In a tragic incident along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, an Army jawan lost his life due to a mine blast during a routine patrol on Monday. The soldier, identified as Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta of the 25 Rashtriya Rifles, was engaged in an area domination patrol in the region of Thanedar Tekri when he accidentally stepped on an explosive device hidden in the ground.

Officials confirmed that the explosion occurred during a critical patrolling operation, underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by personnel stationed in this volatile region. The impact of the mine blast resulted in the immediate death of the experienced jawan, highlighting the persistent risks associated with military operations in areas riddled with unexploded ordnance.

Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the White Knight Corps, expressed his condolences and paid tribute to Havildar Varikunta. In a heartfelt statement, he acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen soldier. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” the GoC remarked, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to support the family during this devastating time.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges and perils faced by the armed forces in conflict zones, particularly in regions where remnants of conflict continue to pose life-threatening risks to both soldiers and civilians. The Army has vowed to continue their efforts in ensuring the safety and security of the nation, while honoring the sacrifices made by those who serve.

In a tragic incident along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of the Pir Panjal region, an Army soldier lost his life while undertaking an area domination patrol. The deceased has been identified as Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunt, a dedicated member of the Indian Army’s 25 Rashtriya Rifles.

Reports indicate that Havildar Varikunt was injured in an explosion, which is believed to have been caused by a mine, while his team was conducting their patrol in the area. The incident highlights the continued dangers faced by armed forces operating in sensitive and perilous regions.

In the wake of this tragedy, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartfelt tributes to Havildar Varikunt, honoring his ultimate sacrifice. Sinha expressed gratitude for the soldier’s bravery and assured that his contributions would be remembered by the nation. “I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army braveheart Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta. His valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief,” the Lieutenant Governor stated.

Military officials also mourned the loss of Havildar Varikunt. The Army Commander of Northern Command, Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar, along with all ranks of Dhruva Command, paid tribute to the fallen soldier, affirming their support for the grieving family. “Dhruva Command stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” stated the Army in an official release.

Additionally, Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding White Knight Corps, along with his team, expressed their condolences, emphasizing solidarity with the bereaved family. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” added the statement from White Knight Corps.

The incident underscores the risks faced by military personnel stationed in conflict-prone areas and serves as a reminder of their steadfast commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region. The community mourns this loss as the nation remembers the courage and dedication of those who serve.

In a tragic incident reported from Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, an army soldier lost his life due to a mine blast while conducting a patrol along the Line of Control (LoC). The unfortunate event took place in the Thanedar Tekri region on Monday, as the soldier, who was part of an area domination patrol, inadvertently stepped on a landmine, resulting in the explosion.

The deceased soldier has been identified as Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta, a member of the prestigious 25 Rashtriya Rifles. Following the news of the incident, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the White Knight Corps, expressed his condolences. He paid tribute to Havildar Varikunta, extending heartfelt sympathies not only from himself but from all ranks of the unit, to the soldier’s bereaved family. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” the GoC stated, highlighting the sense of loss felt across the ranks.

This incident underscores the ongoing risks faced by military personnel stationed in high-conflict regions, where the presence of landmines poses a constant threat to their safety. The terrain along the LoC has witnessed numerous engagements and skirmishes, making the safety of troops a paramount concern. The armed forces continue to carry out essential patrol operations despite such challenges, a testament to their dedication and commitment to national security.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has ordered the Union government to grant permanent commission to a woman officer who was previously denied such benefits, despite being in a similar position as her male counterparts. The judgment highlights the importance of equality and non-discrimination in the armed forces, embodying the principle that fairness should be upheld in all aspects of service.

The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan, issued this directive while addressing the case of a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Dental Corps stationed in Agra. The court concluded that the officer was unjustly excluded from consideration for permanent commission, a benefit afforded to other officers in comparable circumstances.

In its decision, the court referred to a well-known idiom, asserting that “what is sauce for the goose ought to be sauce for the gander,” emphasizing that rules and privileges should apply equally to all individuals regardless of gender. The justices expressed concern that denying relief to the officer would create an unfair situation, particularly against the backdrop of the rigorous conditions under which Indian soldiers serve, including challenging postings at the Siachen glacier.

The ruling stems from an appeal made by the woman officer challenging a January 2022 order from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Regional Bench in Lucknow, which had denied her request for similar reliefs granted to other applicants under a prior judgment issued in January 2014. The Supreme Court’s decision underscored that the officer had consistently demonstrated her commitment and capability since her commissioning in March 2008. Notably, she received a commendation card from the Chief of Army Staff in January 2019.

The court detailed the developments leading to the officer being overlooked for permanent commission. Originally, regulations allowed her three attempts to take a departmental examination for this status. However, amendments made in March 2013 limited her opportunities by imposing an age cap of 35 years and restricting eligibility to those holding a postgraduate qualification in Dental Surgery from that date.

While similar officers, who had been similarly deprived, brought their cases to the AFT principal bench, the woman officer was unable to join them due to her pregnancy. Although the AFT’s amendments were upheld, the principal bench had subsequently provided reliefs to those officers affected by the new regulations.

The Supreme Court noted that although the AFT principal bench did not specifically prohibit the consideration of similarly-situated personnel, the woman officer was not included because she was not part of the original application. The justices reiterated a fundamental legal principle: when an individual secures a favorable ruling from the court, others in similar positions should automatically benefit, avoiding the need for additional litigation.

Reiterating the importance of ensuring equality and fairness in military service, the Supreme Court decreed that the officer should receive the benefits of a permanent commission, including seniority, promotional opportunities, and financial recompense, all retroactively awarded to the same commencement date as her male counterparts. The bench mandated that these directives be implemented within four weeks, reinforcing the commitment to uphold justice and equality within the armed forces.

The Indian Navy has officially inducted the Russian-manufactured guided missile frigate INS Tushil during a commissioning ceremony held in Kaliningrad, Russia. The event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who underscored the strategic importance of the vessel amid growing naval activity in the Indian Ocean by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy. The commissioning signifies a substantial enhancement of India’s maritime capabilities in a region that has seen rising tensions and increased naval operations by neighboring countries.

Constructed as part of a landmark deal valued at over USD 2.5 billion, which was finalized between India and Russia in 2016, INS Tushil is the result of cooperative efforts to develop four advanced stealth frigates for the Indian Navy. Of these, two frigates are being built in Russia while the remaining two will be constructed in India. This initiative aims not only to modernize India’s naval fleet but also to bolster local manufacturing capabilities within the defence sector.

During his address, Singh described the commissioning of INS Tushil as a proud testament to India’s growing maritime strength and a significant milestone that reflects the long-standing friendship between India and Russia. He emphasized the collaborative nature of the modernization efforts, highlighting the integration of cutting-edge technologies from both nations. The defence minister expressed confidence that this partnership will evolve into a new era characterized by cooperation in vital areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and space exploration.

In addition to Singh, the ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev. Such attendance underscores the significance of the event in both nations’ military diplomacy.

Weighing in at 3,900 tonnes and measuring 125 meters in length, INS Tushil is equipped with advanced features designed to enhance its stealth capabilities and operational stability. The ship showcases an impressive blend of Russian design and Indian technological innovations, with the indigenous content reaching approximately 26% thanks to contributions from various Indian defense firms such as BrahMos Aerospace, Bharat Electronics, and several others.

As the latest addition to the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, INS Tushil is positioned among the most technologically advanced frigates globally. Singh highlighted the Indian Navy’s ongoing commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing its crucial role in combating arms and drug trafficking and addressing various maritime security challenges.

Singh reiterated that the Indian Navy is dedicated to upholding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). He framed this commitment as fundamental to India’s maritime policy, promoting peace, stability, and economic prosperity across the Indian Ocean.

Lastly, Singh noted that the success of INS Tushil is not merely a reflection of advanced technology but also a testament to the hard work of the shipyard workers and engineers from both countries, showcasing the depth of collaboration between Indian and Russian industries in defense manufacturing. The ship represents a milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen naval capabilities amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

An Army soldier was tragically killed in a mine blast while conducting a patrol along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. According to official reports, Havildar V Subbaiah Varikunta, who served with the 25 Rashtriya Rifles, was part of an area domination patrol in the Thanedar Tekri region when the incident occurred. During the patrol, he inadvertently stepped on a landmine, leading to the fatal explosion.

The news of the incident has prompted an outpouring of grief within the military community. Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the White Knight Corps, extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier. In a statement, he expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, emphasizing the deep sense of loss felt by all ranks in the Corps. “Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family. We stand steadfastly with them in this hour of grief,” he stated, reflecting the profound respect and camaraderie that characterize military bonds.

The incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by armed forces personnel deployed in conflict zones, particularly in areas where unexploded ordnance remains a threat. As tensions continue to simmer in the region, the sacrifice of soldiers like Havildar Varikunta highlights the risks taken by security forces in maintaining peace and stability.

INS Tushil, the most recent addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet, was officially commissioned at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, 2024. The event was attended by India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, who hailed the commissioning as a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and further cementing the enduring relationship between India and Russia. Singh emphasized that the event exemplifies the mutual trust and strategic partnership shared by the two nations.

During his speech, Singh highlighted the increasing “Made in India” content in the construction of the vessel, noting that it underscores the collaborative efforts of both Russian and Indian industries. He remarked, “This ship is a testament to India’s journey towards technological excellence through jointmanship and reflects Russia’s commitment to India’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’”

Rajnath Singh had arrived in Russia the day prior to the commissioning ceremony to participate in the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation. Prior to his visit, he took to social media to express his anticipation for attending both the meeting and the commissioning ceremony.

The name Tushil, meaning “protector shield” in Sanskrit, is one of four advanced follow-on frigates India contracted from Russia in 2018. Two of these frigates, including INS Tushil and INS Tamala, are being built in Russia, while the remaining pair is under construction in India with technology transfer agreements in place. This latest addition is an advanced variant of the existing Talwar-class frigates, aimed at enhancing India’s naval capabilities amid increasing maritime threats from neighboring countries, including China and Pakistan.

The commissioning of INS Tushil has attracted considerable attention, particularly because its delivery had faced significant delays—approximately two years behind schedule—originally anticipated for late 2022. These delays were primarily attributed to supply chain disruptions caused by the global pandemic and the ongoing conflict arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Alexey Rakhmanov, the Director-General of the United Shipbuilding Corporation of Russia, noted that logistical challenges in obtaining equipment, alongside payment issues stemming from Western sanctions, had contributed to the holdups.

In a noteworthy detail, Tushil’s gas turbine engines were supplied by Zorya-Mashproekt from Ukraine. Due to complications stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India has had to directly procure these engines before sending them back to Russia for installation on the ships. Meanwhile, vessels of the same class being constructed for the Russian Navy have encountered significant setbacks since Ukraine halted engine supplies following the tensions that escalated in 2014.

With INS Tushil’s commissioning, India is taking concrete steps to enhance its maritime capabilities in light of adversarial pressures. The next ship under this contract is expected to be delivered by 2025. Alongside this development, Rajnath Singh’s agenda includes addressing delays in the supply of other significant military equipment during the Inter-Governmental Commission meetings.

The defense minister is anticipated to raise concerns about the notable delays in deliveries of the S-400 air defense systems, and related spare parts for various critical platforms including the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets and T-90S tanks. Earlier statements from India’s Chief of Air Staff confirmed that all S-400 systems ordered from Russia are now projected for delivery by 2025. Initial expectations had positioned the completion of these deliveries for either 2023 or 2024, but the conflict in Ukraine has necessitated adjustments in Russian military operational priorities, leading to delays.

The payment process has also proven contentious, complicating timely deliveries of defense systems for India. Instances of deferred payments, estimated at approximately $3 billion, have occurred as India navigates sanctions risks associated with the U.S. laws under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The shifting global financial landscape has particularly challenged transactions, as Russia finds itself cut off from the international SWIFT banking system.

Additionally, discussions are underway regarding potential joint production of aero engines for the Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft in the backdrop of previous reports of delays in part supplies from Russia, exacerbating operational readiness for the Indian Air Force.

India’s strategic pivot, while maintaining its longstanding defense ties with Russia, reflects its urgency in addressing security concerns along its borders amidst the prolonged Ukraine conflict. As tensions persist, New Delhi is increasingly vocal about its need for timely delivery of critical military hardware from Moscow, echoing a sense of impatience in the face of ongoing supply disruptions.