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.

Kolkata witnessed a spirited motorcycle rally on Sunday, organized by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command in anticipation of the upcoming ‘Vijay Diwas’ celebrations. This event commemorates India’s significant victory over Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Collaborating with a well-known FM radio channel, the rally aimed to honor the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces while fostering a stronger connection between the military and the civilian community, as explained by a defense official.

The rally was spearheaded by Lieutenant General R C Tiwari, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, who was joined by motorcycle enthusiasts hailing from both the armed forces and the local populace. The event commenced at Fort William, the Eastern Army Command headquarters located in central Kolkata, where it was officially flagged off by Lieutenant General R C Srikanth, the Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command.

The rally covered a distance of 25 kilometers, passing by several renowned landmarks in Kolkata, including the historic Eden Gardens, the majestic Victoria Memorial, and the iconic Birla Mandir. As the motorcycles thundered through the city streets, they drew the attention and admiration of onlookers, reinforcing the bond between the military and local residents.

The event reached its solemn conclusion at the East Gate of Fort William, where Lieutenant General Tiwari and other dignitaries paid their respects to the martyred heroes of the 1971 war at the ‘Vijay Smarak’. This tribute involved participants, comprising officers from the Indian armed forces and respected citizens of Kolkata, joining in a moment of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.

The backdrop of the rally serves as a poignant reminder of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which commenced when Pakistan executed pre-emptive air strikes against 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971. This conflict arose amid the widespread and brutal genocide of the people in East Pakistan, under the rule of General Yahya Khan of Pakistan. The war was not only brief but intensely fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts, culminating in the complete surrender of Pakistani forces and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh. The Indian Armed Forces showcased their strength and strategic superiority against the Pakistani military during this conflict, marking a significant chapter in the annals of India’s military history.

An Indian fishing vessel named Marthoma was involved in a collision with an Indian Navy submarine off the coast of Goa. This incident, confirmed by the Defence Ministry, has led to a significant search and rescue operation directed by the Indian Navy. The operation mobilized six ships and several aircraft in an extensive effort aimed at locating the 13 crew members who were aboard the fishing vessel at the time of the incident.

As of the latest reports, 11 of the crew members have been successfully rescued, while two individuals remain unaccounted for. The Ministry of Defence has stated that the collision occurred approximately 70 nautical miles from the Goa coast, involving the Marthoma and a Scorpene-class submarine, which is a vital asset in India’s naval fleet.

The ongoing search and rescue operations are being coordinated with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai, with additional support from the Coast Guard to enhance the efforts in the area. The ministry has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to locate the missing crew members.

An investigation into the cause of this unfortunate incident is currently underway, as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the collision.

India’s Scorpene-class submarines play an essential role within the nation’s naval strategy, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where they are equipped for a variety of missions including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. These submarines are characterized by advanced technology, featuring acoustic silencing, a hydrodynamically optimized structure, and the capability to conduct precision-guided attacks, significantly enhancing India’s naval operational capabilities.

The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Tarangini, engaged in a collaborative sailing exercise with the esteemed Italian sail ship, Amerigo Vespucci, off the coast of Kochi on Friday. This joint effort showcased a range of sailing maneuvers designed to bolster training, cooperation, and interoperability between the two maritime forces, as well as to facilitate the exchange of best practices in navigation and sailing.

A statement from the Indian Navy emphasized that the exercise represented not only a commitment to sailing proficiency but also underscored the enduring friendship and shared vision for collaboration between India and Italy’s naval forces. INS Tarangini has historically played a crucial role in the training of naval cadets, making its participation in various global goodwill missions an integral part of its mission.

The sailing session not only allowed for practical learning experiences but also highlighted the Indian Navy’s dedication to maintaining global maritime customs and enhancing international partnerships. By aligning with the Amerigo Vespucci, a vessel renowned for its historical significance and training capabilities, INS Tarangini further exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering strong ties in the maritime domain.

This exercise off Kochi marks a significant step in strengthening the rapport between the two navies, paving the way for future collaborations aimed at shared security and maritime interests. The event brings to light the importance of such joint exercises in promoting peace and stability in international waters.