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Indian Army NCOs Shine in Sri Lanka’s Elite Survival Training Course

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In a commendable feat of endurance and skill, two Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from the Indian Army have successfully completed the prestigious Survival, Escape, Evasion, and Combat Tracking Course at the Special Forces Training School in Sri Lanka. The intensive 16-week training, held from February 24 to June 11, 2025, saw Havildar Bhim Singh and Naik Lalit Thakur push their limits in one of South Asia’s most demanding military programs.

Havildar Bhim Singh, representing the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School (CIJWS) in Vairengte, Mizoram, was awarded the title of Best Foreign Student—an accolade that reflects the high caliber of Indian Army training standards and individual excellence. The course tested participants on survival without food or water in dense jungles, 20-hour endurance exercises at sea, and high-stress combat tracking through hostile terrain.

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These exercises are designed to strengthen psychological endurance and physical adaptability, aligning with global military training benchmarks. A 2019 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology highlights the long-term resilience benefits of such training under extreme conditions.

The achievement not only showcases the capability of Indian troops but also underscores the growing defense partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Once strained by the legacy of the 1987–1990 Indian Peace Keeping Force mission, bilateral military ties have now matured into strategic cooperation. This initiative takes on greater significance in light of China’s rising presence in the Indian Ocean Region, as outlined in a 2024 RAND Corporation report.

The success of Havildar Singh and Naik Thakur serves as a proud moment for the Indian Army and reinforces regional collaboration for collective security in South Asia.

Reliance and Dassault to Build Falcon 2000 Jets in Nagpur, Marking First Production Outside France

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In a major boost to India’s aerospace manufacturing sector, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure has partnered with France’s Dassault Aviation to produce Falcon 2000 business jets in India. The announcement was made in a joint statement by both companies on Wednesday.

The final assembly line will be set up in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking the first time Dassault will manufacture Falcon 2000 jets outside France. The move is part of a growing trend of defense and aerospace collaboration between India and France, and is expected to strengthen India’s domestic aviation capabilities under the Make in India initiative.

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According to the companies, the first made-in-India jets are expected to be delivered by 2028, targeting both corporate and military applications. The Falcon 2000 is known for its long-range capabilities, modern avionics, and versatility in various mission profiles.

The announcement led to a sharp reaction in the stock market, with Reliance Infrastructure shares rising by 5% in afternoon trading following the news. Industry analysts see this development as a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global aerospace hub, with potential implications for high-skill employment, technology transfer, and export potential.

President Murmu Hosts Meeting with Army Chief and Former Chiefs at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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In a rare and symbolic gathering at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu met today with a group of senior military leaders, including current and former Chiefs of the Indian Army. The meeting featured Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi alongside former Chiefs General VP Malik, General NC Vij, General JJ Singh, General Deepak Kapoor, General Bikram Singh, and General Manoj Pande.

Held in the stately conference room of the President’s official residence, adorned with national flags and historic artwork, the session underscored a significant convergence of military insight and strategic leadership. The gathering comes a day after a classified briefing on Operation Sindoor, in which General Dwivedi apprised the retired Chiefs on recent developments related to India’s defense posture.

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While specific details of the discussion remain undisclosed, the presence of General VP Malik—who led the Army during the 1999 Kargil War—suggests that past operational experience is being actively drawn upon to inform current security strategies, particularly with regard to ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, a symbol of India’s democratic and military heritage, continues to play a central role in key national security consultations. The meeting reinforces the tradition of institutional memory and continuity in defense planning, with India’s top military minds collaborating to address evolving regional and global threats.

Maj Gen MPS Gill Reviews Operational Readiness and Agniveer Training at GRRC Lansdowne

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Major General MPS Gill, VSM, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Uttarakhand sub-area, conducted a detailed review of the operational readiness, Agniveer training programs, and infrastructure developments at the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre (GRRC) in Lansdowne. The visit highlights the Indian Army’s continued focus on modernization and regional preparedness.

During his inspection, Major General Gill stressed the need for unwavering professional excellence among all ranks. He encouraged personnel to remain committed to maintaining high standards of military preparedness, especially in the context of evolving regional and technological challenges.

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The review featured a comprehensive presentation on the training of Agniveers, the young recruits brought in under the Agnipath Scheme launched in 2022. According to a study by the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, there has been a 30 percent increase in technical training efficiency since the scheme’s introduction, underscoring its positive impact.

Gill also assessed ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the centre, which align with the Ministry of Defence’s data indicating a 25 percent surge in tech-related military investments since 2022. His visit included troop interactions, a detailed assessment of operational resources, and a walk-through of the newly enhanced training modules, reflecting his hands-on leadership approach and prior experience commanding an armoured brigade.

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Assuming command on May 27, 2025, Major General Gill succeeded Major General R Prem Raj. His tenure is expected to bring further strategic focus to the Uttarakhand sub-area, especially amid broader military reforms such as the recent launch of a drone training facility at the Madras Regimental Centre. These developments signal a strong push toward a future-ready Indian Army grounded in technology and youth-driven capabilities.

INS Arnala Commissioned: India’s First Indigenous Anti-Submarine Shallow Water Craft Joins Navy

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The Indian Navy today commissioned INS Arnala, the first indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), in a landmark ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. The event was presided over by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and attended by senior defense officials and naval commanders.

Named after the historic Arnala fort, the vessel is designed to enhance India’s ability to detect and neutralize enemy submarines in shallow waters, thereby strengthening maritime security along the coastline. The induction of INS Arnala marks a major advancement in India’s maritime defense capabilities and reaffirms its commitment to self-reliant defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in partnership with L&T Shipbuilders, INS Arnala is the first in a series of 16 ASW-SWC vessels planned to replace the ageing Abhay-class corvettes by 2026. Delivered to the Navy on May 8, 2025, the ship features over 80 percent indigenous content and integrates cutting-edge technologies for subsurface surveillance and coordinated anti-submarine warfare operations.

Equipped with hull-mounted and towed low-frequency variable-depth sonar systems and powered by water-jet propulsion, INS Arnala is capable of rapid maneuverability and multi-dimensional missions, including coordinated operations with naval aircraft.

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The commissioning of INS Arnala signifies a successful public-private collaboration and demonstrates India’s expanding defense industrial base. It also aligns with the Indian Navy’s strategic vision to strengthen its presence and readiness across the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Army Deploys Indigenous UAVs and Load Haulers in Arunachal to Boost Self-Reliance

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In a major push toward defense self-reliance, the Indian Army’s Spear Corps has begun deploying indigenously developed Tactical Load Haulers and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the remote and rugged regions of Arunachal Pradesh. This strategic move aligns with the broader Make in India initiative and highlights a significant advancement in operational capability in high-altitude terrain.

The deployment follows operator-level training sessions conducted by Indian defense industry experts, enabling soldiers to effectively handle these sophisticated systems in mountainous conditions. According to a 2024 study by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, the integration of UAVs and load haulers has the potential to reduce logistical delays by up to 30 percent in difficult terrains.

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The systems are tailored to meet the specific challenges of high-altitude missions, offering better mobility, surveillance, and supply chain efficiency. Their introduction is seen as a direct response to evolving regional security dynamics, especially in the wake of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which underscored the urgency of enhancing India’s forward deployment capabilities along the Line of Actual Control.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between military units and domestic defense manufacturers, aiming to foster long-term innovation and localized production. Defense officials indicated that these developments will accelerate the establishment of defense innovation hubs and facilitate critical technology transfers.

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This deployment also marks a key milestone in the Indian Army’s ongoing “Decade of Transformation” roadmap, reinforcing the country’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision to strengthen technological dominance and strategic autonomy in the region.

PM Modi Declines Trump’s Last-Minute Invite to Washington After Canada Visit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down a short-notice invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit Washington following his official trip to Canada, citing prior engagements back in India. The development was confirmed by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press interaction.

“President Trump asked Prime Minister Modi if he could stop by the United States on his way back from Canada. Due to pre-scheduled commitments, Prime Minister Modi expressed his inability to do so,” Misri stated.

The invitation from the White House reportedly came just before President Trump made an abrupt departure from the G7 Summit to return to Washington, driven by the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. While the specific nature of Modi’s commitments was not disclosed, sources indicate that key domestic meetings and preparations for upcoming bilateral engagements may have influenced the decision.

The Indian side has maintained that both leaders continue to engage through diplomatic channels and that a future visit will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. The Modi-Trump exchange comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics, with tensions flaring in West Asia and major powers recalibrating their foreign policy responses.

Colonel Somnath Mishra Passes Away at Army Base Hospital

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The Indian Army is mourning the untimely demise of Colonel Somnath Mishra, the Commanding Officer of the 63 Rashtriya Rifles (Bihar), who passed away due to medical reasons at the Army Base Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. The White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, Jammu and Kashmir, extended its heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family and pledged full support during this difficult time.

Colonel Mishra served with distinction in the Rashtriya Rifles, a counter-insurgency force raised in 1990 to address internal security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. Over the years, the force has been instrumental in neutralizing more than 16,000 terrorists, playing a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The White Knight Corps, under which the 63 Rashtriya Rifles operates, has been a key formation along the Line of Control since its establishment in 1972 under the command of Lieutenant General J F R Jacob.

Colonel Mishra’s passing is a profound loss to the armed forces, especially to those serving in high-stress operational environments. While no official details have been released about the medical condition that led to his death, the incident has sparked conversations about the physical and mental health pressures faced by military personnel, even off the battlefield. His dedication and leadership will be remembered with honor by the entire defence community.

Bharat Forge and France’s Turgis Gaillard Join Hands to Manufacture AAROK MALE UAV in India

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Bharat Forge and French aerospace firm Turgis Gaillard have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly manufacture the AAROK Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in India. The agreement aims to meet the growing demand of the Indian armed forces for long-endurance, precision-strike UAVs while boosting indigenous manufacturing under India’s defence autonomy vision.

AAROK is capable of operating at altitudes between 10,000 and 30,000 feet and remaining airborne for up to 48 hours. Designed for long-range surveillance and offensive operations, the UAV carries a payload of over 1.5 tonnes and is integrated with command and control systems to deliver real-time tactical intelligence. It is equipped with electromagnetic sensors and radar for monitoring enemy positions from safe standoff distances and neutralising high-value targets such as surface-to-air defence systems.

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Bharat Forge, which has extensive experience in defence, aerospace, and automotive sectors, will establish a production line in India for the AAROK platform. The company emphasized that this collaboration will ensure domestic capabilities not only in manufacturing but also in maintenance and overhaul, strengthening India’s defence self-reliance.

The AAROK UAV is expected to support multi-domain operations, including joint and maritime missions. Its endurance and advanced sensors make it a valuable asset for monitoring territorial waters and tracking unauthorised activities at sea.

India’s current MALE UAV fleet includes Israeli Heron drones, with additional acquisitions like the MQ-9B UAVs from the US and indigenous TAPAS UAVs in development. The AAROK will complement these platforms by adding greater versatility and firepower to India’s unmanned systems ecosystem.

With this partnership, Bharat Forge continues to expand its global footprint in high-tech manufacturing, operating facilities across five countries and offering design-to-delivery solutions across multiple sectors.

DGCA Holds Crucial Meeting with Air India and Air India Express

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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) held a high-level meeting with senior officials from Air India and Air India Express to review the airlines’ safety practices, operational readiness, and passenger service standards. The move follows recent incidents that have highlighted the need for enhanced coordination and infrastructure across India’s aviation sector.

Operating over 1,000 flights daily, both carriers have faced increased scrutiny amid maintenance issues, flight cancellations, and airspace-related delays. The DGCA emphasized seven core focus areas in the meeting, including regulatory compliance, fleet reliability, defect reporting, spare part availability, and timely passenger communication.

A major point of discussion was the impact of ongoing airspace restrictions over Iran, which have disrupted flight routes between India and key destinations in Europe and North America. Airlines were advised to explore alternate routing through Central Asia or the Mediterranean and to ensure proactive communication with passengers and crew.

The meeting also reviewed the status of Air India’s Boeing 787 fleet. Out of 33 aircraft, 24 have passed recent safety inspections. Two more were expected to clear checks by the end of the day, with another scheduled for completion tomorrow. Four aircraft are currently undergoing major maintenance, and two remain grounded in Delhi awaiting clearance. These inspections were intensified following a fatal crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month.

DGCA officials urged airlines to improve coordination across engineering, ground handling, and operations departments to minimize disruptions and delays. The regulator also stressed the need for a robust real-time defect reporting mechanism to improve operational decisions and compliance with Civil Aviation Requirements.

This meeting underscores the DGCA’s commitment to reinforcing aviation safety, boosting public confidence, and ensuring reliable service amid the evolving demands of domestic and international air travel.