At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today visited the Siachen glacier and Srinagar to review security preparedness along the borders with Pakistan as well to take stock of anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. In his first visit after taking charge of the defence ministry, Singh first travelled to the Siachen Glacier - the world's most dangerous battlefield -- where he also interacted with field commanders and soldiers. The defence minister was accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. The Siachen Glacier in the Karakorum range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where the soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

'Our soldiers in Siachen are performing their duty with great courage and fortitude even in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain, Rajnath Singh said.

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

'I salute their vigour and valour,' Singh said on Twitter.

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

'I am proud of all Army personnel serving in Siachen who are leaving no stone unturned to defend our motherland,' Singh said in a series of tweets.

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

'More than 1100 soldiers have made supreme sacrifice defending the Siachen Glacier,' the new Defence Minister said.

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

Avalanches and landslides are common at the glacier during the winters and temperatures can drop to as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius.

At world's highest battleground in Siachen, Rajnath Singh salutes valour of India's bravehearts

India and Pakistan started deploying troops at the strategically key glacier in 1984.