In a significant advancement for the Indian Army, Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, the Northern Army Commander, conducted a review of the Asmi machine pistol in Udhampur just days after the induction of 550 units into service. The Asmi, which translates to “self-reliant” in Hindi, is a product of innovation spearheaded by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in partnership with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). The manufacturing of this state-of-the-art weapon is being carried out by Lokesh Machines, a company based in Hyderabad.

The Northern Command took to social media to underscore the importance of this review, spotlighting the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aimed at promoting self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. This move not only reflects a push towards indigenization but also signifies a broader strategy to enhance operational capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign arms.

The Asmi machine pistol is characterized by its eight-inch barrel and a 33-round magazine, specifically designed for use with 9mm ammunition. Its semi-bullpup architecture allows for versatile handling, enabling operators to use the weapon confidently with one hand, whether in a pistol or submachine gun configuration. This compact and resilient firearm is ideally suited for close-quarter combat and specialized missions, where agility and ease of use are paramount.

Notably, the recent delivery of 550 Asmi submachine guns to the Northern Command marks a key milestone for Lokesh Machines Limited, which successfully completed its first major order for the military. Weighing in at less than 2.4 kilograms, the Asmi is engineered to be 10-15 percent lighter than many comparable international counterparts, providing Indian soldiers with a tactical edge in various combat situations.

The development of the Asmi machine pistol not only highlights the collaborative efforts of Indian Army personnel and domestic defense manufacturers but also reinforces the military’s strategic focus on self-reliance in weapon production. As India seeks to enhance its defense capabilities, initiatives like this serve as a testament to the growing expertise within the country’s defense sector and its potential to meet the demands of modern warfare.

In a concerning incident, an Indian Navy Scorpene-class submarine collided with a fishing vessel off the coast of Goa on the evening of November 21. The collision took place around 70 nautical miles northwest of Goa at approximately 9:30 PM while the submarine was traveling between two ports.

At the time of the incident, the fishing boat, named Marthoma, was carrying 13 crew members. Following the collision, the Indian Navy swiftly confirmed the incident and announced that immediate rescue operations were underway. A coordinated search and rescue mission was launched, involving six naval ships along with multiple surveillance aircraft. According to the Navy’s reports, 11 of the 13 crew members were successfully rescued shortly after the incident; however, two individuals remain unaccounted for, and search operations are ongoing. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Mumbai is overseeing the rescue efforts, and additional resources have been dispatched to assist in the recovery operation.

The submarine implicated in the collision is part of India’s advanced Scorpene-class fleet, which is designed to perform a variety of essential naval capacities, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, and mine-laying, among others. Renowned for its stealth capabilities and low noise emissions, the Scorpene-class submarines are pivotal for contemporary naval strategies.

As investigations into the incident continue, the Indian Navy awaits the submarine’s arrival at its designated port to conduct a thorough evaluation of any damage sustained and to analyze the circumstances leading to the collision. This accident marks yet another challenging moment for the Indian Navy, which faced scrutiny earlier in July 2024 when the guided missile frigate INS Brahmaputra was severely damaged in a fire that led to its partial sinking while docked.

Notably, collisions between military vessels and civilian craft have occurred previously. The Indian Navy’s Kilo-class submarine, INS Sindhughosh, was involved in similar incidents in 2015 and 2008, both resulting in minimal damage without any casualties. The broader maritime context reveals that incidents between naval submarines and fishing vessels are not uncommon, as illustrated by various events involving fleets from the U.S., Russia, and other countries.

One notorious example occurred in 2001, when the U.S. Navy’s USS Greeneville collided with the Japanese Ehime Maru training vessel during a demonstration, resulting in the tragic loss of nine lives. This incident raised significant awareness regarding safety protocols within military operations, emphasizing the critical need for adherence to measures that prevent such accidents.

Another historical precedent includes the 1990 sinking of the British trawler Antares, which capsized after entanglement with the Royal Navy’s HMS Trenchant, leading to the loss of four lives. Such incidents have prompted naval authorities worldwide to reassess operational procedures to enhance safety, especially in waters frequented by fishing vessels.

As the Indian Navy navigates this latest collision and its implications, it remains essential to enhance safety protocols and ensure that such incidents are minimized to maintain both naval efficacy and public confidence in maritime operations. The continuing search for the missing crew members from Marthoma underscores the urgent need for immediate attention in rescue and recovery efforts while the military evaluates the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The reported torture of five civilians by Army personnel in Kishtwar has sparked an outrage among political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has called for a full investigation and the court martial of those implicated in the incident.

The controversy erupted following an announcement from the Nagrota-based XV Corps that an inquiry would be conducted into allegations of severe mistreatment of five residents from Kuath village. Disturbing video footage that has surfaced online depicts the individuals struggling to walk, with visible injuries on their faces, raising serious concerns about the treatment they received.

Media reports indicate that on November 20, the daily wage laborers were summoned to a Rashtriya Rifles base in the Mughal Maidan area of Kishtwar for questioning. After hours of detention, they were released, yet they appeared to have endured significant abuse, with some reportedly needing to be carried from the site due to their injuries.

In light of these developments, the White Knight Corps acknowledged the troubling claims and stated, “An investigation is being launched to ascertain the facts. Necessary follow-up action will be ensured.” Abdullah, addressing the media, emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive and transparent inquiry, insisting that if evidence of wrongdoing by the soldiers is found, they must face court martial and appropriate punishment.

The Chief Minister reflected on the troubling history of such incidents in the region, remarking, “It is unfortunate that our people have not learned anything from the past.” He recalled previous occurrences where civilians faced grievous consequences after being summoned to military camps, some tragically losing their lives due to torture. Abdullah expressed gratitude that the recent victims survived, yet he lamented the persistent cycle of violence and abuse that has plagued the area, highlighting the need for accountability and reform within military practices to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

The Indian Navy is set to embark on a major Coastal Defence Exercise named ‘Sea Vigil-24’ on November 20 and 21, with participation from six ministries and 21 agencies aimed at bolstering security measures along the country’s extensive coastline. This major drill will focus on protecting critical coastal assets such as ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and other essential infrastructure crucial for the coastal population.

Designed to enhance and validate the measures put into place following the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, this year’s Sea Vigil stands out for its unprecedented scale and reach. Covering a massive 11,098 kilometers of coastline and a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.4 million square kilometers, the exercise will fully engage the coastal security infrastructure, involving various maritime stakeholders, including local fishing communities and residents along the coast.

This marks the fourth edition of the Sea Vigil initiative, which was first conceptualized in 2018. The ongoing Coastal Defence and Security Readiness Evaluation (CDSRE) phase has been underway since October 24, guided by Naval Officer-in-Charges from all coastal states and Union Territories, including Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This phase involves a comprehensive audit of the coastal defence and security infrastructure.

For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat will be participating in the Indian Navy-led CDSRE teams, along with personnel from the State Marine Police, Coast Guard, Customs, and Fisheries departments. The active involvement of other branches of the armed forces, such as the Indian Army and Air Force, along with a planned deployment of a substantial number of ships and aircraft, marks a significant enhancement to the exercise.

A pivotal goal of the exercise is to foster awareness within coastal communities regarding their role in maritime security. Notably, the inclusion of local fishing communities, residents, and youth organizations such as the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides aims to elevate the overall understanding and capability of local populations in securing coastal areas.

While individual coastal states and maritime security agencies regularly conduct their own security exercises, Sea Vigil stands as a national initiative that offers a comprehensive assessment of India’s maritime security landscape. A Navy official emphasized that this exercise provides a valuable opportunity to evaluate the preparedness of all maritime security agencies, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and improve the nation’s overall maritime defence framework.

As a precursor to the biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), Sea Vigil-24 is set to play an integral role in reinforcing India’s dedication to protecting its maritime boundaries while promoting cooperative efforts across all stakeholders involved in coastal defence.

The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Suchindra Kumar, has conducted a review of the newly inducted ‘Asmi’ machine pistols, highlighting their significance for the Indian Army’s Northern Command. This move comes as part of an effort to enhance the operational capabilities of armed forces in the region.

Approximately 550 units of the ‘Asmi’ machine pistols have been inducted, marking a significant step in India’s push for indigenization in defense manufacturing. The pistols, developed by Lokesh Machines, have garnered attention for their advanced design and capacity to meet diverse combat needs. This initiative aligns with India’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign weaponry and promote locally sourced defense equipment.

During the review, Lt Gen Kumar praised the performance and operational readiness of the ‘Asmi’ machine pistols, which are expected to provide soldiers with improved firepower in various terrain conditions. This locally manufactured armament reflects the government’s commitment to bolster national security through self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The induction of the ‘Asmi’ pistols comes at a time when the Northern Command faces unique challenges, given its geographical location and the complexities of the operational environment. The enhanced weaponry is aimed at providing troops with more effective means to address threats and ensure stability in the region.

The integration of ‘Asmi’ machine pistols is also seen as a motivational boost for the troops, as it symbolizes India’s progress in developing cutting-edge military technology. The Army’s focus on indigenous production not only strengthens its arsenal but also supports local industries and fosters a culture of innovation within the defense sector.

Overall, the review of the ‘Asmi’ machine pistols represents a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to modernizing its military while promoting homegrown solutions to enhance operational readiness and effectiveness in challenging environments.

The fifth edition of the Indo-Vietnam Joint Field Training Exercise, known as VINBAX-2024, has successfully concluded its 48-hour joint validation exercise. The event wrapped up on November 20, with a closing ceremony that featured a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) validation exercise, dubbed ‘Ex Raahat’, held at Kaushalya Dam in Haryana.

This important military collaboration saw troops from the Vietnam People’s Army alongside soldiers from the Indian Army participating in extensive training drills. During the closing ceremony, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding of the Kharga Corps, emphasized the significant advancements in India-Vietnam relations, underscoring their transformation into a comprehensive strategic partnership. He described this development as a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship, reinforcing the joint commitment to peace and prosperity.

Lt Gen Pushkar expressed appreciation to the authorities in Vietnam for their efforts in successfully executing VINBAX-2024, which has notably improved mutual understanding and operational interoperability between the two nations. He also pointed out that, as both countries play crucial roles in the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN regions, their bilateral ties are anticipated to grow even stronger in the ensuing years.

In a complementary address, senior Colonel Dr Nguyen Ba Hung, Deputy Director of Peace Keeping Operations at Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, congratulated both Indian and Vietnamese forces for the successful completion of the exercise. He highlighted the significance of this bilateral training in fortifying the partnership between India and Vietnam, particularly in the area of disaster management and relief efforts.

The exercise exemplified high standards of skill and professionalism, particularly enhancing the forces’ capabilities in medical and engineering operations during HADR missions. Colonel Dr Nguyen also extended his gratitude to the Western Command, the Command Hospital, the Air Force, and Indian civil authorities for their support in accommodating the Vietnamese soldiers throughout their training period in Ambala.

The participation of both Vietnam People’s Army troops and Indian Army soldiers in VINBAX-2024 began on November 4, 2024. The initial phase focused on providing general orientation regarding the dynamics of a United Nations Mission, allowing both contingents to share their expertise and skills in engineering and medical tasks under a UN mandate. The intense training culminated in Ambala on November 19-20.

The Multi-Agency HADR Validation Exercise, ‘Ex Raahat’, conducted at Kaushalya Dam in Pinjore, showcased exceptional coordination between the Indian Armed Forces, para-military forces, and civil administration. This collaborative effort incorporated various advanced equipment for effective joint disaster relief operations, marking a significant step forward in the capacity of both nations to respond to humanitarian crises.

A fishing vessel named Marthoma was involved in a collision with an Indian Navy submarine approximately 70 nautical miles off the Goa coast on Thursday. This incident has prompted a comprehensive search and rescue operation to locate two crew members from the Marthoma who remain unaccounted for.

In response to the emergency, the Indian Navy swiftly initiated search and rescue efforts, deploying six ships and aircraft to the area. As a result of these efforts, eleven of the thirteen crew members aboard the fishing vessel were rescued safely. The Indian Navy spokesperson confirmed that additional assets, including those from the Coast Guard, have also been mobilized to assist in the ongoing operation.

At the time of the collision, the Navy submarine was on transit along the West Coast. While the search operation is underway, details regarding any damage sustained by the submarine in the incident have yet to be reported.

In the wake of the collision, the Indian Navy has announced a high-level investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. This is a critical step for the Navy, especially following prior maritime accidents, including an incident earlier this year where the warship INS Brahmaputra sank at a Mumbai dockyard after a fire broke out during maintenance. Currently, the Navy is focused on repairs to make the INS Brahmaputra seaworthy again.

As the situation develops, the Navy and Coast Guard remain committed to ensuring the safety of all personnel involved and will continue their concerted efforts to locate the missing crew members.