Defence Minister flags-off NIM-JIM&WS joint expedition to Argentina’s Mt Aconcagua
Physical endurance, leadership, teamwork & mental resilience define India’s finest mountaineers: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged-off a joint expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina from South Block, New Delhi on February 5, 2026. The mountain at 6,961 metres stands as the highest peak of South America and the highest mountain outside Asia. The joint expedition is being undertaken by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS), Pahalgam.
Defence Minister commended the NIM and JIM&WS for preparing the personnel to face challenges with courage, grit and determination. Extending his best wishes to the team, he stated that scaling this formidable peak is not merely a test of physical endurance but a true examination of leadership, teamwork and mental resilience which define the finest mountaineers of India. He exuded confidence that the members will successfully complete the expedition to the highest peak of South America & the highest mountain outside Asia, and make the nation proud.
The six-member team comprises highly-trained instructors – Col Hem Chandra Singh, Capt G Santhosh Kumar, Mr. Deep Bahadur Sahi, Mr. Vinod Gusain, Nb Sub Bhupinder Singh, and Hav Ramesh Kumar. The journey will commence on February 06, 2026, and the expedition is expected to conclude by the end of the month.
The knowledge, experience and confidence gained on Mt Aconcagua will directly contribute to safer, stronger and more effective training of youth, Armed Forces personnel and adventure enthusiasts across the country. This expedition also symbolises India’s growing presence in global adventure and mountain exploration.
