The Indian Army has appointed Major General Puneet Doval, SM, as the new Commandant of the prestigious High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg. The official handover ceremony, marked by a traditional baton exchange, was held today.
Legacy of Excellence at HAWS
Established in 1948 as a ski school and upgraded to a Category A Training Establishment in 1962, HAWS is renowned for its specialized training in mountain and winter warfare. The school conducts the Mountain Warfare course in Sonamarg from May to October, and the Winter Warfare course in Gulmarg from January to April. Over 10,000 personnel are trained annually, preparing troops for operations in extreme terrains such as Siachen and Ladakh.
HAWS also functions as a nodal centre for approved doctrines in mountain and snow warfare, offers advanced night-training facilities, supports Indian Army ski teams, and trains friendly foreign military personnel.
Strategic Relevance Amid Border Tensions
Maj Gen Doval’s appointment comes amid heightened focus on India’s northern borders, particularly due to ongoing tensions with China. The expertise of HAWS is critical for countering threats in sub-zero, high-altitude environments, making his leadership a key factor in strengthening India’s mountain warfare capabilities.
About Maj Gen Puneet Doval
A recipient of the Sena Medal, Maj Gen Doval brings extensive operational experience to HAWS, including counter-infiltration operations along the Line of Control. He is the son of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and his appointment reflects the Army’s emphasis on experienced leadership for strategic training establishments.
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma, GOC-in-C ARTRAC, along with all ranks, congratulated Maj Gen Doval, expressing confidence in his ability to lead HAWS to new heights. Social media responses from defence enthusiasts and official pages have widely welcomed the appointment.
