Defence Minister flags-in Indian Army Skiing Expedition, ARMEX-21

Source: PIB

What is the News?

Union Defence Minister has flagged-in the Indian Army Skiing Expedition (ARMEX-21) in New Delhi.

About ARMEX-21:

• ARMEX-21 is an Army Skilling Expedition conducted by the Indian Army.
• Purpose: It was conducted in the mountain ranges of the Himalayan region to promote the adventure activity in the country and the Indian Army.
• During the expedition, the team covered 1,660 kms from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Malari in Uttarakhand. They also gathered information about several hitherto uncharted areas along the international boundary.

About Karakoram Pass:

• Karakoram Pass is a mountain pass between India and China in the Karakoram Range.
• The mountain pass is located on the boundary between the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China, and connects Leh with Yarkand.
• The pass has no vegetation nor snow because of the high-speed wind, which constantly blows in the region. Animal life is also non-existent in the area. However, temperatures are low and blizzards are common.
• The pass also plays a major geographic role in the dispute between Pakistan and India over control of the Siachen Glacier area immediately to the southwest of the pass.