Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today flagged off a joint expedition to Mount Aconcagua in Argentina from the South Block, New Delhi today. The joint expedition is being undertaken by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi and Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports, Pahalgam.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh commended both the institutes for preparing the personnel to face challenges with courage, grit and determination. He said that scaling this formidable peak is not merely a test of physical endurance but a true examination of leadership, teamwork and mental resilience, which define the finest mountaineers of the country. The Minister exuded confidence that the members will successfully complete the expedition to the highest peak of South America and the highest mountain outside Asia, making the nation proud. The journey will commence on February 06, 2026, and the expedition is expected to conclude by the end of the month. The mountain at nearly six thousand nine hundred sixty metres, stands as the highest peak of South America and the highest mountain outside Asia.