Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), visited Manipur on 24-25 February 2025 to assess the security situation along the Indo-Myanmar border and review ongoing operational efforts in the region.

During the visit, Lt Gen Ghai evaluated the security dynamics across the state, including sensitive fringe areas, where he was briefed on current challenges, counter-insurgency operations, and border management initiatives.

He also interacted with key stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated “whole-of-government” approach in tackling security challenges. His discussions reinforced the need for inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and proactive measures to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The visit underscores the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to enhancing border security, countering transnational threats, and ensuring the safety of local communities.

It also highlights the continued focus on strengthening surveillance, infrastructure, and response mechanisms along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Sapta Shakti Command, visited the Command Military Dental Centre (CMDC) to assess the state-of-the-art dental healthcare facilities available for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

During the visit, the Army Commander reviewed the latest advancements in military dental care, including modern diagnostic tools, advanced treatment methodologies, and specialized oral healthcare services.

He commended the dedication and professionalism of the CMDC staff, recognizing their efforts in ensuring high-quality dental care for the armed forces community under Sapta Shakti Command.

The CMDC plays a crucial role in maintaining the operational readiness of soldiers by providing preventive, restorative, and emergency dental services, contributing to overall troop well-being.

Lt Gen Manjinder Singh reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to healthcare excellence, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and service enhancement to meet the evolving medical needs of personnel and their families.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Sapta Shakti Command, visited the prestigious 61 Cavalry, the world’s only active Horse Cavalry Regiment, renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional military traditions.

During the visit, the Army Commander reviewed the regiment’s operational preparedness, discipline, and adaptability to modern battlefield requirements. He commended the unparalleled professionalism, dedication, and combat readiness displayed by the unit, highlighting its role in preserving the Indian Army’s legacy of excellence.

The regiment, known for its heritage of mounted warfare and ceremonial precision, continues to evolve with contemporary military strategies while retaining its historic traditions.

Lt Gen Manjinder Singh emphasized the importance of blending time-honored cavalry ethos with modern operational needs, ensuring the unit remains an integral part of India’s defence forces.

The 61st Cavalry Regiment holds a unique place in the Indian Army as one of the last operational horse-mounted cavalry regiments in the world. This elite unit embodies a rich legacy of tradition, valor, and adaptability, preserving the heritage of mounted warfare while evolving with modern military demands.

The visit reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to upholding tradition while embracing modernization, with the 61 Cavalry standing as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and excellence.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Airbus Facility in Marseille, where he was briefed on the latest advancements in aviation technology, defence systems, and aerospace engineering pioneered by Airbus.

During the visit, General Dwivedi explored cutting-edge developments in rotary-wing aviation, with a focus on modern helicopters, mission-specific modifications, and advanced avionics that could enhance the Indian Army’s operational capabilities.

The discussions emphasized next-generation rotary-wing platforms, their integration with battlefield strategies, and potential collaborations in defence modernization initiatives.

This visit reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to leveraging global aerospace innovations to bolster its aviation fleet, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen overall defence preparedness.

The insights gained from the Airbus facility will play a crucial role in shaping future procurement strategies and technological integration within the Army Aviation Corps, ensuring the force remains equipped to meet evolving security challenges.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, visited Porbandar to engage in a strategic operational discussion with the Flag Officer Gujarat Naval Area (FOGNA) and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

The discussions focused on strengthening coastal security, addressing key operational challenges, and enhancing inter-agency coordination.

With the evolving maritime security landscape, the meeting underscored the importance of joint operations, intelligence sharing, and rapid response mechanisms to secure India’s western coastline.

The dialogue reinforced the collective commitment of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard to fortify coastal defenses, counter emerging threats, and ensure maritime safety.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth emphasized the need for seamless synergy between all security forces, recognizing the strategic significance of Gujarat’s coastal region.

The discussions reaffirmed the Indian Armed Forces’ unwavering dedication to safeguarding maritime interests, preventing illegal activities, and ensuring national security through enhanced operational preparedness and inter-agency cooperation.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan addressed officers of Headquarters Southern Air Command, shedding light on contemporary security and defence challenges, with a focus on ongoing defence reforms and future warfare strategies.

During his address, the CDS emphasized the key themes of the Year of Defence Reforms, stressing the need to move beyond a colonial mindset and develop a more agile, self-reliant, and future-ready military. He underscored the growing importance of net-centric warfare, cyber security, and space-based capabilities, highlighting their impact on modern military operations.

General Anil Chauhan also delivered the concluding remarks at the Tri-Services Seminar on ‘Synergising Air and Naval Forces – Enhancing Combat Power in the Indian Ocean Region’, conducted by HQ Southern Air Command in collaboration with the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS).

Key discussions during the seminar focused on:

• Expanding Domains of Warfare – The evolving nature of military conflicts, including cyber, space, and hybrid warfare.
• Maritime Security and Air-Sea Integration – Enhancing joint capabilities between the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force to maintain dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Technology-Driven Transformation – The role of AI, quantum computing, and autonomous systems in shaping the future battlespace.

The CDS reiterated the imperative of technological adaptation, emphasizing that future wars will be fought in multi-domain environments, requiring greater synergy between land, air, naval, cyber, and space forces.

The seminar saw key addresses by:

• Air Marshal SP Dharkar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS), who delivered the Keynote Address.
• Air Marshal B Manikantan, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Southern Air Command, who gave the Opening Address.

A Vision for a Future-Ready Indian Armed Forces

General Anil Chauhan’s address set the tone for transformational reforms, advocating a joint, tech-driven, and adaptable force structure capable of tackling emerging security challenges.

His insights reinforced the vision of a stronger, integrated, and self-reliant Indian Armed Forces, equipped to safeguard national interests in an increasingly complex strategic environment.

Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, visited the Sindh Brigade to assess its operational preparedness, training standards, and infrastructure initiatives.

During the visit, the Army Commander was briefed on the formation’s operational and training readiness, as well as its significant contributions to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Gujarat. The Sindh Brigade has played a crucial role in disaster response and relief efforts, ensuring swift and efficient assistance to affected communities during natural calamities.

Recognizing Excellence in Multi-Agency HADR Exercises

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth lauded the brigade’s execution of the Multi-Agency Annual Joint HADR Exercises:

• Sanyukt Vimochan – A coordinated response exercise focusing on search, rescue, and relief operations.
• Jal Thal Raksha – A joint exercise emphasizing disaster mitigation efforts across land and water-based emergencies.

Both exercises reinforced inter-agency cooperation, ensuring seamless coordination between the Army, civil administration, and disaster response teams.

Commending Dedication and Professionalism

The Army Commander praised the troops for their unwavering commitment to duty, acknowledging their exemplary professional standards in both combat preparedness and humanitarian efforts. He urged all ranks to continue their dedication and uphold the highest standards of operational excellence in future missions.

The Sindh Brigade remains a key pillar of Southern Command, contributing significantly to national security, disaster response, and humanitarian efforts, showcasing the Indian Army’s commitment to service beyond the battlefield.

Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command, visited the Infantry School, Mhow, to assess its training, operational, and administrative aspects.

During his visit, he reviewed the training methodologies, tactical exercises, and modern instructional techniques implemented to enhance the combat effectiveness of infantry officers and soldiers. He commended the high standards of training and infrastructure, recognizing the Infantry School’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indian Army’s infantry.

The Infantry School, Mhow, is one of the oldest and largest military training institutions of the Indian Army, known for its contribution to developing and refining infantry tactics and leadership skills. It has played a crucial role in training officers and soldiers for combat across diverse terrains and environments.

Key Aspects of the Infantry School:

• Establishment and Legacy: Founded in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, a historic military hub since 1818, the Infantry School has been at the forefront of infantry warfare training.
• Training Focus: The institution specializes in tactical drills, marksmanship, combat leadership, and operational planning to prepare infantry forces for modern battle scenarios.
• Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU): A critical part of the Infantry School, the AMU trains India’s National Shooting Team, producing medal-winning marksmen for national and international competitions.
• Commando Wing (Belgaum, Karnataka): While the main Infantry School is in Mhow, its Commando Wing in Belgaum, Karnataka, conducts specialized commando and unconventional warfare training.

Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta encouraged all ranks to continue striving for the highest professional standards, emphasizing the importance of discipline, adaptability, and innovation in modern warfare.

His visit reinforced the Infantry School’s role as a center of excellence, ensuring that Indian infantry soldiers remain among the finest in the world.

Major Shashi Mehta of Uttarakhand Directorate secured the Silver Medal at the Bordermen BSF Marathon 2025, an event that tested endurance, determination, and resilience. Covering a grueling 42.2 km route from Golden Gate to Attari Border, Major Mehta demonstrated unmatched willpower, discipline, and physical endurance, securing a podium finish in this prestigious marathon.

The marathon, organized by the Border Security Force (BSF), brought together elite runners from across the country, symbolizing fitness, perseverance, and national pride.

Competing at this high level, Major Mehta’s achievement stands as a testament to the spirit of NCC and the Armed Forces, inspiring young cadets and personnel to pursue excellence in all fields.

This remarkable feat not only brings glory to the NCC and the Indian Armed Forces but also reinforces the commitment to physical fitness and mental toughness, core values that define a soldier’s journey.