Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recognized six animal warriors, including Bactrian camels, Zanskari ponies, and dogs, for their service alongside the military. These animals, known as the “Him Yodhas” (Snow Warriors), operate in challenging terrains like Ladakh and the Himalayas, where machines often struggle. The Bactrian camels, specialized for high altitudes, can carry heavy loads and are crucial for logistics in Ladakh’s cold desert regions.
The Zanskari ponies, a sturdy breed from Ladakh, exhibit remarkable strength and endurance, capable of carrying loads in extreme temperatures and high altitudes. The Indian Army’s Republic Day parade featured these animal warriors for the first time, showcasing their unique contributions. The parade also included indigenous dogs trained for various roles like surveillance and rescue, highlighting the army’s modern capabilities and emphasis on self-reliance in defense.
In a separate event, the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) of the Indian Army concluded a specialized training course for members of the Kyrgyzstan Armed Forces. The course, conducted in harsh weather and high-altitude terrain, focused on military skiing, casualty evacuation, avalanche rescue, and high-altitude sickness management. This training facilitated the exchange of best practices between the two nations, strengthening mutual understanding and camaraderie.
