New Delhi, October 13, 2026: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Dhiraj Seth, flagged off the Stallions Pan-Himalayan EV Riders Expedition (SPHERE) from the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi as part of the commemorations of Army Service Corps (ASC) Day and the 12th ASC Reunion.
The ambitious 4,850-kilometre expedition aims to demonstrate the capabilities of electric vehicles in some of India’s most challenging mountainous regions while promoting sustainable mobility, technological innovation and operational adaptability within the Indian Army.
The expedition will traverse difficult Himalayan and North-Eastern terrain, covering strategically significant locations including Mana in Uttarakhand, Nathu La in Sikkim and Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh. The journey will test the performance, endurance and reliability of electric mobility solutions under extreme geographical and climatic conditions.
The expedition is scheduled to culminate at the Walong War Memorial in Arunachal Pradesh on November 16, 2026, coinciding with Walong Day. The participants will pay homage to the brave Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the historic Battle of Walong in the 1962 India-China War.
The Battle of Walong remains a significant chapter in Indian military history, remembered for the extraordinary courage and determination displayed by Indian troops while defending the country’s eastern frontiers against overwhelming odds.
Embodying the spirit of “JAI se VIJAY,” the expedition also seeks to advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by exploring the practical application of electric vehicles in demanding military environments.
The initiative will provide an opportunity to assess electric mobility across high-altitude mountain passes, remote border regions and challenging road networks, contributing to the Indian Army’s understanding of emerging transportation technologies and their potential operational applications.
The expedition also reinforces the Green Mobility pillar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SAPTADHARA vision, emphasising environmental sustainability, energy efficiency and the adoption of cleaner technologies.
The Army Service Corps plays a crucial role in sustaining the Indian Army’s operational capabilities through logistics, transportation, supply chain management and essential services. Initiatives such as SPHERE reflect the Corps’ efforts to embrace modern technology while adapting to evolving operational requirements.
By combining military heritage, adventure, technological experimentation and environmental responsibility, the Stallions Pan-Himalayan EV Riders Expedition highlights the Indian Army’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility while honouring the sacrifices of soldiers who defended the nation’s borders.
