Lieutenant General Rajan Sharawat, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps, recently conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness of troops stationed in the Bani-Macchedi sector of Kathua, a strategically vital region along the India-Pakistan border.
During the assessment, Lt Gen Sharawat commended the troops for their courage and dedication, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining security in the region. The review included a detailed evaluation of the prevailing security situation, troop deployments, and overall strategic readiness, reinforcing the Army’s focus on vigilance and rapid response capabilities.
The Rising Star Corps, established in 2005 and restructured into Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs) by 2019, has enhanced India’s defensive posture. These agile units, capable of deployment within 12–48 hours—down from the earlier 72-hour timeline of the Cold Start Doctrine—were validated through field exercises detailed in a 2022 Army report. This modernization aligns with the Western Command’s efforts to counter evolving threats.
Beyond military preparedness, the visit also highlighted the Army’s community engagement initiatives. The Ministry of Defence reports that approximately 70% of border-area populations view the Army’s presence positively, attributing this to infrastructure development and humanitarian assistance during natural calamities.
The Rising Star Corps under Lt Gen Rajan Sharawat continues to exemplify the Indian Army’s vision of being “strong and capable,” balancing security operations with community support in one of the nation’s most challenging terrains.
