India and Egypt have reaffirmed their strategic commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms, following the 4th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism held in Cairo on Wednesday. The meeting marked a significant step forward in the countries’ collaborative efforts to address both conventional and emerging security challenges.

During the session, the two nations strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which targeted domestic and international tourists. Egypt expressed firm solidarity with India, underscoring its support in the fight against terrorism aimed at destabilizing peace and security in the region.

The discussions were led by Ambassador KD Dewal, Joint Secretary for Counter Terrorism at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and Ambassador Walid Al-Fiqi, Director of the Department of Counter Terrorism at Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Representatives from multiple agencies on both sides participated, exploring avenues to bolster cooperation in areas such as countering the use of cryptocurrencies, unmanned aerial systems, and the spread of extremist propaganda through cyberspace.

India and Egypt agreed to intensify efforts in critical domains like anti-money laundering, drug trafficking, and combating transnational organized crime. Both sides highlighted the need for enhanced training, capacity building, and the use of advanced technologies—including Artificial Intelligence (AI)—to strengthen counter-terrorism capabilities.

On the international front, the two delegations discussed ways to enhance coordination in global forums including the United Nations, BRICS, the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). They also reiterated their shared support for the early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT), a long-pending initiative in global counter-terrorism efforts.

The next meeting of the Joint Working Group is set to take place in India at a mutually agreed time.

This engagement reflects the broader and deepening India-Egypt relationship, which has been reinforced through consistent diplomatic engagement, military cooperation, and shared interests in global platforms. Notably, 2024 saw joint air force exercises and the 10th Joint Defence Committee meeting in New Delhi, further solidifying the countries’ commitment to regional and global security.

In a major leadership development for India’s defense establishment, Lieutenant General DS Rana has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). The announcement was made by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), marking a significant milestone in Lt Gen Rana’s distinguished military career.

Previously serving as the Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Lt Gen Rana brings with him a wealth of operational and strategic expertise. His leadership at the DIA was marked by enhanced intelligence coordination and international military cooperation, including key engagements with African and Indo-Pacific partners.

The Andaman and Nicobar Command, headquartered in Port Blair, is India’s only integrated Tri-Service Command, encompassing personnel and assets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Established in 2001, the command is critical to India’s defense strategy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), particularly near the Strait of Malacca—a strategic maritime corridor through which a significant portion of global trade and energy flows.

With rising geopolitical focus on the Indo-Pacific, the archipelago’s importance has grown significantly. Although it covers just 0.2% of India’s landmass, the region accounts for nearly 30% of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), offering a vast maritime domain for surveillance, deterrence, and rapid deployment. The command also supports key naval operations and logistics in Southeast and East Asia, playing a central role in India’s maritime security.

India has been progressively expanding its military capabilities in the region, including plans to station ship-based nuclear-capable systems and amphibious warships equipped with Landing Platform Docks (LPDs). The Andaman and Nicobar Command also supports India’s commitments under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and facilitates bilateral defense agreements, such as those with Australia and Singapore, for joint training and facility access.

Tracing its origins back to 1956 when the islands were designated a Union Territory, the command has evolved from the early establishment of INS Jarawa in 1964 into a modern, full-spectrum military presence under the Fortress Andaman & Nicobar doctrine.

Under Lt Gen Rana’s command, the tri-service formation is expected to bolster its strategic deterrence capabilities and operational readiness, reinforcing India’s role as a key security provider in the Indo-Pacific

In a landmark appointment for military healthcare in India, Major General Lisamma PV has assumed the post of Additional Director General of the Military Nursing Service (MNS). The ceremonial takeover took place in New Delhi, marking a new chapter for the organization under her leadership.

Originally from Kollam, Kerala, Maj Gen Lisamma brings nearly four decades of experience to her new role. Commissioned into the MNS in 1986 after completing her nursing training at the Military Hospital in Jalandhar, she has since served with distinction in a series of pivotal roles. These include her tenure as Principal of the College of Nursing at CHAF Bangalore and as Principal Matron of the prestigious Army Hospital (Research & Referral) in Delhi.

Her professional journey is underpinned by a strong academic foundation. Maj Gen Lisamma holds degrees in Arts, Law, and Hospital Administration, embodying the Military Nursing Service’s ethos of academic rigor and multidimensional leadership. Her combined experience in clinical practice, nursing education, and administrative excellence positions her well to lead the MNS at a time of growing complexity in military healthcare.

The MNS, a critical wing under the Ministry of Defence, ensures quality healthcare delivery to Indian Armed Forces personnel and their families. In her new role, Maj Gen Lisamma will be responsible for shaping strategic policies, enhancing operational readiness, and upholding the service’s core values.

Congratulating her on the appointment, the Ministry of Defence praised her distinguished service record and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in her ability to further elevate the standards of military nursing. Her tenure is expected to reinforce the MNS’s enduring commitment to its motto: “Service with Smile.”

The Supreme Court on Thursday sharply rebuked a petitioner seeking a judicial probe into the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly civilians.

As the plea was mentioned before the bench, Justice Surya Kant questioned the petitioner’s intent, asking, “Is this the way you want to demoralise our forces?” The court underscored that the judiciary is not equipped to oversee sensitive counter-terrorism investigations. “Since when did Supreme Court judges become experts in these matters?” Justice Kant asked sternly.

The petitioner, representing concerns of Kashmiri students in other states, argued that the plea aimed to prevent backlash against innocent civilians in the wake of the attack, which has been claimed by a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot. However, the bench observed that the PIL made no specific reference to students or their safety.

Justice NK Singh suggested the petitioner approach relevant High Courts instead. “For prayer regarding students, you can go to the high courts,” he said, emphasizing that this was not the appropriate forum for the plea.

The court ultimately allowed the petitioner to withdraw the PIL, granting liberty to approach the High Court on student safety issues. However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed even this, warning against judicial intervention during a sensitive security situation.

The ruling comes as the nation reels from the deadliest attack in the Valley in recent years. In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has already deployed ministers to coordinate with other states for the protection of Kashmiri residents.

The Supreme Court’s reaction underscores the judiciary’s reluctance to intervene in ongoing security matters, especially in times of heightened national sensitivity.