New Delhi, October 9, 2026: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth flagged in the Regiment of Artillery’s successful Mount Kamet mountaineering expedition during a ceremony held in New Delhi on Friday, recognising the extraordinary determination, courage and teamwork displayed by the 23-member Indian Army team that conquered one of India’s highest mountain peaks.
The expedition, undertaken by personnel of the Regiment of Artillery, commenced on August 24, 2026, with the objective of summiting Mount Kamet, a formidable Himalayan peak standing at an elevation of 7,756 metres in Uttarakhand.
After weeks of challenging climbing conditions, the team successfully reached the summit on September 21, 2026, overcoming difficult terrain, extreme weather and the physical demands associated with high-altitude mountaineering.
During the flag-in ceremony, General Dhiraj Seth interacted with the expedition members and congratulated them on their successful ascent. The Army Chief commended the mountaineers for their courage, perseverance, resilience and indomitable spirit, describing their achievement as a reflection of the finest traditions of the Indian Army and the Regiment of Artillery.
Mount Kamet, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand near the India-Tibet border, is the second-highest mountain in Uttarakhand after Nanda Devi and one of the highest peaks entirely within India. Its formidable altitude, steep climbing routes and unpredictable weather make it a demanding destination for experienced mountaineers.
Climbing a peak of this magnitude requires extensive physical preparation, technical mountaineering skills, careful acclimatisation and effective coordination among team members. At elevations exceeding 7,000 metres, climbers face significantly reduced oxygen levels, freezing temperatures, strong winds and the constant threat of altitude-related illnesses.
The successful ascent by the 23-member Regiment of Artillery team demonstrated the physical endurance, mental toughness and teamwork required to operate in some of the most challenging environments.
The expedition also highlighted the Indian Army’s longstanding tradition of encouraging adventure activities as an essential component of military training and professional development.
Mountaineering expeditions provide soldiers with opportunities to develop leadership qualities, decision-making abilities, confidence and resilience under extreme conditions. These attributes are particularly valuable for military personnel deployed in mountainous and high-altitude operational areas.
The Regiment of Artillery, one of the Indian Army’s principal combat support arms, plays a crucial role in providing firepower during military operations. Beyond its operational responsibilities, the regiment actively promotes adventure activities, sports and challenging expeditions to develop physical fitness, discipline and team spirit among its personnel.
The Mount Kamet expedition stands as another achievement in this tradition, demonstrating the determination of Indian Army personnel to overcome demanding physical and environmental challenges.
General Dhiraj Seth’s interaction with the mountaineers during the flag-in ceremony recognised their accomplishment and reinforced the importance of adventure, courage and perseverance in military life.
The successful summit of Mount Kamet on September 21 and the subsequent flag-in ceremony on October 9 marked the culmination of an expedition that tested the team’s endurance, mountaineering skills and collective determination, reflecting the Indian Army’s spirit of adventure and commitment to excellence.
