The Bald Eagle Brigade of the Indian Army’s Konark Corps, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), successfully conducted a joint exercise at the Naliya Air Force Station in Gujarat. The exercise, aimed at rehearsing drills to counter internal security threats, underscored the growing emphasis on synergy and interoperability between the two services in a strategically critical region.

The Naliya Air Force Station, located approximately 90 km from the Sir Creek border with Pakistan, lies in the rugged Kutch sector, a challenging terrain known for its proximity to India’s western frontier. The Konark Corps, also referred to as the Desert Corps, operates under the Southern Command and is tasked with securing desert sectors in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The Bald Eagle Brigade, stationed in Bhuj, Gujarat, plays a pivotal role in this mission, ensuring operational readiness in one of India’s most sensitive border areas.

Visuals from the exercise highlighted the collaboration, with emblems of the Indian Army, IAF, and Bald Eagle Brigade symbolizing the unified effort. Troops from both services were seen engaging in coordinated drills, including tactical maneuvers and simulated combat scenarios, designed to enhance their joint operational capabilities. The exercise demonstrated the military’s ability to adapt to modern warfare demands while maintaining a high state of readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.

This joint initiative aligns with India’s broader military strategy for 2024-25, which emphasizes enhanced coordination through bilateral and multilateral exercises. Similar drills, such as Yudh Abhyas and Vajra Prahar with the USA, have also focused on interoperability, reflecting the Indian armed forces’ commitment to fostering mutual cooperation and tactical synergy with partner forces.

The successful completion of the exercise at Naliya reaffirms the Indian Army and IAF’s dedication to safeguarding national security in sensitive border regions. It also highlights the Konark Corps’ resilience and innovation in defending India’s western frontiers, ensuring a robust response to any potential threats in the region.

Kishtwar, April 16, 2025 – Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander of the Northern Command, conducted a visit to the forward areas of Kishtwar to evaluate the prevailing security situation and operational readiness of the Indian Army.

The visit comes in the wake of heightened security concerns in the region, following a deadly encounter in September 2024 in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar, where two soldiers lost their lives and two others were injured during a gunfight with terrorists.

During his visit, Lt Gen Kumar commended the troops for their successful execution of operations and urged them to maintain sharp vigilance and adopt proactive measures to ensure stability. He emphasized the importance of upholding exemplary professionalism at all times, reflecting the Army’s commitment to safeguarding the region amidst ongoing challenges.

The Northern Command has been focusing on strengthening its operational capabilities in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in areas like Kishtwar and Doda, which have seen increased military presence due to recent terror activities and the need to secure polling stations for upcoming elections.

The region has faced significant security threats in recent months, with nearly a dozen security personnel killed in various attacks across Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.

Lt Gen Kumar’s visit underscores the Indian Army’s strategic efforts to counter forest-based threats and maintain stability in this volatile region, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilians.

The Indian Army is grappling with a critical shortage of over one lakh personnel, including officers and soldiers, at a time when tensions remain heightened along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The Ministry of Defence recently informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee of the shortfall in manpower, raising serious concerns about operational preparedness.

Current Strength vs Sanctioned Strength

As per the latest data, the Indian Army’s actual strength stands at 12.48 lakh personnel, falling short of the sanctioned strength by more than one lakh. Notably, as of October 1, 2024, the force had 11,05,110 soldiers against the authorized strength of 11,97,520, indicating a 7.72% shortfall. This includes a deficit of 92,410 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).

The officer cadre has also seen a worrying decline. As of July 1, 2024, the Army had 42,095 officers (excluding the Medical Corps, Dental Corps, and Military Nursing Service) against a sanctioned strength of 50,538—reflecting a 16.71% shortfall.

Border Deployments Continue

Despite a disengagement agreement with China, over 50,000 Indian troops remain deployed in eastern Ladakh. Meanwhile, a rise in terror-related activities in Jammu has prompted the deployment of an additional 15,000 troops to the region. These sustained deployments have stretched the already depleted manpower reserves of the Army.

Recruitment Woes and Agnipath Scheme

The Covid-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to recruitment efforts. With two years of halted recruitment and an annual retirement rate of approximately 60,000 soldiers, the Army saw nearly 1.2 lakh soldiers exit the force during that period. While the Agnipath scheme has been inducting 40,000 Agniveers annually since 2022, it has yet to fully compensate for the losses incurred during the pandemic years.

The Ministry of Defence remains optimistic that the Agnipath scheme will help bridge the gap in the coming years. “As the Agnipath scheme progresses, the shortage of soldiers will be met,” said the ministry.

Steps Taken to Improve Officer Intake

In response to the officer shortage, the ministry highlighted several reforms and initiatives:

• Improved SSB Process: Enhanced candidate turnout through reminders and second chances for missed interviews.
• Increased Batches: Doubling the number of SSB batches to allow more candidates to participate.
• Streamlined Documentation: Allowing online submission of documents during application.
• Faster Medicals: Reducing the time for medical examinations from up to 10 days to just 2–3 days.

Moreover, the ministry is working on long-term officer development strategies:

• A Young Leaders’ Training Wing has been launched at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) Chennai to train serving soldiers for officer roles.
• The Technical Entry Scheme (TES) has been revised from a 4-year to a 3+1 year format, enabling earlier commissioning of officers.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that officer vacancies are being filled in a time-bound manner and that reforms in the selection and training process have already begun to show results in improving intake percentages.

As India faces evolving security challenges on multiple fronts, addressing the personnel shortage in the Army remains a strategic imperative. The coming years will be crucial in determining how effectively the ongoing reforms and recruitment drives can restore optimal strength and maintain operational readiness.

In a significant step towards strengthening ties between the Indian Army and the state of Andhra Pradesh, Major General Ajay Misra, the recently appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Telangana and Andhra Sub Area (TASA), met with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on April 15, 2025, at the state capital, Amravati. The meeting focused on the Army’s role in state and nation-building, addressing key areas such as disaster relief, ex-servicemen (ESM) welfare, defence technology, and industry collaboration.

Major General Ajay Misra, who assumed the role of GOC TASA on December 1, 2024, emphasized the need for a stronger Army presence in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the new capital, Amravati. A key highlight of the discussions was the proposal for a War Memorial in Amravati, an ambitious project first envisioned in 2018. The memorial, intended to be the world’s largest of its kind, will feature a 250 ft statue of an Indian Army soldier and a 200 ft bronze ring encircling a massive Buddha statue, aiming to boost tourism while honoring the armed forces.

The meeting also covered several practical measures to enhance collaboration. These included the establishment of an Army Tech Cell to foster defence innovation and industry partnerships, the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for better civil-police-Army coordination, and addressing land matters for Army initiatives. Additionally, employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and protocol issues were discussed, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting veterans.

Chief Minister Naidu praised the disciplined lifestyle of the armed forces and assured support for greater Army engagement in Amravati’s development. He also committed to facilitating darshan for Army personnel at prominent religious sites like Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Srisailam, highlighting a blend of operational and cultural synergy between the state and the military.

This meeting marks a pivotal moment in Andhra Pradesh’s efforts to integrate defence initiatives with state development, aligning with broader national goals of innovation and collaboration in the defence sector. The discussions underscored the state’s vision to become a hub for defence technology and a key player in nation-building, while honoring the contributions of the Indian Army.

In a heartfelt ceremony held in Nagpur, the Southern Command of the Indian Army celebrated the remarkable contributions of its veterans by presenting the prestigious “Veteran Achievers Award.” Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, personally felicitated three retired servicemen for their exemplary efforts in transforming communities and uplifting lives after their military service.

The event, themed “Honouring Our Veterans,” highlighted the Indian Army’s commitment to recognizing the continued dedication of its ex-servicemen in nation-building. The backdrop of the ceremony proudly displayed the motto, with the recipients standing as shining examples of service beyond the battlefield.

Lt Col Vikram Mehta (Retd): A Catalyst for Development in Gadchiroli
Lt Col Vikram Mehta (Retd) was honored for his transformative work in Gadchiroli, a region once plagued by Naxal insurgency. Leading a two-member team, Mehta played a pivotal role in connecting with the local tribal population, paving the way for the revival of the Surjagarh Iron Ore Mines. His efforts, in collaboration with Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, also led to the establishment of a DRI Steel Plant in Konsari, Gadchiroli, with a capacity of 72,000 MTPA. This initiative has created thousands of jobs, fostering economic growth and development in an area that had long been marginalized. Lloyds Metals is further planning a green steel plant and an 8 Mtpa pellet plant, signaling a brighter future for the region.

Subedar Major Rishi Wanjari (Retd): A Beacon of Compassion
Subedar Major Rishi Wanjari (Retd), an instructor at Gondwana Sainik School in Gadchiroli, was recognized for his selfless humanitarian efforts. Using his personal funds, Wanjari established an eight-bed shelter for the mentally ill and elderly, providing free food, accommodation, and care. Since 2020, his initiative has supported ten individuals, with one person fully recovering and securing employment. Wanjari’s dedication to bearing all expenses himself has made him a pillar of hope for the most vulnerable in his community.

Naik Neelkanth Vyas (Retd): Empowering Veterans and Families
Naik Neelkanth Vyas (Retd) was awarded for his tireless work in supporting the welfare of ex-servicemen and their families. Associated with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), Vyas has facilitated self-employment opportunities for 40 ex-servicemen and 30 women. Additionally, he provides free assistance with Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) welfare schemes, SPARSH documentation, pension issues, and income tax return filings. Vyas has also been instrumental in helping veteran entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources and guidance to succeed.

The ceremony, attended by senior military officials, underscored the Indian Army’s pride in its veterans’ continued service to society. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth lauded the awardees for their “commendable contributions,” emphasizing the importance of their work in inspiring others. The event also featured a group photograph of the awardees alongside other dignitaries, seated in front of the vibrant “Veteran Achievers Award” backdrop, symbolizing unity and honor.

This initiative by the Southern Command reflects the Indian Army’s broader mission to support its veterans through recognition and welfare programs, ensuring their legacy of service continues to impact the nation positively.