In a significant development aimed at enhancing India’s defence posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army is in the process of raising a new division-level formation—the 72 Infantry Division—to be permanently stationed in the region. The new division will operate under the Leh-based 14 Corps, also known as the Fire and Fury Corps, which is tasked with securing some of the most challenging and strategically vital frontiers in the world.
The Fire and Fury Corps, established in September 1999 following the Kargil War, has been instrumental in safeguarding India’s northern frontiers. The addition of the 72 Infantry Division will significantly boost India’s defensive capabilities, working in conjunction with the existing 3 Infantry Division to enhance operational strength and readiness in Eastern Ladakh.
Strategic Decision in Response to Evolving Threats
According to defence sources, this move is part of a carefully planned Order of Battle (ORBAT) restructuring, which involves reorganizing and redeploying existing troops to address evolving security challenges. The 72 Infantry Division was initially approved in 2017 for the 17 Mountain Strike Corps (MSC) and was originally slated to be based in Pathankot. However, following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, a strategic decision was made to reposition the division to Eastern Ladakh to reinforce India’s frontline defences along the LAC.
“The 72 Division was originally meant to be part of the Mountain Strike Corps and based in Pathankot for operations in Eastern Ladakh, while the 59 Division was designated to cover areas under the Eastern Command,” a senior defence official stated.
Operational Role and Structure of the 72 Infantry Division
Once fully operational, the 72 Infantry Division will replace the currently deployed Uniform Force (Division-level unit), which is expected to return to its original base in Reasi, Jammu sector. The 72 Division is poised to assume critical operational responsibilities in Eastern Ladakh, significantly enhancing India’s ability to respond to any potential escalation along the LAC.
A standard army division consists of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 combat troops, supported by an additional 8,000 personnel involved in logistical and operational support roles. The division is commanded by a Major General and typically consists of three to four brigades, with each brigade led by Brigade Commanders overseeing 3,500 to 4,000 troops.
Progress in Deployment and Training
Sources have revealed that the headquarters for the new division is already being established, with one brigade headquarters deployed in Eastern Ladakh and operational. Meanwhile, other elements of the formation are undergoing specialized training in western parts of the country to ensure seamless integration of personnel, equipment, and tactical operations tailored to the division’s specific tasks and terrain.
This specialized training will ensure that the newly raised 72 Infantry Division is fully prepared to undertake high-altitude warfare and counter any potential threats along the sensitive LAC.
Enhancing India’s Strategic Depth and Preparedness
The raising of the 72 Infantry Division comes at a time of heightened border tensions and serves as a vital step in strengthening India’s defensive posture and strategic depth along the LAC. The permanent deployment of this division in Eastern Ladakh will ensure enhanced operational readiness and rapid response capability in the face of evolving security dynamics in the region.
This move reaffirms India’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and bolstering its combat capabilities to meet any challenge that may arise along its northern borders. The establishment of the 72 Infantry Division within the Fire and Fury Corps further underscores the Indian Army’s focus on maintaining a robust and proactive defence along its strategically sensitive frontiers.
