Leh, Jan 11: The Ladakh-based 14 Corps, the Indian Army’s formation responsible for guarding both the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, has significantly strengthened its operational preparedness, infrastructure and technological edge following the lessons drawn from Operation Sindoor and the evolving security dynamics in the region.
In an interview to a news channel, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding, 14 Corps, said that 2025 proved to be a defining year for the formation, witnessing major operational challenges, technological transformation and strategic breakthroughs on both the western and northern fronts.
Lt Gen Bhalla revealed that following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor established a “new normal” in military preparedness across Jammu, Kashmir, Punjab and Ladakh sectors. He said the Corps had anticipated hostile aerial activities and created a strong counter-drone grid well in time, which prevented Pakistan from persisting with its nefarious designs in the Ladakh sector.
“Large numbers of surveillance drones were spotted between Zoji La, Drass, Kargil and the Siachen sector, with some aerial objects reported even near Leh airfield. However, none could cause any damage due to proactive deployment and layered air defence preparedness,” he said.
According to the Corps Commander, swarms of 30 to 40 drones were seen in some sectors, though these were primarily surveillance platforms attempting to gather intelligence on Indian deployments.
Highlighting the scale of infrastructure development, Lt Gen Bhalla said nearly 600 kilometres of roads and 45 major bridges have been completed in the last three years to connect forward areas.
He emphasised that infrastructure development in Ladakh now extends beyond roads and bridges to include military and civil communications, mobile connectivity, troop billeting, storage facilities and dual-use infrastructure to support both defence and tourism.
“One of the most significant achievements is the installation of India’s first mobile tower at Kumar Post in the Siachen Glacier, ensuring communication connectivity in the world’s highest battlefield,” he added.
Lt Gen Bhalla described the October 21, 2024 disengagement agreement with China as a landmark achievement that restored patrolling rights and grazing access in the Depsang and Demchok areas, which had remained unresolved since the 2020 Galwan clash.
He said the agreement introduced coordinated patrolling mechanisms, preventing face-offs and ensuring uninterrupted access to traditional patrol points while also restoring grazing rights of local communities.
“This has brought greater peace, stability and tranquillity to Eastern Ladakh,” he noted.
The Corps Commander said the XIV Corps has fully embraced the Indian Army’s modernisation drive, incorporating new generation weapons, drones, all-terrain vehicles, robotic mules, tactical load haulers and advanced communication systems.
The training philosophy has also evolved based on lessons from global conflicts and Operation Sindoor, with increased focus on survivability, stand-off targeting, precision and technology-driven warfare.
He further revealed that specialised agile combat formations, drone platoons within infantry battalions, and new organisational structures have been created to adapt to the changing character of war.
Explaining the ongoing dialogue framework with China, Lt Gen Bhalla said the current phase of disengagement achieved in 2024 will be followed by discussions on de-escalation and de-induction, paving the way for normal border management practices that existed prior to 2020.
“The negotiations are ongoing at military, diplomatic and political levels. What we have achieved so far has laid the foundation for long-term peace and stability along the LAC,” he said.
The Corps Commander reaffirmed that XIV Corps remains fully operationally deployed and combat-ready across Ladakh, assuring the nation of India’s firm defence posture in one of the world’s most challenging and strategically sensitive terrains.
