Why in news?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has flagged off a joint mountaineering expedition to Mt Aconcagua in Argentina. The team, comprising instructors from the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM), departed on 6 February and aims to summit the peak by the end of the month. The climb will test the physical endurance and leadership skills of the participants while promoting adventure sports in India.
Background
Mt Aconcagua, at 6,961 metres, is the highest mountain in South America and the highest peak outside Asia. Situated in the Andes of western Argentina near the Chilean border, it is part of the Seven Summits challenge – climbing the tallest mountains on each continent. The peak attracts climbers from around the world, with most following the non‑technical Normal Route on the north face. However, the altitude and extreme weather make it a formidable challenge, requiring careful acclimatisation.
The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, based in Uttarkashi, and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports in Jammu & Kashmir are premier training centres under India’s Ministry of Defence. They run courses in rock climbing, ice craft, search‑and‑rescue and expedition leadership. Joint expeditions to high peaks enable instructors to hone their skills and inspire students back home.
Details of the expedition
- Team composition: The expedition includes instructors and staff from NIM and JIM, led by experienced mountaineers. The group has been training for months to build stamina and high‑altitude expertise.
- Route and schedule: After arriving in Argentina, the team will trek from the trailhead at Horcones to base camp at Plaza de Mulas. From there they will establish higher camps before attempting the summit by late February.
- Objectives: Besides summiting Aconcagua, the expedition aims to foster cooperation between the two institutes, test modern mountaineering equipment and give instructors hands‑on experience at extreme altitude.
- Training benefits: Successful ascents of world‑class peaks enhance the institutes’ curricula and motivate youth to pursue adventure sports and join the armed forces’ mountaineering units.
Significance
- Building capacity: Tackling high peaks develops resilience, leadership and teamwork among instructors, which in turn benefits trainees back in India.
- Global presence: An Indian summit on Aconcagua raises the country’s profile in international mountaineering circles.
- Encouraging adventure: Publicising such expeditions can inspire more Indians to take up mountaineering and appreciate the outdoors.
Conclusion
As the Indian team ascends the Andes, their journey serves as a testament to perseverance and international collaboration. Successful completion of the expedition will stand as a milestone for India’s mountaineering community and defence training institutes.
Sources: Press Information Bureau
