Indian Army’s Oldest Armoured Regiment: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Honours 16th Light Cavalry on 250th Raising Day
PUNE, March 2, 2026 — Marking a monumental milestone in Indian military history, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, visited the 16th Light Cavalry to celebrate its 250th Raising Day.
As the oldest armoured regiment of the Indian Army and the first to be “Indianised” back in 1922, the 16th Light Cavalry holds a prestigious position in the nation’s defense lineage. The Army Commander’s visit served as a powerful tribute to two and a half centuries of unwavering discipline, regimental pride, and operational excellence that have defined this elite unit since its inception.
The Regiment’s storied combat record is a testament to its decisive offensive spirit and steadfast professionalism across multiple eras of conflict.
Most notably, the unit earned the Theatre Honour Punjab for the capture of Gadgor during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, followed by a relentless armoured thrust through the Shakargarh Bulge in 1971.
Further cementing its legacy, the 16th Light Cavalry holds the unique distinction of being the only armoured regiment to participate in the high-altitude warfare of the Kargil War during Operation Vijay in 1999, where it played a critical role in supporting the historic capture of Tololing.
During the commemorative event, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth paid solemn homage to the Regiment’s fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the War Memorial, followed by a review of a traditional Mounted Parade.
The Army Commander spent significant time interacting with veterans and their families, acknowledging the “quiet strength” and dedication required to carry such a profound legacy across generations.
He praised the veterans for their enduring contribution to the Regiment’s ethos and their continued commitment to Nation Building long after their active service concluded.In his address to all ranks, Lt Gen Seth exhorted the soldiers to remain professionally exceptional and operationally agile in an increasingly complex security landscape.
He emphasized the urgent need for accelerating Tech Absorption to stay ahead of evolving modern threats, ensuring that the 16th Light Cavalry continues to uphold its time-honoured standards of valour and duty.
The 250th anniversary serves as both a reflection on a glorious past and a roadmap for the Regiment’s future as a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s Decade of Transformation.