{{short description|Military field formation of the Indian Army}} {{Infobox military unit | unit_name = XVII Corps | image = File:Brahmastra Corps.png | image_size = 180px | caption = Formation sign of Brahmastra Corps | dates = 2013 – Present | country = {{flag|India}} | allegiance = | branch = {{army|India}} | role = Mountain Strike Corps | size = Corps | command_structure = 20px Eastern Command | garrison = Panagarh<!-- Commanders --> | nickname = ''Brahmastra Corps'' | battles = | current_commander = Lt Gen Yash Ahlawat<br/>{{post-nominals|country=IND|size=80%|AVSM|YSM|SM|}} }} {{Military unit sidebar|title=Indian Army Corps (1915 - Present)|previous=XVI Corps|next=XXI Corps}} '''XVII Corps''' is the first mountain strike corps of India which has been built as a quick reaction force and as well as counter offensive force against China along LAC. Its headquarters are located at Panagarh in West Bengal under Eastern Command.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 June 2017 |title=Indian Army Is Fully Ready For A Two-And-A-Half Front War, Says Army Chief General Bipin Rawat |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2017/06/08/indian-army-is-fully-ready-for-a-two-and-a-half-front-war-says_a_22131995/ |work=HuffPost |location= New Delhi|access-date=8 June 2017 }}</ref> It is also known as Brahmastra Corps.
== History == Republic of India shares a boundary (LAC) of length 4,057 km<ref name="times of India - 5 airbases">{{cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=8 March 2011 |title=China has five airbases, extensive rail-road networks in Tibet: Antony |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/China-has-five-airbases-extensive-rail-road-networks-in-Tibet-Antony/articleshow/7648434.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=22 June 2017 }}</ref> with Tibet autonomous region. The two countries still have not resolved their disagreement about where exactly the border lies; specially over two regions – Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh. Intrusion of troops of PLA into Indian territory,<ref>{{cite news |last=WATTS |first=JAKE MAXWELL |date=2 May 2013 |title=Are China and India About to Fight Over Their Border? |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/05/are-china-and-india-about-to-fight-over-their-border/275518/ |work=The Atlantic |access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> construction of watch tower close to the mutually-accepted "border patrolling line" near Burtse,<ref>{{cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=12 September 2015 |title=Indian, Chinese troops in another face-off in Ladakh |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-Chinese-troops-in-another-face-off-in-Ladakh/articleshow/48937333.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=22 June 2017 }}</ref> "standardization" of the names of six towns in Arunachal Pradesh<ref>{{cite news |last=Joshua |first=Anita |date=19 April 2017|title=How to decipher China's answer|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170420/jsp/frontpage/story_147322.jsp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109033736/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170420/jsp/frontpage/story_147322.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 9, 2017 |work=The Telegraph (Calcutta), Guwahati Bureau |location=Guwahati |access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> (China claims that Arunachal Pradesh is integral part of China) enhanced the tension.
In addition, China has developed a rail network and five fully operational airbases in Tibet Autonomous Region. Key airfields include those at Hoping, Pangta and Kong Ka.<ref name="times of India - 5 airbases"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.claws.in/347/plaaf-deployments-in-tibet-manish-girdhar.html |title=PLAAF Deployments in Tibet |last=Girdhar |first=Manish |website=Centre for Land Warfare Studies |access-date=22 June 2017 |archive-date=3 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803184841/http://www.claws.in/347/plaaf-deployments-in-tibet-manish-girdhar.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In Tibet and Yunan, roads are extended over 58,000 km (in 2010)<ref name="times of India - 5 airbases"/> up to the border, at an approximate cost of about $325 billion. As a result of all these buildout of infrastructures, China can mobilize 30 divisions (over 15,000 soldiers each)<ref>{{cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=9 January 2014 |title=Army kicks off raising new mountain strike corps against China |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-kicks-off-raising-new-mountain-strike-corps-against-China/articleshow/28571907.cms |work= The Times of India |access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref> aside heading to the LAC within 48 hours. Moreover, about 300,011 PLA troops and six Rapid Reaction Forces are placed at Chengdu.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sen |first=Sudhi Ranjan |date=27 February 2015 |title= Only 20 Per Cent of India-China Strategic Border Roads Ready Till Now|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/only-one-fifth-of-india-china-strategic-border-roads-ready-till-now-743051 |work=NDTV |access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref>
To reinforce defensive power across the border in Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Army raised two new infantry divisions (1,260 officers and 35,000 soldiers) at Likapani<ref name="indiatvnews.com">{{cite news |date=9 January 2014 |title=Indian Army raises new mountain strike corps against China |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/indian-army-raises-new-mountain-strike-corps-against-china-32259.html |work=India TV News Desk |location=New Delhi |access-date=22 June 2017 }}</ref> and Missamari (Assam)<ref name="times of India - 5 airbases"/> in 2009–2010. However PLA outnumbered Indian army near border by three to one.<ref name="times of India - Fund crunch">{{cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=8 March 2011 |title=Fund crunch hits Army's new strike corps |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Fund-crunch-hits-Armys-new-strike-corps/articleshow/46940064.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=22 June 2017 }}</ref>
The formation of a Mountain Strike Corps was first proposed in the year 2000.<ref name=":1" />
On 13 January 2013, the Indian Army put forward a proposal to raise the Corps. The proposal also included raising two additional independent infantry divisions as well as two armoured division (including mechanised infantry units) which overall would cost around {{INRConvert|81000|c|lk=on|year=2013}} to be spent within seven years (12th Plan period (2012–17), with a little spillover into the 13th plan if necessary). The 12th Plan had already been allocated {{INRConvert|62000|c|lk=|year=2013}} for the Corps and the Army had asked for additional {{INRConvert|19000|c|lk=|year=2013}} in the proposal. The Corps would reportedly give the Army offensive capabilities across the Tibet Autonomous Region. The proposal had been approved by the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), a committee composed of the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The proposal then headed for the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by the Prime Minister and including the Defence Minister and the Finance Minister among others. The Corps was referred to the by the government earlier in 2012 for further thinking and refinement of the proposal. Two high-altitude divisions would be formed under the Corps.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-01-13 |title=China-wary Army for mountain strike corps |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/China-wary-Army-for-mountain-strike-corps/articleshow/18001374.cms |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
On 13 July 2013, the Cabinet Committee on Security gave the in principle approval for raising of the Corps at the cost of {{INRConvert|64678|c|lk=|year=2013}} to be spent throughout the 12th Plan period. The overall budget included {{INRConvert|39209|c|lk=|year=2013}} for capital expenditure. The Corps will have a strength of 90,274 soldiers and based at Panagarh (West Bengal).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-07-17 |title=Cabinet nod for mountain strike corps along China border |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-nod-for-mountain-strike-corps-along-china-border/article4925112.ece |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2013-07-18 |title=CCS nod for raising mountain strike corps along China border |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ccs-nod-for-raising-mountain-strike-corps-along-china-border/articleshow/21132826.cms |access-date=2025-03-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name="times of India - Fund crunch" />
From October 2013, the army started posting key officers in Ranchi, Jharkhand. On 1 January 2014, Lieutenant General Raymond Joseph Noronha, the first commander of 17 Corps, raised the flag of the XVII Corps for the first time in Ranchi, the temporary headquarters. The raising cost was {{INRConvert|26155|c|lk=|year=2014}}. The headquarters would be permanently shifted to Panagarh in around 2015.<ref name="indiatvnews.com" /><ref name="rediff.com">{{cite news |last=Chauhan |first=R S |date=3 January 2014 |title=Finally, an army strike corps aimed at China |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/finally-an-army-strike-corps-aimed-at-china/20140103.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=22 June 2017}}</ref>
In 2015, the raising of the Corps came to a halt due to financial constraints. As the government reportedly allocate the required funds for raising the Corps while the plans were approved in 2013. The final Corps size was planned to be "trimmed" as this was not a financially viable project. The Army had to utilise funds from its critical War Wastage Reserves (WWR) due to lack of funds.<ref name="times of India - Fund crunch" />
As of May 2017, the Army had started raising of the second division (72 Division) under the XVII Corps after the formation of 59 Division was almost completed. The new Division, to be based at Pathankot, would initially consist of one Brigade with plans to increase the strength to three Brigades. Raising of the Division was o be completed in three years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-05-29 |title=Army kicks off raising of 2nd division under Mountain Strike Corps, plans exercise in Ladakh |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/army-kicks-off-raising-of-2nd-division-under-mountain-strike-corps-plans-exercise-in-ladakh/articleshow/58884540.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2024-04-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
The corps was relocated from Ranchi to Panagarh in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-keep-eye-on-china-indian-army-shifts-mountain-strike-corps-headquarters-from-ranchi-to-panagarh-200313 |title=To keep eye on China, Indian Army shifts Mountain Strike Corps’ headquarters from Jharkhand to West Bengal |date=2019-02-28 |access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref>
As of 2021, only one Division was raised under 17 MSC with a strength of 16,000 personnel while the raising of another division at Pathankot was shelved. After 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes, 10,000 soldiers were reportedly added. The Corps Area of Responsibility was restricted to Sikkim and the Northeast India from the earlier responsibility if entire Northern borders. This was as part of Army's overall restructuring after the clashes.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2020-12-11 |title=Amid China stand-off, Mountain Strike Corps to get its own artillery brigade |url=https://theprint.in/defence/amid-china-stand-off-mountain-strike-corps-to-get-its-own-artillery-brigade/564973/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=India needs a dedicated mountain strike corps to tackle China |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/cover/2021/06/25/india-needs-a-dedicated-mountain-strike-corps-to-tackle-china.html |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref>
As of April 2024, the raising of the 72 Division was stopped midway due to "paucity of funds".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-14 |title=Eye on eastern Ladakh, new Army division likely to be raised this year |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/eye-on-eastern-ladakh-new-army-division-likely-to-be-raised-this-year-9268541/ |access-date=2024-04-15 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> In March 2025, a report suggested that the 72 Division was now being raised under the aegis of XIV Corps and would support the existing 3 Division with the Area of Responsibility of Eastern Ladakh. The HQ along with one Brigade was already deployed while the larger elements were being trained in western parts of India.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2025-03-27 |title=New Army division to defend Eastern Ladakh |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Mar/27/new-army-division-to-defend-eastern-ladakh#ampshare=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Mar/27/new-army-division-to-defend-eastern-ladakh |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
== Order of Battle (ORBAT) == thumb|17 Corps War Memorial at Panagarh.The initial plan at the time of raising was to have the corps with two infantry divisions, two independent armoured brigades and artillery, engineer, air defence and aviation brigades. Because of budgetary constraints, the raising was halted in 2018, leaving a truncated force comprising the Corps HQ, one infantry division and specific other combat and combat support elements. The 17 Corps was also expected to have 30 infantry brigades and 2 Para SF brigades.<ref name="ET">{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/view-to-deal-with-the-chinese-threat-on-the-lac-revive-the-mountain-strike-corps/articleshow/77081751.cms|title=View: To deal with the Chinese threat on the LAC, revive the Mountain Strike Corps|date=2020-07-21|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref>
The Corps consists of - *'''23 Infantry Division''' - The division has been moved from I Corps to XVII Corps. As I Corps moved to South Western Command, the division is situated at Ranchi.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2026-01-12 |title=Exclusive: Plans for four agile Army battle groups in the east gather pace |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/plans-for-four-agile-army-battle-groups-in-the-east-gather-pace-10468172/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260112114312/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/plans-for-four-agile-army-battle-groups-in-the-east-gather-pace-10468172/ |archive-date=2026-01-12 |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2021-10-26 |title=As tensions with China continue, beefed-up Mountain Strike Corps reaches Arunachal for exercise |url=https://theprint.in/defence/as-tensions-with-china-continue-beefed-up-mountain-strike-corps-reaches-arunachal-for-exercise/756844/ |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> *'''59 Infantry Division''' - Established at Panagarh. It consists of six Brigades, of which three are Infantry and one each of Engineers, Air Defence and Artillery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/experts-debate-the-necessity-of-second-mountain-strike-corps-for-china-border/articleshow/78638401.cms|title=Experts debate the necessity of second Mountain Strike Corps for China border|date=2020-10-30|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref> **Three Integrated Battle Groups (IBG)<ref name=":0" /> *'''17 Artillery Brigade''' - Raised in 2020–21. Includes multiple guns like including M777 howitzer (Ultra Light Howitzers).<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> *One Rudra all-arms brigades<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=2025-07-28 |title=Fast, furious, and future-ready: Why Indian Army's Rudra Brigade could be a game-changer against China and Pakistan |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/fast-furious-and-future-ready-why-indian-armys-rudra-brigade-could-be-a-game-changer-against-china-and-pakistan/articleshow/122944381.cms |access-date=2025-08-02 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref>
== Testbed for Integrated Battle Groups == {{Main|Indian Army#Integrated Battle Groups}} The XVII Corps was one of the Corps, along with IX Corps, were used as the testbeds to explore the concept of Integrated Battle Group (IBG) combined arms formations. The concept was initially conceived in 2013 during a field exercise in Punjab<ref>{{Cite web |last=Banerjee |first=Ajay |date=2025-07-28 |title=‘Rudra’ to power up brigades for future wars |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/rudra-to-power-up-brigades-for-future-wars/ |access-date=2025-07-29 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> and was later revived in 2018 by the then Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) General Bipin Rawat.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-05-11 |title=Integrated Battle Groups - Current Affairs |url=https://www.nextias.com/ca/current-affairs/11-05-2022/integrated-battle-groups |access-date=2024-11-30 |language=en-US}}</ref>
The Integrated Battle Groups were Brigade-sized, self-sufficient combined arms units commanded by an officer of the rank Major General. They were meant to transform the overall field formation of the Indian Army. The concept was tested with the IX Corps by July 2019 and were undergoing certain reorganisation based on few feedbacks. The new restructuring will further reduce the 72-hours response time determined in the Cold Start Doctrine to under 24 hours. Their resources and structure would be decided based on the threat and terrain at the deployment location. An IBG would include 5,000 troops and sub units from multiple arms like infantry, armoured, artillery and air defence.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2019-07-28 |title=Army’s first Integrated Battle Groups to be structured by end of next month |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/armys-first-integrated-battle-groups-to-be-structured-by-end-of-next-month/article28739575.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130085046/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/armys-first-integrated-battle-groups-to-be-structured-by-end-of-next-month/article28739575.ece/amp |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2024-11-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In October 2019, the XVII Corps conducted Exercise Him Vijay, the first field implementation of such a formation, which included three IBGs from the 59 Infantry Division.<ref name=":0" />
By May 2022, the IBGs were test-bedded by IX Corps and further validated by the XVII Corps. The Army identified these Corps for total 'IBG-isation', which would be done parallel to the formation of Integrated Theatre Commands to integrate the Armed Forces into larger theatres. The IBGs will replace the traditional Brigades (3,000-3,500 troops) and Divisions (10,000-12,000 troops) existing in the Army.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2022-05-11 |title=Integrated Battle Groups are in final stage, says Army Chief |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/May/10/integrated-battle-groups-are-in-final-stage-says-army-chief-2452166.html |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-05-10 |title=Consultations on creation of Integrated Battle Groups being compiled: Army Chief Gen. Pande |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/consultations-on-creation-of-integrated-battle-groups-being-compiled-army-chief-gen-pande/article65401706.ece#amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=17329345679323&referrer=https://www.google.com&share=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/consultations-on-creation-of-integrated-battle-groups-being-compiled-army-chief-gen-pande/article65401706.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241130085029/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/consultations-on-creation-of-integrated-battle-groups-being-compiled-army-chief-gen-pande/article65401706.ece%23amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=17329345679323&referrer=https://www.google.com&share=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/consultations-on-creation-of-integrated-battle-groups-being-compiled-army-chief-gen-pande/article65401706.ece |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2024-11-30 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
As of June 2024, 2 IBGs under 9 Corps and 5 IBGs under 17 Corps had been raised two phases, respectively. These formations were war-gamed and validated in multiple exercises. The Army HQ had earlier submitted the report on Phase-1 of 'IBG-isation' to the Defence Ministry while the same for Phase 2 was to be submitted before issuing the official Government Sanction Letter (GSL). The original plan was to first carve out 8-10 IBGs (5,000 to 6,000 troops each) initially and then create more over the years. As of now, the Army has 14 Corps (40,000 to 70,000 troops each), with four of them being strike formations.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2024-06-10 |title=New government to decide on Army's integrated battle group plan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-government-to-decide-on-armys-integrated-battle-group-plan/articleshow/110854869.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130115531/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-government-to-decide-on-armys-integrated-battle-group-plan/articleshow/110854869.cms |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2024-11-30 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> By November 2024, the Army submitted a draft Government Sanction Letter seeking official approval for the establishment of these IBGs. The issuing of the GSL will imply the approval for the implementation of IBGs. Post approval, the Army aims to have the IBGs operational by 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-05 |title=India Gears Up for Battle-Ready Integrated Groups Along Its Borders |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-gears-up-for-battle-ready-integrated-groups-along-its-borders-3656711/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-05 |title=India to deploy Integrated Battle Groups to counter China days after border truce |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-deploy-integrated-battle-groups-counter-china-military-presence-border-breakthrough-2628459-2024-11-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130120355/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-deploy-integrated-battle-groups-counter-china-military-presence-border-breakthrough-2628459-2024-11-05 |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>
On 26 July 2025, on the occasion of 26th Kargil Vijay Diwas, the CoAS General Upendra Dwivedi introduced the '''Rudra all-arms brigades''' in Drass War Memorial. The plan includes conversion of 250 single-arm brigades to all-arms ones with integration of fighting elements like infantry, mechanised infantry, armoured (tanks), Special Forces as well as support elements like artillery, engineers, air defence, electronic warfare and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). The formations will receive specially prepared logistics for support and combat support.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |date=2025-07-27 |title=All about Indian Army's new Rudra brigade and Bhairav Commando units |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/all-about-indian-armys-new-rudra-brigade-and-bhairav-commando-units-101753585802213.html |access-date=2025-07-27 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Shivani |date=2025-07-26 |title=Rudra brigades, Bhairav battalions to boost Army's capabilities in border areas |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rudra-bhairav-all-arms-brigades-to-boost-armys-on-ground-capabilities-in-border-areas-2761813-2025-07-26 |access-date=2025-08-02 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> The design of the all-arms brigade itself evolved from the IBG concept with few but major modifications including these brigades being slightly larger than standard brigades against the IBG which were scaled-down Divisions. Also, the Rudra units will be commanded by a Brigadier-ranked officer, unlike a Major General-commanded IBG formation.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Rana |first=Javaria |date=2025-08-25 |title=Army ramps up two-front readiness, 5 Bhairav Commando units ready for frontline deployment |url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-ramps-up-two-front-readiness-5-bhairav-commando-units-ready-for-frontline-deployment/2727902/ |access-date=2025-08-25 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref> While one brigade each, under the IX and XVII Corps, have already been converted to Rudra brigade, they are likely to be operationalised with few months.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |title=Army to station specialised ‘Rudra’ brigades in eastern Ladakh, Sikkim |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/army-to-station-specialised-rudra-brigades-in-eastern-ladakh-sikkim/ |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6" />
In January 2026, a report revealed plans of the Indian Army to convert two Divisions under XVII Corps. The plans have been fast-tracked according to sources. The IBGs will comprise a Major General-ranked commanding officer with a size of over 5,000 troops but without any Brigade commander. The IBG will be able to draw logistics and other support elements from units placed under its respective Corps HQ, while a dedicated group can also be established to draw fire support. However, their implementation remains under discussion and could be further refined before deployment. The approach to capability development is based on capacity assessments, not on a threat-based model..<ref name=":4" />
==Mascot== The corps mascot is the Snow leopard, signifying strength, resolve and bravery - traits associated with the predator, with which it shares its geographical habitat.
== Exercise == {| class="wikitable" !Name !Date !Location !Notes, References |- |HimVijay |October 2019 |High Altitude Areas of Arunachal Pradesh along LAC | * Debut Exercise of XVII Corps. * Debut IBG exercise in Eastern Command * IV Corps & IAF participated.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-armys-mountain-strike-corps-air-force-to-carry-out-war-games-near-china-border/articleshow/71076213.cms?from=mdr|title=Indian Army's Mountain Strike Corps, Air Force to carry out war games near China border|date=2019-09-11|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-12}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |author=Philip |first=Snehesh |date=2019-09-11 |title=Army to debut its Mountain Strike Corps next month, at HimVijay exercise in Arunachal |url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-debut-its-mountain-strike-corps-next-month-at-himvijay-exercise-in-arunachal/289902/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130114335/https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-debut-its-mountain-strike-corps-next-month-at-himvijay-exercise-in-arunachal/289902/ |archive-date=2024-11-30 |access-date=2020-12-20 |work=ThePrint}}</ref> |- | |October 2021 |Arunachal Pradesh |<ref name=":2" /> |}
== List of General Officers Commanding== {{Incomplete list|date=June 2021}} {| class="wikitable" !Rank !Name !Appointment Date !Left office !Unit of Commission !Reference |- |rowspan=16|Lieutenant General |Raymond Joseph Noronha |1 January 2014 |April 2015 |Rajput Regiment |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/finally-an-army-strike-corps-aimed-at-china/20140103.htm|title=Finally, an army strike corps aimed at China|date=2014-01-03|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref> {{refn|group=nb|At the time of raising the corps, General Noronha had not yet picked up the rank of Lieutenant General, which he shortly did after assuming command.}} |- |Lalit Kumar Pandey |April 2015 |2016 |The Grenadiers |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/mountain-strike-corps-celebrates-2nd-raising-day.html|title=Mountain Strike Corps celebrates 2nd Raising Day|date=2016-01-03|access-date=2021-07-14|archive-date=2021-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714141057/https://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/state-editions/mountain-strike-corps-celebrates-2nd-raising-day.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |Rajeev Chopra |2016 |2017 |Madras Regiment |<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2017/may01-17/h15.htm|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations – 26 Madras|date=2017-05-01|access-date=2021-07-14}}</ref> |- |Sudarshan Shrikant Hasabnis |2017 |June 2018 |Bombay Sappers |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aviation-defence-universe.com/the-bombay-sappers-reunion-2018/|title=Bombay Sappers Celebrates Its Reunion 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2017/state-editions/dipatoli-cantonment-celebrates-18th-kargil-vijay-diwas.html|title=Dipatoli Cantonment celebrates 18th Kargil Vijay Diwas}}{{Dead link|date=January 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> |- |Pandala Nagesh Rao |June 2018 |15 June 2019 |Parachute Regiment |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/maj-gen-p-nagesh-rao-takes-over-command-at-red-shield-div-114121500559_1.html|title=Maj Gen P Nagesh Rao takes over command at Red Shield Div}}</ref> |- |Shashank Shekhar Mishra |15 June 2019 |June 2020 |Kumaon Regiment |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/easterncomd/status/1140291282201219073|title=Lt Gen Shashank Shekhar Mishra, VSM took over took as GOC Brahmashtra Corps on 15 June 2019 from Lt Gen Pandala Nagesh Rao, YSM, SM. The Gen Officer has held several distinguished appointments during his career spanning 36 years @adgpi @SpokespersonMoDpic.twitter.com/rSL70d1lAn|last=EasternCommand_IA|date=2019-06-16|website=@easterncomd|language=en|access-date=2019-09-12}}</ref> |- |Savneet Singh |June 2020 |June 2021 |Garhwal Rifles |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/indian-offensive-retake-chinese-seized-territory-hidden-story|title=Indian offensive to retake Chinese seized territory: The hidden story|date=2020-09-06|access-date=2021-07-14|archive-date=2021-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714141057/https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/indian-offensive-retake-chinese-seized-territory-hidden-story|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |Rajinder Dewan |19 June 2021 |24 June 2022 |Sikh Regiment |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1406137557369298950|title=ADG PI tweet-Lieutenant General Rajinder Dewan, assumed the command of Brahmastra Corps|date=2021-06-19|access-date=2021-06-19}}</ref> |- |V. M. Bhuvana Krishnan |24 June 2022 |30 September 2023 |Dogra Regiment |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://neindiabroadcast.com/2022/06/25/lt-gen-vm-bhuvana-krishnan-avsmysm-took-over-the-command-of-the-brahmastra-corps/|title=Lt Gen VM Bhuvana Krishnan, AVSM, YSM took over the command of the Brahmastra Corps|date=2022-06-25|access-date=2022-06-27}}</ref> |- |Rajeev Puri |1 October 2023 |19 November 2024 |Rajput Regiment |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2023/oct/01/sobti-appointed-navysdeputy-chief-puri-to-headarmys-mountain-corps-2619749.html|title=Sobti appointed Navy’s deputy chief, Puri to head Army’s Mountain Corps|date=2023-10-01|access-date=2023-10-04}}</ref> |- |Yash Singh Ahlawat |20 November 2024 |''Incumbent'' |Madras Regiment |<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-20 |title=Lt General Yash Ahlawat Assumes Command of Brahmastra Corps |url=https://www.ssbcrack.com/2024/11/lt-general-yash-ahlawat-assumes-command-of-brahmastra-corps.html |access-date=2024-11-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
==Notes== {{reflist|group=nb}}
== References == {{Reflist|30em}}
== External links == <!-- Use the format: * [http://www.example.com/ example.com] --> * {{cite news |last=Unnithan |first=Sandeep |date=24 February 2016 |title=The mountain is now a molehill |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/20160307-indian-army-mountain-chinese-territory-general-dalbir-singh-arun-jaitley-budget-828539-2016-02-24 |work=India Today |access-date=8 June 2017 }} *{{cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=8 May 2014 |title=Army chief reviews mountain strike corps |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Army-chief-reviews-mountain-strike-corps/articleshow/34795843.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=22 June 2017 }}
{{Indian Army}} {{Active_corps_of_the_Indian_Army}}
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