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Shri Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal Assumes Charge as ADG of BSF Eastern Command

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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Shri Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a senior Indian Police Service officer from the 1994 batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre, officially took charge today as Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) Eastern Command. The change of command ceremony was held at the Special DG Headquarters in Kolkata, marking a crucial leadership transition at a time of heightened tensions along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Aggarwal succeeds Shri Ravi Gandhi, who led the Eastern Command for 14 months, a tenure marked by intensified security concerns following the political transition in Bangladesh in August 2024. Gandhi has now been appointed ADG (Logistics) at the BSF Force Headquarters in New Delhi.

The Eastern Command, responsible for securing India’s borders with Bangladesh across the states of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, has been grappling with increasing cross-border challenges. Political unrest in Bangladesh has complicated border management and demanded greater vigilance from the BSF in recent months.

Shri Aggarwal, known for his strategic acumen, previously served as Joint Director at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Chandigarh. His appointment to the ADG role was cleared by the Ministry of Home Affairs in January 2025 and is set for a four-year term. His extensive experience in law enforcement and investigative operations is expected to bolster the BSF’s capabilities during this sensitive period.

Outgoing ADG Ravi Gandhi earned accolades for his proactive leadership, especially his extensive inspection tour of the Malda district on April 15, 2025, where he assessed security arrangements in violence-prone areas. His contributions were instrumental in maintaining border integrity and operational readiness during a volatile phase.

The BSF Eastern Command carries a legacy of valor, having played a pivotal role during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War by supporting the Mukti Bahini alongside the Indian Army. This historic contribution has been commemorated by leaders on both sides of the border.

Established in 1965 after the Indo-Pak War, the BSF continues to serve as a frontline defense force, safeguarding India’s borders with both Pakistan and Bangladesh. The force has progressively modernized, deploying technologies such as thermal imagers, ground sensors, and laser intrusion detection systems to strengthen border surveillance.

As Shri Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal steps into this crucial role, his leadership is anticipated to further enhance the BSF’s operational effectiveness and uphold the force’s enduring commitment to national security. The BSF reiterated its resolve to safeguard the nation with its enduring motto: “Jai Hind.”

4 Indian Tech Giants Clear Technical Evaluation For Airframe Design of AMCA Fighter Jet Program

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a significant milestone for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, four leading Indian technology companies—Infosys Limited, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), L&T Technology Services Limited, and Cyient Limited—have successfully passed the technical evaluation phase for the detailed design and engineering of the airframe for India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter. This development is a major step in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s strategy to boost indigenous content in high-tech military projects.

The AMCA, a single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather multirole combat aircraft, is being developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Ministry of Defence to serve the Indian Air Force and Navy. Designed to incorporate advanced stealth features, supercruise capabilities, thrust vectoring, and an optimized radar cross-section, the AMCA is expected to place India alongside the world’s elite nations with fifth-generation fighter technology. As of February 2025, the program has entered the prototype development phase, following the successful completion of its feasibility study and detailed design.

The inclusion of major private sector tech firms in the AMCA program reflects India’s evolving defense landscape, which is increasingly tapping into domestic expertise. These companies bring advanced engineering, design analysis, and digital solutions to the table, though their lack of direct experience in defense airframe manufacturing has raised concerns about meeting the program’s stringent requirements. Nonetheless, their involvement marks a new chapter in India’s defense strategy, aimed at fostering synergies between defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and private enterprises.

A key aspect of the AMCA’s design is the use of carbon-fiber composites (C-FC), which are expected to make up 60-80% of the aircraft’s structure by weight. This will make the AMCA lighter, stronger, and more maintainable, with fewer joints and rivets to reduce structural fatigue. In comparison, the LCA Tejas has approximately 45% composite content in its airframe.

The development of the AMCA is a pivotal project in India’s defense modernization plans, with a naval variant, AMCA-N, also in progress to meet the needs of the Indian Navy’s Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2). The aircraft is designed to feature an internal weapons bay, advanced avionics, and a multirole capability to meet a wide range of operational requirements.

Despite offers of international collaboration, India has chosen to pursue the AMCA program largely independently, underscoring its commitment to fostering indigenous defense capabilities. While this approach presents challenges in terms of expertise and infrastructure, the program’s success hinges on effective collaboration between DPSUs and private companies.

The next stages of the AMCA airframe bidding process will determine which vendor takes the lead in shaping the fighter jet’s future. Meanwhile, the program continues to garner significant attention, as India navigates the complex balance between rapid development and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, including the indigenous Kaveri engine, to meet its strategic defense needs.

Indian Navy Deepens Maritime Ties with Seychelles Through IOS SAGAR Mission

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The Indian Navy marked a significant milestone in its regional maritime outreach with the arrival of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The visit is part of India’s flagship maritime diplomacy effort—SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)—and reaffirms India’s commitment to ensuring stability, security, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Also Read: Indian Navy’s IOS SAGAR Strengthens Maritime Partnership with Mauritius During Port Louis Visit

Formerly commissioned as INS Sunayna, IOS Sagar is an Offshore Patrol Vessel repurposed for the SAGAR mission, launched from Karwar naval base on April 5, 2025, by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The mission carries 44 naval trainees from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs): Seychelles, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. It aims to enhance maritime interoperability through joint training in firefighting, damage control, seamanship, boat handling, and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

India and Seychelles share a longstanding defense partnership dating back to Seychelles’ independence in 1976. India has supported the island nation in patrolling its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), combating piracy, and enhancing maritime infrastructure. Notably, India provided Dornier 228 aircraft and Chetak helicopters to boost Seychelles’ maritime surveillance capabilities. The current visit builds on this legacy, demonstrating India’s role as a “preferred security partner” in the Western Indian Ocean.

The SAGAR initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 during a visit to Mauritius, emphasizes regional collaboration, maritime capacity building, and economic development. The arrival of IOS Sagar comes at a time of heightened strategic competition in the IOR, particularly with China expanding its naval footprint. Seychelles, strategically located in the Southwest Indian Ocean, is central to India’s maritime strategy and broader vision for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

India’s Defense Minister hailed the SAGAR deployment as a “proud moment” showcasing India’s leadership in cooperative maritime security. The mission also comes amid growing concerns over the strategic race for underwater resources in the IOR, including the recent discovery of a cobalt-rich undersea mountain, which has intensified geopolitical interest in the region.

Beyond defense, the India-Seychelles relationship encompasses areas such as tourism, fisheries, and petroleum exploration. The IOS Sagar visit opens new avenues for bilateral cooperation and demonstrates the effectiveness of maritime diplomacy in building mutual trust and capacity.

As IOS Sagar continues its multinational voyage, it symbolizes India’s enduring vision for a safe, secure, and prosperous Indian Ocean. The mission sets a strong precedent for collaborative security frameworks and reinforces India’s role in shaping a stable maritime environment for all littoral nations.

Meet Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu: The Voice and Spirit of Surya Kiran

By
Jitendra Singh
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In the skies above India, where speed, precision, and courage converge, one woman’s voice echoes with power and pride — Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu. A dynamic officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), she doesn’t just represent the might of India’s air warriors; she amplifies it. Through her role in the iconic Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), she has emerged as both a fearless air warrior and a charismatic public face of the IAF’s sky-high excellence.

A Soaring Start

Commissioned on December 19, 2020, as part of the 206 SSC (W) G Course, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu took her first leap into the Indian Air Force with the dream to touch the skies with glory. Now represents not just her identity in the Air Force, but also a journey that inspires countless young Indians.

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu

The Voice Behind Surya Kiran

In a team that dazzles millions with their aerial artistry, Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu stands out as “the voice of Surya Kiran.” As a member and spokesperson of the IAF’s elite aerobatic display team, she brings the passion and purpose of the Indian Air Force to life, narrating the daring maneuvers and thrilling formations that leave spectators breathless.

She doesn’t just speak — she connects. With poise and precision, she bridges the sky and the crowd, embodying the perfect mix of technical prowess and human warmth.

Flying High Across the Nation

Whether it’s the air show in Ranchi or the grand display in Patna, Flight Lieutenant Sandhu has been at the heart of events that stir patriotic pride across India. Media outlets and audiences alike have applauded her eloquence, charm, and ability to make every show feel personal and powerful.

Behind every loop, roll, and synchronized dive of Surya Kiran, her voice soars — narrating not just maneuvers, but India’s story of courage, discipline, and determination.

Breaking Stereotypes, Inspiring Generations

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu is more than a uniformed officer; she’s a symbol of what today’s Indian women can achieve when they dare to dream and dare to serve.

In a field once dominated by men, she shines as a confident leader, a communicator, and a role model. Her presence in the Surya Kiran team is a message to every young girl: the sky is not the limit — it’s only the beginning.

Summary at a Glance

NameFlight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu
RankFlight Lieutenant
Service BranchIndian Air Force
Commission Date19 December 2020
RoleMember & Spokesperson, Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team
Known ForPublic face and commentary voice of SKAT

The Echo of Excellence

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu’s journey is a living testament to the spirit of the Indian Air Force — bold, bright, and beautifully relentless. In her, we see the spirit of modern India — a nation that salutes its warriors not just for how they fight, but also for how they inspire.

Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu

As she continues to soar and speak from the heart of the IAF’s most beloved aerial team, she proves every day that being a soldier is not just about flying a jet — it’s about lifting a nation’s dreams.

U.S.A. Approves $131 Million Military Sale to India to Bolster Indo-Pacific Maritime Security

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The United States has approved a $131 million foreign military sale to India, a move aimed at enhancing India’s maritime security capabilities and reinforcing strategic stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the deal on Wednesday, highlighting its importance to both national security and the broader U.S.-India partnership.

The package includes advanced SeaVision software, technical training, remote support, and logistics services to boost India’s maritime domain awareness. These tools will allow India to better detect, monitor, and respond to threats in key sea lanes, including those posed by illegal fishing, trafficking, and “dark shipping” — vessels that operate without active tracking systems.

“This proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering its maritime domain awareness, analytical capabilities, and strategic posture,” the DSCA said in a statement. The deal aligns with the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) framework, a regional initiative launched in 2024 to secure open sea lanes and strengthen collective maritime security among partner nations.

Hawkeye 360, a Virginia-based firm specializing in radio frequency data analytics, will serve as the principal contractor. The company’s technology will help India identify untracked or suspicious vessels in contested waters, including the South China Sea — a region where China’s assertive maritime activity has raised concerns among neighboring countries.

The sale follows a February 2025 summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, where both leaders reaffirmed a “mega-partnership” across defense, trade, energy, and technology. India is increasingly viewed as a strategic counterbalance to China’s influence in the region, and this sale further cements the defense pillar of their growing alliance.

According to the DSCA, the deal will not disrupt the regional military balance and is expected to integrate seamlessly into India’s existing defense framework. The transaction also underscores a shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

This development comes amid heightened global attention on maritime security, especially in ungoverned waters that are prone to transnational threats and natural disasters. It complements ongoing efforts by the Quad alliance—comprising the U.S., India, Japan, and Australia—to enhance regional cooperation and real-time maritime surveillance under the IPMDA.

As both countries aim to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, this military sale reflects the deepening of U.S.-India ties and their mutual commitment to safeguarding maritime freedom and stability in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions.

Declassified 1993 CIA Report Tells About Pakistan’s Deep-Rooted Fear of India

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley, which left 26 people dead and more than 20 wounded, has reignited concerns that echo warnings from a 1993 declassified CIA document. The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba, has been implicated in the killings, though Islamabad denies involvement. The tragic event, however, fits a decades-old pattern that U.S. intelligence anticipated.

The document, a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) prepared under senior CIA analyst Bruce Riedel, painted a stark picture of South Asia’s most volatile fault line. It concluded that Pakistan viewed India not just as a rival but as an existential threat. At the time, India was stabilizing under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, while Pakistan grappled with economic instability and political unrest.

The NIE foresaw that a conventional war between India and Pakistan was unlikely—only a 20% probability, analysts estimated. But the real risk, it said, was a cascading chain of provocation: a terrorist strike, a misinterpreted military movement, or communal violence. In such a scenario, Pakistan would likely respond from a position of fear, resorting to proxy warfare and terrorism to offset India’s growing influence.

The report was chillingly prescient. It predicted that Pakistan might back militant groups in Kashmir, not out of ideological conviction, but as a strategic tool to bleed India while avoiding direct conflict. It also warned that under economic strain or military rule, Islamabad could embrace Islamist factions as a means to channel internal discontent outward.

The assessment noted a growing imbalance: India’s steady rise in economic, military, and diplomatic stature versus Pakistan’s internal volatility. This imbalance, the CIA concluded, would drive Islamabad to asymmetric strategies—using terror as a form of leverage.

Crucially, the document warned that nuclear deterrence might not prevent conflict. Confidence-building measures, it said, could “prove irrelevant” in the face of a high-casualty terror event. In such crises, leaders might act based on instinct rather than protocol—a scenario dangerously similar to the present.

Though the TRF didn’t exist in 1993, the strategy it embodies was already identified. The NIE saw groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba as proxies through which Pakistan could wage undeclared war over Kashmir. It also noted that religious polarization within India could make it easier for Pakistan to justify or amplify its interventions.

The NIE was used to brief President Bill Clinton’s administration, underscoring its gravity. Clinton would later visit India during the 2000 Chittisinghpura Massacre—another terror strike linked to Pakistan-based actors.

Now, as Indian policymakers revisit the Pahalgam tragedy, many are looking back at the 1993 assessment not as an archival report, but as a living document. Its warnings—about proxy conflict, nuclear ambiguity, and the volatility of Kashmir—are no less urgent today.

NIA Links Pakistan Army, ISI, and Lashkar-e-Taiba to Pahalgam Terror Attack

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a major development that escalates an already volatile situation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has revealed that the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, was orchestrated by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the Pakistan Army, and the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

According to a preliminary investigation report prepared by the NIA and led by its Director General, the attackers maintained direct communication with their handlers in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The conspiracy was allegedly planned at LeT’s headquarters on instructions from ISI operatives.

The report, which is to be submitted to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, provides extensive details of the operational network behind the attack. Investigators have identified the presence of Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) who provided logistical and local support to the terrorists. Arms and ammunition used in the attack were reportedly hidden in the Betaab Valley area prior to the assault.

The NIA has compiled a list of OGW contacts for further administrative and judicial action. The agency has also collected testimonies from over 150 individuals as part of the probe. Advanced forensic analysis is underway, with empty cartridges recovered from the scene sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for further evaluation. Additionally, initial 3D mapping and recreations of the attack site have been completed to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Among the identified terrorists are two Pakistani nationals — Hashmi Musa and Ali Bhai, also known as Talha Bhai — who, according to the NIA, were in regular communication with handlers based across the LoC. Their involvement further substantiates India’s claims of cross-border terrorism being state-sponsored.

The NIA’s findings come amid heightened military readiness along the Indo-Pak border, and a recent wave of diplomatic and military exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. India has already taken retaliatory steps including the expulsion of Pakistani diplomats and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.

In Washington, US Vice President JD Vance commented on the situation, expressing hope that Pakistan would cooperate with India in bringing the perpetrators to justice. “Our hope here is that India responds to this terrorist attack in a way that doesn’t lead to a broader regional conflict,” Vance said, adding, “We hope, frankly, that Pakistan, to the extent that they’re responsible, cooperates with India to ensure the terrorists operating from its territory are hunted down and dealt with.”

The NIA’s report is expected to significantly impact India’s policy calculus and bolster its case internationally for holding Pakistan accountable. With both nations entrenched in military and diplomatic posturing, the region remains on edge as the risk of escalation persists.

Brigadier Yashvir Mathur Takes Command of Military Hospital Prayagraj

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Adhidev Jasrotia
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Brigadier Yashvir Mathur has officially assumed charge as the Commandant of Military Hospital Prayagraj, following his promotion on April 28, 2025. The announcement was made by the office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), with Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin extending her congratulations and best wishes for his new leadership role.

The Military Hospital in Prayagraj operates under the HQ Purva UP & MP Sub Area and is a vital institution providing healthcare services to military personnel and their families in the region. It has earned a reputation for excellence, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when it rapidly mobilized resources and established a core emergency response team to manage the health crisis efficiently.

Mathur and Family
Brigadier Mathur With His Family

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the first woman to hold the position of DGAFMS since her historic appointment in October 2024, praised Brigadier Mathur’s professional dedication and leadership qualities. She emphasized that the appointment marks a significant step in maintaining and enhancing the quality of medical services offered by the Armed Forces.

This leadership transition reflects the Armed Forces Medical Services’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure and ensuring top-tier medical care for those who serve the nation.

5 AFSB, Guwahati Gets A New Location

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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The 5 Air Force Selection Board (5 AFSB) is one of the key boards under the Indian Air Force responsible for conducting Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews. These interviews assess candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers through various entry schemes such as NDA, CDS, and AFCAT. The 5 AFSB evaluates candidates on multiple parameters including psychological aptitude, group tasks, and personal interviews.

The new location is at the Main Gate, 5 AFSB, near Krishna Mandir in Agshia Village, Palasbari Road, Guwahati, Assam – 781128. The nearest railway station is Kamakhya, which is approximately 15 kilometers away and can be reached by taxi or auto from AFSB. The nearest airport is Guwahati Airport, located about 8 kilometers from AFSB and accessible by taxi or auto. The ISBT Guwahati bus stand is around 20 kilometers from AFSB, also reachable by taxi or auto.

Indian Air Force to Conduct Night and Day Fighter Jet Drills on Ganga Expressway

By
Adhidev Jasrotia
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In a landmark move to enhance India’s defense readiness, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct a high-profile operational trial on the under-construction Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur on May 2, 2025. The exercise, involving advanced fighter jets such as Rafale, Jaguar, and Mirage, aims to test the expressway’s viability as an alternative runway during emergencies and military operations.

A 3.5-kilometer stretch of the expressway has been specially developed as an emergency airstrip, making it the fourth expressway in Uttar Pradesh equipped for military aviation use, after the Agra-Lucknow, Purvanchal, and Bundelkhand expressways. Uniquely, the Ganga Expressway will be the first in the state designed to support both day and night fighter jet operations, offering a significant boost to India’s tactical flexibility.

The drills will include take-off and landing trials along with low-altitude fly-pasts at just one meter above the surface. Activities are scheduled to span from morning hours until late evening, with crucial night landing tests planned between 7 PM and 10 PM.

This initiative comes in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and triggered a renewed focus on national security and rapid military mobilization capabilities. The IAF will also deploy transport aircraft including the C-130J Super Hercules, AN-32, and MI-17 V5 helicopters, essential for special operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions.

The IAF has assumed operational control of the designated airstrip segment, working in close coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA). To ensure maximum security during the drills, 250 CCTV cameras have been installed along the airstrip.

This trial reinforces the IAF’s broader strategy of utilizing dual-use infrastructure to bolster military logistics and rapid deployment capability. A similar approach was successfully demonstrated in Kargil in January 2024, when a C-130J performed a night landing on the upgraded airstrip there.

As India continues to modernize its defense infrastructure, the Ganga Expressway trial is expected to set a precedent for integrating civilian roadways into military operations, improving readiness in both conflict and crisis scenarios.

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