Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today flagged-in the First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition that scripted history by summiting 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 meters in Ladakh in just 23 days. Interacting with the expedition team in New Delhi, the Defence Minister commended the courage and determination of the climbers in accomplishing the historic feat. He described the expedition as a demonstration of India’s mountaineering excellence and leadership in adventure sports. Terming the climbers a source of inspiration, Mr Singh added that the successful ascents set new benchmarks and will encourage young mountaineers across the country to pursue adventure and exploration and make the nation proud.