General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), undertook a significant visit to the forward posts of the 17 Mountain Division, popularly known as the Black Cat Division, in the sensitive Eastern Sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The division, headquartered in Gangtok and responsible for safeguarding Sikkim’s borders, operates in some of the most arduous high-altitude terrains in the world.
During the visit, General Dwivedi received comprehensive briefings from formation commanders on the prevailing operational situation, the division’s state of readiness, and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing combat capabilities through technological integration and infrastructural development. A key highlight was the live demonstration of indigenously developed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These drones, designed and manufactured under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, are being increasingly deployed to bolster real-time surveillance, reconnaissance, and situational awareness in challenging mountainous environments.
In his address to the troops stationed at these remote outposts, the COAS expressed profound appreciation for their exceptional professionalism, resilience, and unwavering dedication to duty despite extreme weather conditions, high-altitude physiological stresses, and operational exigencies. He emphasised the critical role played by soldiers of the Black Cat Division in maintaining vigilance along the strategically vital frontier and commended their contributions to national security.
General Dwivedi reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to modernising its forces through the absorption of cutting-edge technologies, including drones, artificial intelligence-enabled systems, and advanced communication networks, to ensure dominance in contemporary and future battle spaces. He also highlighted the importance of continuous training and innovation to counter evolving threats in the region.
The Black Cat Division, with its storied legacy dating back to World War II where it earned its distinctive insignia for fierce combat prowess in the Burma Campaign, continues to exemplify the highest traditions of the Indian Army. This visit by the COAS underscores the leadership’s focus on troop welfare, operational excellence, and preparedness in safeguarding India’s eastern borders.
The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI), Indian Army, shared photographs and updates of the visit, reflecting the high morale and combat efficiency of the formation. Such interactions serve to reinforce the bond between the Army leadership and soldiers deployed in forward areas, fostering a culture of motivation and readiness.
