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Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly to ISS on May 29

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as he joins three other astronauts on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), launching to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29 from Florida. This marks India’s return to space crewed missions after more than four decades, with Shukla becoming the country’s second national to reach space since Rakesh Sharma’s flight in 1984.

Shukla, a decorated fighter pilot from Lucknow and an alumnus of City Montessori School in Aliganj, has been undergoing intensive training with NASA and Axiom Space for the past eight months. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer boasts over 2,000 hours of flying experience across multiple aircraft platforms, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG series.

Joining him on the mission are veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu, a Hungarian mechanical engineer. Together, the multinational crew will carry out research and outreach activities aboard the orbiting laboratory as part of Axiom Space’s latest private astronaut mission.

Born on October 10, 1985, Shukla began his aviation career with the IAF in 2006 and has served as a combat leader and test pilot. His trajectory into the space program accelerated in 2019, when he began a year-long training regimen at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City.

On February 27, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially announced Shukla’s inclusion in India’s elite astronaut corps for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, slated for launch in 2025. The Gaganyaan project will be India’s first indigenous human spaceflight program, and Shukla is expected to play a pivotal role in its execution.

As India looks ahead to an ambitious spacefaring future, Shukla’s upcoming ISS mission is seen as a stepping stone in bolstering international collaboration and showcasing Indian excellence in space and science.

PM Modi Grants Armed Forces Full Freedom to Respond to Pahalgam Terror Attack

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the Indian armed forces full operational freedom to determine the nature, timing, and targets of India’s response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives—most of them tourists—on April 22.

Chairing a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering resolve to combat terrorism, stating, “It is our national resolve to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism.” The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

The Prime Minister expressed complete trust in the professionalism of the armed forces, granting them “complete operational freedom” in crafting India’s response to the attack.

The Pahalgam attack has stirred both national outrage and global concern. India has already taken diplomatic and strategic measures in response, including the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a country long accused by New Delhi of sponsoring cross-border terrorism. Modi warned that those responsible “will be punished beyond their imagination,” vowing to bring both the attackers and their supporters to justice.

India has a precedent of conducting military operations in response to terror attacks. In 2016, following the Uri attack, Indian forces carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control. A similar strong response came after the 2019 Pulwama attack in the form of the Balakot airstrikes.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan held a separate high-level meeting with senior officials from the three paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies. While the agenda remains classified, officials suggest discussions centered on internal security measures and cross-border threat assessments.

As tensions remain high, the international community, including the United Nations, has urged both India and Pakistan to exercise restraint. Meanwhile, Islamabad has denied any involvement in the attack and has called for an international probe—an appeal New Delhi has firmly rejected.

India continues to monitor the situation closely as its leadership signals readiness for a decisive response.

India Hosts Sri Lankan National Defence College to Boost Strategic Ties

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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India has welcomed a 16-member delegation from Sri Lanka’s National Defence College (NDC), led by Brigadier KMG Bandaranayake, for a five-day strategic study tour focused on deepening bilateral defence cooperation. The visit highlights New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regional security ties, particularly with close maritime neighbours in the Indo-Pacific.

The Sri Lankan delegation began its tour today with a comprehensive session at the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) in New Delhi. Senior officials from India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force briefed the group on India’s strategic outlook and defence posture, with a focus on operational collaboration, regional security, and military preparedness.

As part of their itinerary, the delegation will also visit key defence establishments across India to gain first-hand insight into Indian military infrastructure, training, and doctrine.

This high-level military exchange comes against the backdrop of growing strategic coordination between India and Sri Lanka. Both countries are increasingly aligning efforts to counterbalance China’s rising influence in the region. A recent Deccan Herald report on April 5 revealed that India is preparing a framework to assist Sri Lanka in modernizing its defence capabilities through supply of military hardware.

SL and Inda Soldiers

The Sri Lankan National Defence College, a premier institution for senior leadership across the tri-services and civil sector, has stepped up international engagement. Earlier this month, on April 11, the college hosted Iran’s Defence Attaché Colonel Mahboobi Fooladi, signaling Colombo’s broader diplomatic outreach.

India and Sri Lanka share a long but complex military history, particularly marked by India’s intervention during the Sri Lankan civil war via the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in the late 1980s. Despite those challenges, both nations have steadily rebuilt trust over the past decades. A 2021 statement by then-High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda emphasized a commitment to deepen defence and trade ties, acknowledging and addressing historical concerns.

The ongoing delegation visit is part of India’s larger defence diplomacy push, reflected in recent joint exercises like Exercise Sanyukt Abhyas and operational demonstrations by the Indian Navy. These engagements underscore New Delhi’s strategic intent to build interoperability and ensure regional stability.

As India and Sri Lanka confront evolving security threats in the Indo-Pacific, this visit reaffirms their shared commitment to a secure, cooperative, and rules-based regional order.

PM Modi Chairs High-Level Security Meet With Armed Forces Chiefs, NSA and Defence Minister

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading a high-level security meeting at his official residence in New Delhi to assess the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and the broader security climate in Jammu and Kashmir.

The emergency session follows the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 people dead. The Resistance Front — a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba — claimed responsibility, though the five assailants remain at large. A nationwide manhunt is ongoing.

This review meeting comes just ahead of a scheduled Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, the apex body for national security decisions, to be held tomorrow.

Indian intelligence has presented evidence linking Pakistan to the attack, which was shared last week with envoys from countries including the US, Russia, China, and EU nations. In response, diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have further deteriorated, with both sides suspending visa services and key bilateral agreements such as the Simla Agreement and the Indus Waters Treaty.

PM Modi, who cut short his foreign visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India bypassing Pakistani airspace, reiterated that the “evil agenda of terror will not prevail.”

The developments underscore heightened tensions in the region and a sharpened focus on internal and cross-border security.

Pakistani Media Continues to Spread Fake News by Falsely Claiming of Shooting Down Rafale Jet near LoC

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has officially dismissed false claims alleging that a Pakistani military operation downed an Indian Rafale fighter jet near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Investigations confirmed that the video fueling the narrative was actually from an unrelated incident involving a Sukhoi-30MKI crash in Maharashtra in June 2024.

The misinformation, circulated by several pro-Pakistan platforms, claimed a successful strike by the Pakistan Army on an Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jet. However, the PIB clarified that no Rafale or any other aircraft has been reported lost by the IAF in the region. The video used to support the claim was traced to a June 4, 2024 crash of a Sukhoi-30MKI (tail number SB-182) in Shirasgaon village, Nashik district. In that incident, both pilots, Wing Commander Bokil and Second-in-Command Biswas, safely ejected.

This is not the first instance of misinformation involving India’s military assets. In 2020, similar false claims emerged from a Chinese source suggesting that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) had shot down an Indian Sukhoi Su-30 in Tibet—later debunked. During the 2019 Balakot airstrike fallout, Pakistan also claimed to have shot down a Sukhoi-30MKI, though India confirmed the loss of only a MiG-21 Bison, flown by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured and later returned.

Fake News

The Sukhoi-30MKI remains a core component of India’s air defense, with 272 units delivered by 2024. The aircraft has been at the forefront of several high-profile operations, including airspace interceptions and post-strike defensive actions. Notably, during the 2019 skirmish, Sukhoi-30MKIs played a defensive role alongside Mirage 2000s and MiG-21s to repel incoming Pakistani jets over the Poonch and Krishna Gati sectors.

India continues to invest in the Sukhoi fleet under the “Super Sukhoi” upgrade initiative. In 2023, the government approved a ₹11,500 crore deal for 12 new Su-30MKIs with over 60% indigenous components. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved significant localization, exceeding 80% indigenization by 2017. Enhancements include state-of-the-art electronic warfare suites, such as the DARE High Band Jammer Pod and the Dhruti Radar Warning System.

The PIB has urged citizens to verify information from credible sources and avoid falling for viral but misleading narratives, especially those with geopolitical implications. It warned that such disinformation campaigns, particularly in the context of Indo-Pak tensions, could inflame public sentiment and destabilize diplomatic efforts.

Amid renewed calls for stricter control of misinformation—including suggestions to ban accounts disseminating fake news and impose diplomatic retaliations like restricting Pakistani overflights—the PIB reiterated the importance of timely, transparent fact-checking to maintain peace and prevent escalation.

Indian Army Stops Pakistan’s Cyber Attacks with Strong Digital Security

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Pakistan-based cyber actors have once again failed to breach India’s cyber defences, with recent attempts to compromise publicly accessible military welfare and educational platforms being swiftly neutralized by Indian cybersecurity teams. The thwarted operations highlight the resilience of India’s digital infrastructure and the limitations of its adversary’s capabilities.

According to intelligence sources, four related cyber incidents were detected and contained. These included attempts to breach the Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) database and the Indian Air Force Placement Organisation portal. Additionally, the websites of Army Public School (APS) Srinagar and APS Ranikhet were targeted with inflammatory propaganda, with APS Srinagar also facing a distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.

The intrusions, traced back to a Pakistan-based group operating under the alias “IOK Hacker” (Internet of Khilafah), aimed to deface websites, disrupt services, and harvest personal data. However, India’s layered cybersecurity architecture detected and mitigated the attacks in real time, ensuring that no operational or classified military networks were affected. All targeted sites were immediately isolated, and restorative measures were implemented.

These digital provocations occurred alongside a spate of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC), with Indian troops responding effectively to unprovoked small arms fire in sectors opposite Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, and Akhnoor between April 25 and 29. These incidents follow the recent Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, escalating tensions in the region.

Security forces have since intensified anti-terror operations in the Kashmir Valley, reinforcing their readiness on both physical and cyber fronts. Officials emphasized that the Indian Army remains vigilant, continually upgrading its cyber defences to safeguard not only national security infrastructure but also platforms that support the welfare of soldiers and their families.

These failed cyberattacks serve as a reminder of the evolving nature of threats and the importance of staying ahead in the digital domain. India’s proactive stance, both online and on the LoC, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining territorial integrity and cyber sovereignty.

CISC Lt Gen JP Mathew Retires, Emphasizes on Jointness and Future-Readiness at HQ of Integrated Defence Staff

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Marking the conclusion of a pivotal chapter in the evolution of India’s joint military framework, Lieutenant General JP Mathew, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), delivered a heartfelt and forward-looking address at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), Mehram Nagar, Delhi Cantonment, as he formally relinquished his charge.

Addressing a gathering of senior military leaders and personnel from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, Lt Gen Mathew expressed deep appreciation for the collective efforts that have significantly advanced jointness, interoperability, and strategic integration across the armed forces. He underscored the progress made in emerging domains such as cyber and space, which are increasingly critical in the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

Under his leadership, the IDS made tangible strides in enhancing synergy between the services, reinforcing operational readiness, and ensuring seamless coordination in multi-domain operations. He particularly lauded the work of the Defence Cyber Agency, which has played a frontline role in strengthening cybersecurity defenses since becoming fully operational in 2021.

JP Mathew 1

Lt Gen Mathew’s address also echoed the broader goals of the Ministry of Defence’s “Decade of Transformation” (2023–2032), with 2025 declared as the “Year of Reforms.” He called upon the personnel to maintain the spirit of innovation and integration, ensuring the Indian Armed Forces continue to evolve as a “Future-Ready” force capable of addressing dynamic and complex security challenges.

The gathering witnessed an assembly of senior officers representing all three services, a fitting testament to the integrated spirit fostered at HQ IDS. The outgoing CISC, a three-star post held on a rotational basis among the services, has during his tenure prioritized a unified military strategy amidst a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.

Reflecting on the origins of the IDS post-Kargil Review Committee (1999) recommendations, Lt Gen Mathew reiterated the foundational vision of tri-service collaboration and its growing importance in the digital age. As he steps down, his legacy is marked by a renewed momentum in joint operations, doctrinal integration, and readiness in both conventional and non-traditional security domains.

JP

His farewell remarks concluded with a powerful message: unity, innovation, and preparedness are the cornerstones of a resilient and future-proof Indian military.

Lt Gen Vineet Sharma Evaluates Dental Healthcare Services at 3 Corps and ECHS Polyclinic in Dimapur

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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Lieutenant General Vineet Sharma, Director General Dental Services (DGDS) and Colonel Commandant of the Army Dental Corps, conducted a key review of dental healthcare facilities during his visit to the 3 Corps Dental Unit and the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic in Dimapur. The visit focused on the ongoing modernization efforts, infrastructure enhancements, and outreach programs intended to bolster the delivery of high-quality oral healthcare to serving personnel, veterans, and their families in the region.

As part of the inspection, Lt Gen Sharma assessed the operational capabilities and readiness of the dental unit, ensuring that the facilities align with the healthcare needs of troops stationed under 3 Corps’ Area of Responsibility. The ECHS Polyclinic, which plays a crucial role in delivering medical services to ex-servicemen, was also a focal point of the visit. The review gains added significance in light of the Ministry of Defence’s initiative from November 2024, which seeks to expand veteran healthcare services by establishing 21 new ECHS polyclinics and upgrading 50 existing ones across the nation.

In high-level discussions with Lt Gen AS Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 3 Corps, and Maj Gen Vijay Jotwani, Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Sharma emphasized the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to veteran welfare and health infrastructure development in remote and strategic locations like Nagaland. Their interactions reinforced the role of collaborative leadership in sustaining the Army’s high standards of medical care.

Lt Gen Vineet Sharma 1

The visit was also marked by symbolic moments, including ceremonial exchanges and a group photograph with the dental unit team, capturing the shared dedication of the Army Dental Corps and regional command leadership. Lt Gen Sharma’s interactions with staff members and healthcare professionals underscored the importance of morale, medical readiness, and a patient-centric approach in military healthcare systems.

This engagement reflects the broader vision of the Indian Army to maintain a robust and inclusive healthcare network, especially in frontier regions. The Army Dental Corps, through its consistent efforts in oral health awareness, clinical excellence, and preventive care, remains a vital pillar of this mission, ensuring that the force remains fit, ready, and supported both during and after service.

Surg Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai Visits National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant nod to India’s enduring maritime legacy, Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, Director General Medical Services (Navy), visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) and the iconic archeological site of Lothal on April 26, 2025. Her visit underscored the Indian Navy’s dedication to preserving the country’s ancient seafaring traditions while celebrating its evolution into a modern maritime force.

Vice Admiral Sahai, who assumed office as DGMS (Navy) on October 14, 2024, toured several exhibits at the NMHC, including the decommissioned warship Ex-Nishank and the IL-38SD aircraft. The Ex-Nishank, a Veer-class missile corvette that served for over three decades, played a pivotal role in key operations such as Operation Vijay during the 1999 Kargil War. The IL-38SD maritime reconnaissance aircraft stands as a testament to the Navy’s operational reach and technological advancement.

She also reviewed the ongoing development of the NMHC’s Phase 1A, which spans 35 acres and includes five themed galleries and a dedicated naval gallery, all part of a ₹774.23 crore project under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways’ Sagarmala initiative.

Located near the ancient city of Lothal—a major port of the Indus Valley Civilization dating back to around 2400 BCE—the NMHC aims to bridge India’s maritime past with its present. Lothal, once a bustling trade center with links to Mesopotamia, is considered one of the world’s earliest dockyards. Artifacts such as Persian Gulf seals found at the site speak to the depth and sophistication of ancient India’s maritime trade.

Navy Visit

At the Varuna Naval Complex, Vice Admiral Sahai convened a conference with key stakeholders, including the Naval Liaison Team, Indian Navy Gujarat Naval Area representatives, the NMHC team, and Tata Projects Ltd., which is executing the construction. Discussions focused on the development of the naval gallery, the integration of historical narratives, and the importance of aligning modern naval accomplishments with India’s ancient maritime traditions.

Praising the collaborative efforts of all teams, Vice Admiral Sahai emphasized the importance of heritage conservation in strengthening national identity. She highlighted the value of the NMHC as a platform not only for public education but also for reinforcing the Navy’s role as a modern guardian of India’s long-standing seafaring culture.

Her visit follows recent engagements aimed at enhancing operational and medical capabilities across naval regions, including a review of healthcare infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands earlier this year.

As the NMHC nears completion, it is poised to become a landmark destination celebrating India’s vast maritime journey—from the dockyards of Lothal to the decks of state-of-the-art naval vessels—offering a compelling narrative of continuity, resilience, and maritime excellence.

Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin Visits OTA Chennai to Boost Cadet Welfare and Injury Prevention

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a pivotal move to reinforce the health and resilience of future Indian Army officers, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), visited the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on April 24, 2025. The visit emphasized enhancing training methods with a particular focus on physical fitness and injury prevention among cadets.

During her visit, Admiral Sarin held in-depth discussions with Lt Gen Michael AJ Fernandez, Commandant of OTA, on evolving the training ecosystem to meet modern military demands. Special attention was given to the physical and mental well-being of cadets, especially in the context of intense military and endurance training.

A key highlight of the visit was Admiral Sarin’s tour of the Sports Medicine Centre at OTA, where she reviewed state-of-the-art therapeutic interventions used for sports and training-related injuries. Officials briefed her on the centre’s role in accelerating safe recovery, a critical element in sustaining cadet performance and reducing long-term injury risks.

OTA Visit

Established in 1963, OTA Chennai has been a cornerstone in the training of officers for the Indian Army’s Short Service Commission. Its rigorous 49-week program integrates military drills, academic instruction, sports, and leadership development. With alumni decorated with some of India’s highest gallantry awards, the academy is synonymous with excellence and commitment.

Admiral Sarin’s interaction with cadets provided valuable feedback on their current experiences, challenges, and perspectives. Her engagement reaffirms the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to merging modern medical science with military training — ensuring cadets are not only combat-ready but also safeguarded against preventable injuries.

The ongoing collaboration between DGAFMS and OTA marks a strategic step towards institutionalizing health-focused practices across military training academies. With shared initiatives such as Emergency Medical Response and Search and Rescue modules, this partnership is set to further elevate the standards of cadet welfare and operational preparedness.

ota visit 2

The visit concluded on an optimistic note, with both institutions committed to continuous innovation in military training and cadet care — strengthening OTA Chennai’s standing as a premier center of excellence for officer training in India.

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