Marking a major step in India’s naval self-reliance, the Indian Navy has officially inducted INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously built Diving Support Vessel. Constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), the vessel was handed over on July 8, 2025, at a ceremony held in Visakhapatnam, signifying a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.
INS Nistar is a 118-meter-long, nearly 10,000-ton vessel equipped with cutting-edge systems for deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations. Capable of operating up to 300 meters underwater, the ship significantly enhances the Navy’s ability to carry out complex underwater missions. It also features Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can support diver monitoring and salvage operations at depths of up to 1,000 meters.
A key capability of INS Nistar is its function as a “Mother Ship” for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs). These systems are essential for rescuing personnel from distressed submarines during emergencies, a need brought into global focus by incidents like Argentina’s ARA San Juan tragedy in 2017. INS Nistar’s addition ensures that the Indian Navy now has the capacity to respond swiftly and effectively in such scenarios.
The vessel’s development began under a ₹2,019 crore contract awarded to HSL in September 2018. Although the project faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, INS Nistar was launched in September 2022 and completed its final sea trials between March and April 2025. These trials validated the performance of its advanced diving and rescue systems.
With an estimated 75% indigenous content, INS Nistar reflects India’s broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign military imports. The project also includes a second vessel, INS Nipun, which will further strengthen the Navy’s underwater operational capabilities.
The delivery of INS Nistar is seen as a critical milestone in enhancing India’s maritime safety and rescue infrastructure, particularly in the strategic Indo-Pacific region. Senior Navy and HSL officials present at the handover ceremony lauded the achievement as a landmark in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey.
In a major leap for India’s naval strike capabilities, the government has cleared the development of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) under the ambitious Project-77. These next-generation submarines will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos and future hypersonic cruise missile systems, significantly enhancing India’s maritime warfare posture.
At the forefront of this indigenous defence push is Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which will partner with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Shipbuilding Centre in Visakhapatnam. L&T, known for its critical role in the Arihant-class nuclear submarine programme, will once again lead the design and construction of key components, including the pressure hulls, likely at its Hazira facility in Gujarat.
The SSNs under Project-77 are tactical assets distinct from India’s Arihant-class SSBNs, which are built for strategic deterrence. These attack submarines will be designed to undertake deep-penetration strike missions, track adversary warships, and remain undetected during high-risk operations. Powered by nuclear propulsion, they can remain submerged for extended periods and travel faster than conventional diesel-electric submarines.
One of the standout features of the new SSNs will be their weapons loadout. Abandoning slower sub-sonic cruise missiles, the Navy has opted for high-speed offensive capabilities. The submarines will be armed with an evolved BrahMos variant and upcoming DRDO-developed hypersonic missiles, capable of flying at Mach 5 and above. These advanced systems are expected to offer strike ranges of 1,500 to 2,000 kilometres, allowing submarines to engage high-value targets from safe standoff distances.
The Navy’s decision reflects a strategic shift in response to modern integrated air defence networks and contested maritime zones. Sub-sonic missiles are increasingly seen as vulnerable in high-threat environments. According to sources cited by idrw.org, the Navy now views supersonic and hypersonic missiles as essential to ensure survivability and effectiveness during future conflicts.
With the Indo-Pacific becoming a zone of heightened geopolitical contestation, the induction of high-speed, stealth-enabled attack submarines will enhance India’s maritime deterrence posture. Project-77 marks a pivotal step in the country’s efforts to modernise its underwater fleet and project power across strategic sea lanes.
A former US Air Force F-16 pilot has hailed the Indian Air Force’s use of AI-powered technology during the recent Operation Sindoor as “the best spoofing and deception ever seen.” The remarks come after reports revealed that Pakistan may have mistakenly believed it had downed Rafale jets, which were in fact protected by an advanced electronic decoy system called X-Guard.
Operation Sindoor, a four-day military engagement between India and Pakistan in May 2025, saw the Indian Air Force deploy cutting-edge electronic warfare tactics. Central to this was the Rafale’s X-Guard, a fiber-optic towed decoy system powered by artificial intelligence. The device, developed by Rafale Advanced Defense Systems, mimics the radar signature and Doppler effect of an actual fighter jet, successfully drawing away enemy fire.
The X-Guard weighs just 30 kilograms and trails behind the Rafale via a 100-meter-long fiber-optic cable. It emits a 500-watt, 360-degree jamming signal, confusing enemy radar and missiles into locking onto the decoy instead of the real aircraft. Former US Air Force pilot Ryan Bodenheimer praised the system as a game-changer, stating that it may have redefined the rules of electronic warfare.
Reports suggest that Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied PL-15E air-to-air missiles and J-10C fighter jets failed to distinguish the decoy from actual Rafale jets. The PL-15E, lacking robust spoofing resistance, reportedly locked onto the X-Guard, while Pakistan’s KLJ-7A AESA radar systems were also misled. These developments suggest that some of Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian fighters may have involved only the decoys.
Unlike older US systems such as the AN/ALQ-50 or ADM-160 MALD, the X-Guard can be deployed in under two seconds and retrieved for reuse. Its fiber-optic link enables the pilot to receive real-time feedback on missile activity and system performance, even under heavy electronic jamming.
The X-Guard functions like a “decoy wingman,” shielding the main aircraft by absorbing radar and missile attention. Operation Sindoor demonstrated how future air combat may depend more on sophisticated deception and electronic dominance than traditional dogfighting. The success of the X-Guard underlines the growing role of AI and electronic warfare in ensuring aerial supremacy.
In a rare and significant development, the chiefs of India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force came together today to jointly address senior military officers, underscoring the strategic importance of joint operations in the context of future warfare. The high-level meeting marked the first such combined appearance of the top brass since Operation Sindoor.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh took the stage to speak to officers from all three services on a single platform. The unified address focused on the preparedness, coordination, and evolving nature of warfare, highlighting the critical role of integrated operational planning in ensuring national security.
The service chiefs reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. They emphasized the importance of seamless coordination across maritime and air domains, especially in the face of emerging multi-domain threats and rapid technological advancements in warfare.
The Indian Army, sharing a post on social media platform X, stated, “Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS and Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, CAS addressed senior military officers on conduct of joint operations, while reaffirming their resolve towards Tri-Service synergy. The address focused on joint operational planning, with emphasis on integrated maritime and air warfare in future battle scenarios.”
This joint interaction is seen as a vital step in advancing India’s tri-service integration agenda, which has gained momentum after the operational and strategic lessons learned during recent military engagements and exercises.
In a development that has triggered fresh security concerns in the subcontinent, Pakistan is reportedly accumulating nuclear fuel in quantities that surpass the requirements for its stated policy of minimum nuclear deterrence. This revelation has been made by Colonel (Retired) Vinayak Bhat, a former Indian Army officer and expert in satellite image analysis, who claims the Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) facility has been significantly upgraded to enhance uranium enrichment capabilities.
Colonel Bhat, known for exposing Pakistan’s covert nuclear activities in the past, posted a satellite image on social media platform X, stating, “Pakistan, a terrorist nation, is accumulating more nuclear fuel than required for its minimum nuclear deterrence. The signatures at KRL Kahuta strongly indicate that Pakistan has upgraded all equipment and buildings to enhance enrichment and production of fuel for additional nuclear weapons.”
#Pakistan#TerroristNation amassing #nuclear fuel more than its requirements for minimum nuclear deterrence. Signatures at #KRL#Kahuta indicate very strongly that Pakistan has upgraded all equipments & buildings to ramp up enrichment& production of fuel for addl nuclear weapons. pic.twitter.com/keeYspP3He
— 卫纳夜格.巴特 Col Vinayak Bhat (Retd) @Raj47 (@rajfortyseven) July 3, 2025
Kahuta, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, has long been the focal point of the country’s nuclear enrichment program. According to Bhat, recent changes visible from satellite imagery suggest an expansion drive, possibly aimed at producing more warheads.
The Federation of American Scientists estimates that Pakistan currently possesses around 170 nuclear warheads, making it the world’s seventh-largest nuclear power. However, experts at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation have warned that Pakistan is not only maintaining but also actively modernizing its nuclear arsenal. Projections suggest the country could possess between 220 and 250 nuclear weapons by the end of 2025.
Colonel Bhat’s credentials lend weight to the claims. With 33 years of military service, much of it in high-altitude and sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast, he has also spent over two decades analyzing high-resolution satellite images. His earlier disclosures had brought global attention to Pakistan’s secretive Kirana Hills nuclear facility – a site that later became a target during India’s precision missile strikes under Operation Sindoor.
Pakistan’s delivery systems for nuclear weapons include aircraft, land-based ballistic and cruise missiles, and possibly submarine-launched platforms in the near future. The growing inventory and continued modernization efforts come amid strained relations with India and a fragile domestic economic situation, raising concerns about the country’s nuclear posture and long-term intentions.
International observers and Indian defence analysts are closely watching developments at Kahuta, fearing that Pakistan’s expanding stockpile could alter the strategic stability of South Asia.
The Indian Navy, known for its unwavering commitment to excellence, has once again opened the doors for talented individuals to join its esteemed ranks as Indian Navy Agniveer MR Musician Recruitment. This prestigious recruitment drive, scheduled for 2025, presents a unique opportunity for aspiring musicians to serve their nation while honing their craft. With a rich h5eritage and a reputation for nurturing exceptional talent, the Indian Navy’s MR Musician Recruitment 2025 promises to be a highly coveted and competitive process.
Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025: Overview
The Indian Navy’s MR Musician Recruitment 2025 is a significant event that has garnered the attention of music enthusiasts across the country. This recruitment drive aims to identify and induct talented individuals into the Indian Navy’s prestigious musical corps. The successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the Navy’s cultural legacy and serve as ambassadors of the nation’s rich musical heritage.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025
To be considered for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025, candidates must meet a set of stringent eligibility criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure that the selected individuals possess the necessary qualifications, musical proficiency, and personal attributes to excel in their roles.
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must have successfully completed their Matriculation (10th Standard) examination from a recognized Board of School Education in India. The selection process will be based on the marks obtained in the 10th Standard examination.
Age Limit
The age limit for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025 is between 17 to 21 years, with candidates born between 01 September 2003 and 29 February 2008 (both dates inclusive) being eligible to apply.
Marital Status
Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025. Candidates must remain unmarried throughout their four-year tenure in the Indian Navy.
Musical Ability
The candidate should have proficiency and aptitude for music with accuracy in tempo, pitch and singing one complete song. He/ She should also have actual practical skill on any instrument of Indian or foreign origin with proficiency in tuning of instrument, matching unknown notes with instrument, prepared piece, sight reading of Indian Classical/ Tabulature/ Staff Notation, performance of Scale/ Raaga/ Taala and basic theory of Indian or International music.
Type of Instruments on Which Proficiency Required
The candidates would be required to perform with expertise on one or more instruments such as Keyboard/ String/ Wind instruments or any other instrument of Indian or foreign origin. Candidates performing on indefinite pitch instruments such as Jazz Drum set, Bass Drum, Snare Drums, Side Drums, Cymbals, Non Chromatic instruments such as bugle & monotone instruments used to produce only one note or drone will not be eligible for recruitment.
Musical Experience Certificate
(a) Candidates performing Hindustani or Carnatic Classical music on wind instruments will require a musical experience certificate from any recognized musical institute or organisation of repute. (b) A certificate of minimum initial grade from international boards such as Trinity College of Music, London, or Royal School of Music London etc., will be mandatory for candidates performing western notation or western music on wind instruments. (c) Other candidates will be required to submit certificates of participation/ awards presented at various events.
Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025: Selection Process
The selection process for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025 is designed to identify the most talented and qualified individuals. The process consists of multiple stages, each aimed at evaluating the candidates’ physical fitness, musical abilities, and overall suitability for the role.
Stage I: Shortlisting
The initial stage of the selection process involves shortlisting candidates based on their performance in the 10th Standard examination. Candidates with valid music certificates (Degree/Diploma/Grade/Certificate of Competitions) are given preference during this stage.
Shortlisted candidates will be issued call-up letter for Recruitment Process
Stage II: Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Music Screening Test
Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Music Screening Test. The PFT assesses the candidates’ physical capabilities, while the Music Screening Test evaluates their musical proficiency and aptitude.
Minimum height standards for male and female Candidates is 157 cms.
Gender
1.6 km Run
Squats
Push-ups
Bent Knee Sit-ups
Male
6 minutes 30 seconds
20
15
15
Female
8 minutes
15
10
10
Stage III: Recruitment Medical Examination
Candidates who successfully clear the PFT and Music Screening Test will undergo a comprehensive Recruitment Medical Examination. This evaluation assesses the candidates’ overall physical and mental fitness, ensuring they meet the stringent medical standards required for service in the Indian Navy.
Merit List and Final Reporting
Candidates who qualify the PFT and Recruitment Medical Examination shall be considered for compilation of final merit list. The final merit list shall be based on performance in the Music Ability Test and compiled on all India basis. The result shall be published by end August 2025 or early September 25.
Training for the course will commence in September 25, at INS Chilka, Odisha
Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025: Salary and Perks
Students can check the table to know the Navy MR Musician Salary 2025. The job duration is 4 years as an MR Musician in the Indian Navy. Candidates can be provided a regular role as a Sailor in the Indian Navy after the completion of the Agniveer MR Musician tenure. It depends on the work and performance review of the candidate during the 4 years time.
Indian Navy Agniveer MR Musician Salary 2025
Year
Customised Package (Monthly)
In-Hand Salary (70%)
Agniveer Corpus Fund (30%)
GoI Contribution to Corpus Fund
1st Year
₹30,000
₹21,000
₹9,000
₹9,000
2nd Year
₹33,000
₹23,100
₹9,900
₹9,900
3rd Year
₹36,500
₹25,550
₹10,950
₹10,950
4th Year
₹40,000
₹28,000
₹12,000
₹12,000
Total in Corpus Fund
—
—
₹5.02 Lakh
₹5.02 Lakh
A table has been provided with the information of Navy Agniveer MR Music Perks and Allowances included in the salary package for the 4 years.
Category
Details
Duration of Service
4 years under the Navy Act 1957 (No obligation to retain after that)
Leave
30 Days per year + Sick Leave on medical advice
Risk & Hardship Allowance
Applicable as per service conditions
Dress Allowance
Applicable
Travel Allowance
Applicable
Seva Nidhi Package
One-time package from own + Govt contribution (₹5.02 Lakh each)
Life Insurance Cover
₹48 Lakh (Non-contributory, for a 4-year engagement period)
Death Compensation
₹48 Lakh insurance + ₹44 Lakh ex gratia (service-related death)
How to Apply for Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025
The application process for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025 is entirely online. Candidates can visit the official Indian Navy website to access the application portal and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Steps to Apply
Check Eligibility: Review the official notification to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Fill Out Application Form: Visit the Indian Navy website and complete the online application form with accurate information.
Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required documents as per the application guidelines.
Pay Fees: Make the necessary payment through the provided online payment methods.
Print Application Form: Download and print the completed application form for future reference.
Conclusion
The Indian Navy’s MR Musician Recruitment 2025 presents a remarkable opportunity for talented individuals to serve their nation while pursuing their passion for music. With its comprehensive selection process, competitive compensation, and the chance to be part of the Indian Navy’s esteemed musical legacy, this recruitment drive is sure to attract the attention of aspiring musicians across the country.
Q1. What is the age limit for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025?
The age limit for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025 is between 17 to 21 years, with candidates born between 01 September 2003 and 29 February 2008 (both dates inclusive) being eligible to apply.
Q2. How to join the Navy as a musician?
The candidate must have completed Class X (Matriculation Examination) and should possess proficiency in Western notation, aural aptitude, and a basic understanding of music theory.
Q3. Why does the Navy have musicians?
Navy bands extend and reinforce our network of partners by reaching places that ships cannot.
Q4. What are the musical proficiency requirements for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025?
Candidates must demonstrate exceptional musical abilities, including accuracy in tempo, pitch, and the ability to sing a complete song.
Q5. How will the candidates be shortlisted for the Indian Navy MR Musician Recruitment 2025?
Candidates will be initially shortlisted based on their performance in the 10th Standard examination. Candidates with valid music certificates (Degree/Diploma/Grade/Certificate of Competitions) will be given preference during this stage.
In a major blow to Maoist insurgents in Chhattisgarh, a top sniper and deputy commander of the Maoists’ elite Battalion No. 1, Sodhi Kanna, was killed during a prolonged encounter with security forces in Bijapur district, officials confirmed on Monday.
The operation took place in the dense forests of Indravati National Park, a known stronghold of Maoist activity in South Bastar. The gun battle began on July 4 following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of key Maoist units, including the Telangana State Committee (TSC), the National Park area committee, and the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion No. 1.
The encounter lasted nearly 48 hours, with intermittent exchanges of fire. After the conclusion of the operation, the body of Sodhi Kanna was recovered along with a .303 rifle, detonators, and a cache of ammunition.
Kanna, who carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh on his head, played a dual role as sniper and deputy commander within the Maoist military wing. His death is seen as a significant setback to the Maoists’ long-range combat capability in the region, said Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai praised the security forces for their bravery and determination, saying the successful operation reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism in Bastar.
According to official figures, at least 415 Maoists have been killed in various encounters across the Bastar division in the past 18 months, marking a steady decline in insurgent strength in one of India’s most troubled zones.
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced that the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) is expected to be fully operational by 2027, marking a major boost for connectivity and trade in India’s northeast region.
The ambitious project, developed under the India–Myanmar Friendship Treaty, will drastically reduce the distance between Aizawl in Mizoram and Kolkata by 700 kilometers. It also provides a strategic alternative to the narrow Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” which is the current land link between the northeast and the Indian mainland.
The Shipping Ministry has already invested ₹1,000 crore in developing the waterway components of the project, with other government agencies managing the road infrastructure. The route involves transport on the Kaladan River up to Myanmar’s Paletwa (159 km), followed by a 110 km road link to the Mizoram border, which is under construction and slated for completion by 2027.
Sonowal highlighted that the project aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East policy, putting the northeast at the center of India’s regional development and integration with Southeast Asia. He also said the successful execution of Sittwe Port in Myanmar signals the government’s commitment to improving regional trade logistics.
Once operational, the KMMTTP is expected to unlock new trade corridors for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar, enhancing their access to international sea routes. It will also significantly benefit Tripura by reducing transit time and logistics costs.
Sittwe Port is set to handle exports such as rice, timber, seafood, petroleum products, and garments from Myanmar, while imports will include construction materials like cement, steel, and bricks.
In a dramatic turn of narrative, Pakistan has posthumously honoured Captain Karnal Sher Khan—one of its soldiers killed during the 1999 Kargil War—after initially refusing to accept his body or acknowledge his military status. On Saturday, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir led tributes to Captain Khan at his tomb in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on his 26th death anniversary, describing him as a symbol of courage and patriotism.
During the Kargil conflict, Pakistan denied the involvement of its regular army troops, branding the intruders as “mujahideen”. Captain Khan’s body was recovered by Indian forces on Tiger Hill in the Dras sector, with clear evidence of his identity. Yet Islamabad refused to accept the body, delaying its return and refusing to acknowledge Khan’s service.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and the Armed Forces of Pakistan solemnly commemorate and pay heartfelt tribute to Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, on… pic.twitter.com/D62qjQqV0U
In a remarkable gesture, Indian Army officer Brigadier MPS Bajwa (then commander of the 192 Mountain Brigade) was so impressed by Khan’s bravery that he wrote a citation and placed it in Khan’s pocket before the body was returned via the International Committee of the Red Cross. That act, and the documentation found on Khan, eventually forced Pakistan to acknowledge his identity. He was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military honour.
On Saturday, General Munir and senior Pakistani officers visited Khan’s tomb, laying wreaths and lauding his sacrifice. Pakistan’s military public relations office, DG-ISPR, posted that Captain Khan’s actions “remain an eternal source of inspiration” and that he “led from the front while defending the country’s sovereignty.”
India had begun returning the bodies of fallen soldiers to Pakistan starting July 12, 1999, through the ICRC. Despite knowing the identities of soldiers like Captain Khan, Pakistan asked the ICRC not to disclose names, fearing it would expose direct military involvement. A July 15, 1999 statement by the Indian Embassy in Washington revealed that Islamabad’s denial was part of an effort to preserve its narrative and avoid accountability.
Today, Pakistan celebrates Captain Khan as a hero, but the delayed recognition underscores a deeper hypocrisy—one where political narratives once denied even the dignity of a soldier’s name and grave.
Diplomatic tensions escalated between Germany and China after Berlin formally accused the Chinese military of targeting a German reconnaissance aircraft with a laser during an EU-led mission in the Red Sea. The German Foreign Ministry condemned the incident as “completely unacceptable” and summoned China’s ambassador in protest.
The aircraft, a Multi-Sensor Platform (MSP) used for surveillance and reconnaissance, was operating as part of the EU’s ASPIDES naval mission, which aims to secure shipping routes threatened by Houthi rebel attacks in the southern Red Sea.
Germany’s defence ministry confirmed that the laser was directed from a Chinese warship in the vicinity. The aircraft aborted its mission and safely landed in Djibouti. No injuries were reported, but the sudden targeting disrupted the operation and raised concerns about the safety of EU personnel.
“The endangerment of German personnel and the disruption of the mission are completely unacceptable,” Germany’s foreign office posted on X. Officials noted that there had been no prior communication or warning from the Chinese vessel.
The MSP aircraft is operated by a civilian contractor with German military personnel on board and has been a key asset in intelligence gathering for the ASPIDES operation since October 2024. The aircraft has since resumed its duties after the incident.
China has not publicly commented on the allegation, but similar incidents involving Chinese warships and laser weapons have been reported in the past, mostly by the United States. This case, however, marks one of the few direct confrontations involving a NATO member state.
Germany is among 10 European countries participating in the ASPIDES mission, launched in February 2024 to uphold freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
The laser attack has further strained already delicate relations between China and the European Union, with Berlin calling for respect for international norms and maritime safety.