The recent visit by a US Army delegation to the Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has highlighted an increasing focus on operations in extreme cold environments as geopolitical dynamics shift. This engagement comes against the backdrop of India’s long-standing expertise in high-altitude warfare, shaped by its historical deployments along the Himalayan frontier in response to threats from Pakistan and China.

The need for such emphasis has intensified following the 2020 standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In recent years, the Indian military has adapted its strategies to prioritize prolonged deployments in ‘super high altitude’ areas, which previously received less attention. The Indian Army is now equipped to sustain a significant number of troops in challenging high-altitude conditions, underscoring a comprehensive approach that includes training, physiological studies, equipment development, infrastructure construction, and logistical support.

Simultaneously, reports suggest that the US military, after decades of engagement in the Middle East and Afghanistan, is recalibrating its focus towards potential engagements in the Arctic. This pivot is driven by apprehensions regarding the increased collaboration between Russia and China, who are seeking greater access to the Arctic for trade and military advantages.

In alignment with this shift, a US Army website announced the establishment of a new strategy for cold-weather combat, indicating that the warming Arctic, influenced by climate change, will become more navigable and strategically significant in the coming years. The website emphasized the need for readiness to operate effectively in such environments.

During the recent visit of the US delegation, discussions at HAWS centered on training methodologies, tactical operations, and potential collaborations for future joint exercises. HAWS, founded in 1948, is dedicated to snowcraft and winter warfare, offering specialized courses for defense personnel in high-altitude and snowbound terrains. The Mountain Warfare Course and the Winter Warfare Course prepare soldiers for challenging conditions, grooming personnel stationed in locations like the Siachen Glacier to endure and excel in extreme environments. The school also attracts individuals from various allied nations, including the US, UK, and Germany, for specialized training and winter sports activities.

On the US side, the Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS) located at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Vermont runs multiple programs focused on mountain warfare and cold weather tactics. Additionally, the reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division, stationed in Alaska, marks a renewed emphasis on Arctic operations, positioning it for potential conflict scenarios just a few kilometers from Russian territory.

This collaboration between the Indian Army and the US Army reflects a broader strategic understanding of the importance of preparing for operations in icy terrains, aligning with both countries’ security interests amid evolving global challenges.

In a significant move to enhance sports development in India, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, made a visit to the Khelo India Sports Hostel and the Army Girls Sports Company located at the Army Sports Institute in Pune. This visit underscores the collaborative efforts between the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Indian Army to promote elite sports talent through state-of-the-art infrastructure and tailored training programs.

The highlight of this facility is the newly launched Khelo India Sports Hostel, which boasts a capacity of 300 beds. This hostel is designed to create an inclusive environment for male and female athletes, providing them with access to premier training resources. It plays a crucial role in India’s initiative to foster top-tier sports talent, aligning with the broader goals of the Khelo India movement, which seeks not only to develop athletes but also to promote sports as a vital component of youth engagement.

During his visit, General Dwivedi received an extensive briefing on the operational aspects and layout of the facilities. This included in-depth insights into the various training programs being conducted at both the Sports Hostel and the Army Girls Sports Company. Additionally, he took the opportunity to engage with the athletes, offering encouragement and emphasizing the Army’s ongoing commitment to nurturing their potential and excellence.

The establishment of the Khelo India Sports Hostel alongside the Army Girls Sports Company reflects a national focus on empowering athletes and fostering a culture of excellence in sports. These initiatives are pivotal in equipping the next generation of champions with the resources and support needed to succeed on the national and international stages, exemplifying India’s commitment to sports development.

In a controversial correspondence sent to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Rajeev Puri provided a stark assessment of women commanding officers within the Indian Army. This letter has ignited significant debate regarding the integration and performance of female officers in leadership roles, particularly following the Supreme Court’s directive in 2023 that enabled the appointment of 108 women officers in commanding positions.

While military sources suggest that Lieutenant General Puri’s viewpoints might reflect his personal opinions, he has referred to the document as “feedback” and “analysis” stemming from his tenure as the outgoing commander of the 17 Corps. The general’s remarks, dated October 1, indicate a troubling critique of the women officers, particularly in light of their experiences over the previous year.

The content of the letter has raised eyebrows, as it characterizes the women commanding officers with terms such as “mundane ego issues,” a “lack of empathy,” and an “exaggerated tendency to complain.” His assessment pointed out that rather than seeking collaborative solutions, these officers tended to adopt an authoritarian stance during conflicts. According to reports, Lt Gen Puri’s observations were based on interactions with a limited group of seven women COs in his command, amidst a larger pool of over 100 women in these positions across the army.

Among the critical points raised in his analysis was the purported insensitivity of women officers towards the personal and professional needs of their subordinates, which he claimed resulted in human resource management challenges. He indicated that these commanding officers often prioritized their own comfort and demanded personal privileges, which he argued detracted from the needs of their units.

Moreover, Lt Gen Puri pointed to a prevailing “my way or the highway” approach in their decision-making processes, which, he suggested, left junior officers feeling marginalized and excluded. The general also contended that the competitive landscape of the traditionally male-dominated military had led some women to adopt a rigid leadership style in an attempt to establish their authority, often seeking validation by overemphasizing minor accomplishments.

This candid and critical internal review has sparked a broader conversation within military circles and among analysts regarding the role and effectiveness of women in commanding positions. The implications of such feedback could have profound effects on future policies and attitudes toward the integration of women in the armed forces, especially as the army continues efforts to enhance gender representation in leadership roles.

A recent visit by a delegation from the US Army to the Indian Army’s High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Sonamarg, Jammu and Kashmir, has brought attention to the increasing focus both nations are placing on operations in arctic conditions, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape.

High altitude operations have been a critical component of the Indian Army’s strategy since the nation’s independence, largely due to its strategic positioning along the Himalayan frontier against Pakistan and China. This focus intensified following the 2020 stand-off with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In recent years, the Indian military has significantly ramped up its preparations for sustained deployments at “super high altitude,” a shift that reflects a commitment to maintaining permanent military presence in regions previously less populated by troops. This approach encompasses a wide range of initiatives including specialized training, human physiology studies, the development of new equipment, and the construction of necessary infrastructure and logistics support.

Correspondingly, US military reports indicate a strategic pivot from over two decades of military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan towards arctic readiness. The impetus for this transition includes rising concerns regarding the expanding influence and cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic, particularly their ambitions to enhance access to trade routes and natural resources in this increasingly consequential region.

Earlier this year, a US Army website announced a new cold-weather combat strategy, its first revamp in half a century. The site emphasized that as climate change continues to alter the Arctic landscape, the region will become more accessible and strategically significant in the coming decades, necessitating adequate preparedness for military operations in such environments.

During the delegation’s visit to HAWS, members of the US Army engaged with their Indian counterparts to discuss training methodologies, tactical operations, and potential future collaborations in high altitude warfare. The discussions also encompassed practical field activities, underscoring the collaborative spirit of both nations.

Established in December 1948, HAWS is a specialized institution training personnel in snowcraft and winter warfare. It offers two primary courses: the Mountain Warfare Course and the Winter Warfare Course, targeting skills necessary for operations in challenging high-altitude, snow-covered terrains. Indian troops stationed at the demanding posts of Siachen Glacier and other high-altitude locations are required to complete these courses. Importantly, HAWS also allows members from allied nations—including the US, UK, and Germany—to receive specialized training, which highlights its international standing in this domain. Additionally, the school conducts training in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, further extending its offerings.

On the American side, the US Army’s Army Mountain Warfare School (AMWS), located at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Vermont’s mountainous region, mirrors HAWS in purpose and function. The AMWS provides both basic and advanced courses tailored for mountain warfare and cold weather operations, reflecting a systematic approach to readiness for challenging conditions.

The 11th Airborne Division, based in Alaska—where a mere four kilometers separate the United States from Russia—represents a key element within the US Army focused on arctic operations. This division, originally operational from 1943 to 1958, was reactivated in 2022 to enhance US military capabilities in cold weather environments, reinforcing the commitment of the US Army to adapt and prepare for the realities of modern warfare that extends into the arctic region.

The discussions and collaborations between the US Army and Indian Army at HAWS signal not only a strategic partnership but also a shared recognition of the significance of high-altitude and arctic operations in contemporary military strategy.

The Army is currently under scrutiny after allegations surfaced regarding the harassment and torture of five civilians in custody in Kishtwar district, located in the Chenab Valley of Jammu region. This locality has been grappling with heightened militancy and frequent gunbattles throughout the year. In response to the serious allegations, the Army has initiated a probe into the incident.

Farooq Ahmed Kripak, the sarpanch of Keshwan A, Thakrie in Kishtwar, expressed deep concerns about the ongoing situation in his village, stating that the local populace has been suffering since the tragic killing of two Village Defence Guards on November 9. He noted that it is common for 10 to 12 locals to be detained and interrogated on a daily basis.

The incident reached a critical point on November 20, when four civilians were reportedly apprehended in the early afternoon and subsequently released later that day, exhibiting signs of physical trauma and torture. Among the affected individuals identified by Kripak were Sajad Hussain, Mehraj Din, Ghulam Hassan, Mushtaq Ahmad, and Abdul Kabir, all of whom are relatively young, aged around 30 years.

The mood in the village has turned to one of shock and fear in light of the frequent detentions. Kripak further relayed that he had met with senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir police and an Army officer on November 20 to discuss these troubling issues. He claimed to have received assurances from Army leadership that detentions would cease, yet he reported receiving calls from locals stating that approximately 12 more youths had been summoned to an Army installation for questioning, concerningly including an individual over the age of 65.

A video that surfaced online has compounded the situation, showing the injured civilians being transported while displaying visible signs of torture. In response to these claims, an Army spokesperson acknowledged the allegations and stated that an investigation would be conducted to determine the facts surrounding the incident. The Army is also monitoring the movements of a suspected group of terrorists following a specific intelligence-led operation launched by the Rashtriya Rifles on the same day as the alleged detentions.

Political figures such as Iltija Mufti of the Peoples Democratic Party criticized the incident as part of a broader issue regarding laws that grant extensive powers and impunity to armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. She called for a thorough investigation by the Army to ensure accountability for any misconduct.

This recent incident in Kishtwar is not isolated, as the district has witnessed several exchanges of fire between militants and security forces this year, underlining a volatile security situation in the region. Notably, the region has been the site of tragic events, including the murder of two Village Defence Guards in early November, and a broader pattern of violence has resulted in the deaths of civilians and security personnel alike throughout the year. Prior allegations have been documented regarding custodial torture by the Army in other areas, further raising concerns about military operations in the sensitive region.