In a poignant moment filled with honour and deep personal sorrow, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paid a heartfelt tribute to Naib Subedar Baldev Singh of the 18th Battalion, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (18 JAK RIF), who lost his life in the line of duty at Kumar Post on the Siachen Glacier — the world’s highest and one of the most challenging battlefields.

The solemn wreath-laying ceremony took place at Shraddhanjali Sthal, Base Hospital, Delhi Cantonment. General Dwivedi laid a wreath on the mortal remains of the valiant Junior Commissioned Officer, marking not just a military farewell but a deeply personal one, as Naib Subedar Baldev Singh was once his subordinate and mentee in the same battalion.

A Bond Forged in Service and Brotherhood

Naib Subedar Baldev Singh was inducted into the Indian Army in 2002 during the height of Operation Rakshak in the Kashmir Valley. In October 2003, General Dwivedi, then a Colonel, took over command of the 18 JAK RIF. It was during this tenure that he first encountered the young and promising Baldev Singh, who was serving in Delta Company at the time.

Recognizing his potential early on, Col Dwivedi nominated him for specialist duties in the battalion’s Signal Platoon and personally mentored him in the demanding role of an Infantry Signaller. Over the years, the bond between the two soldiers grew beyond the professional realm into one of mutual trust, respect, and almost familial connection.

Baldev Singh served with distinction, participating in numerous operational missions alongside his commanding officer, consistently exhibiting courage, technical expertise, and unflinching commitment to duty. He was promoted to the rank of Naib Subedar approximately a year ago — a recognition of his dedication and leadership.

Supreme Sacrifice at Siachen

On April 20, 2025, while deployed at Kumar Post in the unforgiving terrain of the Northern Glacier in Siachen, Naib Subedar Baldev Singh lost his life. Known for its sub-zero temperatures and hostile environment, Kumar Post remains one of the most treacherous military outposts in the world, demanding both physical endurance and mental fortitude from those stationed there.

His sacrifice has left an indelible void, not just in the ranks of 18 JAK RIF, but also in the heart of the Army Chief, who mourns the loss of a comrade he personally groomed and served with.

Nation Mourns a Braveheart

The Indian Army, through an official statement, expressed its unwavering support to the bereaved family and acknowledged the gallant service of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, whose legacy will inspire generations of soldiers to come.

“The Indian Army stands in steadfast solidarity with the bereaved family during this hour of grief and salutes the indomitable spirit and devotion to duty of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh. His legacy of sacrifice and service will continue to inspire generations of soldiers,” the release stated.

Tributes poured in from all ranks across the force:

• Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, Northern Command, saluted the supreme sacrifice and reiterated that Northern Command stands firmly with the family.
• The GOC, Fire and Fury Corps, along with officers and soldiers, also paid their respects, hailing his bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

As the nation bows its head in respect, the story of Naib Subedar Baldev Singh remains a shining example of service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between soldiers — one that transcends ranks and time.

In a significant stride towards integrating cutting-edge technology into military training, the 39 Gorkha Training Centre in Varanasi, under the aegis of Surya Command, recently conducted a 3D Printing and First-Person View (FPV) Drone Development Course. The program aimed to equip soldiers with advanced skills in drone assembly, programming, and real-time flight control, fostering innovation and technical excellence on the battlefield.

The course provided hands-on experience, enabling participants to successfully build and operate fully functional FPV drones. Soldiers engaged in practical sessions that transformed theoretical concepts into tangible prototypes, enhancing their understanding of emerging technologies. The training environment, blending technology with rigorous instruction, created an unparalleled learning experience for the trainees.

This initiative follows the inauguration of a state-of-the-art 3D Printing Lab at the same centre earlier this year, reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to leveraging modern technology for defence advancements. The use of 3D printing in military applications allows for on-site production of spare parts, reducing logistical challenges and enhancing self-reliance in remote operations—a practice increasingly adopted by militaries worldwide, as noted in studies like NATO’s 2017 Additive Manufacturing Feasibility Study.

FPV drones, which have gained prominence in modern warfare, offer real-time reconnaissance, precision strikes, and electronic warfare capabilities. Their tactical significance has been underscored in conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones have proven to be low-cost, high-impact tools for both offensive and defensive operations. The Indian Army’s training program also incorporates lessons from such conflicts, preparing soldiers to both utilize and counter FPV drones effectively.

The course at the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, a key training hub for the 3rd and 9th Gorkha Battalions, marks a pivotal step in the Indian Army’s broader mission to develop next-generation soldiers. By equipping personnel with skills in 3D printing and drone technology, the Army is ensuring its forces are future-ready to address evolving battlefield challenges. This initiative is part of a larger effort under hashtags like #YearOfDefenceReforms and #OnPathToTransformation, emphasizing capability development and technological empowerment within the armed forces.

The program has been lauded as a much-needed step towards imbibing technology into military operations, with participants receiving recognition for their achievements. Brigadier Ashish Gupta, who presided over the course’s closing ceremony on March 20, 2025, presented certificates and awards to the trainees, highlighting their role in driving innovation on the ground. The Indian Army continues to set a benchmark in military training, ensuring its soldiers are at the forefront of technological advancements in defense.

Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army’s Central Command, visited the Golden Key Division on Sunday to assess its operational, training, and administrative initiatives. The visit comes as part of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its formations under the 2025 “Year of Defence Reforms” initiative.

During the visit, Lt Gen Sachdeva was briefed on the division’s recent undertakings, which include operational preparedness, training programs, and administrative enhancements. He commended the Golden Key Division for its dedication and pursuit of excellence, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in the face of evolving challenges. The division, historically significant for its role in the 1965 Indo-Pak war under the 14 Infantry Division, remains a key formation in the Indian Army’s western sector operations.

Lt Gen Sachdeva assumed his role as Chief of Staff of Central Command on April 10, 2025, following his tenure as General-Officer-Commanding of the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps (16 Corps). His leadership is expected to bolster the command’s operational efficiency, aligning with the broader modernization goals set by the Indian Army. The Central Command, headquartered in Lucknow, oversees eight states and is responsible for the central sector of India’s western border with Pakistan, as well as the Uttarakhand sector along the Indo-Tibet and Indo-Nepal borders.

This visit underscores the Indian Army’s focus on capability development and transformation, as outlined in the “Year of Defence Reforms” declared by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The initiative aims to modernize the armed forces through technology integration, jointness, and human resource management, positioning India as a key player in the global defence ecosystem. The Golden Key Division’s efforts were highlighted as a step toward achieving these goals, contributing to the Indian Army’s vision of becoming a future-ready force.

Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, conducted a significant visit to an Infantry Battalion stationed at Jutogh Cantonment near Shimla to evaluate its operational preparedness. The visit underscores the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its forces as part of the “Year of Defence Reforms” declared by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in 2025, aimed at modernizing the Armed Forces and enhancing jointness, technology integration, and operational efficiency.

During his visit, Lt Gen Sengupta closely inspected the battalion’s equipment and resources, which included a display of essential military gear such as rifles, backpacks, and other operational tools.

He engaged directly with the troops, holding a briefing session to discuss their readiness and challenges. The Army Commander also participated in a formal flag handover ceremony, symbolizing unity and leadership, and concluded his visit with a group photograph alongside the battalion personnel.

Lt Gen Sengupta commended the soldiers for their dedication, steadfastness, and professionalism, urging them to maintain the highest standards of excellence in all their endeavors. His presence was seen as a morale-boosting gesture, reinforcing the battalion’s role within the broader framework of the Indian Army’s Central Command, also known as Surya Command, which oversees a critical region of the country.

The Jutogh Cantonment, under the leadership of Station Commander Brigadier Navdeep Brar, who also serves as the President of the Cantonment Board, has long been a strategic military hub. Such high-level visits are a testament to the Army’s focus on ensuring combat readiness and fostering a motivated workforce, aligning with the goals of capability development and transformation outlined for the Indian Army in 2025.

This initiative also resonates with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat at 2047, aiming to position India as a key player in the global defence ecosystem.