Rajnath Singh Flags-in First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in the First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi on 25 September 2026. The expedition recorded the first-ever summits of 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh in 23 days.

Expedition Profile

The expedition was undertaken by a team of 20 climbers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), which is based in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, the Director of NIMAS, led the team.

Geographical Setting

The summits were achieved in the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala, and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range. These locations are part of the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, which includes several mountain zones above 6,000 metres.

Institutional Context

NIMAS functions under the Ministry of Defence and is associated with mountaineering and adventure training. The expedition marked the third consecutive world record for NIMAS over the past three years.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ladakh is a Union Territory of India and contains some of the country’s highest mountain terrain.
• Mountaineering expeditions above 6,000 metres are classified as high-altitude climbs in adventure sports.
• NIMAS is located in Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Fit India movement is a national initiative linked with physical fitness and sports participation.

Official Ceremony

The flag-in ceremony was held at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi. Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior Ministry of Defence officials attended the event.

Adventure Sports Context

Mountaineering in India is associated with the Himalayan region, the Indian Army, and specialised training institutions such as NIMAS. The expedition was linked with youth exploration and adventure sports promotion.