Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Spear Corps, conducted a key visit to Imphal, Manipur, to review the operational preparedness of various formations and units operating in the region.

Focus on Operational Readiness

During his visit, Lt Gen Pendharkar:

• Assessed the preparedness of the forces deployed in the region, with an emphasis on counter-insurgency operations, border management, and internal security measures.
• Reviewed strategic deployment, logistical support, and readiness protocols to ensure forces are fully equipped to respond to any security challenges.

Interaction with Troops and Law Enforcement

The Corps Commander held interactions with personnel from:

• Assam Rifles, known for its pivotal role in maintaining peace and security in the Northeast region.
• Manipur Police, who play a critical role in law enforcement and counter-insurgency operations alongside the military.

Lt Gen Pendharkar commended the troops for their:

• Professionalism, operational efficiency, and tactical acumen.
• High morale despite challenging operational environments.
• Dedication to duty, ensuring the security and stability of the region.

Commitment to Regional Stability

This visit underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to:

• Enhancing security measures in the northeastern frontier.
• Strengthening civil-military cooperation for effective counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
• Ensuring operational synergy between the Army, paramilitary forces, and state police for comprehensive security management.

Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit serves as a strong message of support and motivation to the troops, reinforcing the importance of maintaining vigilance and readiness in safeguarding the region’s security.

The third edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, Ex CYCLONE-III, commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. This 14-day-long exercise aims to enhance bilateral military cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between the armed forces of India and Egypt.

Key Highlights of Ex CYCLONE-III

• Participation: A total of 25 Special Forces soldiers from each country are participating in this joint exercise.
• Duration: The exercise will be conducted over 14 days, focusing on intensive training modules and tactical drills.
• Objective: To promote interoperability, exchange best practices, and enhance the operational readiness of both armies in conducting Joint Counter-Terrorist Operations.

Focus Areas of the Exercise

1. Counter-Terrorist Operations:
   • Training in urban and desert warfare scenarios.
   • Techniques for neutralizing terrorist threats, hostage rescue, and securing critical infrastructure.
2. Special Operations in Desert Terrain:
   • Conducted in semi-desert and arid environments, leveraging the unique topography of Rajasthan.
   • Focus on long-range reconnaissance, survival tactics, and high-mobility operations in extreme conditions.
3. Framework:
   • The exercise is conducted within the framework of Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, focusing on peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and collective security operations.

Strengthening India-Egypt Military Ties

Ex CYCLONE-III represents the growing strategic partnership between India and Egypt, fostering:

• Bilateral military cooperation through joint planning and tactical drills.
• Exchange of expertise in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
• Development of mutual trust, understanding, and interoperability between the two armies.

This joint exercise reflects the commitment of both nations to global peace and security, enhancing their capabilities to respond to evolving security threats in the region and beyond.

The Indian Army’s stalls at Aero India 2025 witnessed a large influx of visitors on the inaugural day, reflecting the growing interest in India’s defence capabilities and self-reliance initiatives. A key highlight was the Army’s remarkable progress under the “Manufacture of Ammunition for Indian Army by Indian Industry” initiative, a landmark project spearheaded by the Government of India.

88% Indigenisation Achieved: A Quantum Leap for Defense Self-Reliance

Through concerted efforts in coordination with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and private industry, the Indian Army has successfully indigenised 88% of its ammunition requirements. This represents a quantum leap in reducing dependency on foreign imports and strengthening India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) mission in the defence sector.

Senior Military Leadership Visits the Army Stalls

The exhibition saw the presence of distinguished military leaders, including:

• Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command
• Lieutenant General ADS Aujla, Master General Sustenance
• Senior dignitaries from India and foreign nations, reflecting the global interest in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities

These senior officials were briefed on the measures undertaken by the Indian Army to:

• Reduce import dependence for critical ammunition supplies
• Enhance operational readiness through self-sustained logistics and indigenous production
• Foster defence innovation in collaboration with private industries and research institutions

Driving Forces Behind the Indigenisation Success

Key contributors to this achievement include:

• DRDO: Providing cutting-edge research and technology transfer for advanced ammunition systems
• DPSUs: Ensuring robust manufacturing infrastructure and quality assurance
• Private Industry: Driving innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in ammunition production

India’s Strategic Focus: Self-Reliance and Global Competitiveness

This milestone aligns with India’s broader strategy to:

• Achieve strategic autonomy in defence production
• Promote indigenous defence technologies on global platforms like Aero India
• Establish India as a reliable defence exporter while meeting domestic operational needs

Looking Ahead

As India continues to expand its defence manufacturing capabilities, initiatives like these underscore the Army’s commitment to being self-sufficient, technologically advanced, and operationally prepared for future challenges.

The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by the Hon’ble Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel, and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, visited the Akshayvat Complex and Saraswati Koop in Prayagraj.

A Spiritual and Historical Journey

During their visit, the dignitaries:

• Offered prayers at these sacred sites, revered for their profound spiritual significance.
• Were briefed on the historical and cultural importance of the Akshayvat tree and Saraswati Koop, both deeply rooted in India’s rich heritage.

Significance of Akshayvat and Saraswati Koop

• The Akshayvat (Eternal Banyan Tree) holds immense religious importance in Hindu mythology, believed to be indestructible and a symbol of eternity. It is mentioned in ancient texts, including the Puranas, and attracts pilgrims from across the country.
• The Saraswati Koop, associated with the mythical Saraswati River, is considered a sacred water source, believed to be connected to the invisible river that merges with the Ganga and Yamuna at the Triveni Sangam.

Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage

The visit highlights the government’s commitment to:

• Preserving and promoting India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
• Encouraging awareness about historical landmarks that reflect the country’s diverse religious and historical narratives.

The presence of the Hon’ble President and other dignitaries added a sense of reverence and honor to the occasion, reaffirming the timeless significance of Prayagraj as a center of spiritual wisdom and historical legacy.

The Lamp Lighting Ceremony of 29 Nursing Cadets from the XI Batch of the College of Nursing was held with great reverence at the prestigious Army Hospital (Research & Referral), symbolizing the formal initiation of the cadets into the noble profession of nursing.

A Ceremony of Tradition and Dedication

The event was graced by the presence of senior officers, Military Nursing Service (MNS) officers, retired veterans, and distinguished representatives from civil nursing colleges, reflecting the rich legacy and ethos of the Military Nursing Service.

Inspiring Words from Leadership

The ceremony was presided over by Lt Gen Shankar Narayan, Commandant, Army Hospital (R&R), who addressed the cadets, emphasizing the core values of compassion, dedication, and professionalism in nursing. He urged the young cadets to:

• Uphold the highest standards of professional excellence.
• Embrace the spirit of selfless service, which is integral to military nursing.
• Cultivate qualities of empathy, resilience, and lifelong learning in their journey ahead.

Nurse’s Pledge: A Commitment to Care

The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Nurse’s Pledge by Additional Director General Military Nursing Service (ADGMNS), Major General Sheena PD. The pledge symbolizes the cadets’ commitment to ethical nursing practices, patient care, and professional integrity.

Significance of the Lamp Lighting Tradition

The Lamp Lighting Ceremony is deeply rooted in the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The lighting of the lamp signifies:

• The passing of knowledge and wisdom from mentors to students.
• A beacon of hope, healing, and dedication in the service of humanity.
• The cadets’ transition from theoretical learning to clinical practice, embracing their role as future guardians of health and well-being.

Looking Ahead: A Journey of Service and Excellence

The ceremony marked not just a milestone in the cadets’ academic journey but also the beginning of a lifelong commitment to service, care, and compassion within the Armed Forces Medical Services.

The Indian Armed Forces continue to uphold the noble traditions of the Military Nursing Service, fostering a culture of excellence, leadership, and humanitarian service in healthcare.