Galwan, a river valley located in Ladakh, is notoriously recalled for the brutal border conflicts between India and China in June 2020, which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. This event came after the 2017 Doklam standoff, a tri-junction involving India, Bhutan, and China.

In reaction to these and 75 additional key military engagement locations along the border, the Indian Army has collaborated with the Ministry of Tourism to endorse “battlefield tourism.” The program, titled "Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan," will be inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 15, aligning with the 77th Army Day.

An extensive website will support the initiative, offering visitors details about these 77 locations, their historical backgrounds, and travel arrangements, such as necessary permits. The site seeks to function as a primary resource for travel organization, showcasing virtual tours and engaging content about different battlefields and border regions.

Additionally, Defence Minister Singh highlighted a remarkable 30 percent rise in tourist arrivals in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh in the past four years, crediting this surge to improved infrastructure and growing interest in border tourism.

The chosen locations mainly stretch along the disputed borders with China and Pakistan, characterized by historical conflicts such as the 1962 Indo-China war and the Battle of Longewala during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The Tourism Ministry will promote these historic sites under the Incredible India initiative, increasing public awareness of India’s military heritage.

Authorities have revealed plans by the Army to convert historic battlefields and border regions into reachable tourist attractions, which were formerly limited due to their strategic significance and challenging landscapes. These locations will offer visitors perspectives on the experiences of troops assigned to isolated areas.

Many locations already feature war memorials and museums, which will enhance the visitor experience by presenting an accurate narrative of wartime events and their consequences. This initiative aims to foster connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic growth in border areas, with the Army working closely with local civil authorities to ensure these goals are met while maintaining operational readiness.

In a recent yearly press conference, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Army Chief, highlighted the Army’s dedication to the development of border regions, concentrating on four main pillars: infrastructure, communication, tourism, and education. He launched "Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan," a comprehensive platform for information and approvals for trips to forward battlefields, created in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism.