Kolkata witnessed a spirited motorcycle rally on Sunday, organized by the Indian Army’s Eastern Command in anticipation of the upcoming ‘Vijay Diwas’ celebrations. This event commemorates India’s significant victory over Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. Collaborating with a well-known FM radio channel, the rally aimed to honor the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces while fostering a stronger connection between the military and the civilian community, as explained by a defense official.

The rally was spearheaded by Lieutenant General R C Tiwari, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Command, who was joined by motorcycle enthusiasts hailing from both the armed forces and the local populace. The event commenced at Fort William, the Eastern Army Command headquarters located in central Kolkata, where it was officially flagged off by Lieutenant General R C Srikanth, the Chief of Staff of the Eastern Command.

The rally covered a distance of 25 kilometers, passing by several renowned landmarks in Kolkata, including the historic Eden Gardens, the majestic Victoria Memorial, and the iconic Birla Mandir. As the motorcycles thundered through the city streets, they drew the attention and admiration of onlookers, reinforcing the bond between the military and local residents.

The event reached its solemn conclusion at the East Gate of Fort William, where Lieutenant General Tiwari and other dignitaries paid their respects to the martyred heroes of the 1971 war at the ‘Vijay Smarak’. This tribute involved participants, comprising officers from the Indian armed forces and respected citizens of Kolkata, joining in a moment of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.

The backdrop of the rally serves as a poignant reminder of the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which commenced when Pakistan executed pre-emptive air strikes against 11 Indian airbases on December 3, 1971. This conflict arose amid the widespread and brutal genocide of the people in East Pakistan, under the rule of General Yahya Khan of Pakistan. The war was not only brief but intensely fought on both the Eastern and Western fronts, culminating in the complete surrender of Pakistani forces and the subsequent creation of Bangladesh. The Indian Armed Forces showcased their strength and strategic superiority against the Pakistani military during this conflict, marking a significant chapter in the annals of India’s military history.

An Indian fishing vessel named Marthoma was involved in a collision with an Indian Navy submarine off the coast of Goa. This incident, confirmed by the Defence Ministry, has led to a significant search and rescue operation directed by the Indian Navy. The operation mobilized six ships and several aircraft in an extensive effort aimed at locating the 13 crew members who were aboard the fishing vessel at the time of the incident.

As of the latest reports, 11 of the crew members have been successfully rescued, while two individuals remain unaccounted for. The Ministry of Defence has stated that the collision occurred approximately 70 nautical miles from the Goa coast, involving the Marthoma and a Scorpene-class submarine, which is a vital asset in India’s naval fleet.

The ongoing search and rescue operations are being coordinated with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai, with additional support from the Coast Guard to enhance the efforts in the area. The ministry has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to locate the missing crew members.

An investigation into the cause of this unfortunate incident is currently underway, as authorities seek to understand the circumstances leading to the collision.

India’s Scorpene-class submarines play an essential role within the nation’s naval strategy, particularly in the Indian Ocean, where they are equipped for a variety of missions including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance. These submarines are characterized by advanced technology, featuring acoustic silencing, a hydrodynamically optimized structure, and the capability to conduct precision-guided attacks, significantly enhancing India’s naval operational capabilities.

The Indian Navy’s sail training ship, INS Tarangini, engaged in a collaborative sailing exercise with the esteemed Italian sail ship, Amerigo Vespucci, off the coast of Kochi on Friday. This joint effort showcased a range of sailing maneuvers designed to bolster training, cooperation, and interoperability between the two maritime forces, as well as to facilitate the exchange of best practices in navigation and sailing.

A statement from the Indian Navy emphasized that the exercise represented not only a commitment to sailing proficiency but also underscored the enduring friendship and shared vision for collaboration between India and Italy’s naval forces. INS Tarangini has historically played a crucial role in the training of naval cadets, making its participation in various global goodwill missions an integral part of its mission.

The sailing session not only allowed for practical learning experiences but also highlighted the Indian Navy’s dedication to maintaining global maritime customs and enhancing international partnerships. By aligning with the Amerigo Vespucci, a vessel renowned for its historical significance and training capabilities, INS Tarangini further exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering strong ties in the maritime domain.

This exercise off Kochi marks a significant step in strengthening the rapport between the two navies, paving the way for future collaborations aimed at shared security and maritime interests. The event brings to light the importance of such joint exercises in promoting peace and stability in international waters.

INS Kuthar, a guided missile corvette of the Indian Navy, made a significant visit to Gopalpur port in Odisha’s Ganjam district, aimed at enhancing awareness among local communities regarding coastal security and maritime operations. The ship’s two-day stopover on November 24 and 25 followed its participation in the fourth edition of the pan-India coastal defence exercise, ‘Sea Vigil-24,’ which took place on November 20 and 21.

During its visit, officers from INS Kuthar engaged in discussions with port officials, exploring berthing facilities and providing an overview of security measures in place at the port. The vessel, which measures 91 meters in length and displaces 1,400 tonnes, is notable for its speed, exceeding 25 knots, and is manned by a crew comprising 12 officers and 120 sailors. INS Kuthar is equipped with a multitude of weaponry and sensors, including surface-to-surface missiles, various guns, and shoulder-launched surface-to-air missiles, along with a chaff launcher. Additionally, it operates a Chetak helicopter, expanding its operational capabilities to include coastal and offshore patrolling, ocean surveillance, terrorism countermeasures, and anti-piracy operations.

The backdrop of INS Kuthar’s visit was the recently concluded Sea Vigil-24 exercise, designed to foster awareness among coastal communities regarding the importance of maritime security. The exercise involved the participation of various community stakeholders, including fishing communities, local residents, and students affiliated with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides, enhancing local engagement and understanding of maritime security issues.

Sea Vigil-24 focused on evaluating the readiness and infrastructure of essential coastal assets, such as Marine Police Outposts, ports, lighthouses, and fish landing facilities. This comprehensive approach aims to fortify India’s commitment to maintaining secure and resilient coastal defenses. A major component of the exercise was the Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE), which saw collaboration among teams from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Marine Police, Customs, and various state agencies responsible for coastal security across six coastal districts in Odisha.

While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies conduct regular coastal security exercises, Sea Vigil stands out as a national initiative orchestrated by the Indian Navy. It provides a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime defense and security capabilities, underscoring the nation’s strategic focus on safeguarding its extensive coastline and ensuring the preparedness of coastal security mechanisms.

The Indian Naval Sailing vessel INSV Tarini has embarked on the second leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition, setting off from Fremantle, Australia, on a journey to Lyttelton, New Zealand. The departure, marked by an enthusiastic crowd that gathered to cheer for the crew’s safe passage, is part of a significant dual-handed circumnavigation of the globe by two women officers of the Indian Navy.

Flagged off by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, on October 2, this expedition showcases the capabilities and resilience of women in maritime roles. The crew, comprised of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, made a planned stop in Fremantle on November 9 after an impressive 39-day voyage covering 4,900 nautical miles under sail.

During their time in Fremantle and nearby Perth, the officers received a warm welcome and engaged in numerous activities highlighting the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality and global maritime cooperation. They were honored as special invitees at the Western Australia Parliament, where they interacted with parliamentarians and participated in a parliamentary session that acknowledged their accomplishments and the journey undertaken thus far.

Prior to their departure, Tarini underwent comprehensive system checks and repairs, facilitated by a shore support team from India. Provisions for the next leg of the voyage were also stocked. The crew received an important briefing from their mentor, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd), who provided insights into the upcoming passage and evaluated the vessel’s readiness for the challenges ahead.

As ambassadors of India’s maritime heritage, the crew engaged with the local Indian diaspora at a vibrant event organized by the Consul General of India in Perth. Their interactions included visits to the Royal Australian Naval Base HMAS Stirling and the Ocean Reef High School, where they shared their experiences and inspired the students about the values of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of challenges.

The next phase of the expedition will see INSV Tarini navigate across Cape Leeuwin, through the Great Australian Bight, around Tasmania, and finally towards the South Island of New Zealand, covering a distance of 3,400 nautical miles (approximately 6,300 kilometers) in an estimated 20 days. The crew is expected to encounter varied weather conditions, including frontal systems and dropping temperatures, illustrating the complexities involved in such an ambitious maritime endeavor.

Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, has returned from a significant five-day visit to Nepal, where he engaged in high-level discussions with the nation’s political and military leadership. The visit aimed to fortify defense cooperation between India and Nepal, highlighting a shared dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region.

During his stay, General Dwivedi met with key figures including Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister Manbir Rai. These meetings were pivotal in facilitating dialogues focused on strengthening military relations, emphasizing joint training exercises, and enhancing capability development between the two armies.

In his talks with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army, along with other senior military officials, discussions centered on bolstering military ties in a bid to promote global peace and security. Both sides recognized the importance of cooperation in responding to contemporary security challenges faced by both nations.

To signify the camaraderie between the Indian and Nepali armies, the Indian Army presented Valour Mount horses and Sentinel dogs as gifts to the Nepali Army. This gesture symbolized goodwill and partnership, further solidifying the bond shared between the two nations.

In a notable highlight of the visit, President Paudel conferred upon General Dwivedi the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas in Kathmandu. This prestigious honor is a testament to the historical and cultural connections that have long existed between the military forces of India and Nepal, signifying a commitment to ongoing collaboration in defense and security matters.

Overall, General Dwivedi’s visit is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing bilateral military relations and reinforcing the cooperative spirit between India and Nepal.

General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, wrapped up a successful five-day visit to Nepal, highlighting the enduring historical and strategic bond between the two nations’ armed forces. His trip included participation in an Ex-Servicemen Rally, where he had the opportunity to interact with veterans and ‘Veer Naris’—the honorific term for widows of deceased soldiers, underscoring the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring those who have served.

During his visit, General Dwivedi met with several key figures in the Nepali government, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Defence Minister Manbir Rai. He also held discussions with high-ranking military officials, notably General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army. These meetings centered around the strengthening of bilateral defense relations through joint exercises, training initiatives, and ongoing capability development.

A significant highlight of General Dwivedi’s trip was the tribute he paid at Bir Smarak, a monument dedicated to Nepal’s fallen soldiers, where he laid a wreath. His visit also featured a formal Guard of Honour at the Nepali Army Headquarters, marking the respect and esteem with which the Indian Army regards its Nepali counterpart.

In recognition of the strong camaraderie between the two nations, Nepal’s President honored General Dwivedi with the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army. This accolade symbolizes the friendly ties and mutual respect that exist between India and Nepal.

The visit also included cultural exchanges and strategic dialogues. General Dwivedi delivered a lecture at the Nepal Army Command and Staff College in Shivapuri, addressing “The Changing Character of War,” which further explored pathways to enhance military collaboration and cultural connections between the two armies.

At the Ex-Servicemen Rally held in Pokhara, General Dwivedi engaged with Gorkha veterans and their families, emphasizing India’s ongoing commitment to their welfare. He announced plans to establish two new Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinics and increase empanelled hospitals available for veterans, which was warmly received by the attendees.

In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, the Indian Army gifted several Valour Mount horses and Sentinel dogs to the Nepali Army, fostering goodwill and cooperation. Additionally, General Dwivedi extended an invitation to Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff for a visit to India, aiming to build on the positive dialogue initiated during this visit.

The comprehensive interactions during General Dwivedi’s trip reflect a mutual commitment to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region, underlining the importance of ongoing collaboration between the Indian and Nepali forces.