Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is currently on a visit to Siachen, held talks with the armed forces personnel deployed in the region. Along with the one-on-one interaction, the Defence Minister also shared some'sweet moments' with the personnel deployed at the Kumar post of the Siachen Glacier. He was accompanied by Army Chief General Manoj Pandey.
Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister hailed the soldiers for their relentless service to the nation. He lauded the determination of the personnel to protect the country on the world's largest battlefield.
He said, "I congratulate you for the way you protect the country at the world's highest battlefield, Siachen Glacier. The land of Siachen is not ordinary land. It is a symbol of the country's sovereignty and perseverance. It represents our national determination. Our national capital is Delhi; Mumbai is our economic capital; our technological capital is Bengaluru; but Siachen is the capital of valour and courage."
During his address, the Defence Minister also spoke about the completion of 40 year of Operation Meghdoot. He said, "Just last April 13, 40 years of Operation Meghdoot were completed. On April 13, 1984, the Indian Army carried out such a military operation, which is cited as an example in the world today. Operation Meghdoot is such a golden chapter in Indian military history that has been thrilling every Indian for the last four decades."
"The success of 'Operation Meghdoot' in Siachen is a matter of pride for all of us Indians. We are proud of the bravery shown by our forces on this world's highest battlefield," he added.
Significantly known for its extreme climatic conditions, the 75 km long, 2 to 4 km wide Siachen glacier is of extreme geo-strategic importance to India.
