India prepares to deploy new Army division in eastern Ladakh this year

The Indian Army is preparing to significantly reinforce its presence in the eastern Ladakh region with the formation of a new division, sources confirm. This move comes as part of ongoing restructuring efforts in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh, designed to counter the ongoing military standoff with China.

The new division, likely designated as the 72 Division, was originally intended to be part of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps (MSC) based in West Bengal. However, plans have shifted, and it will now fall under the Northern Command for potential deployment in eastern Ladakh.

Unlike standard recruitment, the new division will comprise approximately 14,000 to 15,000 troops reorganized from existing formations. This strategy ensures a rapid establishment of the division.

Background and Context​

Strike corps are specialized military units designed for rapid offensive action across borders. Of India's four strike corps, only the 17 MSC was fully focused on China until 2021. In response to the military standoff with China that began in 2020, the Army reoriented two additional strike corps—the 1 Corps and 17 Corps—to prioritize the northern and eastern borders against Chinese threats.

The original plans for the 17 MSC included two divisions, but financial limitations led to only the Panagarh-based 59 Division being formed. Now, plans to raise the 72 Division have been revived, with a changed focus on bolstering defenses in eastern Ladakh.

Implications​

The new division's deployment to eastern Ladakh signals a long-term reassessment of India's troop positions in the Northern Command. While stability has returned to the Valley region, the 16 Corps in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant terror attacks in recent years. Officials hope this move creates a more balanced deployment across the Northern Command, enhancing readiness and training within the strike corps.

The India-China border tensions remain unresolved, despite some progress at friction points like Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso. This new Army division represents India's ongoing commitment to strengthening its military posture in the Ladakh region.

 

[shivkumar sinha]

Very good decision. 17 mountain strike corps can also get new division from existing menpower. Bharat must keep PLA on tenterhooks and sweating from fear of any surprise operation by IA .

 

[kumar]

If required, we need to recruit additional personnel.

 

[Hari Sud]

This is part of Strike Corps at Panagarh.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

Till present the army,s 14 corps or 42 Divisions are only for Defensive operations , with limited offensive capabilities against pakistan with Two strike corps and seven holding corps . The eastern frontier has two offensive corps and three holding corps . The army and the nation now needs to plan for out of area capability and offensive operations against both hostile nations . This requires over 75 to 80 divisions and will be an drain on resources . However like integration of the theater commands if the Para police forces like SSB , BSF , ITBP ASSAM RIFLES , CRPF are trained equipped and reinforced into holding corps with officers and ranks trained with and attached to Armys regimental centres ,schools and then attached with Battalions, Another 30 divisions can be raised with average age of para solders less than 35 yrs and officers like armys . The nation can then afford to raise another two to 3 corps by 2045 . The army now needs to be equipment heavy .

 

[UKumar]

We should de-recognize the Tibet/ Xinjiang/ and Taiwan not part of China and as independent countries, also we should persuade all other countries to do so, and they all should special representation in UN

 

[Sanjiv Mathur]

Very good decision. 17 mountain strike corps can also get new division from existing menpower. Bharat must keep PLA on tenterhooks and sweating from fear of any surprise operation by IA .

Yes, good decision. At the moment though, it is India which is on tenterhooks sir. We are completely outgunned and outnumbered in every possible way and it doesn't look like changing for a long time. Although Govt's actions are laudable, the inaction of the past has set us on the backfoot for a looong time. Our best bet is to avoid conflict at all costs

 

[shivkumar sinha]

Yes, good decision. At the moment though, it is India which is on tenterhooks sir. We are completely outgunned and outnumbered in every possible way and it doesn't look like changing for a long time. Although Govt's actions are laudable, the inaction of the past has set us on the backfoot for a looong time. Our best bet is to avoid conflict at all costs

No ,you are not able to appreciate the situation. Indian army is the best mountain force in the world that is experienced to sustain in -70°C in Siachen . What happened to PLA papercats in Galwan , Pangong so and Yangste is well known . Number of troops deployed is matching and our infrastructure is improving. PLAAF seems formidable in overall numbers but they have only 5 airbases on LAC capable of hosting only 200-250 fighters . They will operate from a height of 4000+ metres Tibetan airbases imposing a 50% load penalties. Training and motivation of PLA pilots are much inferior. Quality of PLA fighters is overhyped and untested. No one can assure whether so called 5 th generation J-20 has even 4th generation capabilities. IAF has about 25 airbases where all 600-700 fighters can operate with full load across LAC. PLA rocket projectors and artillery can't hide in open Tibetan plateau and IAF can decimate them. PLA has larger number of drones but they can't do much in dense air defence environment of Bharat. Our rocket force, artillery, loiter drones are rapidly growing with focus on indigenous production. IN can block chinese shipping through IOR in a matter of few hours. Overall Indian military posture is well positioned and fully capable to take the potential conflict into china occupied Tibet. Dragon is already on tenterhooks.

 

[BSG]

No ,you are not able to appreciate the situation. Indian army is the best mountain force in the world that is experienced to sustain in -70°C in Siachen . What happened to PLA papercats in Galwan , Pangong so and Yangste is well known . Number of troops deployed is matching and our infrastructure is improving. PLAAF seems formidable in overall numbers but they have only 5 airbases on LAC capable of hosting only 200-250 fighters . They will operate from a height of 4000+ metres Tibetan airbases imposing a 50% load penalties. Training and motivation of PLA pilots are much inferior. Quality of PLA fighters is overhyped and untested. No one can assure whether so called 5 th generation J-20 has even 4th generation capabilities. IAF has about 25 airbases where all 600-700 fighters can operate with full load across LAC. PLA rocket projectors and artillery can't hide in open Tibetan plateau and IAF can decimate them. PLA has larger number of drones but they can't do much in dense air defence environment of Bharat. Our rocket force, artillery, loiter drones are rapidly growing with focus on indigenous production. IN can block chinese shipping through IOR in a matter of few hours. Overall Indian military posture is well positioned and fully capable to take the potential conflict into china occupied Tibet. Dragon is already on tenterhooks.

All your observations are valid. But that was the assessment at the time of Galwan. Had a confrontation taken place at that time, India had all these advantages. You have observed India going on overdrive since then to strengthen its own weaknesses observed at that time. Do you really believe that China wouldn't have worked out strategies to do the same as well. It is most dangerous to be complacent and underestimate the adversary.

 

[shivkumar sinha]

All your observations are valid. But that was the assessment at the time of Galwan. Had a confrontation taken place at that time, India had all these advantages. You have observed India going on overdrive since then to strengthen its own weaknesses observed at that time. Do you really believe that China wouldn't have worked out strategies to do the same as well. It is most dangerous to be complacent and underestimate the adversary.

China is certainly working hard to plug it's gaps in training, infrastructure, quality, leadership but Bharat is not sleeping idle . We are moving fast on infrastructure,rocket force, UAVs , fighters, helicopters and more. Indian GDP is fastest growing and it is estimated that contribution to global GDP growth of Bharat will surpass that of china in 2028 . Bharat is the only country that is liked by both sides of global divide while even Russia and Pakistan are not expected to come to aid chinese during a potential Sino Indian conflict.

 

[Tls Mani]

Additional divisions must be raised to thwart the hegemonisuc & expansionist chinese.They cannot be trusted & will violate any deal even before the ink dries.

 

[SK]

I think it would be better to increase the Battalion strength of Ladakh Scouts as the recruits will be more familiar with the Geography & climate as well as boost employment in Ladakh regions.

The recent protests in Ladakh region are of great concern & Indian-Govt needs to take steps to pacify such protests by resolving issues & also insure employment in these areas.