A 10-day National Integration Tour organized by the Indian Army for students from Palizi in East Kameng and the Rest of Arunachal Pradesh (RALP) concluded at the Chandimandir Military Station. This initiative, part of the Indian Army’s outreach program, aimed to inspire young minds to appreciate and embrace the rich diversity of India.

During their journey, a group comprising 20 students and two teachers explored significant cultural and historical landmarks in Delhi and Chandigarh. Among the highlights of the tour was a visit to the Western Command Heritage Museum, where students gained insights into the nation’s military history and heritage.

Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, personally interacted with the students. He shared his own experiences and reflections from his time in Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of each individual’s role in the journey of nation-building. His motivational address left a profound impact on the students, underscoring the values of service, dedication, and unity.

The itinerary also featured visits to notable attractions like the Mahendra Pratap Zoological Park, the famous Rock Garden, and the picturesque Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. Through these excursions, the students not only enjoyed recreational activities but also absorbed lessons on environmental conservation and cultural appreciation.

This National Integration Tour reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to fostering unity and understanding among the diverse populations of India. Through initiatives like Operation Sadbhavana, the Army aims to bridge gaps and create a sense of belonging in a multicultural society, reinforcing the ethos of teamwork and harmony among the youth of the nation.

In a significant initiative to empower young girls and promote sportsmanship, the Indian Army’s 41 Rashtriya Rifles successfully organized the Col Santosh Mahadik Inter-School Girls Kho-Kho Tournament at Galzoo Stadium, Kupwara, from September 11 to 13, 2024. The tournament aimed to foster competition among young female athletes and encourage their active participation in sports.

The event attracted considerable attention, bringing together eight teams from local schools, all competing in a knockout format. The tournament culminated in an exciting final match on September 13, 2024, featuring the Government Middle School and Sadiq Memorial School, both hailing from Kupwara. The final was a closely contested affair, marked by intense moments and unwavering school spirit, culminating in a victory for Government Middle School, which scored 20 points against Sadiq Memorial School’s 14.

The tournament drew a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, including civil and military dignitaries, local residents, students, and staff from the participating schools, all eager to cheer for their respective teams. The atmosphere around the event was filled with excitement, as each team displayed commendable energy and determination throughout the matches. The Indian Army and school staff provided encouragement and support, helping to motivate the young athletes and instill a strong sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

In recognition of their hard work and dedication, all participating teams received awards, with the top three teams being honored with medals and trophies for their outstanding performances. The tournament not only highlighted the athletic skills of the participants but also served as a platform for showcasing resilience and a relentless spirit among the young girls, embodying the theme of ‘Never Give Up.’

This initiative reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to supporting local youth and promoting the empowerment of women in the region. The event was viewed as a considerable success, contributing positively to the social fabric of Kupwara by encouraging the active involvement of girls in sports, thereby fostering a culture of teamwork and determination. The aspirations and enthusiasm of the young participants signal a promising future for women’s sports in the area, paving the way for further developments in promoting athletics among girls and young women.

The Indian Navy is preparing to launch the fourth edition of its extensive coastal defence exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24,’ on November 20-21. This pan-India initiative aims to evaluate and enhance the preparedness of coastal security measures through collaboration involving six ministries and 21 different organizations and agencies.

In the lead-up to the exercise, naval officers have been directing the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase since late October across all coastal states and Union Territories, including the Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This critical phase includes a thorough audit of coastal defence and security infrastructure, ensuring its effectiveness and response capabilities.

Notably, for the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will participate alongside Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams, which will also include personnel from a range of agencies such as the state marine police, Coast Guard, customs, and fisheries departments. This year’s exercise will place a special focus on the security of vital coastal assets, including ports, oil rigs, moorings, cable landing sites, and other critical infrastructure essential for national safety.

Launched in 2018 in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Sea Vigil was established to strengthen coastal defences along India’s extensive 11,098 km coastline and its vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometers. This iteration of the exercise will see participation from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, enhancing operational tempo through a broader deployment of ships and aircraft.

Furthermore, a central theme of Sea Vigil is to foster maritime security awareness among coastal communities, including fishermen, local residents, and youth organizations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides. While various state-led coastal security exercises take place routinely, Sea Vigil distinguishes itself as a comprehensive nationwide initiative managed by the Indian Navy, providing a cohesive assessment of India’s maritime security capabilities.

As a precursor to the biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), ‘Sea Vigil-24’ emphasizes India’s dedication to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and reinforcing collaboration among all stakeholders involved in coastal defence. This multifaceted approach aims to enhance readiness and foster a collective commitment to protecting the nation’s maritime interests.

In a significant move to bolster its coastal security framework, India is set to organize a comprehensive pan-India coastal defence exercise, labeled ‘Sea Vigil-24’. This fourth edition of the exercise will bring together troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting the nation’s commitment to maritime safety and national security.

The exercise is particularly noteworthy as it will see participation from over 20 agencies, including various governmental and non-governmental organizations, emphasizing a collaborative approach to coastal security. The Indian Navy is at the forefront of this initiative, assessing readiness levels and operational capabilities to thwart potential threats along India’s extensive coastline.

As part of the preparations, naval officers are actively training personnel from the Andhra Pradesh Marine Police and lighthouse staff, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities during the exercise. The focus on multi-agency collaboration reflects the complexity of modern maritime security, where threats are often intertwined and require coordinated responses.

The ‘Sea Vigil’ series of exercises has historically aimed to evaluate real-time maritime surveillance, response strategies, and the overall preparedness of the coastal security apparatus. This year’s exercise will undoubtedly serve as a critical platform for reviewing and enhancing the capabilities of various agencies involved in maritime safety, ensuring a robust defence posture against potential maritime threats.

With India facing various challenges in its coastal regions, including smuggling, illegal fishing, and terrorism-related activities, the need for a well-coordinated defense strategy has never been more pressing. ‘Sea Vigil-24’ is poised to be a landmark initiative in strengthening India’s coastal security, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-prepared to address threats effectively and efficiently.

As the date of the exercise approaches, anticipation builds among the participating agencies and the Indian public alike, with a collective emphasis on safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders and ensuring the safety of its waters.

The Indian Navy is set to conduct the fourth edition of its comprehensive coastal defence exercise, known as ‘Sea Vigil-24’, on November 20 and 21. This pan-India initiative aims to assess the preparedness of coastal security measures and will engage six ministries alongside 21 organizations and agencies.

Since the end of October, naval officers responsible for each coastal state and Union Territory, including the strategically important Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have been actively participating in the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase of the exercise. This crucial phase involves a detailed audit of the nation’s coastal defence and security infrastructure.

For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will join the Indian Navy-led teams undertaking the CDSRE, a significant step towards enhancing inter-agency cooperation. The teams will also consist of personnel from various sectors, including state marine police, Coast Guard, customs, and fisheries, further broadening the exercise’s reach and effectiveness.

The focus of ‘Sea Vigil-24’ will be on reinforcing the security of vital coastal assets, such as ports, oil rigs, and critical infrastructures like single-point moorings and cable landing points. Ensuring the safety of the coastal population will also be a priority, and the exercise is designed to engage and raise awareness among local communities, including fishermen and students from organizations like the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides.

Originally launched in 2018, Sea Vigil was conceived in the wake of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks to bolster measures aimed at coastal defence. Spanning the vast 11,098 km coastline and the extensive 2.4 million square km Exclusive Economic Zone, this exercise is notable for its inclusion of all maritime stakeholders and its simultaneous engagement with members of the fishing community.

While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies conduct regular exercises, Sea Vigil stands out as a national-level initiative. It provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime defence and security capabilities. This year’s exercise has been amplified by increased participation from other branches of the armed services, including the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, as well as the planned deployment of numerous ships and aircraft.

‘Sea Vigil-24’ is positioned as a precursor to the Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), which takes place biennially under the auspices of the Indian Navy. The upcoming exercise is an essential aspect of reinforcing India’s dedication to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and fostering coordinated efforts among all stakeholders involved in coastal defence.

Over the weekend, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, made a noteworthy visit to the Army Research and Referral Hospital located in Delhi Cantonment. The purpose of his visit was to meet Honorary Captain Bana Singh, a distinguished Paramvir Chakra (PVC) awardee and a highly esteemed figure in the Indian military community.

Bana Singh, who is now 75 years old, is celebrated for his extraordinary contributions during one of the most significant operations in the history of the Indian Armed Forces. In June 1987, while serving as a Naib Subedar with the 8th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI), Singh spearheaded a daring assault aimed at dislodging the Pakistan Army from a strategically placed post on the Siachen Glacier. The successful capture of what is now referred to as the ‘Quaid Post,’ located at an altitude of 21,153 feet, earned him the nation’s highest award for bravery in the face of enemy action, the Paramvir Chakra.

Singh is one of only three living PVC recipients, alongside Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar and Honorary Captain Yogendra Yadav. His actions during the operation have become part of military folklore in India, with his name synonymous with bravery and sacrifice.

At the time of the operation, the Pakistan Army had established the Quaid Post on the Saltoro Ridge, providing them with a crucial vantage point over the Siachen Glacier and the movements of the Indian Army. The post was perched atop a daunting 1,500-foot ice wall, creating significant challenges for any forces attempting to approach without being detected.

The initial Indian control of the Siachen Glacier occurred in 1984 during Operation Meghdoot. Following this, Pakistan attempted to regain control by establishing the Quaid Post. In response, India initiated Operation Rajiv in 1987, named in honor of Second Lieutenant Rajiv Pandey, with the objective of reclaiming the post. The mission was fraught with danger; Naib Subedar Bana Singh volunteered to join a special task force and skillfully navigated the steep ice wall under severe weather conditions. Despite encountering weapon malfunctions due to the extreme cold, Singh and his team pushed onward. The confrontation culminated in intense hand-to-hand combat, resulting in the successful capture of the post. A day after the victory, the Indian Army honored Singh by renaming a nearby peak “Bana Top.”

The Siachen Glacier, located at India’s northernmost frontier, is a vital part of the Saltoro Ridge, marking the boundary between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and the Aksai Chin region of India. The glacier and its surrounding high grounds are critical military positions, with the Indian Army maintaining dominance in the area as a strategic buffer for routes leading into Ladakh. Military operations in this region have escalated since the mid-1980s, reflecting the ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan over territorial claims.

The question of whether the Siachen region can be de-militarized has emerged periodically, with Pakistan suggesting such an initiative in diplomatic discussions. However, no formal agreement has been reached. From Pakistan’s perspective, the Indian Army’s control over the region poses threats to the Saltoro Ridge. Conversely, India views its military presence as essential for national security and territorial integrity. Since the ceasefire agreement in 2003, active hostilities have diminished, yet both countries continue to station troops in the region, while India’s military remains equipped with advanced surveillance systems and modern weaponry to ensure its strategic interests are protected.

General Dwivedi’s visit to honor Bana Singh reflects the profound respect given to the legacy of those who have bravely served in defense of the nation. As the Indian Army continues to protect the Siachen Glacier and others in the region from potential threats, the heroic legacy of soldiers like Honorary Captain Bana Singh stands as a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.