Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the Army Commander of Western Command, recently conducted a review of the operational preparedness of the Pine Division, also known as the 9th Infantry Division of the Indian Army. During his visit, he commended all ranks for their professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.
The Pine Division boasts a storied history, having been originally formed on September 15, 1940, in Quetta, which is now part of Pakistan. As a unit of the British Indian Army, it played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the Malaya Campaign against Japanese forces.
Although it was demobilized post-war, the division was re-raised on August 1, 1964, in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, by Lt. Gen. PS Bhagat. It transitioned to an infantry division in 1970 and has since maintained a legacy of excellence and resilience.
Lieutenant General Katiyar’s review underscores the ongoing importance of the Pine Division in maintaining national security and readiness in response to contemporary challenges.
His acknowledgment of the division’s capabilities and historical significance highlights the critical role it continues to play within India’s defense framework.
