In a significant military leadership transition, Lt Gen Zubin Minwalla has taken command of the prestigious Trishakti Corps, replacing Lt Gen VPS Kaushik. The formal handover ceremony saw Lt Gen Minwalla honoring the corps’ fallen heroes at the War Memorial. His inaugural address emphasized a continued commitment to boosting the operational effectiveness of the corps.
Trishakti Corps, also designated as XXXIII Corps, is a vital element of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command based in Siliguri. This corps, established in 1960 by Lieutenant General Umrao Singh, was tasked with reducing the operational burden on the IV Corps. It traces its lineage back to the British Indian XXXIII Corps, which was initially formed in 1942 but disbanded three years later.
The corps boasts a rich history of valor and strategic importance, notably during the Indo-China war of 1962. During the conflict, it achieved a significant feat by capturing vital Chinese communication equipment, artifacts that are currently preserved at the Corps of Signals Museum in Jabalpur.
Today, the Trishakti Corps comprises three robust mountain divisions—the 17th in Gangtok, the 20th in Binnaguri, and the 27th in Kalimpong. It is also supported by key air capabilities, including an Indian Air Force air control unit, 3 TAC, and an Army Aviation Helicopter Squadron based in Sevoke, enhancing its operational readiness and strategic mobility.
Lt Gen Minwalla’s leadership comes at a crucial time as the corps continues to fortify India’s defense capabilities on its eastern frontiers. His experience and strategic insight are expected to herald a new era of operational excellence and readiness for the corps.
