The Indian Army has initiated the formation of the 72 Infantry Division, a new unit designated to bolster defenses along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. This division will operate under the Leh-based 14 Corps, also known as the "Fire & Fury Corps," which is responsible for securing some of the most strategically important and challenging frontiers in the world. India Today+1The Statesman+1ThePrint+2The New Indian Express+2The Statesman+2

The decision to raise the 72 Division was originally approved in 2017 as part of the establishment of the 17 Mountain Strike Corps, aimed at enhancing India's offensive capabilities in mountainous terrains. Initially planned to be based in Pathankot, the division's focus was on operations in Eastern Ladakh. However, following the 2020 standoff with China, plans were adjusted to station the division directly in the Ladakh region to address evolving security dynamics. ThePrint+1Vajiram & Ravi+1

The 72 Infantry Division will complement the existing 3rd Infantry Division, which has been responsible for guarding the LAC in the entire Ladakh region. This augmentation reflects a strategic shift towards a more robust and permanent military presence in Eastern Ladakh, aiming to enhance India's defensive posture along the contested border. India Today+1The Statesman+1

The establishment of this new division is part of a broader restructuring within the Indian Army to address contemporary security challenges and ensure preparedness along critical frontiers.

Sources

Yes, in the Eastern Sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, India has multiple army corps deployed for defense. Besides the 33rd Corps (Siliguri) and 4th Corps (Tezpur), the 3rd Corps (Dimapur) is also responsible for operations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Indian Army Corps in the Eastern Sector (LAC with China)

1. 33rd Corps (Siliguri, West Bengal) – "Trishakti Corps"

• 17th Mountain Division (Gangtok, Sikkim)

• 27th Mountain Division (Kalimpong, West Bengal)

• Primary Role: Defends Sikkim and the critical Siliguri Corridor ("Chicken’s Neck").

• Divisions:

2. 4th Corps (Tezpur, Assam) – "Gajraj Corps"

• 5th Mountain Division (Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh) – Protects Tawang sector.

• 21st Mountain Division (Assam)

• Primary Role: Responsible for Western & Central Arunachal Pradesh along the LAC.

• Divisions:

3. 3rd Corps (Dimapur, Nagaland) – "Spear Corps"

• 2nd Mountain Division (Dibrugarh, Assam) – Deployed in eastern Arunachal (Lohit & Dibang Valley region).

• Primary Role: Defends Eastern Arunachal Pradesh (Opposite Tibet & Myanmar border).

• Divisions:

Additional Deployments & Air Support

• Eastern Air Command (Shillong, Meghalaya) oversees air defense.

• IAF bases: Chabua, Jorhat, and Tezpur host Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, Apaches, and Chinooks.

• India has forward-deployed artillery (M777 howitzers), BrahMos missiles, and drones to enhance defense in the region.

Strategic Importance

India's Eastern LAC deployments are heavily focused on Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tawang sector, where China has made territorial claims. The 33rd Corps ensures Sikkim’s security, while the 4th and 3rd Corps cover Arunachal Pradesh against potential PLA incursions.