General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, was recently presented with a remarkable collection of books that reflect the spirit of military courage, leadership, and sacrifice. The presentation, held in a ceremonial setting, featured contributions from retired officers, highlighting personal and professional journeys in service to the nation.

Among the notable titles was The Saga of Sierra Leone by Lt Gen (Retd) Vijay Kumar Jetley, which documents his command during the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) from 1999–2000. The book provides a detailed narrative of Operation Khukri, a high-risk rescue mission in which Indian troops successfully freed 223 peacekeepers from RUF rebel captivity—an operation often hailed as a rare multinational military success under extreme conditions.

Another deeply moving addition was Nation First by Mrs. Shikha Akhilesh Saxena, wife of Capt Akhilesh Saxena, a Kargil War hero. Her book offers an emotional window into the life of military families during times of war, focusing on the psychological toll faced by those left behind. Also available in Hindi as कारगिल युद्ध, the book stands as a tribute to the resilience of war widows and the human cost of military service.

All Eyes on Tiger, authored by Col Saurabh Sharma, presents a reflective examination of the challenges and responsibilities borne by commanding officers in active duty. Through personal insights and case studies, the book explores the emotional and strategic burdens of command, bringing attention to the unseen mental pressures of military leadership.

Rounding out the collection was Shoorveer, the autobiography of Col (Retd) Rajinder Kumar Sharma. The book traces his transformation from a young recruit to one of the Indian Army’s most decorated officers, offering readers an inspiring story of determination, courage, and legacy.

The books were handed over to General Dwivedi in the presence of military personnel and family members. The event took place in a venue decorated with military portraits and memorabilia, including the symbolic painting Field of Deeds, honoring the enduring legacy of Indian soldiers.

This literary gesture not only pays tribute to the lives of those in uniform but also strengthens the Indian Army’s efforts to preserve and share its rich heritage through personal narratives and documented history.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a premier public sector undertaking under India’s Ministry of Defence, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a controlling stake in Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard, marking a key step in India’s strategic maritime expansion.

As per official filings with stock exchanges, MDL will acquire at least 51% equity in the Colombo-based shipbuilding and repair company at a deal value of ₹452 crore. The acquisition will involve both secondary purchase of shares from current majority shareholder Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd. of Japan and a primary investment into Colombo Dockyard through a fresh equity subscription.

Founded in 1974, Colombo Dockyard is listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and has long served as Sri Lanka’s largest and most advanced shipyard. It posted a consolidated turnover of LKR 2,544 crore (approx. ₹726 crore) in FY24. The acquisition will provide MDL with enhanced access to commercial shipbuilding and repair markets in South Asia, strengthening its operational base beyond India.

MDL, headquartered in Mumbai, is globally known for its expertise in building submarines, stealth warships, and special-purpose vessels for the Indian Navy. The company said this acquisition aligns with its long-term growth vision and will help it explore new markets, increase capacity, and boost India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region.

The proposed deal is expected to be completed within 4 to 6 months, pending regulatory approvals in both India and Sri Lanka.

Industry experts say the move could significantly enhance India’s strategic maritime leverage, especially as China continues to invest heavily in port and naval infrastructure across the Indian Ocean. The acquisition also dovetails with the Indian government’s broader vision of maritime self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.

India has declined an offer from the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to include one of its investigators as an observer in the ongoing probe into the Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which claimed over 260 lives in Ahmedabad on June 12. The decision comes amid scrutiny over the pace and transparency of the investigation into what has become the world’s deadliest aviation disaster in a decade.

According to senior government sources, ICAO had proposed deploying an investigator already present in India to assist in an observer capacity. However, Indian authorities opted not to grant the request, stating that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the probe in full compliance with global norms under Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation clarified on Thursday that the black box data – comprising the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) – was successfully recovered and downloaded by June 25. The process was conducted at the AAIB lab in Delhi in collaboration with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as required under international protocols, given the aircraft’s American origin.

This clarification follows concerns raised by aviation safety experts about delays in data analysis and limited public communication. While both black boxes were recovered within days of the crash – one on June 13 and the second on June 16 – critics noted the absence of detailed technical updates or regular press briefings. The ministry has so far held only one press conference, without taking media questions.

Under ICAO’s Annex 13 provisions, prompt decisions on black box analysis locations are essential, particularly when early data may help prevent future tragedies. India, however, maintains that its actions have been swift and protocol-compliant. Officials cited that the investigative timeline and participation of accredited international agencies demonstrate transparency and cooperation.

India’s rejection of ICAO’s offer is seen as a signal of confidence in its domestic capabilities and legal framework for civil aviation accident investigations. A preliminary report on the incident is expected within 30 days of the crash.

Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was en route from Ahmedabad to London when it went down shortly after takeoff, leading to significant casualties and sparking a high-priority multinational probe.

A large-scale search operation is underway in the dense forests of Basantgarh in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district to track down three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, a day after a Pakistani terrorist was killed in an intense gunfight with security forces.

The operation, led jointly by the Indian Army’s Para Commandos and local police, resumed early Friday morning with drone surveillance and sniffer dog units enhancing the combing efforts. The area remains under heavy cordon as additional forces have been deployed to neutralize the remaining terrorists suspected to be hiding in the Karoor Nallah area.

The encounter began on Thursday when a joint patrol confronted four heavily armed terrorists following a year-long tracking effort. The militants, supported by local overground workers (OGWs), had been using forest cover and natural caves to evade capture. One of the slain terrorists has been identified as Haider, alias Maulvi, a Pakistan-based JeM operative.

Officials have confirmed that five OGWs who provided logistical support to the group have been arrested in recent months. Intelligence inputs also suggest a local returnee from Pakistan may be actively aiding the group in its movements.

Basantgarh, known for its challenging terrain, lies along a known infiltration corridor used by Pakistan-backed militants to enter the region from the International Border in Kathua, moving through high-altitude routes toward Doda, Kishtwar, and the Kashmir Valley.

The area has been the site of several high-profile terror incidents in the past year. In April, Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA was martyred in an encounter. Previous incidents in 2024 included attacks on security forces and the killing of a village defence guard, with multiple JeM operatives eliminated in separate operations.

Security agencies remain on high alert as the search for the remaining three terrorists continues in the forested belt of Basantgarh, with authorities committed to restoring peace and preventing further infiltration in the region.

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held today at the Parsi and Zoroastrian Cemetery in Ooty to mark the 17th death anniversary of Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw. Known as one of India’s most revered military leaders, Manekshaw passed away on June 27, 2008, and played a decisive role in India’s victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Military officials and members of the Parsi community gathered to pay tribute to the former Chief of Army Staff, who became India’s first Field Marshal in January 1973. Wreaths were laid on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The ceremony was conducted with full military honors and was accompanied by traditional Zoroastrian customs at the resting site.

The event also served as a moment of reflection on Manekshaw’s legacy—his strategic foresight, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to duty. Despite facing initial opposition from within the military establishment regarding his promotion, Manekshaw rose to become a unifying figure in India’s defense history.

The cemetery, decorated with floral tributes, offered a serene setting for the remembrance. The Parsi burial practices observed there emphasize ecological harmony and reflect the community’s spiritual beliefs. With the Parsi population in India estimated at around 60,000 as per the 2011 Census, the community remains a vital thread in the country’s diverse cultural fabric.

Field Marshal Manekshaw’s leadership and legacy continue to inspire India’s armed forces, symbolizing courage, professionalism, and service to the nation.

Lieutenant General Karanbir Singh Brar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Dakshin Bharat Area, recently completed a two-day visit to the Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area headquarters and various units of the Bangalore Military Station. The visit, held on June 24 and 25, focused on strengthening troop engagement, honoring fallen heroes, and reinforcing the Indian Army’s modernization agenda.

Lt Gen Brar began his tour by paying homage at a memorial dedicated to soldiers who laid down their lives in service. His gesture reflected the Indian Army’s longstanding tradition of honoring the supreme sacrifice of its personnel. Since independence, over 26,000 Indian soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice, and memorial visits like this continue to inspire morale and national remembrance.

A major theme of the visit was technological transformation within the Army, in line with the ongoing “Year of Technology Absorption” initiative. This campaign, part of a larger $20 billion modernization roadmap laid out in 2021, aims to equip India’s 1.2 million-strong military with cutting-edge capabilities. During his interactions with officers and soldiers, Lt Gen Brar emphasized the need to embrace innovation, promote indigenization, and prepare for the future of warfare.

The Dakshin Bharat Area, formerly known as the Andhra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala Area, plays a crucial role in southern India’s defense architecture. Lt Gen Brar, who recently assumed command from Lt Gen Ananthanarayan Arun, continues a legacy of strong leadership and operational oversight in the region.

The visit not only reinforced the Indian Army’s commitment to technological advancement but also highlighted its dedication to honoring the legacy and sacrifices of its soldiers. As India faces dynamic security challenges, leadership engagement at the ground level remains vital to fostering readiness, innovation, and national pride.

In a significant development for India’s defense healthcare framework, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the Director General Medical Services, conducted an official visit to the 23 Wing Air Force on June 24. As the first woman to hold this prestigious post since her appointment in 2023, her presence symbolizes a new chapter in leadership and medical preparedness within the Indian Armed Forces.

During the visit, Surg Vice Adm Sarin undertook a comprehensive inspection of the Station Medical Centre, evaluating the facility’s infrastructure, clinical standards, and operational preparedness. She interacted with medical personnel, acknowledged their service, and reinforced the importance of high-quality, mission-ready care in military operations.

With a distinguished 36-year career in the Armed Forces Medical Services and advanced expertise in Radiodiagnosis, Radiation Oncology, and Gamma Knife Surgery, Surg Vice Adm Sarin brings both clinical and administrative depth. Her training at premier institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh has equipped her to lead strategic health assessments across the armed forces.

The 23 Wing, with historical ties to the famed “Flying Tigers” and current roles in combat search and rescue, plays a vital role in India’s aerial defense. The visit highlights the crucial synergy between frontline combat units and their medical support systems. Global defense studies have increasingly emphasized this integration as a key determinant of operational success in modern warfare.

Previously serving as Command Medical Officer for Southern and Western Naval Commands and as the Commanding Officer of INHS Asvini, Surg Vice Adm Sarin’s leadership continues to set a precedent for evolving healthcare standards across defense institutions.

This historic visit not only reflects a deep commitment to medical excellence but also reinforces the growing role of women in the upper echelons of India’s military leadership.