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Tensions Escalate in Arabian Sea as India and Pakistan Conduct Overlapping Naval Drills

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Military friction between India and Pakistan reached a new high as both nations launched simultaneous naval exercises in the Arabian Sea, raising alarms over potential miscalculations in one of the world’s most strategic and contested maritime regions.

India issued four navigational warnings (NOTAMs) for naval firing drills off the Gujarat coast, running from April 30 to May 3, just 85 nautical miles from the areas where Pakistan is conducting its own exercises from April 30 to May 2. The proximity of these exercises, amid surging regional tensions, is unprecedented and has prompted concerns among defense analysts and the international community alike.

The latest escalation follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. India has squarely blamed Pakistan-backed militants for the attack, drawing sharp rebukes from Islamabad, which denies the allegations. In response, both nations have engaged in a series of retaliatory moves: Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines on April 24, and India reciprocated on April 30, further severing diplomatic and economic links.

India’s naval drills are believed to feature high-precision weaponry, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with a 350 km range—capable of reaching deep into Pakistani waters. Experts view these actions as a demonstration of India’s readiness to project maritime dominance and defend its territorial and strategic interests.

Defense observers note that while Pakistan routinely conducts naval exercises, often in tandem with China through the Sea Guardian series, this close coordination near Indian waters marks a significant shift. The overlap raises the stakes, especially given the Arabian Sea’s proximity to key shipping lanes vital for global commerce.

“The potential for miscommunication or miscalculation in such tight proximity is dangerously high,” said a senior Indian naval analyst. “This is more than saber-rattling—it’s a clear message to Pakistan and the broader region.”

The developments come at a time when India’s internal focus is also shifting. At a Cabinet press conference on April 30, the government announced plans for a caste-based census, new infrastructure projects in the Northeast, and support measures for sugarcane farmers. However, the shadow of conflict with Pakistan looms large over the public discourse.

Global stakeholders, including the United Nations and major powers, have urged restraint, warning that an escalation could disrupt commercial shipping routes, threaten regional stability, and potentially involve broader geopolitical players.

As both nations dig into hardline positions—with India vowing retribution for the Pahalgam attack and Pakistan rejecting any culpability—the Arabian Sea may emerge as a new maritime flashpoint in the long-standing India-Pakistan rivalry. Diplomats face a difficult task ahead in de-escalating the crisis before a spark triggers a wider conflict.

Air Marshal SP Dharkar Retires After 40 Years of Stellar Service

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Air Force (IAF) bid a grand farewell to Air Marshal SP Dharkar, who retired on April 30, 2025, after an extraordinary 40-year career marked by operational brilliance, strategic foresight, and contributions to India’s space and air defence capabilities.

Air Marshal Dharkar, who served as the Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) since September 30, 2024, was a decorated fighter pilot and military strategist, lauded with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) for his exemplary service.

A solemn retirement ceremony took place at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where Dharkar paid tribute to India’s fallen heroes with a wreath-laying at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. He was honored with a ceremonial guard of honor, as senior officers, personnel, and dignitaries gathered to commemorate his legacy.

Throughout his tenure, Air Marshal Dharkar was instrumental in modernizing the IAF and enhancing India’s space warfare readiness. As the first Director General of the Defence Space Agency (DSA), established in 2019, he led key initiatives including IndSpaceEx, a landmark exercise simulating threats to India’s space-based infrastructure. Under his leadership, the DSA laid the groundwork for the deployment of 52 surveillance and communication satellites for India’s armed forces, significantly bolstering national security.

SP Dhankar
SP Dharkar Bidding Farewell at National War Memorial

With over 3,600 hours of flying experience, Dharkar held several prestigious appointments, including Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command, overseeing air operations along India’s sensitive eastern frontiers. His academic foundation — from Rashtriya Indian Military College, National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and the U.S. Air War College — further enriched his command and vision.

Air Marshal Dharkar’s retirement comes at a pivotal time, as India navigates evolving geopolitical and space-based security challenges. His strategic acumen and commitment to integrating space technology into military operations have left an indelible mark on India’s defence landscape.

Dharkar’s legacy will continue to guide its trajectory through the complexities of modern warfare.

Indian Navy Launches Three Day Exercise In Arabian Sea

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Navy has commenced a major three-day maritime exercise in the Arabian Sea, involving both surface and sub-surface assets, in a clear demonstration of its operational readiness amid escalating regional tensions. The exercise, running from April 30 to May 2, brings India’s naval strength to the forefront at a time when the security environment around its borders and in the wider Indo-Pacific region is growing increasingly complex.

This latest operation follows closely on the heels of the India-France “Varuna” naval drills conducted in March 2025, which featured aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and included sophisticated anti-submarine warfare and surface combat maneuvers. The current exercise, according to defense sources, aims to reinforce India’s deterrence posture while enhancing tactical preparedness in a region of vital strategic importance.

The Arabian Sea has become a hotbed of geopolitical activity, with mounting friction along India’s western borders and broader unrest in the Middle East. Tensions flared recently along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary in Jammu’s Pargwal-Akhnoor sector following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir on April 24. The incident led to intensified exchanges of fire between Indian and Pakistani forces. While Pakistan has denied any provocation, India is reportedly briefing foreign diplomats to build international support for a potential military response, according to an April 27 report by The New York Times.

Further afield, geopolitical ripples from West Asia are also being felt. On April 1, 2025, the United States announced fresh sanctions on six entities and two individuals across Iran, the UAE, and China for supporting Iran’s ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. These sanctions, part of a broader “maximum pressure campaign,” are aimed at curbing what Washington describes as Iran’s destabilizing military influence in the region.

Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen has intensified a low-grade maritime conflict in the Red Sea, another critical waterway linked to the Arabian Sea via the Gulf of Aden. Houthi attacks on commercial vessels have raised alarms across global shipping and defense circles, pulling in both state and non-state actors and increasing the likelihood of wider conflict, according to Geopolitical Monitor.

The Arabian Sea’s strategic value is immense—it is a gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, the world’s second-busiest maritime route after the English Channel. India has been steadily increasing its naval footprint in the region, as demonstrated during joint exercises with the U.S. Navy in July 2024. That mission included Indian warships INS Aditya and INS Visakhapatnam operating alongside the USS Theodore Roosevelt, conducting air defense drills and complex sea-based operations.

Defense experts suggest that India’s current exercise serves several strategic objectives: asserting maritime dominance, enhancing force readiness, and sending a calibrated signal of deterrence to regional rivals. It also reinforces India’s role as a stabilizing power in the Indo-Pacific, especially amid the uncertainty driven by border skirmishes with Pakistan and Iran’s increasing assertiveness across the Middle East.

As global attention turns to the overlapping crises stretching from the Himalayas to the Horn of Africa, India’s latest naval maneuvers highlight the country’s growing resolve to safeguard its maritime interests and ensure stability across critical sea lanes of communication.

India Closes Airspace to Pakistani Flights till May 23

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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“Given the current circumstances and in light of national security considerations, Indian airspace will remain closed to all Pakistani aircraft until further notice,” a senior government official confirmed.

Though Pakistani flights were already avoiding Indian airspace amid fears of potential military retaliation, India’s official ban now removes any possibility of passage for Pakistan’s aircraft. The move is expected to heavily impact Pakistan’s aviation sector, particularly for routes to Southeast Asia and Oceania, which now require significant detours.

This closure, announced amid rising geopolitical tensions, has forced airlines to reroute international flights, leading to longer flying times and significantly higher operational costs.

Flights from northern Indian cities to destinations such as Europe, the UK, the Middle East, and North America now face additional flying times ranging from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. This increase translates to an average added cost of ₹5 lakh per flight to the Middle East, ₹22.5 lakh to Europe, and nearly ₹29 lakh for North America-bound services. Analysts estimate that nearly 800 international flights per week are affected, with a cumulative monthly financial burden close to ₹306 crore.

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has already suspended its services to Almaty and Tashkent, citing the aircraft range limitations imposed by the new, longer routes. “With the same restrictions and limited rerouting options, unfortunately, Almaty and Tashkent are outside the operational range of IndiGo’s current fleet,” the airline said in a statement.

Other carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, are monitoring the situation and may follow with cancellations or schedule adjustments.

The restriction also poses logistical challenges, such as increased crew duty hours and aircraft availability issues. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that over 6,000 one-way international flights are scheduled from India in April alone, with a significant share originating in northern India.

The tit-for-tat airspace closures reflect a rapidly deteriorating diplomatic climate between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. With tensions at a high, both sides remain on alert as the international community watches closely for signs of de-escalation—or further provocation.

Interesting Facts about Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, New Commander-in-Chief of Northern Army Command

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma is replacing Lieutenant General MV Suchendra Kumar after his 15-month tenure in office. The incumbent Lieutenant General Suchindra Kumar retires today with an illustrious service of more than 30 years. With an illustrious career spanning across three decades, Lieutenant General Sharma is an infantry officer who has served in varied operational environments. He was a part of key operations such as operations Pawan, Meghdoot, Rakshak and Parakram. Lieutenant General Sharma has held key appointments, including Director General Military Operations, Military Secretary Branch. He was also the Director General of Information Warfare at the newly institutionalised Information Directorate at the Army Headquarters in New Delhi.

Also Read: Armed Forces Set for Major Leadership Transition on May 1

Here are some interesting facts about him:

1. From the Madras Regiment to the Northern Front

Commissioned into the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment on December 19, 1987, Lt Gen Sharma began a career that would span some of the most critical theaters of Indian military operations. Over the decades, he has held several prestigious appointments—Director General Military Operations (DGMO), Director General Information Warfare, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Kharga Corps, one of the Army’s premier strike formations based in Ambala.

His vast command experience, both in field and strategic roles, has consistently positioned him as a trusted leader in times of crisis.

2. Decorated for Gallantry and Service

Throughout his career, Lt Gen Sharma has been recognized with several of India’s highest military honors: Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Sena Medal (SM).

These awards reflect his distinguished service and operational bravery across numerous high-stakes missions.

Lt Gen Pratik Sharma

3. A Veteran of Key Operations

His operational credentials include participation in:

  • Operation Pawan (Indian Peacekeeping Force in Sri Lanka)
  • Operation Meghdoot (Siachen Glacier deployment)
  • Operation Rakshak (counter-insurgency in Jammu & Kashmir)
  • Operation Parakram (2001–2002 India–Pakistan military standoff)

He has also represented India in UN peacekeeping missions (UNOCI), bringing a global dimension to his military experience.

4. Championing Modern Warfare

Lt Gen Sharma’s tenure as Director General of Information Warfare at Army Headquarters underlines his foresight in embracing emerging domains of warfare. From cyber capabilities to psychological operations, his contributions reflect the Indian Army’s transition toward integrated, tech-enabled combat strategies.

5. Legacy of Leadership

What sets Lt Gen Pratik Sharma apart is his ability to lead in turbulent times. Whether it’s commanding formations along the Line of Control, orchestrating information warfare strategies, or navigating geopolitical sensitivities in Kashmir and Ladakh, his leadership is both calm and decisive.

Colleagues describe him as an officer of “unshakable resolve and exceptional foresight”—a strategist who blends battlefield experience with a nuanced understanding of national security imperatives.

Conclusion: A Leader for Challenging Times

As India continues to face evolving threats, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma’s appointment as Northern Army Commander could not be more timely. His legacy is still being written, but one thing is clear—he embodies the spirit of a modern military leader: grounded in tradition, driven by excellence, and prepared for the future.

In a region that often draws global attention, Lt Gen Sharma stands as both shield and strategist—guiding India’s forces through uncertainty with strength, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to the nation.

Lt Cdr Divya Sharma Becomes Indian Navy’s First Woman Qualified Flying Instructor

By
Shubham Rajput
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In a landmark moment for gender inclusivity and operational excellence in the Indian Armed Forces, Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma, a Dornier aircraft pilot of Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 318, INS Utkrosh, has scripted history by becoming the first woman Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) of the Indian Navy.

The announcement marks a proud milestone not only for the Navy’s aviation arm but also for women officers across the tri-services, affirming their growing presence in critical operational and leadership roles. With this accomplishment, Lt Cdr Divya Sharma now holds the prestigious role of training and mentoring the next generation of Naval aviators, a responsibility reserved for the finest and most experienced pilots.

Lt Cdr Divya Sharma, hailing from Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, was among the first three women to be operationalized as Dornier pilots by the Southern Naval Command in Kochi. As a member of the 27th Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) Course, she was awarded ‘First in Flying’, demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment early in her career.

She previously served as part of a historic all-women maritime surveillance mission undertaken by INAS 318 on International Women’s Day 2024, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the squadron. That mission, executed entirely by women officers—including in meteorology, air traffic control, and medical support—showcased the Indian Navy’s evolving efforts to promote gender neutrality and operational empowerment.

INAS 318, based at INS Utkrosh in Port Blair under the Andaman & Nicobar Command, operates Dornier aircraft in long-range maritime surveillance roles. Lt Cdr Divya’s new qualification as a QFI strengthens not only the squadron’s capabilities but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women in the armed forces.

With the skies as her canvas, Lt Cdr Divya Sharma continues to blaze a trail for generations to come—redefining limits, mentoring the future, and symbolizing the Indian Navy’s march towards a more inclusive and capable force.

Interesting Facts About Lt Cdr Divya Sharma, Indian Navy’s First Woman Qualified Flying Instructor

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a landmark moment for the Indian Navy and the nation, Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma has become the first woman in Indian naval history to be designated a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI). A Dornier pilot currently posted at INAS 318, INS Utkrosh under the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC), Lt Cdr Sharma’s achievement marks a significant step forward in gender inclusion and empowerment within India’s armed forces.

Here are some interesting facts about her:

1. From Delhi to the Skies

Hailing from Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, Divya Sharma’s passion for aviation was sparked early on. She completed her early education at Air Force Bal Bharti School in Delhi, where her interest in flying took root. Her academic journey led her to the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune, where she trained alongside male cadets and earned a Bachelor’s degree in technology. This foundation set the stage for her successful career in the Navy’s aviation wing.

2. Breaking Gender Barriers

In 2018, the Indian Navy made a landmark decision by opening combat roles for women, and Divya was among the first women selected for the Navy’s aviation wing. She, along with her colleagues, became pioneers in a traditionally male-dominated field. In 2020, Divya became part of the first batch of female pilots to operate Dornier aircraft for maritime reconnaissance, setting a new precedent for women in military aviation. This was a historic step toward ensuring equal opportunities for women in the armed forces.

Maritime Survelliance Mission

3. Academic Excellence and Rigorous Training

Divya’s success story is built upon years of rigorous training and an unyielding commitment to excellence. Her academic background and intense training at the Navy’s aviation academies made her one of the top aviators in the fleet. Completing the Dornier Operational Flying Training (DOFT) course, she became certified to fly the aircraft for surveillance and reconnaissance missions, which are vital to the Indian Navy’s maritime operations.

4. Leading the All-Women Maritime Surveillance Mission

On March 8, 2024, to commemorate International Women’s Day and the 40th anniversary of INAS 318, Divya participated in the Indian Navy’s first all-women maritime surveillance mission. This mission, operating from INS Utkrosh in Port Blair, showcased not just Divya’s flying expertise, but also the growing prominence of women in defense roles. It was a clear testament to the capabilities, professionalism, and leadership of women in the Indian Navy.

5. A Role Model for Aspiring Aviators

Lieutenant Commander Divya Sharma’s journey is an inspiration to young women across India who dream of serving their country in defense services. Her path to becoming a naval pilot was not without its challenges, but her perseverance and focus on her goals have made her an exemplary figure for future generations. Divya frequently shares her story to motivate others to break stereotypes and aim for high-altitude goals—literally and figuratively.

Looking ahead, Divya Sharma’s journey is far from over. As the Indian Navy continues to expand its operational capabilities, Lieutenant Commander Sharma is likely to be at the forefront of more high-stakes missions. Her leadership and skills will continue to inspire, and her legacy will undoubtedly contribute to the larger conversation about the role of women in defense.

J&K Schools Near LoC Launch Wartime Safety Training

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, the Jammu and Kashmir education department has launched a wartime safety training program for schools located along the Line of Control (LoC). The initiative aims to equip students with life-saving knowledge and survival techniques amidst rising cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

The April 22 attack, which took place in the Baisaran valley and targeted mostly tourists, marked the deadliest act of terrorism in Kashmir since Pulwama in 2019. It has reignited hostilities along the LoC, with Pakistani forces violating the ceasefire for six consecutive nights. In response, the Indian Army has launched counter-operations, including retaliatory fire in Jammu’s Pargwal sector.

Schools in villages like Tulawari — situated just 200 meters from Pakistani bunkers — are now at the center of this volatile landscape. The new safety training includes emergency drills, instruction on how to shield against artillery fire, and guidance on actions to take during wartime scenarios. Both teachers and students are undergoing the sessions, supported by local security and civil authorities.

Residents recall that Tulawari’s school was previously targeted during periods of heavy shelling, but had enjoyed a few years of peace until recent events reignited fears. With the spectre of conflict looming once again, concerns are growing over the lack of adequate infrastructure to protect civilians, particularly children.

Currently, Tulawari has only two community bunkers — insufficient for the entire population, let alone its schoolchildren. Educators and parents are urging authorities to bolster safety infrastructure, including the construction of more bunkers and reinforced shelters, to ensure the community is better prepared for possible escalation.

As tensions continue to escalate, the region remains on high alert. The safety training initiative represents a critical, if somber, step toward safeguarding the next generation in one of India’s most militarized and vulnerable frontiers.

Delhi Govt Allows Indian Air Force to Use 16 School Premises for Defence Exercise

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Delhi government has granted permission to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to temporarily use the premises of 16 government schools for an urgent defence exercise being held in the national capital between April 28 and May 2, 2025.

The approval was conveyed through an official order issued by the assistant director of education on April 28. Titled “Permission to Use Premises of Schools for Delhi Integrated AIR Defence Activation for Urgent Air Force Exercise,” the order states that select school buildings have been found suitable for temporary use by the IAF during the ongoing operations.

Officials noted that this move has precedent from previous Ministry of Defence (MoD) activations during major national events such as Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations. The schools involved have been directed to provide adequate accommodation space to IAF personnel for round-the-clock operations, though catering services are excluded from the arrangement.

To ensure security, the schools have been instructed to verify the identity cards and credentials of all deployed Air warriors and officers before allowing them access to the premises. Only personnel officially assigned by the Air Headquarters will be permitted entry, following proper verification.

The IAF’s use of school facilities underscores the importance and urgency of the defence exercise, which aims to strengthen integrated air defence preparedness in the region.

‘Catch Pahalgam Terrorists Alive’: PM Modi’s Directive After High-Level Security Meet

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday, issued a decisive order to security forces to “catch the Pahalgam terrorists alive.” The meeting comes in the wake of the horrific terror attack in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Shortly after the CCS meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, security agencies were briefed in Srinagar. Sources indicate that the instruction to capture the terrorists alive is aimed at exposing the full extent of the conspiracy, including what is believed to be a direct involvement of Pakistan in the deadly assault. Initial intelligence reports have suggested significant evidence pointing toward training and support provided from across the border.

Security forces have also been tasked with identifying and neutralising local accomplices who may have helped facilitate the attack through logistics, surveillance, or shelter. While reports initially suggested that four terrorists were involved, officials now say the exact number remains uncertain. This uncertainty is due to the extreme trauma experienced by most eyewitnesses, who are currently unable to provide clear testimonies.

Among the suspects, one sketch released by police bears a strong resemblance to a known foreign terrorist operating under the alias Hashim. His suspected presence in the region is being taken seriously as investigators piece together timelines and movement patterns. Furthermore, the firing technique observed during the attack displayed a high degree of coordination and accuracy, reinforcing suspicions that the assailants had undergone formal training in Pakistan.

Security and intelligence agencies are now holding frequent meetings to coordinate efforts in tracking down the perpetrators and dismantling their support network. The aim is not only justice for the victims but also a strategic move to prevent future cross-border terrorism. The CCS meeting reflects the urgency and seriousness with which the central government is treating the matter.

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