A team from INS Khanjar, led by its Commanding Officer, Commander Lav Bhardwaj, proudly attended the 85th Raising Day celebrations of the 6 Kumaon Regiment. This significant event highlighted the strong and enduring bonds between the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, reflecting the spirit of jointmanship and inter-service camaraderie.
Honoring a Legacy of Valor
On behalf of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, VSM, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), Commander Bhardwaj laid a wreath at the Hut of Remembrance, paying solemn tribute to the brave soldiers of the 6 Kumaon Regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This heartfelt gesture was a mark of respect and remembrance for the regiment’s rich legacy of courage and commitment to the nation.
A Unique Naval-Army Affiliation
INS Khanjar holds the unique distinction of being affiliated with two illustrious regiments of the Indian Army—the Kumaon Regiment and the Naga Regiment. This affiliation symbolizes the deep-rooted connections between the two forces, fostering a sense of shared purpose, mutual respect, and operational synergy.
Strengthening Jointmanship
The visit by the INS Khanjar team serves as a testament to the Indian Armed Forces’ integrated approach towards national security. Events like these not only celebrate historical ties but also reinforce the spirit of unity, joint operations, and cooperation that is vital for the defence of the nation.
In an inspiring initiative to foster patriotism and awareness among the youth, the Golden Katar Division conducted a ‘Know Your Army’ lecture at National Public School, Surendranagar. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 150 students, who were introduced to the core values of the Indian Army—discipline, courage, and patriotism.
Shaping Future Leaders Through Awareness
The session aimed to:
Instill a sense of national pride and highlight the importance of serving the nation.
Educate students about the life, challenges, and opportunities within the Indian Army.
Inspire young minds to consider a career in the armed forces, fostering the spirit of selfless service and leadership.
Key Highlights of the Event
Students were briefed on the structure, role, and achievements of the Indian Army.
Interactive discussions focused on discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, and the importance of teamwork.
Personal stories of bravery and heroism were shared to motivate and connect with the students.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The initiative was part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to engage with the youth, bridge the gap between civilians and the armed forces, and ignite the spark of patriotism in future generations.
The Golden Katar Division’s outreach reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to not just defending the nation but also shaping the character and values of India’s young minds.
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), conducted a two-day visit to the Sapta Shakti Command from 6-7 February 2025, where he attended the Capability Development Conference and reviewed the operational preparedness along the Western Borders.
Focus on Capability Development and Modern Warfare
During the Capability Development Conference, General Dwivedi engaged with senior commanders from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, discussing strategies to enhance combat readiness in the face of evolving threats. He emphasized the importance of aligning operational preparedness with the dynamic security landscape, stressing the need for:
Continuous evolution of military strategies to adapt to emerging security challenges.
Integration of innovative solutions leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, unmanned systems, and advanced surveillance tools.
Inter-service synergy to ensure seamless coordination in joint operations.
Operational Review Along the Western Borders
The COAS conducted an extensive review of the operational deployments along the Western Borders, assessing the combat readiness and defensive postures of formations under the Sapta Shakti Command. He commended the troops for their high standards of professionalism, vigilance, and operational efficiency in safeguarding India’s frontiers.
Recognition of Excellence
In a special ceremony, General Dwivedi felicitated selected officers for their professional excellence and dedication to duty. Their contributions to operational effectiveness and leadership in challenging environments were recognized as exemplary, inspiring others to uphold the core values of the Indian Army.
Commitment to a Future-Ready Force
General Dwivedi’s visit reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to:
Maintaining combat superiority through technological advancements.
Fostering a culture of innovation and strategic foresight.
Strengthening jointness among the three services to counter complex, multi-domain threats.
The Indian Army continues to focus on future-ready capabilities, ensuring that it remains prepared to dominate the modern battlefield with agility, resilience, and technological superiority.
In a significant move aimed at shedding colonial legacies, the Indian Army has officially renamed the Eastern Command headquarters from Fort William to Vijay Durg. The name change, which took place in mid-December 2024, draws inspiration from the historic Vijaydurg Fort on Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg coast, a former stronghold of the Maratha Navy.
A Symbolic Shift Towards Indianisation
Sources within the defence establishment confirmed that the name change was an internal decision, aligned with the broader efforts towards the ‘Indianisation’ of the armed forces. While no formal announcement has been made, the change has been widely acknowledged within military circles and the local community.
“The intention behind the change of name was taken on the lines of the armed forces’ decision to shed colonial legacy and move towards Indianisation of the forces,” a senior Army officer stated.
The renaming reflects the government’s continued focus on reclaiming India’s historical and cultural identity within its military institutions, moving away from names and symbols rooted in the British colonial era.
Why Vijay Durg?
The name ‘Vijay Durg’ is derived from the Vijaydurg Fort, an iconic maritime fortress that served as a strategic naval base for the Maratha Empire.
Historical Significance:Originally constructed during the reign of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty, it was later fortified by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Strategic Edge: Known for its impregnability, the fort allowed the Maratha Navy’s warships to remain hidden from enemy forces, enhancing their naval warfare capabilities.
Legacy of Resistance: As noted by historian Philip MacDougall in ‘Naval Resistance to Britain’s Growing Power in India, 1660–1800’, the fort played a key role in resisting British maritime dominance.
Fort William: A Colonial Legacy
Located on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly, Fort William was constructed by the British East India Company in 1696 CE to safeguard its trading interests in India.
Named after King William III in 1700 CE.
Expanded under the leadership of Sir Charles Eyre and John Beard until its completion in 1716 CE.
The city of Kolkata evolved around Fort William, making it a symbol of British colonial dominance in eastern India.
Eastern Command’s Pivotal Role in Indian Military History
Established in 1920, the Eastern Command is one of the Indian Army’s most strategically significant commands, overseeing critical border areas and northeastern states, including:
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, and West Bengal.
Commands such as the III Corps, IV Corps, XVII Corps, and XXXIII Corps fall under its jurisdiction.
The Eastern Command has played a pivotal role in key historical events:
1962 Sino-Indian War: Facing Chinese aggression along the northeastern frontier.
1971 Indo-Pakistan War (Bangladesh Liberation War): Instrumental in securing India’s victory and the creation of Bangladesh.
A New Chapter in Military Tradition
The renaming of Fort William to Vijay Durg is part of a broader initiative to reclaim India’s indigenous heritage within the armed forces. Similar changes have been seen with the renaming of military awards, installations, and symbols that were remnants of the colonial era.
As India continues to modernize its military, such symbolic changes not only honor the nation’s rich historical legacy but also foster a stronger sense of national pride and cultural identity within the armed forces.
In a significant development in Indo-Russian defence ties, Russia has proposed the joint production of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet with India, along with the supply of fully assembled aircraft and technical assistance in developing India’s indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft, according to reports from Sputnik India.
Comprehensive Partnership Under the Su-57E Project
The offer was confirmed by Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, Russia’s state arms exporter. He stated that India has been presented with a comprehensive partnership proposal under the Su-57E project, which includes:
Supply of assembled Su-57 aircraft to India.
Joint production of the Su-57 in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Technical assistance to support the development of India’s own fifth-generation fighter program, potentially enhancing the progress of projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
“Our proposals include the supply of assembled aircraft, the organisation of their joint production in India, and assistance in developing an Indian fifth-generation fighter,” said Mikheev.
Showcasing at Aero India 2025
The Su-57, Russia’s premier stealth fighter, will be a major attraction at Aero India 2025, scheduled from 10-14 February at Yelahanka Air Force Base, Bengaluru. Rostec, Russia’s state-owned defence corporation, expressed confidence in the aircraft’s capabilities, stating:
“The Su-57 is an advanced fifth-generation aircraft. We expect great interest in the fighter at the air show in Bengaluru. UAC (United Aircraft Corporation) specialists are working to expand production capacity to meet the growing demand for this fighter.”
About the Su-57: A Proven Fifth-Generation Fighter
The Su-57 is Russia’s first operational fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, designed to compete with counterparts like the US F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. Key features include:
Stealth technology for low radar visibility.
Advanced avionics and integrated electronic warfare systems.
Supermaneuverability with thrust-vectoring engines.
Capability to engage both airborne and ground-based targets with precision.
Rostec claims the Su-57 is the only fifth-generation fighter that has demonstrated its effectiveness in real combat conditions, particularly in environments with advanced Western air defence systems.
Strategic Implications for India
This proposal comes at a crucial time as India accelerates its efforts to modernize its air combat fleet, with projects like the Tejas Mk2, AMCA, and MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) program in focus. Joint production of the Su-57 could offer India:
Access to cutting-edge stealth technology.
Boost to indigenous defense manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ framework.
Potential synergies with India’s ongoing efforts to develop the AMCA, enhancing its design, stealth capabilities, and avionics systems.
Strengthening Indo-Russian Defense Ties
India and Russia share a long history of defence cooperation, from the BrahMos missile project to the licensed production of T-90 tanks and AK-203 rifles. The Su-57 joint production proposal signals a deepening of this strategic partnership, potentially reshaping India’s air combat capabilities for decades to come.
With discussions expected to intensify during Aero India 2025, this proposal could mark the beginning of a new era in Indo-Russian military collaboration, strengthening India’s position as a regional and global air power.
In recent months, the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have brought tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek AI into the limelight. Thanks to their impressive capabilities in natural language processing and content generation, these platforms have piqued the interest of professionals across various sectors.
However, concerns about data privacy, national security, and operational secrecy have become front and center—particularly within government organizations and defence establishments.
No Official Restriction, but Caution Advised
Although there is currently no official restriction by the Indian Army on using AI platforms such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or similar tools, there is a growing sentiment that Indian Army officers should avoid these tools, especially for any official or sensitive work. The primary reason for this caution is straightforward: operational secrecy. Any data or information input into these AI applications could potentially be stored, processed, or analyzed on servers outside India’s sovereign control. This opens up the possibility of unintended data leaks or breaches.
Moreover, an officer in the Indian Army holds a position of responsibility where the confidentiality of strategic and tactical information is paramount. While AI chatbots may offer convenient ways to summarize or generate reports, the risk of exposing critical internal information outweighs the benefits, especially when dealing with sensitive military operations.
Ministry of Finance Directive
Recently, the Ministry of Finance took a decisive step by prohibiting its employees from using AI tools and applications like ChatGPT and DeepSeek on office computers and devices. In a communication issued last month to all departments, the ministry stressed that using AI tools and apps must be strictly prohibited on official devices. This directive stems from concerns over data protection and maintaining the confidentiality of government documents.
A memo from the Ministry’s Department of Expenditure, dated January 29, clearly stated:
“It has been determined that AI tools and AI apps (such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek etc.) in the office computers and devices pose risks for confidentiality of Govt. data and documents.”
Following this advisory, it is only logical that other government departments and particularly defence forces remain highly cautious, given the higher stakes involved in national security and operational secrecy.
DeepSeek: An Emerging Contender
While ChatGPT—developed by OpenAI—has received global attention for its powerful language capabilities, DeepSeek has gained recent traction for its low-cost AI offerings. With a reported price tag of around $6 million for its latest AI model, DeepSeek’s R1 is touted to operate on a fraction of the compute power required by more established AI models like ChatGPT. This cost-effectiveness has fueled its worldwide popularity and adoption.
However, concerns over privacy and data security have prompted various countries, including Australia and Italy, to shield their official systems from Chinese-developed DeepSeek. In an age where data is sometimes called the “new oil,” any potential vulnerability in AI systems is a matter of significant apprehension, particularly in governmental and defence contexts.
Global AI Landscape and Regulatory Developments
The global AI landscape is changing rapidly. Regulatory frameworks and usage guidelines are still catching up with the exponential pace of innovation in machine learning and data science. Even in the United States, the birthplace of many major AI models, there is growing scrutiny over data handling, privacy regulations, and ethical guidelines for AI deployment.
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, recently visited India and met with top government officials and industry leaders. This visit signals the Indian government’s keen interest in collaborating and understanding how AI can be harnessed responsibly. However, the balancing act between leveraging AI’s potential and protecting sensitive information remains a top priority.
Implications for the Indian Army
Operational Secrecy: Any breach of sensitive data regarding military strategies or operational details could compromise national security. AI tools often process and store data externally, creating vulnerabilities in the absence of strong data-protection policies.
No Clear Policy Yet: While there is currently no explicit ban from the Indian Army on using ChatGPT or DeepSeek, existing advisories from other government departments set a cautionary precedent. The Army is likely to formulate its own guidelines to ensure that even incidental data leakage is prevented.
Risk of Data Leaks: AI platforms rely on large volumes of user data to improve their models. Inadvertently sharing mission details or official documents could lead to intelligence-gathering by malicious actors.
Practical Considerations: Even trivial-sounding information—such as supply chain data, routine operational logs, or logistical arrangements—can be pieced together by adversaries to form a larger intelligence picture. Hence, Army officers are advised to exercise strict discretion.
Future Possibilities: As AI tools become more advanced and secure, there may be potential for carefully regulated, in-house AI solutions within the defense sector. Defense-focused AI systems that do not rely on external servers and adhere to stringent data privacy protocols might eventually see deployment.
In summary, while there is no official, blanket restriction on Indian Army officers using ChatGPT, DeepSeek, or any other AI platform at the moment, the imperative to maintain operational secrecy effectively discourages their adoption for official tasks. The recent directive by the Ministry of Finance serves as a strong indicator of the Indian government’s stance on the matter: data privacy and national security come before convenience.
For Army personnel, the safest path is to avoid using AI tools—especially on official devices or for official documents—until more robust, government-approved frameworks and guidelines are in place. The promise of AI is undeniable, but in the defence sector, even a slight risk of data leakage could have far-reaching consequences. As the technology evolves, it remains crucial for all stakeholders—especially those in the armed forces—to weigh the benefits against the potential security threats.
A twin-seater Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed near Sunari Chowki in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, during a routine training sortie. Fortunately, both pilots ejected safely, averting any casualties.
Incident Details
According to Defence officials, the aircraft encountered a system malfunction mid-flight, forcing the pilots to initiate emergency ejection procedures. Visuals from the crash site show debris of the aircraft engulfed in flames, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the wreckage.
The IAF confirmed the incident via an official statement on social media platform X, stating:
“A Mirage 2000 aircraft of the IAF crashed near Shivpuri (Gwalior), during a routine training sortie today, after encountering a system malfunction. Both the pilots ejected safely. An enquiry has been ordered by the IAF to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
Court of Inquiry Ordered
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the crash, focusing on potential technical issues or mechanical failures. The investigation will also examine the aircraft’s maintenance records, operational history, and pre-flight checks.
Recent Similar Incidents
This incident comes just months after a MiG-29 fighter jet crashed near Agra, Uttar Pradesh, in November 2024, during a routine training sortie. In that case, the pilot also ejected safely after encountering a technical glitch.
About the Mirage 2000
The Mirage 2000, a key asset of the IAF, has been in service since the 1980s and played a pivotal role in several operations, including the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. Known for its agility, speed, and precision strike capability, it remains a vital part of India’s air defense arsenal.
No Civilian Casualties Reported
As of now, there are no reports of civilian casualties or property damage on the ground. Local authorities and emergency response teams swiftly reached the crash site to secure the area and assist in firefighting operations.
Further details will emerge as the Court of Inquiry progresses, shedding light on the circumstances leading to the incident.
In a heartfelt ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Tiger Division honoured the exceptional service of canine hero ‘Teena’, a specialist in explosion detection, as she retired from active duty after two years of dedicated service in Jammu & Kashmir.
A Legacy of Loyalty, Alertness, and Dedication
Teena’s contribution to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations has been invaluable. Her sharp instincts, loyalty, and alertness played a crucial role in detecting explosives, ensuring the safety of countless lives and contributing significantly to operational success in the region.
Throughout her service, Teena demonstrated unwavering dedication in challenging environments, embodying the true spirit of a canine soldier. Her partnership with her handlers showcased the strong bond between soldiers and their canine companions, reflecting the vital role of Army dogs in modern warfare and security operations.
A Salute to a Brave Companion
The GOC commended Teena’s bravery, discipline, and operational excellence, acknowledging her critical role in safeguarding troops and civilians.
As Teena retires, her legacy remains an inspiration, highlighting the courage and commitment of India’s four-legged heroes who serve the nation with the same valor and loyalty as their human counterparts.
In a proud moment symbolizing bilateral military cooperation and training excellence, two Sri Lankan trainees were awarded the prestigious Flight Diver Badge at the School for Naval Airmen (SFNA), Kochi, upon the successful completion of their intensive course.
The trainees underwent rigorous theoretical, practical, and flying training across various advanced training facilities of the Southern Naval Command (SNC). The comprehensive program aimed to enhance their aerial diving capabilities, equipping them with the skills required for naval aviation operations and search and rescue missions.
A Day of Dual Significance
The occasion held special significance as it coincided with Sri Lanka’s National Day, symbolizing the strength of Indo-Sri Lankan defense ties and the spirit of #BridgesOfFriendship between the two nations.
This achievement not only reflects the professional excellence of the Indian Navy’s training infrastructure but also highlights the growing defence cooperation and interoperability between India and Sri Lanka, fostering stronger ties through shared learning and mutual respect.
Major General Sheena PD has assumed the prestigious appointment of Additional Director General Military Nursing Service (ADGMNS), marking a significant milestone in her distinguished career.
An alumnus of the erstwhile School of Nursing, INHS Asvini, Maj Gen Sheena PD brings with her a wealth of experience, particularly in the field of Oncology Nursing. Her extensive expertise and leadership in military healthcare management are expected to greatly contribute to the continued excellence and advancement of the Military Nursing Service (MNS).
On this special occasion, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), congratulated Maj Gen Sheena PD, acknowledging her outstanding dedication and contributions to military nursing.
Her appointment reflects the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to recognizing and promoting exceptional leadership within the Military Nursing Service, ensuring the highest standards of healthcare and nursing excellence for the armed forces community.
