Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty has officially assumed the post of Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Policy Planning & Force Development), a position central to India’s evolving defence structure. The appointment was made on August 1, following his tenure as Controller Personnel Services at Naval Headquarters.

A decorated naval officer, Vice Admiral McCarty previously served as the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. His leadership during that period earned him the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in January 2024. His vast operational and administrative experience is now expected to strengthen India’s tri-service coordination, particularly in policy planning and capability development.

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, and senior personnel at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff extended their congratulations and support to the new Deputy Chief. His responsibilities will involve shaping integrated strategic policies, overseeing future force development, and enhancing the synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

With regional security challenges increasing, Vice Admiral McCarty’s role is expected to play a key part in steering India’s military integration efforts and refining the strategic roadmap for future warfare.

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan expressed deep admiration and national pride after spending an entire day aboard an Indian Navy warship. The actor shared his reflections across social media and his personal blog, paying tribute to the sacrifice and discipline of India’s armed forces.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bachchan wrote, “T 5457 – An experience of a lifetime – an entire day spent on an Indian Navy Destroyer… pride, and honour for our fighting forces.”

Later, in a detailed blog post, the 81-year-old actor shared photographs from his visit and elaborated on the emotional impact the experience had on him. “You hear about the strength of our Forces… the stories of valour… the armoured vessels that fight, so you and I can get a peaceful sleep,” he wrote.

He described being moved by the dedication of India’s uniformed personnel, stating, “You marvel at the dedication and will of our fighting men and women… they that fight for your peace and calm and the very existence.”

Bachchan also reflected on the often unseen side of military life, saying the experience gave him “utmost learning for the day” and brought him closer to “an aspect of our forces which is never well known.”

Concluding his blog with patriotic fervour, he declared, “I am a citizen of Bharat… and filled with admiration and pride for them that give their all, for us… BHARAT MATA KI JAI.”

Known for his strong nationalistic voice and support for the armed forces, Amitabh Bachchan’s tribute has struck a chord with fans across the country, many of whom praised the actor for highlighting the silent sacrifices of India’s defence personnel.

India has informed the United States that it is not interested in purchasing the F-35 stealth fighter jets, even as it considers increasing imports of certain non-defence goods to ease trade tensions. This development follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a 25 percent tariff on imports from India.

According to a report by Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the matter, India is not planning any immediate retaliatory measures. Instead, it aims to maintain a positive environment for ongoing trade talks. As part of this approach, India may raise imports of U.S. natural gas, communication devices, and gold. However, the report clearly states that India has no plans to acquire new defence equipment from the United States.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House earlier this year, Trump had offered to sell the fifth-generation F-35 jets. Indian officials reportedly declined the offer, expressing preference for joint development of defence systems and manufacturing them domestically under the Make in India initiative.

India’s decision not to pursue the F-35 purchase is seen as a significant signal amid U.S. expectations that India would expand defence cooperation. Trump has also warned of possible further penalties due to India’s defence and energy partnerships with Russia. Despite these pressures, the Modi government is unlikely to make additional U.S. defence purchases beyond the contracts already in place. Many of these existing orders are facing years-long delivery delays.

India is now expected to move forward with the purchase of around 50 to 60 Russian Su-57 fighter jets to meet the Indian Air Force’s requirement for fifth-generation combat aircraft. The IAF is planning to induct three squadrons of such jets to strengthen its air dominance in the region, especially in the face of increased aerial capabilities of China and Pakistan.

While India is developing its own fifth-generation fighter jet under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, the indigenous aircraft is not expected to be operational before 2035. Until then, India will rely on foreign purchases to bridge the gap.

With the F-35 ruled out, and the Su-57 as the only viable alternative currently available in the global market, India’s move signals a strategic tilt towards Moscow. It also reflects New Delhi’s emphasis on defence self-reliance and multilateral partnerships rather than dependency on a single global power.

In a notable gesture of inter-service recognition, Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s South Western Command, awarded a prestigious Commendation Card to Deputy Commandant Mahesh Chand Jaat of the Border Security Force (BSF). The award ceremony took place on July 31, 2025, acknowledging Jaat’s exemplary role in the recently conducted Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Army Commendation Card is awarded for acts of gallantry, exceptional service, or devotion to duty. Though primarily awarded to Army personnel, the commendation is occasionally conferred upon officers from other security forces for outstanding contributions in joint operations. Deputy Commandant Jaat’s recognition underscores the significance of seamless cooperation between different arms of India’s defense apparatus.

While official details of Operation Sindoor remain partially classified, it is understood that the operation was a high-impact military response to the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. It involved precision strikes and joint coordination between multiple agencies, including the Army and BSF. The operation was launched to neutralize threats across the Line of Control and within sensitive border regions.

Deputy Commandant Jaat played a pivotal role in operational coordination, enhancing the real-time responsiveness and tactical support needed for mission success. His efforts reportedly helped facilitate ground intelligence, border control measures, and logistical support during critical phases of the operation.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, while presenting the award, emphasized the growing importance of jointness and synergy in India’s security doctrine. He praised Jaat’s dedication, calling it a reflection of the professionalism and commitment that exists across India’s uniformed services.

The recognition comes at a time when India is strengthening its integrated theatre commands and promoting greater collaboration among the Army, Navy, Air Force, and central armed police forces. Operations like Sindoor illustrate the operational advantages of such integration, especially in high-stakes scenarios involving cross-border terrorism and national security threats.

Deputy Commandant Jaat’s award serves as a symbol of evolving inter-agency trust and coordination—crucial elements for the future of India’s defense and internal security operations.