Operation Meghdoot was launched on 13 April 1984 when the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force went into the Glacier. Operation Meghdoot was in support of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces in Northern Ladakh, to secure control of the heights predominating the Siachin glacier, also referred to as the world`s third pole and potentially a dangerous flash point on the uncertain Northern borders.

IAF Il-76s, An 12s and An 32s transported stores and troops, airdropped supplies to high altitude airfields while Mi-17s, Mi-8s, Chetaks and Cheetahs carried men and material to faint heights far above the limits set by the helicopter manufacturers. In fighting for this "roof-of-the world" since April 1984, the IAF`s incredible performance at the boundaries of temperature and altitude remains a continuing story of strength and cleverness. But few people know that Siachen operations actually started way back in 1978. Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world.