LEH: On the occasion of Diwali, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited the Ladakh sector on Monday and interacted with personnel of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army deployed in the high-altitude region.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Air Force said the Air Chief commended the dedication and professionalism of the troops in safeguarding India’s frontiers under extreme conditions.
“On the occasion of Diwali, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited the Ladakh sector and interacted with IAF and IA personnel deployed in the region. He commended them for their dedication and professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s frontiers under challenging high-altitude conditions and extended festive greetings to all,” the IAF said.
The Air Chief’s visit comes as part of the annual tradition of senior defence officers celebrating festivals with frontline troops posted in remote and strategic regions.
Meanwhile, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, visited the Siachen Glacier — the world’s highest battlefield — to celebrate Diwali with IAF and Army personnel stationed there. He also visited Terchey village near Thoise, where he interacted with locals and conveyed his festive wishes.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, joined Indian Army personnel in celebrating Diwali at an event organised by the Fire & Fury Corps at the Rinchen Auditorium. The celebration was attended by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 14 Corps, Major General Praveen Chhabra (GOC, 72 Sub Area), Brigadier Umesh Parab, and Brigadier Ajay Katoch.
Conveying greetings on behalf of the people of Ladakh, the Lt Governor saluted the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces who continue to serve in hostile terrain and sub-zero temperatures to guard India’s northern borders.