Why in the News?
At the Republic Day Parade 2026, the Remount and Veterinary Corps of the Indian Army will, for the first time, showcase a curated animal contingent including Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs and raptors, highlighting the operational role of animals in military logistics and combat support.
About the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC)
- A specialised corps of the Indian Army
- Responsible for
- Breeding, rearing and training of Army animals
- Veterinary care and animal health services
- Supports operations in high altitude, desert and difficult terrains
Historical Background
- Origin traced to the Stud Department established in Bengal in 1779
- Reorganised as
- Army Veterinary Corps in 1920
- Indian Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1950
- Formally designated as Remount and Veterinary Corps in 1960
- Motto: Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharma
- Awarded the President’s Flag in 1989
- Headquarters at Meerut
Role and Functions of RVC
- Ensures operational readiness of animals for
- Logistics
- Reconnaissance
- Counter terrorism
- Disaster response
- Mules and ponies used for supply transport where vehicles and aircraft cannot operate
- Army dogs trained for
- Explosive and mine detection
- Tracking and guarding
- Avalanche and disaster rescue
- Combat roles
- Supports UN peacekeeping missions, Military diplomacy and NCC horse riding training
| [2024] Operations undertaken by the Army towards upliftment of the local population in remote areas to include addressing of their basic needs is called:
(a) Operation Sankalp (b) Operation Maitri (c) Operation Sadbhavana (d) Operation Madad |
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