New Army Division to Focus on Eastern Ladakh
In a strategic move to bolster India’s defense capabilities along its northern borders, the Indian Army is planning the creation of a new division to specifically focus on Eastern Ladakh. This division will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s military preparedness in the region, especially after the standoff with China that began in 2020.
Formation of the 72nd Division
The new division, called the 72nd Division, will be based under the Northern Command and will primarily serve to enhance India’s defensive posture in the Eastern Ladakh region. Originally, this division was intended to be part of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps, located in West Bengal. The 72nd Division will consist of approximately 14,000 to 15,000 troops and will serve as an additional layer of defense in the strategically critical area.
Restructuring Army Corps Amidst Tensions with China
In response to the growing tensions with China, especially following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, the Indian Army underwent a restructuring to bolster its defenses along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). As part of these changes, two of the existing strike corps have been refocused on the northern borders. The 1 Corps and 17 Corps have been reoriented to tackle threats from China, with additional divisions now focused on the Eastern and Northern theaters.
Strategic Importance of Eastern Ladakh
The decision to establish a division in Eastern Ladakh is part of a broader strategy that focuses on ensuring readiness against any potential threats from China. India’s response to the Galwan incident and the subsequent military standoff has been to reinforce its military presence in areas like the Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, and the Gogra-Hot Springs region, while also addressing legacy friction points such as Depsang Plains and Demchok.
