Ladakh, June 17, 2025 – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid solemn tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army at the historic Rezang La War Memorial in Chushul, Ladakh. During her visit, she laid a wreath and honored the martyrs who laid down their lives defending the nation in one of the most iconic battles of the 1962 India-China war.
Situated at an altitude of over 15,000 feet in the Chushul plains, the Rezang La Memorial stands as a powerful symbol of valor, sacrifice, and patriotism. The monument was erected in 1963, a year after the legendary Battle of Rezang La, to commemorate the supreme bravery of the Charlie Company of the 13 Kumaon Regiment.
On November 18, 1962, 120 soldiers of the Charlie Company, under the leadership of Major Shaitan Singh, fought till their last breath against overwhelming Chinese forces. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they defended the Rezang La pass and the surrounding regions situated at over 16,500 feet in the unforgiving terrain of the Kailash Ranges in Eastern Ladakh.
During the ceremony, Sitharaman was accompanied by military personnel and village representatives of Chushul, now declared a ‘Vibrant Village’ under the government’s border development program. The Minister bowed in respect before the memorial bearing the names of the fallen heroes, as army units stood in solemn formation and offered salutes in their honor.
Her tribute underscores the nation’s enduring gratitude to the courageous soldiers whose unwavering spirit has inspired generations. The visit also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to recognizing and preserving the legacy of India’s military history in strategically vital border regions.