Indian Army Signs MoU with Tiranga Mountain Rescue to Enhance Rescue Operations in Mountainous Terrain

New Delhi: The Indian Army has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tiranga Mountain Rescue (TMR) today at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), Delhi Cantt, in the presence of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff. This collaboration is set to elevate the Army’s capabilities in avalanche rescue and survival operations in challenging mountainous terrains.

The MoU was signed by Maj Gen Manish Luthra, Additional Director General Military Operations (A), on behalf of the Indian Army, and Hemant Sachdev, a dedicated mountaineer and Mount Everest Summiteer, on behalf of TMR. The partnership outlines a comprehensive framework for customised training programs for Army instructors, equipping them with advanced rescue and survival skills to mentor troops stationed in high-altitude regions.

General Upendra Dwivedi praised the collaboration, emphasizing the critical role TMR has played in mountain rescue operations. In recognition of their efforts, he awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation Cards to two members of TMR’s rescue team, commending their dedication and life-saving contributions.

Lt Gen Tarun Kumar Aich, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), hailed the MoU as a mutually beneficial agreement, underscoring TMR’s unwavering service in saving lives over the past nine years. He lauded TMR’s continued support in training and rescue missions, which has proven invaluable to the Army. Hemant Sachdev highlighted that 15 teams from TMR are currently deployed in collaboration with the Indian Army across various regions, significantly contributing to the rescue of lives in avalanche-prone areas.

This MoU builds upon the initial partnership established in 2016 with the Army’s Northern Command, which brought TMR’s expertise to avalanche and rescue operations. Subsequent agreements with the Eastern and Central Commands in 2021 and 2024 expanded this collaboration. The latest MoU aims to further leverage TMR’s skills, enhancing the Army’s ability to conduct effective rescue missions under extreme conditions.