In a heartfelt tribute to community spirit and resilience, the Indian Army’s Ace of Spades Division held a felicitation ceremony on Friday in Rajouri to honour civilians who played a crucial role during Operation Sindoor. Twenty-five individuals from Rajouri and Poonch districts were recognised for their exceptional support in casualty evacuation, rescue missions, and humanitarian relief during the high-intensity counter-terror operation.

The event was presided over by Major General Kaushik Mukherji, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Ace of Spades Division. It was attended by senior officials from the civil administration, healthcare professionals, media representatives, military veterans, and families of those who contributed during the operation.

The ceremony began with a powerful video montage showcasing the synergy between the armed forces and local residents in ensuring the success of Operation Sindoor. A solemn two-minute silence was observed in honour of those who laid down their lives, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, Raj Kumar Thapa.

Maj Gen Mukherji addressed the gathering, stating, “Operation Sindoor was not just a military campaign, but a strong national statement that India will protect its people and respond to threats with precision and resolve.” He praised the courage and commitment of civilians who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Army, often at personal risk, to provide critical support during the crisis.

He also acknowledged their role in upholding social unity and preventing fear from weakening the societal fabric. “Your contribution ensured that our response to terror was not just forceful, but also humane,” he said.

The felicitation comes as part of the Army’s broader effort to recognise the unsung heroes whose support is often vital to mission success. Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025 following a major terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, targeted terror infrastructure across the border and was marked by precise coordination and civil-military cooperation.

The event underscored the strength of unity between the armed forces and local communities in safeguarding national interests and restoring peace in conflict-affected regions.

The Indian Army’s Central Command organized a landmark seminar titled “Interwoven Roots: Shared Indo-Tibetan Heritage” today at DANFE Hall in Shimla, focusing on the deep-rooted historical and strategic connections between India and Tibet. Held at the Army Training Command headquarters, the day-long event brought together senior military officials, diplomats, and scholars to explore how cultural heritage can inform contemporary border security and diplomacy.

Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) Central Command, delivered the keynote address. A seasoned officer who previously commanded the Fire & Fury Corps in Ladakh, Lt Gen Sengupta emphasized that Indo-Tibetan ties are not just cultural but also strategic, shaping current policies in border management and regional stability. He underlined the importance of revisiting historical connections to guide future actions in sensitive frontier regions.

The seminar included sessions on civilizational ties, border infrastructure, and community engagement, all enriched by recent pre-seminar visits to Shipki La, Lepcha, Tabo, and Kaza. These visits coincided with new border tourism initiatives approved by the government on May 20, 2025, and the greenlighting of key infrastructure projects like the Wangtu–Atargu–Mud–Bhaba road. The road is expected to cut travel time between Shimla and Kaza by nearly 100 kilometers, facilitating both economic activity and improved military mobility.

Lt Gen DG Misra, GOC of Uttar Bharat Area, delivered the closing remarks, expressing optimism about integrating cultural preservation with national security. Renowned Tibetologist Claude Arpi also addressed the gathering, urging greater attention to civilizational values in India’s Himalayan policy and suggesting concrete measures for cultural diplomacy.

Among the key recommendations discussed were the revival of Indo-Tibetan cultural exchanges, archaeological research in trans-Himalayan areas, digitization of historical archives, promotion of endangered Himalayan dialects, and improving All India Radio coverage in border regions. Proposals were also made to enhance access to traditional pilgrimage routes like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The seminar reflects the Indian Army’s evolving approach to national security—one that blends military preparedness with historical awareness and community engagement. By focusing on shared heritage and infrastructure development, the event underscored India’s strategic commitment to securing its Himalayan frontiers while strengthening regional harmony.

Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, conducted a high-level visit to Chandigarh on Saturday to review air maintenance and logistical support operations. The visit highlighted the Army’s continued efforts to strengthen infrastructure and ensure sustained operational readiness along India’s borders with Pakistan and China.

Lt Gen Sharma, known for his strategic vision and deep operational experience, emphasized the importance of synergy between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force in streamlining logistics and airlift capabilities. Addressing officers and logistical personnel, he stressed the need to integrate modern technologies into supply chain operations to enhance responsiveness and efficiency.

The senior commander, who began his service in 1987 with the 2nd Battalion of the Madras Regiment, inspected air maintenance facilities and interacted with ground crews, appreciating their dedication in operating under challenging terrain and weather conditions. He praised the efforts of logistics units responsible for maintaining critical supplies to high-altitude and forward areas, especially in the backdrop of heightened alert along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC).

Previously serving as Director General of Information Warfare, Lt Gen Sharma has been at the forefront of India’s push to incorporate cyber technologies and psychological operations into mainstream military doctrine. His visit underscored the Northern Command’s shift toward tech-driven logistics and support systems that align with the Army’s evolving combat and peacetime requirements.

Saturday’s review also gains significance in the context of India’s growing network of international military logistics agreements with the US, France, Australia, and other partners, aimed at ensuring faster deployment and better joint-operational capabilities. These agreements support India’s strategic need for a rapid logistics response in sensitive border regions.

Lt Gen Sharma’s visit not only reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to logistical excellence but also sent a strong message about operational preparedness in one of the country’s most critical defense zones. As India’s security landscape evolves, the Northern Command under his leadership is expected to remain a pillar of strength and innovation.

In a ceremony rich with military tradition, Lieutenant General D S Rana, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, SM, PhD, officially assumed the role of the 23rd Colonel of the Regiment of the Garhwal Rifles at the Regimental Centre in Lansdowne. Lt Gen Rana, who is currently serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), took over the ceremonial baton from outgoing Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, Vice Chief of Army Staff.

The formal handover was marked by a grand military ceremony, including a Guard of Honour and a solemn wreath-laying at the War Memorial, paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the regiment. The Garhwal Rifles, with its 27 battalions including a Scouts Battalion, has a distinguished legacy dating back to its contributions in World War I and major post-independence operations, including the 1962 conflict with China.

Lt Gen D S Rana brings vast operational and strategic experience to the role, having previously served as Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency. His appointment is viewed as a move to enhance the regiment’s readiness and adaptiveness in an era of evolving warfare and persistent border challenges, especially along India’s northern frontier.

The Garhwal Rifles Regiment, known for its disciplined ethos and decorated history, holds deep cultural ties with the Garhwali community of Uttarakhand. Over the decades, its soldiers have shown extraordinary valor, with more than 25,000 casualties recorded in multiple wars, underlining the regiment’s role as a pillar of India’s military strength.

As Lt Gen Rana takes charge, there is renewed focus on fortifying the regiment’s capabilities in the broader context of India’s Indo-Pacific defense outlook. Military leaders at the event expressed confidence in his leadership, which is expected to reinforce the Garhwal Rifles’ operational excellence and continued contribution to national security.