Author: Sreya S, a student at The National University of Advanced Legal Studies, Kochi
Abstract
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise, conducted by the Indian Army in Ladakh, focuses on enhancing operational readiness for high-altitude warfare near the India-China border. Spanning over a fortnight, this exercise involves extensive participation from infantry, armored, artillery, and support units, including the Mountain Strike Corps of the Northern Command. Key components include the deployment of over 500 tanks, advanced artillery systems like the K-9 Vajra, air-defense systems, UAVs, and other aviation assets. Since 2020, the Indian Army has significantly increased its presence in the region, with over 50,000 troops deployed. The exercise is crucial for maintaining vigilance amid ongoing tensions with China, preparing for potential threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and supporting infrastructure development for rapid deployment. This initiative is set against the backdrop of a prolonged military standoff following the Galwan clash in 2020, with recent efforts including a WMCC meeting and upcoming corps commander-level talks aimed at resolving the standoff. The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise highlights India’s commitment to a robust defensive posture and effective management of high-altitude operational challenges.
Introduction
The Indian Army is conducting the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare and operations. The exercise involves various military units and equipment to ensure readiness near the India-China border. The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ (Mountain Strike) exercise focuses on mountainous and rugged terrains, like those in Eastern Ladakh. It is essential for maintaining the Army’s readiness and effectiveness in this strategic region near the India-China border. The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise focuses on high-altitude warfare near the India-China border, involving a comprehensive array of military units. This exercise integrates infantry, armored, artillery, and support units to enhance operational readiness in rugged terrains. Since 2020, over 500 tanks and 50,000 troops have been deployed in the Ladakh region, underscoring the strategic significance of maintaining a robust military presence in this area.
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ (Mountain Strike) exercise, being conducted in Ladakh near the India-China border, spans over a fortnight and focuses on high-altitude warfare and operations. Participating units include infantry, armored, artillery, and support units, as well as the Mountain Strike Corps of the Northern Command. The exercise features over 500 tanks, armored fighting vehicles, K-9 Vajra artillery guns, air-defense systems, UAVs, and other aviation assets. Since 2020, more than 50,000 troops have been deployed in the region. This exercise is strategically important for maintaining readiness and effectiveness in high-altitude areas, ensuring operational capability near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, and addressing potential Chinese deployments and infrastructure developments. It occurs against the backdrop of an ongoing military standoff with China following the Galwan clash in 2020, with numerous rounds of military and political talks. Recent developments include the conclusion of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting and upcoming corps commander-level talks aimed at resolving the standoff.
Principal Objectives of the Military Exercise “Parvat Prahaar”
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ military exercise is a crucial initiative by the Indian Army, conducted in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. This exercise aims to bolster the Army’s readiness and operational capabilities in mountainous terrains, especially near the India-China border. It focuses on high-altitude warfare by training troops to operate effectively in challenging conditions, evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of various military units and equipment, and simulating real-world combat scenarios to test and improve soldiers’ capabilities.
Specifics of the Military Exercise “Parvat Prahaar”
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise, which spans over a fortnight, involves extensive participation from various branches of the Army. Infantry units are engaged in high-altitude combat training, while armored units deploy various tanks and armored vehicles. Artillery units utilize advanced artillery guns, including the K-9 Vajra, and support units provide crucial logistical and operational backing. This comprehensive exercise ensures that all aspects of the Army’s capabilities are tested and refined in the challenging conditions of Ladakh.
Since 2020, the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise has seen the deployment of a substantial array of military assets. Over 500 tanks and armored fighting vehicles have been utilized, alongside advanced artillery systems such as the K-9 Vajra. Air-defense capabilities are bolstered with sophisticated air-defense systems, while UAVs and other aviation assets are showcased to enhance aerial surveillance and support. This extensive deployment underscores the exercise’s emphasis on comprehensive operational readiness and advanced technological integration.
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise holds significant strategic importance, with the Mountain Strike Corps of the Northern Command playing an active role. Due to the region’s proximity to China and its critical strategic value, the exercise is crucial for maintaining vigilance in the face of ongoing military tensions. It prepares forces to counter potential threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and supports infrastructure development, ensuring rapid deployment and enhanced operational capabilities in the region.
Background and Context of the Military Exercise “Parvat Prahaar”
Since the Galwan clash in 2020, India and China have been locked in a prolonged military standoff, with limited progress despite numerous rounds of talks. In response to these tensions, India has significantly bolstered its military presence in the region. This includes the deployment of over 50,000 soldiers to counter Chinese deployments and substantial infrastructure improvements aimed at developing facilities and logistics to support rapid and sustained operations.
The recent conclusion of a Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting, combined with upcoming corps commander-level discussions, is focused on resolving the ongoing issues along the LAC and finding solutions to the standoff.
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise underscores India’s dedication to maintaining a strong defensive stance in the strategically crucial region of Eastern Ladakh. By conducting rigorous training and evaluations, the Indian Army seeks to boost its
operational readiness and effectively address the challenges presented by the high-altitude environment and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Conclusion
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise is a key initiative for the Indian Army, focused on enhancing readiness and operational capabilities in the high-altitude region of Ladakh. By integrating a broad spectrum of military units and advanced equipment, the exercise addresses the challenges of mountainous terrain and ongoing tensions with China. The extensive deployment of tanks, artillery systems, air-defense assets, and UAVs highlights the Army’s commitment to maintaining a strong defensive stance and preparing for potential threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This exercise, occurring amidst a prolonged military standoff and recent diplomatic efforts, underscores India’s strategic approach to managing high-altitude operations and reinforcing its position in a critical region.
FAQS
What is the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise?
The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise is a military drill conducted by the Indian Army in Ladakh, focusing on high-altitude warfare and operations. It involves a range of military units and equipment to enhance readiness and operational capabilities in the challenging terrains near the India-China border.
How long does the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise last and what are its main objectives?
The exercise spans over a fortnight and aims to improve the Army’s effectiveness in high-altitude environments. Its principal objectives include training troops for high-altitude combat, evaluating military units and equipment, and simulating real-world combat scenarios to test and enhance soldiers’ capabilities.
What types of military assets are deployed in the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise?
The exercise features over 500 tanks, armored fighting vehicles, K-9 Vajra artillery guns, air-defense systems, UAVs, and other aviation assets. These assets are used to demonstrate and bolster the Army’s operational readiness and technological integration.
Why is the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise strategically important?
The exercise is strategically important due to its focus on maintaining vigilance and readiness in the high-altitude region near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. It helps prepare for potential threats and supports infrastructure development for rapid and sustained operations in the region.
What is the context behind the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise?
The exercise is set against the backdrop of a prolonged military standoff with China following the Galwan clash in 2020. Despite numerous talks, progress has been limited, prompting India to significantly increase its military presence in the region. The ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise reflects India’s commitment to a robust defensive stance and effective management of high-altitude operational challenges.
