Ladakh's Critical Role in India's National Security: A Veteran Air Force Officer's Perspective

Oct 08, 2025 07:53 pm CST

In this reflective account, a retired Air Vice Marshal of the Indian Air Force shares his four-decade connection with Ladakh and expresses concern over recent unrest in the region. The author highlights the strategic importance of Ladakh's resilient people, their historical contributions to India's security, and the need for reconciliation following violent protests that resulted in civilian casualties. The piece emphasizes how Ladakhis have supported military operations in extreme conditions and argues that maintaining strong civil-military relations in this border region is essential for India's national security posture.