New Delhi: Five-and-a-half years after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a combat with Chinese troops during the deadly Galwan Valley clash, the world’s highest war memorial has been set up in Ladakh.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened the memorial virtually on Sunday.
Defence Minister inaugurated the #Galwan War Memorial (Ladakh) today. pic.twitter.com/vgglquNAd8
— News IADN (@NewsIADN) December 7, 2025
Set up near the KM-120 post on the strategic Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie Road in Ladakh, the memorial is located at one of the world’s harshest military deployment zones, amid sub-zero temperatures, low oxygen levels and unforgiving terrain.
Developed under the ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ initiative, a vision announced on Army Day, it has been constructed using red and black granite, which symbolise sacrifice and valour.
Modelled in the form of a trishul and damru, it’s a triangular installation representing energy and the mountains, flanked by an eternal flame and the National Flag. Encircling the monument are 20 bronze statues representing the soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending Galwan Valley.
There are a museum and a digital gallery capturing the Galwan encounter, Ladakh’s military history and the legacy of courage across generations in the war memorial complex. An auditorium has also been built to showcase stories of bravery and valour.
To attract visitors and boost tourism, Indian Army has developed amenities including the Tiger Brave Café at KM 23, another café at KM 56, and a Braveheart Bistro at the memorial site.
A souvenir shop, a ‘selfie point’ and an Army model briefing zone have also been set up for interested visitors.
In one of the most brutal confrontations in decades between India and China, the Galwan clash took place on the night of June 15, 2020. The troops fought without firearms under prior border agreement.
