The Indian Army recently conducted a familiarisation tour of Defence Attachés of 29 countries to historic Natu La Pass and other places of tourist interest in Sikkim on 1st and 2nd May.

The aim of the visit was to showcase the operational challenges and the environment under which the Indian Army operates in these remote and inhospitable terrain. The Defence Attachés visited Chhangu lake, Banjhakari waterfall, Himalayan Zoological Park and other such scenic places reflecting beautiful and diverse land, tradition and cultural heritage of India. The group visited Natu La on 2nd May and an interesting moment happened during the tour when Maj Gen Yu Haibo, Defence Attaché of China met the PLA officers and soldiers across the wire fence that demarcates the border between two nations at Natu la.

The visiting group was also briefed by the GOC Black Cat Division, who later interacted with the visiting delegation and gave them the perspective of the area. The Defence Attachés found the experience very memorable and thanked the Indian Army for providing them this unique opportunity.