"Capital Of Valour And Courage": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Visits Siachen, Honours 'Bravehearts' At World's Highest Battlefield

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made a poignant visit to the troops stationed at the Siachen Base Camp in Ladakh on Monday (22 April), where he engaged in interactions with the armed forces personnel and paid tribute to the "Bravehearts" by laying a wreath at the war memorial.

Addressing the troops, Rajnath Singh commended their dedication to safeguarding the nation at the world's highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier.

He emphasised that Siachen symbolises more than just territory; it represents the country's sovereignty, resilience, and unwavering spirit.

He likened Siachen to a capital of valour and courage, highlighting its significance alongside other key capitals like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Singh stated, "For the security of the nation's borders, you are always ready to sacrifice everything. Your patriotism serves as an inspiration for all of us Indians. On behalf of a grateful nation, meeting all of you as a representative is always a proud moment for me".

He also added, "The completion of forty years of Operation Meghdoot was observed on 13 April. On 13 April 1984, the Indian Army launched a military campaign that continues to be a shining example in the world today. Operation Meghdoot is a golden chapter in Indian military history that has captivated every Indian for the past four decades."

In a video shared by the news agency ANI, Singh was seen standing alongside army personnel, participating in chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."

He personally engaged with each member of the army, inquiring about their name, rank, and place of origin.

Among the personnel he interacted with was Captain Suman, who is scheduled for deployment at Kumar Post in Siachen Glacier on 1 May.

Following their interaction with the Defence Minister, the air at Kumar's post echoed with patriotic slogans of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai."

Before departing from Delhi to Siachen, Singh took to social media and expressed his anticipation for interacting with the courageous Armed Forces personnel deployed there.

Situated at about 20,000 feet within the Karakoram mountain range, the Siachen Glacier is renowned as the highest battlefield in the world.

The Indian Army recently celebrated its "40th year of presence at Siachen", during which its operational capabilities have been significantly bolstered, largely due to enhanced infrastructure in the region.