New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Chief of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, recognized six remarkable members of the animal kingdom, comprised of two Bactrian camels, two Zanskari ponies, and two dogs, who serve alongside the military, as reported by an official on Friday.

This tribute highlights the “silent warriors” who function in some of the most demanding terrains on the planet, such as the frigid high-altitude deserts of Ladakh and the rugged Himalayas, where machinery frequently falters, according to a statement.

The honored animals were part of the Indian Army Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, aptly dubbed the “Him Yodhas” (Snow Warriors), marking their historic debut during the Republic Day parade on January 26.

Bactrian camels are utilized in the cold desert areas of Ladakh. They thrive in extreme cold and can navigate altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. Capable of transporting loads up to 250 kg while requiring minimal water and fodder, they play a crucial role in supplying remote and challenging locations.

These double-humped camels are adept at high-altitude logistics along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Zanskari pony, a unique and indigenous Ladakhi breed, showcases remarkable strength and endurance despite its compact size. These ponies can handle loads of 40 to 60 kg in temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees and at significant altitudes.

This year’s Republic Day parade was particularly special, showcasing the animal warriors of the Indian Army in an emotional display.

For the first time, the Indian Army's animal contingent participated in such a large and well-organized parade. This unique group included four raptors, ten Indian-bred dogs, and six traditional military dogs currently serving in the Army. These dogs receive training at the Remount and Veterinary Corps Centre located in Meerut.

Trained for various roles such as surveillance, rescue, attack, and explosive detection, these dogs exemplify the army’s modern capabilities. The R-Day contingent featured indigenous breeds like the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, and Chippiparai, emphasizing the push for self-reliance in defense.

Additionally, the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) of the Indian Army successfully completed a rigorous two-week Tailor-Made Course for members of the Kyrgyzstan Armed Forces, as confirmed by an official.

Conducted in harsh weather and extremely high-altitude terrain, the training focused on military skiing, casualty evacuation, avalanche rescue and recovery exercises, and managing high-altitude sickness, stated the official.

This course also fostered a vibrant exchange of best practices between the two nations in high-altitude medicine, casualty evacuation, and military skiing techniques, further solidifying mutual understanding and reinforcing the spirit of “Friends for Life”, according to an Indian Army official on social media.