Indian Army concludes major drill near China border.
The Indian Army's Spear Corps recently finished a major military exercise called "Dibang Shakti" in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley. The exercise wrapped up on September 13, 2025, and was a way for the army to show it's ready for combat along the eastern border with China.
The drill was designed to test the army's skills in asymmetric warfare, with a focus on difficult environments like dense jungles and steep mountains. According to Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat, the troops worked on jungle warfare, special survival techniques, and combat free-fall operations. The entire operation was a test of physical endurance and tactical skills.
Strategic Significance in Eastern Border Defense
This exercise is especially important given the ongoing tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)6. Following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, India has been strengthening its military position in the area. The Indian Army has also "reoriented" its forces in Arunachal Pradesh to focus entirely on the northern border, with the Assam Rifles now handling counter-insurgency operations.
The Dibang Valley is a key part of India's eastern defense strategy because it acts as a buffer zone against potential threats from the north. Intelligence reports suggest that minor border clashes with China will likely continue into 2025, particularly in areas like Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Enhanced Combat Capabilities and Infrastructure
The exercise also highlighted the military's ability to coordinate between different units and use advanced technology for quick response operations. Lt Col Rawat noted that the drill showed the troops could respond to unconventional threats, which is crucial for border security.
Over the past two years, India has also been significantly improving its defense infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh. This includes deploying S-400 air defense systems and moving UAV fleets from eastern Ladakh to enhance surveillance. The army has also sped up the construction of all-weather roads, advanced landing grounds, and communication networks to allow for faster troop movement.
The success of Exercise Dibang Shakti shows the Indian Army's focus on staying prepared and adaptable for security challenges along the border. As one defense official put it, the exercise "reaffirmed the Army's motto of remaining ever-prepared," and gives citizens more confidence in the security of the frontier.
