Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Kharga Corps, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational readiness of the Ram Division and Pine Gunners on Monday. The high-level assessment underscored the units’ commendable performance in Operation Raahat, a significant 2015 humanitarian mission where the Indian Army successfully evacuated over 4,640 overseas Indians and 960 foreign nationals from Yemen amid a civil war.
Lt Gen Pushkar praised the troops for their persistent efforts in integrating advanced technology and maintaining a high state of operational preparedness.
The review highlighted the Kharga Corps’ evolving capabilities, with a strong focus on the “Infusion of Technology.” This aligns with recent military advancements, including the integration of AI-driven drones and sophisticated surveillance systems into the Indian Army’s arsenal, a trend reinforced by the successful Kharga Shakti exercise conducted in Rajasthan in 2024.
This exercise tested the Corps’ combat readiness through live firing drills, tactical movements, and air support missions, validating the effectiveness of combined arms operations in simulated battlefield conditions.
The Kharga Corps, a critical component of India’s defence strategy, was established on October 7, 1971, by Lt Gen T N Raina in Krishna Nagar, West Bengal. Initially positioned in the Eastern Theatre, it was relocated to the Western Theatre post-war, first to Chandimandir Cantonment and then to its current base in Ambala in January 1985.
The Corps is renowned for its offensive capabilities, comprising key units such as the 1 Armoured Division, 14 Infantry Division (RAPID), 22 Infantry Division, 40 Artillery Division, and several independent brigades. Under Lt Gen Pushkar’s leadership, the Corps continues to uphold its reputation as a decisive force on the Western Front, reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to modern warfare techniques and national defence.
Lt Gen Pushkar, with an illustrious career that includes his role as Director General of the Territorial Army and education at the National Defence College, brings a unique blend of strategic and administrative expertise. His leadership contrasts with traditional career paths that often prioritize field command, emphasizing a holistic approach to military readiness and technological innovation.
The GOC’s commendation of the troops reinforces the Kharga Corps’ role as a cornerstone of India’s military might, poised to meet future challenges with unparalleled preparedness.
