedness of the Ambala-based Kharga Corps. This formation is pivotal for the Indian Army’s efforts to secure the nation’s Western front. During his visit, Lt Gen Katiyar praised the Corps for its professionalism, state of readiness, and steadfast commitment to operational excellence. His remarks underscore the Army’s dedication to maintaining a strong defense posture in light of ongoing regional geopolitical tensions.
The review took place at the Yana facility, and it also served as a celebratory event. Lt Gen Katiyar honored the Western Command Shooting Team for their remarkable achievement in clinching the 18th General JJ Singh Officers Shooting Championship title for the third consecutive year. This championship, named in honor of General Joginder Jaswant Singh—the first Sikh Chief of Army Staff, who served from 2005 to 2007—serves to commemorate his legacy as an outstanding shooter and distinguished military leader. The shooting team’s ongoing success illustrates the Army’s values of precision, discipline, and competitive excellence.
The Kharga Corps has historically been a fundamental component of India’s military strategy, particularly along the Western borders, where its role in ensuring operational readiness is crucial. Previous evaluations, including one led by Lt Gen R.P. Singh in 2021, have similarly noted the Corps’ preparedness for potential challenges along the Line of Control with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China—two areas that remain critical to India’s national security.
Lt Gen Katiyar, who took command of the Western Command in July 2023 after his tenure as the Director General of Military Operations, highlighted the significance of maintaining a high level of vigilance and capability. His leadership aims to fortify the Army’s operational framework, ensuring that formations like the Kharga Corps are well-prepared to face the challenges of today.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of several senior officers and personnel, who were gathered in front of a banner declaring the Kharga Corps as the “Imposers of National Will.” This phrase encapsulates the Corps’ essential role in preserving the nation’s sovereignty. The event also displayed flags representing both the Corps and the Western Command, symbolizing unity and pride in their shared mission of nation defense.
