Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Dhiraj Seth on Thursday reviewed the operational preparedness of the Tezpur-based IV Corps, also known as the Gajraj Corps, as part of an ongoing visit to the Eastern Command. The review covered security readiness, capability development, and civil-military coordination across one of India's most strategically sensitive frontier zones.

A Multi-Corps Tour of the Eastern Frontier

The visit to the Gajraj Corps followed back-to-back inspections over the preceding two days. Gen Seth had earlier visited the headquarters of the XXXIII Corps (Trishakti Corps) in Sukna and the III Corps (Spear Corps) in Dimapur, completing a sweep of the Eastern Command's three principal corps formations. The structured itinerary signals a comprehensive operational audit of the command's readiness posture.

Gajraj Corps: Role and Composition

The Gajraj Corps is entrusted with the security of Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, including areas in proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The corps comprises three Mountain Divisions: the 71st Mountain Division, based at Missamari, Assam; the 21st Mountain Division (Red Horn Division), stationed at Rangia, Assam; and the 5th Mountain Division (Ball of Fire Division), headquartered at Rupa, near Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh. The 5th Division's positioning — close to the LAC and to the west of the 2nd Mountain Division under the Spear Corps — underscores its forward defence role.

Key Developments from the Review

Gen Seth met senior commanders and was briefed on the prevailing security situation, operational readiness, and ongoing capability development initiatives. He also reviewed measures undertaken to maintain peace, stability, and a secure environment across the region. The COAS was apprised of the corps' close coordination with civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) through developmental programmes, community outreach, and assistance to local authorities.

Notably, Gen Seth commended the formation for its contribution to internal security in Assam and Meghalaya, and for its prompt response during disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations — roles that have grown in salience given the region's vulnerability to floods and seismic events.

Technology Adoption and Operational Mandate

The Gajraj Corps has integrated modern platforms including drones into its operational toolkit and participates in airborne exercises with the Indian Air Force. Gen Seth appreciated the formation's innovative adoption of emerging technologies to enhance battlefield capability. During his address to troops, the COAS exhorted all ranks to remain mission-focused, strengthen inter-agency synergy, and uphold the highest standards of readiness to address security challenges in an evolving multi-domain environment.

The COAS's interaction with troops — during which he lauded their professionalism, high morale, and commitment — comes at a time when the Eastern Command remains one of the Indian Army's most operationally active theatres, given ongoing boundary sensitivities along the LAC.