An Indian Army soldier slithering from helicopter. (Photo: Indian Army)
Guwahati/New Delhi: The Indian Army’s III Corps completed a major combat exercise in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley, testing troops’ capabilities in jungle warfare and high-altitude operations amid rising tensions along India’s eastern borders.
Exercise Dibang Shakti, conducted by the III Corps, also called the Spear Corps, focused on asymmetric warfare tactics in terrain characterized by dense forests, steep mountain slopes and unpredictable weather conditions. The multi-day operation tested soldiers’ proficiency in specialized survival techniques, jungle combat and combat free-fall operations.
During the exercise, the troops showcased exceptional skill in a variety of tactical domains, including specialized survival techniques, jungle warfare, and combat free falls operations, the Army said. The operation demanded not only physical endurance and sharp tactical acumen but also a high degree of mental resilience, as soldiers navigated through rugged, uncharted terrain under simulated combat scenarios.
“Dibang Shakti” was aimed at reinforcing the preparedness of the troops to counter unconventional threats and conduct rapid-response operations in high-altitude and jungle environments, which are critical in the context of India’s eastern borders, Guwahati-based Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel Mahender Rawat said.
The Defence PRO in Guwahati, Lieutenant Colonel Mahender Rawat, said the exercise aimed to enhance troops’ preparedness for unconventional threats and rapid-response operations in high-altitude jungle environments critical to India’s eastern border security.
The exercise comes as India continues to strengthen its military posture along the 4,057-kilometre line of actual control with China, including in Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing claims as part of Tibet. The state shares a 1,080-kilometre border with China and has witnessed several face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces in recent years.
Dibang valley, located in upper Arunachal Pradesh near the Chinese border, presents some of India’s most challenging operational terrain. The region’s altitude ranges from 1,000 to over 4,000 metres, with dense subtropical forests giving way to alpine conditions at higher elevations.
During the exercise, troops operated under simulated combat scenarios that demanded physical endurance, tactical expertise and mental resilience. The operation integrated various military branches and incorporated advanced technology applications to test comprehensive combat readiness.
The III Corps, headquartered in Nagaland’s Dimapur, is responsible for securing India’s northeastern borders and maintaining operational readiness in the region’s difficult terrain. Formed in 1963, the corps has played crucial roles in various military operations, including the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and ongoing counter-insurgency efforts.
India has significantly enhanced its military infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh over the past decade, constructing roads, bridges and forward bases to improve troop mobility and border monitoring capabilities. The government has also approved raising additional mountain strike corps specifically for operations along the Chinese border.
The exercise reflects broader Indian military modernization efforts, particularly in high-altitude warfare capabilities. Recent years have seen increased focus on mountain warfare training, specialised equipment procurement and infrastructure development in border regions.
Military analysts note that exercises like Dibang Shakti serve both operational and strategic purposes, enhancing actual combat capabilities while demonstrating India’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity. Such operations also provide valuable experience in operating advanced military systems under realistic conditions.
The successful completion of the exercise underscores the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on maintaining operational readiness across diverse terrains and threat scenarios. The training outcomes will likely inform future tactical doctrines and equipment requirements for northeastern operations.
India’s eastern borders remain strategically significant, with ongoing boundary disputes and the need to counter potential security threats. Regular high-intensity exercises ensure forces maintain peak operational standards required for effective border management and rapid response capabilities.
