Argentina Seeks India's Expertise in Mountain Warfare to Counter High-Altitude Border Dispute with Chile

Argentina is turning to India for expertise in mountain warfare as it seeks to bolster its capabilities in the face of ongoing border disputes with Chile. This development was highlighted by the recent visit of the Argentina Defence Attache to India's renowned High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg.

The visit, which took place on November 27th, focused on exchanging knowledge and best practices in mountain warfare and exploring potential avenues for collaboration between the Indian and Argentinian armies. The Argentina Defence Attache, an expert in high-altitude warfare, engaged in discussions with HAWS instructors on the nuances of training and tactical operations in challenging mountainous environments.

Mountainous Borders and Territorial Disputes​

Both India and Argentina face the complexities of securing extensive high-altitude borders. India's Himalayas, featuring the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest militarized zone, and a long border with China, present significant challenges. Similarly, Argentina's border with Chile along the Andes mountain range, with its towering peaks and disputed territories, necessitates specialized mountain warfare capabilities.

This shared geographical reality creates a strong foundation for cooperation and mutual learning. While Argentina has traditionally relied on the U.S. for mountain warfare training, this visit to HAWS signals a potential shift towards collaborating with India in this specialized domain.

HAWS: A Valuable Resource for Argentina​

HAWS, established in 1948, is India's premier training institution for mountain warfare. It has a long history of training soldiers not only from India but also from countries around the world. The school's comprehensive curriculum covers various aspects of mountain warfare, including snow craft, winter warfare, and high-altitude operations.

HAWS's expertise has been instrumental in India's successful operations in challenging environments like the Siachen Glacier and the Kargil conflict. Its focus on combining mountaineering skills with tactical military training makes it a valuable resource for any country seeking to enhance its mountain warfare capabilities.

Strengthening Defence Cooperation​

The Argentina Defence Attache's visit to HAWS underscores the growing defence cooperation between India and Argentina. As both countries navigate the complexities of mountain warfare and territorial disputes, sharing expertise and best practices can significantly enhance their capabilities and preparedness. The possibility of Argentinian soldiers training alongside their Indian counterparts at HAWS in the future represents a promising development in this burgeoning partnership.

This collaboration aligns with the growing strategic ties between India and Argentina, who recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. By fostering cooperation in defence and mountain warfare, both nations can strengthen their respective security postures and contribute to regional stability.

 

[Gajanan Hirde]

That's really good

 

[Shafted mohammed]

If they are serious, there are lot of cutting edge weapons available in India at almost half the price with cutting edge performance.

 

[Sandeep]

There is a lot of expertise and knowledge that can help Argentina.