The Indian Army’s Spear Corps has launched a comprehensive Watermanship Training programme in Masimpur, Assam, to strengthen its preparedness for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the flood-prone northeastern region. The training, held along the banks of a river in the area, is aimed at equipping soldiers with the skills necessary for effective rescue and rehabilitation during monsoon-induced disasters.

Assam, home to the mighty Brahmaputra River and its extensive network of tributaries, faces annual devastation from flooding. In 2024 alone, over 2.1 million people were affected across the state, highlighting the critical need for swift and coordinated relief responses. The current training drills reflect the Army’s commitment to staying ahead of such emergencies by improving tactical response and operational readiness.

During the exercises, soldiers practiced navigating muddy and turbulent waters, operating small boats, and conducting simulated rescue missions. Dressed in combat gear and life vests, they maneuvered through challenging conditions designed to mimic real-life flood scenarios. The emphasis was on teamwork, agility, and efficient communication—key elements during large-scale disaster situations.

The initiative aligns with broader national disaster management strategies and follows the successful conclusion of Tiger Triumph 2025, a tri-service HADR exercise conducted with the United States Armed Forces. That exercise, held in April on India’s eastern coast, demonstrated the growing emphasis on joint training for disaster relief, including the establishment of field hospitals, coordination centers, and evacuation protocols.

Assam’s vulnerability to floods is long-standing and well-documented. In 2012, the Brahmaputra floods displaced millions across India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. More recently, in 2022, joint Army and Assam Rifles teams were deployed in Cachar district where over 4 lakh people were impacted by heavy monsoon rains and flooding. Environmental factors such as deforestation and siltation have further worsened the flood impact in the Brahmaputra basin.

The Watermanship Training undertaken by the Spear Corps underscores the Indian Army’s proactive approach in bridging the gap between conventional military preparedness and civilian disaster response. It highlights the evolving role of the armed forces in addressing climate-induced challenges and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in some of India’s most disaster-affected regions.

In a vital outreach initiative, Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava, Commander of the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, visited the remote Warwan Valley in Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate the security situation and engage with the local community. The visit reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to both safeguarding the region and supporting its developmental needs.

Situated at an altitude of 2,134 meters, the Warwan Valley lies northeast of Kishtwar and about 150 kilometers from Srinagar. Known for its challenging terrain and ecological richness, the valley holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Amarnath Yatra trail and its historical role as a forward military post.

During the visit, Lt Gen Srivastava reviewed the operational preparedness of troops stationed in the valley and lauded their dedication in maintaining vigilance in this critical sector. He emphasized the need for continued alertness to counter emerging threats and safeguard the region’s fragile peace.

In a parallel outreach effort, the Corps Commander held interactions with local residents to understand their challenges and aspirations. These engagements form part of the Indian Army’s broader approach to bridge the civil-military divide, especially in underserved regions. Residents raised concerns about road connectivity, power supply, and communication infrastructure—issues that have long hampered the region’s development despite its natural and cultural wealth.

The visit reflects the Indian Army’s enduring focus on initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana, which seeks to improve the lives of people in conflict-affected areas through educational, health, and infrastructure projects. The Chinar Corps, also known as XV Corps, plays a key role in balancing counterinsurgency operations with people-centric initiatives across the Kashmir Valley.

This outreach comes at a time when the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains dynamic. The Army continues to play a crucial dual role—securing the region from threats while fostering long-term stability through trust-building and development. Lt Gen Srivastava’s visit to Warwan Valley stands as a testament to that balanced approach, reinforcing the Indian Army’s role as both protector and partner in the region’s future.

In a strong affirmation of India’s commitment to secure its eastern frontiers, Lieutenant General Zubin A. Minwalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Trishakti Corps, visited forward posts in the high-altitude region of North Sikkim to assess operational readiness and troop morale.

During the visit, Lt Gen Minwalla interacted directly with deployed soldiers, evaluated their combat preparedness, and examined modern military assets, including T-90 tanks deployed in the region. The visual presence of these tanks amidst the snow-clad terrain symbolized the Indian Army’s ability to mobilize heavy weaponry in extreme conditions.

The Trishakti Corps, headquartered in Sukna, West Bengal, plays a pivotal role in defending India’s strategic eastern sector, especially the Sikkim frontier and the Siliguri Corridor. Often called the “Chicken’s Neck,” this corridor is India’s vital land link to the northeast and is considered a strategic chokepoint in case of conflict with China.

Comprising elite divisions such as the 17th Mountain Division in Gangtok, the 20th in Binnaguri, and the 27th in Kalimpong, the Corps has been at the forefront of technological integration and high-altitude combat preparedness. Earlier in March 2025, the Corps carried out a month-long live-firing exercise focusing on night warfare, precision targeting, and drone-assisted reconnaissance, enhancing its battle readiness in realistic scenarios.

The visit comes amid continued Chinese military build-up in Tibet and follows a pattern of past confrontations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including skirmishes in 1962, 1967, and recent tensions in the past two decades. With an eye on evolving threats, the Indian Army has reinforced its defensive posture through modernization and local expertise.

Key to this localized advantage is the Sikkim Scouts regiment, raised in 2015, comprising soldiers familiar with the terrain and regional dynamics. These units play a crucial role in intelligence gathering and logistical support across the treacherous Himalayan landscape.

Since assuming command in June 2024, Lt Gen Minwalla has prioritized frontline readiness and morale. His visit not only reaffirmed the strategic importance of the region but also showcased the Army’s unwavering commitment to national security under the ethos of “Nation First.”

The Indian Army continues to monitor the situation along the LAC, ensuring that every inch of Indian territory remains secure, backed by the dedication and resilience of its soldiers stationed in one of the world’s toughest operational environments.

General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), conducted a detailed assessment of the operational preparedness of the Indian Army’s Red Eagle Division, highlighting its critical role in incorporating advanced technologies to address modern security challenges. The visit marks another key moment in the Army’s ongoing transformation and focus on self-reliant modernization.

General Dwivedi evaluated the division’s combat readiness and lauded its efforts in adopting cutting-edge tools, including counter-drone systems, encrypted communications, and secure mobile technologies. He specifically noted the widespread deployment of SAMBHAV (Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version) handsets, part of a broader drive to strengthen communication infrastructure across the force.

“The Red Eagle Division exemplifies the spirit of combat readiness and innovation that the Indian Army strives for in this decade of transformation,” said General Dwivedi. He stressed that the unit’s alignment with the “Year of Tech Absorption” reflects the Army’s priority to integrate indigenous capabilities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.

Formed in 1938, the Red Eagle Division has a storied past, having fought across Africa, Europe, and Asia during World War II. It earned global recognition for capturing over 150,000 prisoners while sustaining 25,000 casualties. British Field Marshal Archibald Wavell once hailed the division as one of the greatest fighting formations in military history, known for its unity among soldiers from diverse regions and backgrounds.

General Dwivedi’s review comes amid heightened focus on high-tech warfare capabilities, especially in response to the growing use of drones and artificial intelligence in global conflicts. His visit follows earlier reviews in strategic areas such as the Sir Creek sector on the India-Pakistan border, reaffirming his commitment to operational excellence and modernization.

As the former Vice Chief of the Army Staff and Northern Command head, General Dwivedi has been instrumental in shaping national defense policy and leading transformation efforts in sensitive regions like Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. His leadership now continues to steer the Army toward building a technologically empowered force, with the Red Eagle Division setting the benchmark for readiness and resilience.