Lieutenant General Sanjeev Sharma, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Vajra Corps, recently conducted an extensive review of the operational and administrative preparedness of the Golden Arrow Division in Punjab. This visit underscores the Indian Army’s ongoing dedication to enhancing regional defense in light of shifting security dynamics in the area.
During the review, Lt Gen Sharma praised the division’s outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor, which was launched on May 6, 2025, in direct response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives. This operation marked a strategic escalation in India’s counter-terrorism efforts, targeting nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Emphasizing the need for modernization, the GOC highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber capabilities to create a future-ready military force.
The Vajra Corps, headquartered in Jalandhar under the Western Command, has a storied history dating back to its establishment in 1950, aimed at safeguarding Punjab from evolving threats. The corps derives its name and emblem from the Vajra, the mythological thunderbolt of Lord Indra symbolizing both strength and sacrifice, a legacy that continues to inspire the corps’ operational ethos.
Integral to the review was the discussion of the symbolic significance of Operation Sindoor. The mission’s logo, creatively designed by Lt Col Harsh Gupta and Havildar Surinder Singh, encapsulates themes of justice and resilience, showcasing the division’s commitment to upholding these ideals, as highlighted in the latest edition of the Indian Army’s Baatcheet magazine.
Defense analysts have pointed out that the focus on technological advancement is in line with the armed forces’ broader modernization efforts that began in 2020. These initiatives are designed to bolster responsiveness, precision, and deterrence capabilities across the military’s various commands. Local leaders in Punjab have expressed approval of the army’s proactive approach, seeing it as essential for maintaining peace and stability within the sensitive border state.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma engaged in briefings and interactions with troops and conducted assessments of operational readiness, further reinforcing confidence in the Golden Arrow Division’s capability to effectively address emerging threats. With ongoing tensions along the borders, the Vajra Corps remains a crucial element in securing India’s western front by combining traditional valor with modern warfare strategies.
