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{{About|the present-day formation of the Indian Army|British Indian formation of the Second World War|XXXIII Corps (British India)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}}
{{short description|Military field formation of the Indian Army}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = XXXIII Corps
| unit_name                     = XXXIII Corps
| image =  
| image                         = File:Trishakti Corps, Indian Army.svg
| caption =  
| image_size                    = 200px
| dates = 1948-1949<br/>1960-Present
| caption                       = Formation Sign of XXXIII Corps
| country = [[India]]
| dates                         = 1942-1945<br/>1960 – present
| allegiance =  
| country                       = {{flag|India}}
| branch = [[Indian Army]]
| allegiance                   =  
| size = [[Corps]]
| branch                       = {{army|India}}
| command_structure = Army Eastern Command
| role                          = Mountain (Holding) [[Corps]]
| garrison = [[Siliguri]]
| size                         = [[Corps]]
| equipment = <!-- Commanders -->
| command_structure             = [[File:Eastern Command, Indian Army.png|22px]] [[Eastern Command (India)|Eastern Command]]
| current_commander = Lt General [[Ajai Kumar Singh]]<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.rajbhavansikkim.gov.in/MessageDetl.aspx?MsgID=616 | title=Welcome to the official website of Rajbhavan, Gangtok, Sikkim}}</ref>
| garrison                     = [[Siliguri]]
| ceremonial_chief =  
| equipment                     = <!-- Commanders -->
| colonel_of_the_regiment =  
| current_commander             = [[Lieutenant general (India)|Lt Gen]] Manraj Singh Mann<br/>{{small|[[Sena Medal|SM]][[Medal bar|**]]}} {{postnominals|country=IND}}
| notable_commanders = [[General (India)|General]] [[Deepak Kapoor]]<br>[[General (India)|General]] [[Krishnaswamy Sundarji]]<br>[[General (India)|General]] [[Gopal Gurunath Bewoor]]
| ceremonial_chief             =  
| identification_symbol =  
| colonel_of_the_regiment       =  
| identification_symbol_2 = <!-- Culture and history -->
| notable_commanders           = [[General (India)|General]] [[Deepak Kapoor]]<br>[[General (India)|General]] [[Krishnaswamy Sundarji]]<br/>[[General (India)|General]] [[Jagjit Singh Aurora]]<br/>[[General (India)|General]] [[Gopal Gurunath Bewoor]] <br/>[[Harbaksh Singh|Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh]]
| nickname = ''Trishakti Corps''
| identification_symbol         =  
| patron =  
| identification_symbol_2       = <!-- Culture and history -->
| motto =  
| nickname                     = ''Trishakti Corps''
| colors =  
| patron                       =  
| mascot =  
| motto                         =  
| battles =  
| colors                       =  
| anniversaries =  
| mascot                       =  
| decorations =  
| battles                       =  
| battle_honours =  
| anniversaries                 =  
| decorations                   =  
| battle_honours               =  
}}
}}
'''XXXIII Corps''' is a [[corps]] of the [[Indian Army]]. It draws some of its heritage from the British Indian [[XXXIII Corps (British India)|XXXIII Corps]] which was formed in 1942, but disbanded in 1945. It was re-raised in 1960 at [[Shillong]].<ref name="Serving the nation for 46 years">{{cite web |title=Serving the nation for 46 years |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/serving-the-nation-for-46-years/cid/1077360 |website=www.telegraphindia.com |language=en}}</ref>
{{Military unit sidebar|title=Indian Army Corps (1915 - Present)|previous=[[XXI Corps (India)|XXI Corps]]|next='''None'''}}
The '''XXXIII Corps,''' or the '''Trishakti Corps,''' is a [[corps]] of the [[Indian Army]]. It draws some of its heritage from the British Indian [[XXXIII Corps (British India)|XXXIII Corps]], which was formed in 1942 but disbanded in 1945. It was re-raised in 1960 at [[Shillong]].<ref name="Serving the nation for 46 years">{{cite web |title=Serving the nation for 46 years |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/serving-the-nation-for-46-years/cid/1077360 |website=www.telegraphindia.com |language=en}}</ref>


==Re-Raising==
The corps is headquartered in Sukna in [[Siliguri]], North Bengal and is commanded by a [[Three-star rank|Three Star]] officer of the rank of [[Lieutenant General]] titled [[General Officer Commanding]] (GOC). His [[Chief of staff (military)|chief of staff]] is a [[Two-star rank|Two Star]] officer of the rank of [[Major General (India)|Major General]]. The total troop strength of the XXXIII corps is estimated to be between 45,000 and 60,000 soldiers.
The corps was re-raised by Lt Gen Umrao Singh on 1 November 1960.,<ref name="Serving the nation for 46 years"/> in order to reduce [[IV Corps (India)|IV Corps]]'s area of responsibilities. XXXIII Corps covered [[Sikkim]].


The Corps is based in Sukna, North [[Bengal]] near the city of [[Siliguri]]. Its area of responsibility includes North Bengal, [[Sikkim]] and if needed, [[Bhutan]], It comprises three mountain [[Division (military)|division]]s, 17th ([[Gangtok]]), 20th ([[Binnaguri]]), and 27th ([[Kalimpong]]).<ref>Kenneth Conboy, Elite Forces of India and Pakistan, Osprey</ref>
==History==
{{Indian Army Corps
The XXXIII Corps Operating Signal Regiment was a part of [[Fourteenth Army (United Kingdom)|XIV Army]] during [[World War II]]. The regiment moved to its present location along with the Corps HQ in 1962. It participated in the [[Indo-China war of 1962]] and captured some Chinese communication equipment. This equipment is kept in the [[Indian Army Corps of Signals|Corps of Signals]] Museum at [[Jabalpur]] to enable future generations of soldiers to know about the bravery and dedication shown by their predecessors.
|previous=[[XXI Corps (India)|XXI Corps]]
|next= -
}}
The coat of arms consists of a white horizontal band between two red bands (the standard formation sign background for corps in the [[Indian Army]]) with two crossed spears with wings in the foreground. The Corps HQ has an [[Indian Air Force]] air control unit attached to it, 3 TAC, commanded by a [[group captain]]. The corps has an organic Army Aviation Helicopter Squadron based at Sevoke flying the [[HAL Chetak]]. It is commanded by a full [[colonel]].


The Corps is commanded by a [[Three-star rank|Three Star]] officer of the rank of [[Lieutenant General]] and holds the title [[General Officer Commanding]] (GOC). His [[Chief of staff (military)|chief of staff]] is a [[Two-star rank|Two Star]] officer of the rank of [[Major General]]. The total troop strength of the XXXIII corps is estimated to be between 45,000 and 60,000 soldiers.
==Re-Raising==
 
The corps was re-raised by [[Lieutenant General (India)|Lieutenant General]] Umrao Singh on 1 November 1960, to reduce [[IV Corps (India)|IV Corps]]' area of responsibility.<ref name="Serving the nation for 46 years"/> The Corps is headquartered in [[Sukna]] in [[North Bengal]], near the city of [[Siliguri]]. Its area of responsibility includes North Bengal, [[Sikkim]], and if needed, [[Bhutan]]. It comprises three mountain [[Division (military)|division]]s, 17th ([[Gangtok]]), 20th ([[Binnaguri]]), and 27th ([[Kalimpong]]).<ref>Kenneth Conboy, Elite Forces of India and Pakistan, Osprey</ref>
The Indian Air Force bases at [[Bagdogra]] ([[Siliguri]]) and [[Hashimara]] are the air units co-tasked to the XXXIII Corps Area of Responsibility.
The coat of arms consists of a white horizontal band between two red bands (the standard formation sign background for corps in the [[Indian Army]]) with a black trident and a black spear with black wings in the foreground. The Corps HQ has an [[Indian Air Force]] air control unit attached to it, 3 TAC, commanded by a [[Group Captain]]. The corps also has an organic Army Aviation Helicopter Squadron based at [[Sevoke]] flying the [[HAL Chetak]]. It is commanded by a [[Colonel (India)|Colonel]]. The Indian Air Force bases at [[Bagdogra]] ([[Siliguri]]) and [[Hashimara]] are the air units co-tasked to the XXXIII Corps [[Area of Responsibility]].


==ORBAT==
It currently consists of:
It currently consists of:


*[[17th Infantry Division (India)|17th Mountain Division]] (Blackcat Division<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/17-div.htm|title=17 Mountain Division / Black Cat Division|last=Pike|first=John|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>) headquartered at [[Gangtok]].  
*[[17th Infantry Division (India)|17th Mountain Division]] (Blackcat Division<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/17-div.htm|title=17 Mountain Division / Black Cat Division|last=Pike|first=John|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>) headquartered at [[Gangtok]].  
**It was raised in 1959 and converted to a mountain division in 1963.  
**It was raised in 1959 and converted to a mountain division in 1963.  
**It is assigned to the Sikkim sector.<ref name=Conboy8>Conboy et al, p.8</ref>
**It is assigned to the [[Sikkim]] sector.<ref name=Conboy8>Conboy et al, p.8</ref>
*[[20th Infantry Division (India)|20th Mountain Division]] (Kirpan Division<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/20-div.htm|title=20 Infantry Division / Kirpan Division|last=Pike|first=John|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>) headquartered at [[Binnaguri]].
*[[20th Infantry Division (India)|20th Mountain Division]] (Kirpan Division<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/20-div.htm|title=20 Infantry Division / Kirpan Division|last=Pike|first=John|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>) headquartered at [[Binnaguri]].
**It was raised in 1963 and assigned to the Sikkim sector.<ref name=Conboy8 />  
**It was raised in 1963 and assigned to the [[Sikkim]] sector.<ref name=Conboy8 />  
**Composed of 66, 165, and 202 Mountain Brigades in 1971.
**Composed of the 66th, 165th, and 202nd Mountain Brigades in 1971.
*[[27th Infantry Division (India)|27th Mountain Division]] (Striking Lion Division<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/27-div.htm|title=27 Mountain Division / Striking Lion Division|last=Pike|first=John|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>) headquartered at [[Kalimpong]].  
*[[27th Infantry Division (India)|27th Mountain Division]] (Striking Lion Division<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/27-div.htm|title=27 Mountain Division / Striking Lion Division|last=Pike|first=John|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2017-05-14}}</ref>) headquartered at [[Kalimpong]].  
**It was converted to a mountain division in 1963.<ref name=Conboy8 />  
**It was converted to a mountain division in 1963.<ref name=Conboy8 />  
*Artillery brigade
*Division [[Artillery Brigade]]
 
*[[MR-SAM]] ([[Abhra]]) Regiment (raised in February 2023)<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-01-16 |title=Defence ministry inks Rs 2,960 crore deal for additional MR-SAM missiles for warships |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/defence-ministry-inks-rs-2960-crore-deal-for-additional-mr-sam-missiles-for-warships/articleshow/117301778.cms |access-date=2025-01-16 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
==XXXIII Corps in the India Pakistan War 1971==
The Siliguri-based XXXIII Corps handled the sensitive Indo-Tibetan border. XXXIII Corps, the formation that was responsible for the defence of the Macmahon line. The 33 Corps Operating Signal Regiment was a part of 14 Army during World War-II. The regiment moved to its present location along with the Corps HQ in 1962. It participated in the 1962 India-China war and captured some Chinese communication equipment. These equipment are kept in Corps of Signals Museum at Jabalpur to enable the future generations of soldiers know about the bravery and dedication shown by their predecessors.


The XXXIII Corps under Lieutenant General Mohan L. Thapan controlled 6 and 20 Mountain Divisions and 71 Mountain Brigade. While fighting the war to the south, however, the corps also had to look north and retained command of 17 and 27 Mountain Divisions on the Tibetan frontier. Furthermore, Thapan could not commit 6 Mountain Division without permission from New Delhi as it was to be held ready to move to the Bhutanese border in case China intervened in the war.
==Indo-Pakistani War of 1971==
The corps handled the sensitive Indo-Tibetan border and was responsible for the defence of the [[McMahon Line]]. The corps under [[Lieutenant General]] Mohan L. Thapan controlled the 6th and 20th Mountain Divisions and the 71st Mountain [[Brigade]]. While fighting the war in the south, however, the corps also had to look north and retained command of the 17th and 27th Mountain Divisions on the Tibetan frontier. Furthermore, Thapan could not commit the 6th Mountain Division without permission from [[New Delhi]], as it was to be held ready to move to the Bhutanese border in case [[China]] intervened in the war.


As elsewhere along the border, Indian forces in support of the Mukti Bahini made significant
As elsewhere along the border, Indian forces in support of the [[Mukti Bahini]] made significant inroads into [[East Pakistan]] before 3 December. Most notable was [[Brigadier]] Pran Nath Kathpalia’s 71st Mountain Brigade, which had pushed to the outskirts of [[Thakurgaon, Bangladesh|Thakurgaon]] by the eve of war. Efforts to capture the heavily fortified border village of [[Battle of Hilli|Hilli]], however, failed repeatedly in a struggle that raged off and on from 24 November to 11 December. Resolutely defended by Pakistani [[Frontier Force Regiment|4 Frontier Force]], [[Battle of Hilli|Hilli]] blocked the proposed advance of the 20th Division across the narrow "waist" of this sector.
in roads into East Pakistan prior to 3 December. Most notable was Brigadier Pran Nath Kathpalia’s 71 Mountain Brigade, which had pushed to the outskirts of Thakurgaon by the eve of war. Efforts to capture the heavily fortified border village of Hilli, however, failed repeatedly in a struggle that raged off and on from 24 November to 11 December. Resolutely defended by Pakistani 4 Frontier Force, Hilli blocked the proposed advance of 20 Division across the narrow “waist” of this sector.


After heavy losses in front of Hilli, the Indian division solved this problem by swinging around to the north and unleashing 340 Brigade under Brigadier Joginder Singh Bakshi. Bakshi moved swiftly to control the main north-south road, unhinging the defense of Hilli, splitting Pakistani 16 Division, and opening the way to Bogra, which town he effectively controlled by war’s end. The Pakistani division, despite continued resistance by isolated units, had ceased to exist as a coherent combat formation. Indicative of the chaotic situation, General Shah and the commander of 205 Brigade, Brigadier Tajammul Hussain Malik, were almost captured when Indian forces ambushed their convoy on 7 December. On the other hand, a last-minute Indian moves north by 66 and 202 Brigades to capture Rangpur proved unsuccessful.
After heavy losses in front of [[Battle of Hilli|Hilli]], the 20th Division solved this problem by swinging around to the north and unleashing the 340th Brigade under [[Brigadier (India)|Brigadier]] [[Joginder Singh Bakshi]]. Bakshi moved swiftly to control the main north-south road, unhinging the defence of [[Battle of Hilli|Hilli]], splitting the Pakistani 16th Division, and opening the way to [[Bogra]], which town he effectively controlled by war’s end. The Pakistani division, despite continued resistance by isolated units, had ceased to exist as a coherent combat formation. Indicative of the chaotic situation, [[General]] Shah and the commander of the 205th Brigade, [[Brigadier]] Tajammul Hussain Malik, were almost captured when Indian forces ambushed their convoy on 7 December. On the other hand, a last-minute Indian move north by the 66th and 202nd Brigades to capture [[Rangpur, Bangladesh|Rangpur]] proved unsuccessful.


In secondary actions, 9 Mountain Brigade secured most of the area north of the [[Tista River]] and an ad hoc command of Indian BSF and Mukti Bahini under Brigadier Prem Singh pushed out of Malda to capture Nawabganj in the extreme southeastern corner of the sector. Despite Bakshi’s performance and the generally successful advance of 71 Brigade, much of XXXIII Corps’ offensive power was allowed to lie idle far too long and Pakistani troops still held the major towns of the sector (Rangpur, Saidpur, Dinajpur, Nator, Rajshahi) when the cease-fire was announced. Likewise, the cease-fire intervened before the Indians could implement a hastily conceived plan to transfer 340 Brigade, a tank squadron, and an artillery battery across the Jamuna via the Phulchari ferry to take part in the advance on Dacca. With the exception of this squadron, all the armour was preparing to transfer to the west by the end of the war.
In secondary actions, the 9th Mountain Brigade secured most of the area north of the [[Tista River]] and an ad hoc command of [[India|Indian]] [[Border Security Force|BSF]] and [[Mukti Bahini]] under [[Brigadier]] [[Prem Singh (general)|Prem Singh]] pushed out of [[Malda, West Bengal|Malda]] to capture [[Chapai Nawabganj|Nawabganj]] in the extreme southeastern corner of the sector. Despite Bakshi’s performance and the generally successful advance of 71st Brigade, much of XXXIII Corps’ offensive power was allowed to lie idle far too long and Pakistani troops still held the major towns of the sector ([[Rangpur, Bangladesh|Rangpur]], [[Saidpur, Bangladesh|Saidpur]], [[Dinajpur]], Nator, [[Rajshahi]]) when the [[cease-fire]] was announced. Likewise, the [[cease-fire]] intervened before the Indians could implement a hastily conceived plan to transfer the 340th Brigade, a tank squadron, and an artillery battery across the [[Jamuna River (Bangladesh)|Jamuna]] via the Phulchari ferry to take part in the advance on [[Dacca]]. Except for this squadron, all the armour was preparing to transfer to the west by the end of the war.


==General Officers Commanding==
==General Officers Commanding==
{{Incomplete list|date=June 2021}}
{{Expand list|date=June 2021}}
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Rank
!Rank
!Name  
!Name  
!Appointment Date
!Appointment Date
!Left Office
!Left office
!Unit of Commission
!Unit of Commission
!References
!References
|-
|-
|rowspan=35|[[Lieutenant General]]
|rowspan=37|[[Lieutenant General]]
|Umrao Singh
|Umrao Singh
|1 November 1960
|1 November 1960
Line 136: Line 135:
|27 December 1981
|27 December 1981
|11 December 1983
|11 December 1983
|
|[[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]]
|
|
|-
|-
Line 151: Line 150:
|
|
|-
|-
|Arun Kumar Gautam
|Arun Kumar Gautama
|July 1993
|July 1993
|April 1994
|April 1994
|[[Indian Army Armoured Corps|Armoured Corps]]
|[[16th Light Cavalry]]
|
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/lt-gen-gautama-passes-away-8293539/|title=Ex-Western Army Commander Lt Gen Gautama passes away|date=2022-11-28|access-date=2022-12-22}}</ref>
|-
|-
|A B Masih
|A B Masih
Line 172: Line 171:
|20 November 2000
|20 November 2000
|19 August 2002
|19 August 2002
|[[4th Gorkha Rifles|3/4 Gorkha Rifles]]
|[[4th Gorkha Rifles]]
|<ref name="twitter.com"/>
|<ref name="twitter.com"/>
|-
|-
Line 193: Line 192:
|<ref name="twitter.com"/>
|<ref name="twitter.com"/>
|-
|-
|C K S Sabu
| CKS Sabu
|26 August 2006
|26 August 2006
|25 September 2007
|25 September 2007
Line 214: Line 213:
|26 November 2009
|26 November 2009
|2 November 2010
|2 November 2010
|[[Poona Horse]]
|[[Poona Horse|17th Horse (Poona Horse)]]
|<ref name="West Bengal: Delegation of 8 senior"/>
|<ref name="West Bengal: Delegation of 8 senior"/>
|-
|-
Line 244: Line 243:
|26 July 2015
|26 July 2015
|26 August 2016
|26 August 2016
||[[Brigade of the Guards|2nd Brigade of the Guards]]
||[[Brigade of the Guards]]
|
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Lt Gen Surinder Singh to be army’s Western Command chief |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/lt-gen-surinder-singh-to-be-army-s-western-command-chief/story-MxZ6wYzQEwT3hmy3uRhw2O.html |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |date=9 August 2016}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Sanjay Kumar Jha
|Sanjay Kumar Jha
Line 251: Line 250:
|27 August 2017
|27 August 2017
|[[Sikh Regiment|The Sikh Regiment]]
|[[Sikh Regiment|The Sikh Regiment]]
|
|<ref>{{cite web |title=Army issues posting orders for four corps commanders |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/army-issues-posting-orders-for-four-corps-commanders-4749549/ |website=The Indian Express |language=en |date=14 July 2017}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Pradeep M Bali  
|Pradeep M Bali  
Line 257: Line 256:
|29 August 2018
|29 August 2018
|[[Punjab Regiment (India)|Punjab Regiment]]
|[[Punjab Regiment (India)|Punjab Regiment]]
|
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gurung |first1=Shaurya Karanbir |title=Chinese Army delegation arrives in India to improve coordination along border |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/chinese-army-delegation-arrives-in-india-to-improve-coordination-along-border/articleshow/64845285.cms?from=mdr |website=The Economic Times}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Chandi Prasad Mohanty]]
|[[Chandi Prasad Mohanty]]
Line 265: Line 264:
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lt-gen-cp-mohanty-takes-charge-of-sukna-based-trishakti-corps-of-indian-army/states/news/1335384.html|title=Army to debut its Mountain Strike Corps next month, at HimVijay exercise in Arunachal|date=2018-08-30|access-date=2020-12-20|website=www.uniindia.com|language=en}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lt-gen-cp-mohanty-takes-charge-of-sukna-based-trishakti-corps-of-indian-army/states/news/1335384.html|title=Army to debut its Mountain Strike Corps next month, at HimVijay exercise in Arunachal|date=2018-08-30|access-date=2020-12-20|website=www.uniindia.com|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Nav K Khanduri
|[[Nav Kumar Khanduri]]
|13 September 2019
|13 September 2019
|13 September 2020
|13 September 2020
|[[Corps of Army Air Defence]]
|[[Corps of Army Air Defence]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lt-gen-nav-k-khanduri-assumes-charge-as-commander-of-trishakti-corps20190913201530/|title=Lt. Gen Nav K Khanduri assumes charge as commander of Trishakti Corps|website=www.aninews.in|language=en|access-date=2019-09-21}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lt-gen-nav-k-khanduri-assumes-charge-as-commander-of-trishakti-corps20190913201530/|title=Lt. Gen Nav K Khanduri assumes charge as commander of Trishakti Corps|website=www.aninews.in|language=en|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=21 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921062422/https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lt-gen-nav-k-khanduri-assumes-charge-as-commander-of-trishakti-corps20190913201530/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
|Ajai Kumar Singh
|[[Ajai Kumar Singh]]
|14 September 2020
|14 September 2020
|Present
|21 October 2021
|[[11th Gorkha Rifles]]
|[[11th Gorkha Rifles]]
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lieutenant-general-ajay-kumar-singh-calls-on-sikkim-chief-minister-ps-tamang/east/news/2259872.html|title=Lt Gen AK Singh calls on Sikkim CM|date=2020-12-10|access-date=2021-07-01}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uniindia.com/lieutenant-general-ajay-kumar-singh-calls-on-sikkim-chief-minister-ps-tamang/east/news/2259872.html|title=Lt Gen AK Singh calls on Sikkim CM|date=2020-12-10|access-date=2021-07-01}}</ref>
|-
|[[Tarun Kumar Aich]]
|22 October 2021
|31 October 2022
|[[Madras Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=aich |first1=tarun kumar |title=Tarun Kumar Aich takes over 33 corps |url=https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1451344412353699843}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=regiment |first1=madras |title=16 Madras Regiment |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/features/lt-gen-tarun-kumar-aich-takes-dg-ncc-1502944474.html}}</ref>
|-
|VPS Kaushik
|1 November 2022
|9 June 2024
|[[Kumaon Regiment]]
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/adgpi/status/1587367780675895296|title=Lt Gen VPS Kaushik took over as General Officer Commanding of Trishakti Corps from Lt Gen TK Aich|date=2022-11-01|access-date=2022-11-01}}</ref>
|-
|Zubin A Minwalla
|10 June 2024
|30 September 2025
|[[9th Gorkha Rifles]]
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://x.com/adgpi/status/1800150365213687980|title=Lt Gen Zubin Minwalla took over as General Officer Commanding of Trishakti Corps from Lt Gen VPS Kaushik|date=2024-06-10|access-date=2024-06-11}}</ref>
|-
|Man Raj Singh Mann
|1 October 2025
|''Incumbent''
|[[1 Gorkha Rifles]]
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mann |first1=Man Raj Singh |title=Lt gen Man Raj Singh Mann |url=https://shop.ssbcrack.com/blogs/blog/lieutenant-general-man-raj-singh-mann-takes-charge-of-trishakti-corps-leadership#:~:text=Lt%20Gen%20Man%20Raj%20Singh,both%20peacetime%20and%20conflict%20scenarios. |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>
|}
|}


Latest revision as of 23:41, 21 March 2026


XXXIII Corps
Error creating thumbnail: File missing
Formation Sign of XXXIII Corps
Active1942-1945
1960 – present
Country India
BranchError creating thumbnail: File missing Indian Army
RoleMountain (Holding) Corps
SizeCorps
Part of Eastern Command
Garrison/HQSiliguri
Nickname(s)Trishakti Corps
Commanders
Current
commander		Lt Gen Manraj Singh Mann
SM**
Notable
commanders		General Deepak Kapoor
General Krishnaswamy Sundarji
General Jagjit Singh Aurora
General Gopal Gurunath Bewoor
Lt Gen Harbaksh Singh

Template:Military unit sidebar The XXXIII Corps, or the Trishakti Corps, is a corps of the Indian Army. It draws some of its heritage from the British Indian XXXIII Corps, which was formed in 1942 but disbanded in 1945. It was re-raised in 1960 at Shillong.[1]

The corps is headquartered in Sukna in Siliguri, North Bengal and is commanded by a Three Star officer of the rank of Lieutenant General titled General Officer Commanding (GOC). His chief of staff is a Two Star officer of the rank of Major General. The total troop strength of the XXXIII corps is estimated to be between 45,000 and 60,000 soldiers.

History[edit | edit source]

The XXXIII Corps Operating Signal Regiment was a part of XIV Army during World War II. The regiment moved to its present location along with the Corps HQ in 1962. It participated in the Indo-China war of 1962 and captured some Chinese communication equipment. This equipment is kept in the Corps of Signals Museum at Jabalpur to enable future generations of soldiers to know about the bravery and dedication shown by their predecessors.

Re-Raising[edit | edit source]

The corps was re-raised by Lieutenant General Umrao Singh on 1 November 1960, to reduce IV Corps' area of responsibility.[1] The Corps is headquartered in Sukna in North Bengal, near the city of Siliguri. Its area of responsibility includes North Bengal, Sikkim, and if needed, Bhutan. It comprises three mountain divisions, 17th (Gangtok), 20th (Binnaguri), and 27th (Kalimpong).[2]

The coat of arms consists of a white horizontal band between two red bands (the standard formation sign background for corps in the Indian Army) with a black trident and a black spear with black wings in the foreground. The Corps HQ has an Indian Air Force air control unit attached to it, 3 TAC, commanded by a Group Captain. The corps also has an organic Army Aviation Helicopter Squadron based at Sevoke flying the HAL Chetak. It is commanded by a Colonel. The Indian Air Force bases at Bagdogra (Siliguri) and Hashimara are the air units co-tasked to the XXXIII Corps Area of Responsibility.

ORBAT[edit | edit source]

It currently consists of:

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971[edit | edit source]

The corps handled the sensitive Indo-Tibetan border and was responsible for the defence of the McMahon Line. The corps under Lieutenant General Mohan L. Thapan controlled the 6th and 20th Mountain Divisions and the 71st Mountain Brigade. While fighting the war in the south, however, the corps also had to look north and retained command of the 17th and 27th Mountain Divisions on the Tibetan frontier. Furthermore, Thapan could not commit the 6th Mountain Division without permission from New Delhi, as it was to be held ready to move to the Bhutanese border in case China intervened in the war.

As elsewhere along the border, Indian forces in support of the Mukti Bahini made significant inroads into East Pakistan before 3 December. Most notable was Brigadier Pran Nath Kathpalia’s 71st Mountain Brigade, which had pushed to the outskirts of Thakurgaon by the eve of war. Efforts to capture the heavily fortified border village of Hilli, however, failed repeatedly in a struggle that raged off and on from 24 November to 11 December. Resolutely defended by Pakistani 4 Frontier Force, Hilli blocked the proposed advance of the 20th Division across the narrow "waist" of this sector.

After heavy losses in front of Hilli, the 20th Division solved this problem by swinging around to the north and unleashing the 340th Brigade under Brigadier Joginder Singh Bakshi. Bakshi moved swiftly to control the main north-south road, unhinging the defence of Hilli, splitting the Pakistani 16th Division, and opening the way to Bogra, which town he effectively controlled by war’s end. The Pakistani division, despite continued resistance by isolated units, had ceased to exist as a coherent combat formation. Indicative of the chaotic situation, General Shah and the commander of the 205th Brigade, Brigadier Tajammul Hussain Malik, were almost captured when Indian forces ambushed their convoy on 7 December. On the other hand, a last-minute Indian move north by the 66th and 202nd Brigades to capture Rangpur proved unsuccessful.

In secondary actions, the 9th Mountain Brigade secured most of the area north of the Tista River and an ad hoc command of Indian BSF and Mukti Bahini under Brigadier Prem Singh pushed out of Malda to capture Nawabganj in the extreme southeastern corner of the sector. Despite Bakshi’s performance and the generally successful advance of 71st Brigade, much of XXXIII Corps’ offensive power was allowed to lie idle far too long and Pakistani troops still held the major towns of the sector (Rangpur, Saidpur, Dinajpur, Nator, Rajshahi) when the cease-fire was announced. Likewise, the cease-fire intervened before the Indians could implement a hastily conceived plan to transfer the 340th Brigade, a tank squadron, and an artillery battery across the Jamuna via the Phulchari ferry to take part in the advance on Dacca. Except for this squadron, all the armour was preparing to transfer to the west by the end of the war.

General Officers Commanding[edit | edit source]

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Rank Name Appointment Date Left office Unit of Commission References
Lieutenant General Umrao Singh 1 November 1960 28 October 1962 Rajputana Rifles [8]
Harbaksh Singh 29 October 1962 29 October 1964 Sikh Regiment [9]
Gopal Gurunath Bewoor 30 October 1964 26 April 1967 10th Baluch Regiment
Jagjit Singh Aurora 27 April 1967 March 1969 Punjab Regiment
Mohan L Thapan 1969 May 1972 Jat Regiment
H C Rai June 1972 July 1974 Rajputana Rifles [10]
WAG Pinto 1976 1978 13th Frontier Force Rifles [11]
Krishnaswamy Sundarji February 1979 January 1980 Mahar Regiment
Krishnaswami Balaram January 1980 26 December 1981 Corps of Signals
S S Brar 27 December 1981 11 December 1983 Armoured Corps
J K Puri 12 December 1983 Regiment of Artillery [12]
M R Sharma Dogra Regiment
Arun Kumar Gautama July 1993 April 1994 16th Light Cavalry [13]
A B Masih Kumaon Regiment [14]
H R S Mann 4 October 1999 19 November 2000 Brigade of the Guards [15]
Ashok Chaki 20 November 2000 19 August 2002 4th Gorkha Rifles [15]
Avtar Singh 20 August 2002 20 February 2004 Jat Regiment [15]
Deepak Kapoor 21 February 2004 14 April 2005 Regiment of Artillery [15]
Thomas Mathew 15 April 2005 25 August 2006 Rajput Regiment [15]
CKS Sabu 26 August 2006 25 September 2007 Regiment of Artillery [15]
Deepak Raj 26 September 2007 31 August 2008 Mechanised Infantry Regiment [16]
Prashant Kumar Rath 1 September 2008 25 November 2009 Regiment of Artillery [16]
D S Sidhu 26 November 2009 2 November 2010 17th Horse (Poona Horse) [16]
Vinod Bhatia 3 November 2010 24 November 2011 Parachute Regiment [16]
Kotheneth Surendranath 25 November 2011 31 January 2013 71 Armoured Regiment [16]
Kamal Jit Singh 1 February 2013 11 May 2014 63rd Cavalry [16]
G S Chandel 12 May 2014 25 July 2015 Bihar Regiment [16]
Surinder Singh 26 July 2015 26 August 2016 Brigade of the Guards [17]
Sanjay Kumar Jha 27 August 2016 27 August 2017 The Sikh Regiment [18]
Pradeep M Bali 28 August 2017 29 August 2018 Punjab Regiment [19]
Chandi Prasad Mohanty 30 August 2018 13 September 2019 Rajput Regiment [20]
Nav Kumar Khanduri 13 September 2019 13 September 2020 Corps of Army Air Defence [21]
Ajai Kumar Singh 14 September 2020 21 October 2021 11th Gorkha Rifles [22]
Tarun Kumar Aich 22 October 2021 31 October 2022 Madras Regiment [23][24]
VPS Kaushik 1 November 2022 9 June 2024 Kumaon Regiment [25]
Zubin A Minwalla 10 June 2024 30 September 2025 9th Gorkha Rifles [26]
Man Raj Singh Mann 1 October 2025 Incumbent 1 Gorkha Rifles [27]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Serving the nation for 46 years". www.telegraphindia.com.
  2. ↑ Kenneth Conboy, Elite Forces of India and Pakistan, Osprey
  3. ↑ Pike, John. "17 Mountain Division / Black Cat Division". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Conboy et al, p.8
  5. ↑ Pike, John. "20 Infantry Division / Kirpan Division". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  6. ↑ Pike, John. "27 Mountain Division / Striking Lion Division". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  7. ↑ "Defence ministry inks Rs 2,960 crore deal for additional MR-SAM missiles for warships". The Times of India. 16 January 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "Dhola Post that triggered war was on China's side of McMahon Line". 22 March 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  9. ↑ "Lt General Harbaksh Singh: An officer and a gentleman". 6 November 1999. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "Lt Gen Rai takes over Northern Command" (PDF). 23 July 1974. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  11. ↑ "PIB release" (PDF). 30 June 1920. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  12. ↑ "Lt Gen JK Puri Vice Chief Of The Army Staff Retires" (PDF). 31 August 1987. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  13. ↑ "Ex-Western Army Commander Lt Gen Gautama passes away". 28 November 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  14. ↑ "General quits under cloud". 11 April 2000. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 shabana, syeda (30 August 2018). "LIEUTENANT GENERAL CP MOHANTY TAKES OVER AS GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING TRISHAKTI CORPSpic.twitter.com/YykDEduFh0". @shabana3637.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 "West Bengal: Delegation of 8 senior military officials of Chinese People's Liberation Army, led by Lt Gen Liu Xiaowu Dy Commander of Western Theatre Command arrived at Sukna y'day on a 2-day visit to Trishakti Corps. The visit is aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.pic.twitter.com/yRIoWAaKDT". @ANI. 4 July 2018.
  17. ↑ "Lt Gen Surinder Singh to be army's Western Command chief". Hindustan Times. 9 August 2016.
  18. ↑ "Army issues posting orders for four corps commanders". The Indian Express. 14 July 2017.
  19. ↑ Gurung, Shaurya Karanbir. "Chinese Army delegation arrives in India to improve coordination along border". The Economic Times.
  20. ↑ "Army to debut its Mountain Strike Corps next month, at HimVijay exercise in Arunachal". www.uniindia.com. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  21. ↑ "Lt. Gen Nav K Khanduri assumes charge as commander of Trishakti Corps". www.aninews.in. Archived from the original on 21 September 2019. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
  22. ↑ "Lt Gen AK Singh calls on Sikkim CM". 10 December 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  23. ↑ aich, tarun kumar. "Tarun Kumar Aich takes over 33 corps".
  24. ↑ regiment, madras. "16 Madras Regiment".
  25. ↑ "Lt Gen VPS Kaushik took over as General Officer Commanding of Trishakti Corps from Lt Gen TK Aich". 1 November 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  26. ↑ "Lt Gen Zubin Minwalla took over as General Officer Commanding of Trishakti Corps from Lt Gen VPS Kaushik". 10 June 2024. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  27. ↑ Mann, Man Raj Singh. "Lt gen Man Raj Singh Mann". Retrieved 1 October 2025.

Sources[edit | edit source]

  • Jane's World Armies, Issue 19, 2006
  • Globalsecurity.org
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