The Indian Army has made a significant announcement at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa by launching a promotional video for the upcoming Army Day Parade 2025. This year marks a historic first for Pune, as the city is set to host this prestigious annual event on January 15, 2025.

The promotional video has garnered an enthusiastic reception from a diverse audience at the festival, including film enthusiasts, international delegates, and notable figures from the film industry. Prominent Bollywood actors R Madhavan and Rakul Preet Singh featured in the video, passionately expressing their admiration for the courage and dedication of Indian soldiers. They encouraged citizens across the country to participate in this momentous occasion, underscoring the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by the armed forces.

Army Day, celebrated annually, is a solemn reminder of the bravery and devotion displayed by India’s military personnel. The parade not only serves as a celebration of this spirit but also as a grand tribute to those who have served the nation. With Pune hosting the event for the first time, there is a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation, and it is expected to attract considerable attention from across the nation. The engagement at IFFI highlights the blending of culture, filmmaking, and national pride, setting the stage for a memorable commemorative event in 2025.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has successfully concluded a five-day official visit to Nepal aimed at reinforcing the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Despite the productive discussions during the trip, there remains uncertainty regarding the resumption of soldier recruitment from Nepal into the Indian Armed Forces, a process that has been on hold for four years.

An official statement highlighted that the visit not only met but exceeded all expected objectives, further enhancing the strong defense cooperation, cultural ties, and mutual respect shared by India and Nepal. The statement reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to maintaining peace, security, and partnership in the region.

During his tour, General Dwivedi engaged in discussions with key figures in Nepal, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, and his counterpart, General Ashok Raj Sigdel. Importantly, there were no official reports or statements regarding the future of Gorkha soldier recruitment, despite it likely being a topic of discussion.

Reports suggested that Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need for deepened bilateral cooperation and the expansion of ties. General Dwivedi’s visit took place amid strains in Indo-Nepal relations and increasing Chinese influence in Nepal, following recent talks held by the Director-General of the Shashtra Seema Bal, which is responsible for guarding the Indo-Nepal border.

The recruitment of soldiers from Nepal has been suspended since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, compounded by the introduction of the Agniveer scheme in 2021. This scheme allows new recruits to serve for four years, with only 25% being absorbed into permanent service, a condition Nepal has contested due to concerns over its compatibility with the 1947 tripartite agreement between India, Nepal, and Britain. Nepal has also raised issues regarding the re-employability of Gorkha soldiers after their four-year term.

Throughout his visit, General Dwivedi participated in several significant activities, including a briefing by the Nepali army’s Director-General of military operations, addressing officers at the Nepali Army Command and Staff Course, and taking part in an ex-servicemen’s rally. As a gesture of goodwill, General Dwivedi was conferred the honorary title of General of the Nepali army, a title also granted to Nepali army chiefs by India.

Although discussions on recruitment from Nepal would have likely occurred during his meetings with Nepal’s leaders, there was a conspicuous absence of comments or resolutions regarding this issue. The presence of approximately 32,000 Nepali soldiers currently serving in the Indian Army underscores the importance of this topic, both historically and socio-economically for Nepal. Since 2020, nearly 15,000 Gorkha troops have retired without being replaced, leaving significant gaps in operational battalions. Traditionally, the annual recruitment from Nepal has ranged between 1,500 to 1,800, and this decline is expected to persist as more soldiers reach retirement.

Historically, the composition of Gorkha battalions has shifted, with Nepal-domiciled soldiers making up 90% of the troop strength at Independence, compared to the current ratio of 60:40 in favor of Nepali soldiers. In light of the current recruitment freeze, military discussions have proposed gradually reducing the number of Gorkha battalions while increasing the intake of Indian-domicile Gorkhas.

The Indian Army’s Gorkha Brigade consists of 39 Gorkha Rifles battalions organized into seven regiments with a rich history dating back to April 1815 when the first Gorkha Rifles were formed by the East India Company. The Gorkha troops and their integration into the Indian Army have been a pivotal aspect of the enduring ties between India and Nepal.

Indo-Nepal relations are deeply rooted in shared economic, social, and cultural affiliations, with military cooperation being a crucial component. The Nepal-India Bilateral Consultative Group on Security Issues regularly facilitates discussions on security matters. India has actively assisted Nepal in modernizing its military through equipment provision, training, and joint exercises, including supplying helicopters, rifles, and other military hardware.

In recent years, however, the traditionally strong Indo-Nepal ties have been challenged by growing Chinese political and military interests in the region. This development follows a territorial dispute over a small stretch of the international border at the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China, alongside reports of Chinese military delegations visiting Nepal and the supply of military resources to the Nepali army. Furthermore, Nepal’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative raises additional concerns regarding the shifting geopolitical dynamics in this strategically significant region.

In a significant move to bolster healthcare support for Indian ex-servicemen living in Nepal, General Upendra Dwivedi recently concluded a five-day official visit to the region, during which he inaugurated new health centers. This initiative aims to enhance the medical welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents through the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

The Indian Army announced that General Dwivedi reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of India to the well-being of Indian veterans, highlighting plans to increase the number of ECHS empaneled hospitals. As part of this commitment, two additional ECHS polyclinics have been established, one each in Butala and Dungadhi, bringing the total number of polyclinics in Nepal to 19—up from the previous total of 17 that included six when the program commenced.

During his visit, General Dwivedi participated in an Ex-Servicemen Rally held at the Pension Paying Office in Pokhara, where he engaged directly with Gorkha veterans and Veer Naris, expressing admiration for the contributions of veterans in society. One of the most poignant moments of the rally was his interaction with Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Gopal Bahadur Thapa (retd), the former Subedar Major of his own unit, which highlighted the strong personal connections that exist within the ranks of the veterans.

The visit was seen not only as a means of enhancing healthcare services but also as a reaffirmation of the robust defense cooperation and cultural bonds that exist between India and Nepal. It emphasized a shared commitment to fostering peace and partnership in the region.

Currently, an estimated 25,000 Nepalese-domiciled Gorkhas serve in the Indian Army’s Gorkha regiments, which encompass 43 battalions featuring both Indian soldiers and those recruited from Nepal. The Gorkha regiments are recognized for their unique military diplomacy and play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral ties. This brigade comprises seven regiments, including the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, and Eleventh Gorkha Rifles. Furthermore, there are about 40,000 Indian and Nepali Gorkha soldiers and approximately 90,000 Indian Army pensioners residing in Nepal.

However, the current status of recruitment for Gorkhas from Nepal has been a subject of concern. Since the introduction of the Agnipath recruitment policy in June 2022, Nepal has yet to finalize its stance on sending youth to join the Indian Army. Reports indicate that recruitment from Nepal has been on hold for a couple of years, leading the Indian Army to explore alternative recruitment strategies, potentially involving tribals from within India who share similar traits as the Gorkhas, in order to maintain the strength of the storied Gorkha Rifles.

Through these initiatives and discussions during the visit, the Indian Army demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of veterans and the importance of the historic ties that bind India and Nepal together.

In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its efforts in manufacturing smoothbore guns for the Next Generation Main Battle Tank (NGMBT), also known as the Future Main Battle Tank (FMBT). This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Indian Army’s arsenal and maintain a competitive edge over regional adversaries, particularly Pakistan and China.

The NGMBT, which embodies the evolution of India’s tank technology, is designed to be considerably lighter and more advanced than its predecessor, the Arjun Mk1. It incorporates cutting-edge features such as advanced electro-optical sight systems and the potential for a high power laser-based weapon system, alongside its primary gun.

DRDO is currently focusing its efforts on developing two key smoothbore gun systems with calibers of 120mm and 125mm. Smoothbore guns, which lack the rifling found in traditional barrels, enable tanks to launch various projectiles, including guided missiles, from the same barrel. This dual-use capacity enhances the versatility and strike capability of modern tanks, making them more adaptable to different combat scenarios.

The decision to develop a 120mm caliber gun for the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) highlights India’s commitment to indigenous defense manufacturing, while the 125mm caliber gun is favored for its stronger firepower and compatibility with munitions readily available in the global market. This focus on multiple calibers is aimed at providing the Indian Armed Forces with greater flexibility in terms of weapon selection and operational readiness.

The smoothbore design offers practical advantages: it simplifies the firing mechanism, allowing for faster reloading and increased rate of fire. However, it is essential to note that the overall firing range of these tanks is influenced by numerous factors, including environmental conditions and the type of ammunition used.

India’s push to enhance its defense infrastructure comes at a critical time when geopolitical tensions in the region necessitate a strong and modern military. The advancements in tank technology not only bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army but also serve as a counterbalance to the evolving military capabilities of neighboring countries. As DRDO continues its development work, the implications for regional security dynamics are likely to be significant, raising concerns in Islamabad and Beijing regarding the balance of power in South Asia.

The Red Shield Division of the Indian Army made a significant contribution to the local community by organizing a two-day special yoga workshop on November 22 and 23. This event was held at the Zakhama Military Station in Kohima, marking the Silver Jubilee of the Hornbill Festival, an important cultural celebration in Nagaland.

With the aim of promoting health, harmony, and heritage, the workshop attracted enthusiastic participation from over 250 individuals, including local residents, soldiers, and their families. Yoga instructors Shivani Khanchi and Sachin Kotiyal, who are affiliated with the Yoga Teacher Training Center (YTTC) in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, led the sessions. Their guidance focused on the physical and mental benefits that yoga offers in today’s fast-paced world.

The workshop served not only as a platform to engage in physical exercise but also as a means to raise awareness about the significance of maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Participants experienced the holistic benefits of yoga, practicing in the serene environment of the military station. This initiative highlighted the importance of community spirit while also celebrating the vibrant Naga culture that is integral to the region.

The successful completion of this yoga workshop underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to promoting health and wellness among the local population and reflects an ongoing effort to foster strong ties between the military and the community it serves. The event has been lauded for its role in contributing to the overall well-being of participants, combining fitness with cultural enrichment in the heart of Nagaland.