What happened?
In the run-up to Army Day on January 15, 2025, Reliance JIO (private sector telecom giant), in partnership with the Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps, announced the successful installation of a 5G base station at Siachen glacier.
Why it matters to India
The move will enable high-speed internet connectivity for Indian soldiers posted at 16,000 feet in the Karakoram range. The area, which is often referred to as the world’s highest battleground, is characterised by extreme weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to as much as -50 degrees Celsius. This development underscores the Indian army’s use of new technological advancements in partnership with the private sector to secure India’s defences in border regions.