Air Commodore Prateek Kinra has assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Force Hospital, Jorhat, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the key medical establishments in the Eastern sector.
A distinguished pathologist with specialization in gastrointestinal pathology, Air Cmde Kinra brings with him a wealth of experience and clinical acumen. Prior to his current appointment, he was serving as Air Commodore MS (P) at Air Headquarters, where he played a pivotal role in medical planning and personnel management within the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
His appointment at Air Force Hospital, Jorhat, comes at a time when the Indian Air Force continues to strengthen its medical infrastructure to meet both operational and peacetime healthcare demands in the North Eastern region.
Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), extended her compliments and best wishes to Air Cmde Kinra on taking over the prestigious assignment.
Under his leadership, the hospital is expected to further its commitment to excellence in patient care, clinical training, and medical support to air warriors and their families in the region.
Cape Town, 01 April 2025:INSV Tarini, the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel, has successfully reached Cape Town, South Africa, completing the fourth leg of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II (NSP II) expedition. The crew and the vessel were warmly received by Ms Ruby Jaspreet, Consul General of India at Cape Town, Rear Admiral (JG) Lisa Hendricks, Chief of Staff, South African Navy Fleet, and Captain Atul Sapahia, Defence Adviser of India at Pretoria. The South African Naval Band also performed to mark the ceremonial welcome.
The ongoing Navika Sagar Parikrama II is being undertaken by two officers of the Indian Navy—Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A—who are navigating the globe on INSV Tarini, a 56-foot indigenously built sailing vessel, showcasing India’s naval capabilities, indigenous manufacturing, and the empowerment of women in the armed forces.
The expedition was flagged off from Goa on 02 October 2024 by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, and is expected to cover over 23,400 nautical miles (approximately 43,300 km) over eight months. Tarini is scheduled to return to Goa in May 2025. So far, the journey has included stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), and Port Stanley (Falkland Islands, UK) before arriving in Cape Town.
Challenging Voyage Across Rough Waters
The voyage has been arduous and demanding, with the officers navigating through stormy seas, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather. The crew encountered winds exceeding 50 knots (93 kmph) and waves as high as 7 meters (23 feet), testing both the endurance of the vessel and the resolve of its crew.
INSV Tarini will remain at the Royal Cape Yacht Club for two weeks for scheduled maintenance and repairs. During this period, the crew will also engage in professional and cultural interactions with the South African Navy at Simon’s Town Naval Base and Gordon’s Bay Naval College, and participate in community outreach events.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation and Women’s Empowerment
The arrival of INSV Tarini in Cape Town underscores the strengthening bilateral maritime cooperation between India and South Africa. It also reflects India’s deep commitment to promoting cooperation with friendly nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The expedition aligns with broader strategic initiatives, such as Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and increased women’s participation in the Indian Armed Forces.
The voyage not only promotes women empowerment but also contributes to marine and scientific research, inspiring young women to pursue careers in the Services and particularly in the Indian Navy.
Recent India–South Africa Naval Engagements
INSV Tarini’s Cape Town stopover is part of a larger framework of naval cooperation between the two countries. In October 2024, INS Talwar participated in the 8th edition of Exercise IBSAMAR in South Africa, and in January 2025, Indian Navy’s stealth frigate INS Tushil made a port call at Durban, engaging with the South African Navy and the Indian diaspora in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Such engagements underscore the Indian Navy’s continued focus on enhancing partnerships in the IOR, sharing best practices, and addressing common maritime challenges.
INSV Tarini is expected to depart Cape Town on 15 April 2025, continuing its historic circumnavigation as part of the second edition of the Navika Sagar Parikrama, carrying the spirit of India’s maritime heritage and woman-led excellence across the world’s oceans.
New Delhi, 02 April 2025: In a significant blow to maritime drug trafficking networks, INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy, has seized over 2,500 kg of narcotics during a high-risk operation in the Western Indian Ocean. Operating under the Western Naval Command, this seizure highlights the Indian Navy’s strong commitment to combating maritime crime and safeguarding regional maritime security.
Coordinated Maritime Interdiction Operation
Deployed in the Western Indian Ocean since January 2025 for Maritime Security Operations, INS Tarkash is actively supporting Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, a multinational naval partnership under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) headquartered in Bahrain. The seizure occurred during Operation Anzac Tiger, a joint initiative under CTF 150 aimed at disrupting illicit trafficking and enhancing maritime domain awareness in international waters.
On 31 March 2025, while on patrol, INS Tarkash received multiple intelligence inputs from Indian Navy P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft about suspicious vessels believed to be engaged in narcotics smuggling. Responding swiftly, the ship altered its course to intercept and investigate these vessels.
Seizure of Dhow with Narcotics
A coordinated effort between the ship’s crew, P-8I aircraft, and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai enabled INS Tarkash to successfully identify and board a suspect Dhow vessel. The ship’s integral helicopter was also launched to maintain aerial surveillance and track other suspicious vessels in the area.
A specialist boarding team, accompanied by Marine Commandos, boarded the Dhow and conducted an extensive search. During the operation, the team discovered multiple sealed packets hidden within cargo compartments. Upon further inspection, the vessel was found to be carrying 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin, amounting to over 2,500 kg of narcotics. The crew of the Dhow was detained and subjected to a detailed interrogation regarding their activities and links to other vessels operating in the region.
Strategic and Regional Impact
This operation represents one of the largest maritime drug seizures by the Indian Navy in recent years. The interception and seizure demonstrate the professionalism, vigilance, and readiness of the Indian Navy in undertaking complex counter-narcotics operations in hostile and challenging environments.
The success of this mission reinforces India’s proactive stance in ensuring free, open, and secure maritime routes, especially in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), which remains vulnerable to transnational crimes such as narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, and human trafficking.
Through its continued participation in multinational task forces such as CTF 150, the Indian Navy plays a critical role in promoting regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and collective security.
This interception by INS Tarkash reaffirms the Indian Navy’s resolve to act decisively against threats to maritime security and maintain vigilance across high-risk international waters.
In a landmark achievement, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has reopened the Zojila Pass in a record time of just 32 days, ensuring early and critical connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The reopening was marked by Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, Director General, BRO, who flagged off the first convoy towards Ladakh, signifying the resumption of movement on this vital route.
Zojila Pass, one of the most challenging high-altitude mountain passes in the world, serves as a strategic lifeline for Ladakh. Located at an altitude of over 11,500 feet, it is often battered by heavy snowfall and treacherous weather, resulting in its seasonal closure during winter months.
Short but Intense Closure Period
This year, the Pass experienced a relatively short but intense closure period. Due to a Western Disturbance, the region was lashed with relentless snowfall over 17 consecutive days, from 27 February to 16 March 2025, leading to massive snow accumulation and disruption of connectivity. Despite the difficult terrain and hostile weather conditions, BRO launched a massive snow clearance operation starting 17 March and completed the task in just 15 days, by 31 March — a feat hailed as a record in high-altitude road maintenance.
Strategic and Humanitarian Importance
The early reopening of the Zojila Pass is of immense strategic, logistical, and humanitarian importance. This route is critical for the movement of troops, military logistics, medical supplies, fuel, and essential commodities to Ladakh. For local populations, it is the main access route to the Kashmir Valley for trade, medical emergencies, education, and employment. Its timely opening reduces the region’s dependence on expensive air connectivity and restores economic and social normalcy.
Technological Advancements and BRO’s Commitment
The milestone achieved this year reflects the technological advancements and improved snow clearance techniques adopted by BRO. From once being closed for nearly six months each year, Zojila Pass now witnesses closure for just a few weeks, thanks to modern equipment, real-time weather monitoring, and round-the-clock operations by dedicated BRO teams.
Projects Beacon in Kashmir and Vijayak in Ladakh—two critical BRO units—played a key role in this operation, working tirelessly in sub-zero temperatures, braving high-velocity winds, and navigating avalanche-prone zones to complete the task well ahead of schedule.
A Testament to BRO’s Grit and Dedication
The successful and early reopening of Zojila Pass once again showcases the resilience, professionalism, and commitment of the Border Roads Organisation to nation-building. It ensures that both strategic and humanitarian lifelines remain operational, reaffirming BRO’s motto of being “Ever Onward.”
This remarkable achievement not only sets a new benchmark for high-altitude road connectivity but also strengthens the Indian Armed Forces’ operational readiness and assures support to the people of Ladakh.
India’s defence exports have achieved a record high of ₹23,622 crore (approximately USD 2.76 billion) in the Financial Year 2024-25, reflecting a significant 12.04% increase over the previous year’s figure of ₹21,083 crore. The growth of ₹2,539 crore underlines the rising global demand for Indian-made defence systems and components, reinforcing India’s emergence as a major contributor to the international defence supply chain.
DPSUs Lead the Surge in Exports
A notable aspect of this growth has been the remarkable performance of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), which recorded a 42.85% increase in exports this year. The DPSUs contributed ₹8,389 crore to the total export value in FY 2024-25, up from ₹5,874 crore in FY 2023-24. The private sector remained a strong contributor, accounting for ₹15,233 crore of the total exports, maintaining its steady performance from the previous fiscal’s ₹15,209 crore.
The combined efforts of both sectors have helped Indian defence products find acceptance across the globe, with exports now reaching around 80 countries. Items exported include ammunition, arms, sub-systems/systems, and various parts and components, highlighting India’s expanding capabilities across the defence manufacturing spectrum.
Government’s Push for Export Reforms
The surge in exports comes on the back of continued policy reforms and structural enhancements undertaken by the Government to encourage defence production and exports. These include:
Simplification of the industrial licensing procedure
Removal of parts and components from the licensing regime
Extension of validity periods for licenses
Further simplification of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for granting export authorisations
In FY 2024-25, a total of 1,762 export authorisations were issued through the Department of Defence Production’s dedicated portal, marking a 16.92% increase from 1,507 in the previous year. The number of registered defence exporters also rose by 17.4%, signifying growing participation of Indian industry in the global defence market.
India’s defence exports have surged to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in the FY 2024-25. An impressive growth of Rs 2,539 crore or 12.04% has been registered in the just-concluded FY over the defence exports figures of FY 2023-24, which were Rs 21,083 crore.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, in a post on social media platform X, congratulated all stakeholders, including industry, government departments, and the armed forces, for their role in achieving this milestone. He reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is steadily moving towards its target of achieving ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Self-Reliance and Global Presence
India’s transformation from being a primarily import-dependent nation to a self-reliant defence manufacturing power has been one of the defining developments in recent years. The government’s focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta in Defence’ has been instrumental in fostering innovation, expanding production capabilities, and ensuring that Indian defence products meet global quality and operational standards.
The record-breaking export figures for FY 2024-25 reaffirm India’s growing stature as a trusted defence exporter and reflect the success of the Government’s proactive policies to make India a key player in the global defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The Army Commanders’ Conference, a premier biannual event of the Indian Army’s apex leadership, commenced in New Delhi today and will continue till 04 April 2025. The conference provides a vital platform for the senior leadership of the Indian Army to review the overall security situation, strategize on future threats, and deliberate on key operational and administrative issues.
The gathering is aimed at shaping the Indian Army into a more agile, adaptive, technologically enabled, and future-ready force. Senior commanders from all Army Commands, Principal Staff Officers, and other top-level officials are participating in the high-level discussions.
Focus on Operational Readiness and Emerging Challenges
Over the course of four days, the conference will review and assess the current internal and external security environment, evaluate ongoing operations, and discuss strategic preparedness to address emerging threats and challenges. Key topics include improving the operational responsiveness of the Field Army and enhancing resilience in logistics, communication, and combat readiness.
Raksha Mantri to Chair Key Session
Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, will chair the Raksha Mantri Session and deliver the keynote address during the conference. This session will include a presentation on the Indian Army’s initiatives under the declared ‘Year of Reforms’, highlighting institutional improvements and modernization efforts across the force.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) will also address the senior leadership, focusing on jointness, integration, and tri-service synergy in operations and planning.
Vision for a ‘Saksham & Sashakt Bharat’
A special session during the conference will feature a talk by the CEO of NITI Aayog, who will outline India’s developmental journey and share insights on the envisioned role of the Indian Armed Forces in building a ‘Saksham & Sashakt Bharat’ — a capable and empowered India. The address is expected to align national aspirations with the evolving role of the military in shaping national security and development.
Deliberations on Reforms and Quality of Life
Reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to transformation, the conference will include discussions on new methodologies for effective decision-making and management reforms to improve organizational health, structural efficiency, and command processes. There will also be focused sessions on personnel welfare, housing, education, health, and administrative improvements aimed at enhancing the quality of life for soldiers and their families.
The conference reaffirms the Indian Army’s approach to remain forward-looking and reform-driven, in line with its role as a modern and responsive force safeguarding national interests. The decisions and recommendations from the conference will shape future policy directions and contribute to strengthening India’s defence preparedness in the years ahead.
Delhi, April 1, 2025 – Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, conducted a detailed inspection of the Base Hospital in Delhi Cantt on Tuesday, underscoring the Indian Army’s commitment to providing top-tier healthcare services to its personnel and their families. The visit, part of the Army’s #YearOfTransformation initiative, highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance medical infrastructure and patient care at one of the busiest garrison hospitals in the country.
During his visit, Lt Gen Katiyar was briefed on the hospital’s infrastructure upgrades, particularly in the wards and personnel lines, aimed at improving operational efficiency and the overall patient experience. The Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, a premier medical facility under the Indian Army, is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and specialized treatment centers, catering to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The hospital plays a pivotal role in ensuring the health and readiness of the armed forces community.
Lt Gen Katiyar commended the hospital staff for their operational readiness and relentless dedication to delivering quality healthcare services. He placed special emphasis on the need for excellence in critical care areas, such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. “Quality patient care, especially in critical areas like the NICU, is of utmost importance. The team here is doing commendable work, and we must continue to strive for excellence,” he stated during the inspection.
The visit included a ceremonial guard of honor, as seen in images shared by the Western Command’s official X handle, where Lt Gen Katiyar was welcomed by hospital staff in a formal setting. Additional visuals captured the General engaging with medical personnel, reviewing facilities, and interacting with troops, reflecting his hands-on approach to leadership. The presence of multiple national flags, including those of India and other countries, in one of the images suggests a collaborative or ceremonial element, possibly involving international military cooperation.
Lt Gen Katiyar, who assumed the role of GOC-in-C of the Western Command in July 2023, brings with him a wealth of experience from a 37-year military career. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, and the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, he was commissioned into the 23rd Battalion of the Rajput Regiment in June 1986. Prior to his current role, he served as the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) and has held key command positions in operational areas like the Siachen Glacier, along the Line of Control, and the Line of Actual Control. He was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2021 for his distinguished service.
The Base Hospital Delhi Cantt continues to uphold its tradition of excellence and compassion, supported by highly trained medical staff and advanced technology. The hospital’s role in the Indian Armed Forces’ healthcare system remains vital, ensuring that military personnel and their families receive the best possible medical care.
The Western Command’s post on X, which included images of the inspection, garnered varied responses from the public. While some users expressed appreciation for the focus on healthcare improvements, others raised concerns about broader issues affecting soldiers, reflecting the diverse perspectives on military welfare.
This inspection reaffirms the Indian Army’s commitment to the well-being of its personnel, ensuring that healthcare remains a cornerstone of its operational readiness and support system.
The Indian Army’s White Tiger Division, under the Southern Command, showcased its operational readiness and technical expertise in a live missile-firing exercise at the Gopalpur Seawards Firing Ranges. The Air Defence warriors of the division achieved a flawless performance, scoring direct hits on all Maneuverable Expendable Aerial Targets (MEAT) using the Soviet-designed OSA-AK missile system, reinforcing India’s air defense capabilities.
The exercise, conducted by the Sudarshan Chakra Corps, highlighted the precision and skill of the Army Air Defence (AAD) personnel. The OSA-AK, also known by its NATO designation SA-8 Gecko, is a low-altitude, short-range surface-to-air missile system that has been a cornerstone of India’s air defense arsenal since its induction. Originally developed in the 1960s and fielded by the Soviet Union in 1972, the system’s mobility and amphibious capabilities make it highly adaptable to diverse combat scenarios. Recent global adaptations, such as Ukraine’s “FrankenSAM” modification integrating modern R-73 air-to-air missiles, underscore the platform’s enduring relevance in modern warfare.
The Gopalpur Seawards Firing Ranges, located in Odisha, is a premier testing ground for the Indian military, equipped with a 75 km range and an electro-optical tracking and assessment system for detailed firing analysis. The facility has been a hub for significant military tests, including the recent January 2025 trials of the Bhargavastra micro-missiles, designed to counter drone threats. The Army Air Defence College, also based in Gopalpur, plays a pivotal role in training air defense personnel, ensuring they are equipped to handle evolving aerial threats.
The Southern Command shared the achievement on X, stating, “Air Defence Warriors of the #WhiteTigerDivision showcased exceptional skill and precision during the OSA-AK missile firing at #Gopalpur Seawards Firing Ranges. With all direct hits on Manuverable Expandable Aerial Target (MEAT), they demonstrated unparalleled technical expertise and operational readiness.” The post included images of the missile launch, the OSA-AK system in action, and a group photo of the personnel involved, reflecting the team’s pride and camaraderie.
The successful firing exercise drew praise from netizens, with comments like “Great achievement. Heartiest Congratulations to Varun and his team,” and “Simply fantastic,” reflecting public appreciation for the Indian Army’s efforts. The event underscores the Corps of Army Air Defence’s long-standing commitment to national security, a legacy that dates back to 1939, as it continues to modernize and adapt to contemporary challenges.
This demonstration of precision and readiness at Gopalpur not only validates the White Tiger Division’s capabilities but also highlights the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to maintain a robust air defense network, ensuring the nation’s skies remain secure against potential threats.
Pune, April 1, 2025 – In a remarkable display of medical excellence and international collaboration, the Command Hospital of the Southern Command in Pune has successfully diagnosed and treated a 17-year-old male patient from Bangladesh who had been suffering from recurrent meningoencephalitis for two years. The Indian Army’s specialized Neurology and Neuro-otology team identified a rare inner ear disorder as the underlying cause, marking a significant medical breakthrough.
The patient had undergone extensive evaluations in both Bangladesh and India without a definitive diagnosis until he was referred to the Command Hospital in Pune, a mega-tertiary care facility under the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). The hospital, renowned for its super-speciality departments, including Neurology, ENT, and Neurosurgery, conducted a thorough investigation. The team discovered that the chronic inner ear disorder was responsible for the life-threatening central nervous system infections causing meningoencephalitis—a condition involving inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes, often linked to untreated ear infections.
Following the diagnosis, the patient underwent successful ear surgery at the hospital, providing him with a long-awaited resolution to his condition and freedom from recurrent infections. The procedure not only saved his life but also highlighted the hospital’s advanced capabilities in handling complex medical cases.
The Southern Command of the Indian Army shared the achievement on X, posting a photograph of the medical team alongside the patient and military personnel. The post, shared on April 1, 2025, at 11:02 UTC, emphasized the hospital’s role in delivering cutting-edge healthcare and fostering medical diplomacy. The team included a doctor in surgical scrubs, the patient in hospital attire, and two uniformed officers, symbolizing the collaborative effort between medical and military professionals.
This case gains added significance against the backdrop of strained India-Bangladesh relations in 2024, which saw an 80% drop in Bangladeshi medical tourism to India due to visa restrictions and political unrest following the ousting of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Many Bangladeshi patients have since sought treatment in countries like Thailand and Pakistan. However, this successful intervention underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to humanitarian efforts, even amidst diplomatic challenges, and strengthens its reputation as a hub for medical excellence.
The Command Hospital’s achievement has been lauded as a testament to the Indian Army’s role in lifesaving surgeries and medical diplomacy, with the Southern Command tagging key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, and the World Health Organization, in their announcement. This breakthrough not only highlights the hospital’s advanced medical infrastructure but also reinforces India’s position as a leader in global healthcare innovation.
In a significant development bolstering the indigenous defence ecosystem, Mahindra & Mahindra has signed a ₹2,700 crore contract with the Indian Armed Forces to supply 1,986 units of the Scorpio Pik-Up. This order further strengthens Mahindra’s long-standing relationship with the military and marks another milestone in the company’s contribution to India’s defence logistics.
With this latest contract, Mahindra’s total vehicle supply to the Indian Army crosses 4,000 units, which includes a mix of Scorpio Pik-Ups, Scorpio Classic, Scorpio N, and Bolero Pik-Up 4WD. Currently, the Indian Army operates a fleet of over 7,000 Mahindra Scorpio SUVs, making it one of the largest suppliers of utility vehicles to the defence sector.
Custom-Built for the Armed Forces
The Scorpio Pik-Up version being supplied to the Army is not available for civilian use in India. Although it’s a popular export model in markets like South Africa and Australia, Mahindra is customizing the vehicle specifically for military needs. Based on the new Scorpio N platform, the Pik-Up is expected to feature a rugged single-cab design, though it remains to be seen if the Army will also receive a dual-cab configuration.
Modifications are being made to align with military specifications. The Army version is likely to omit alloy wheels in favor of steel rims for durability and simplicity. It will be painted in the traditional Army Green, and both cab variants will be equipped with enhanced roll bars that extend above the cabin roofline for additional rollover protection.
All-Terrain and Combat-Ready
Only the 4×4 diesel variant of the Scorpio Pik-Up will be offered to the Army. While Mahindra offers both petrol and diesel options for its civilian models, the Army will exclusively receive the 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel engine, which generates 172 Bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options remain unconfirmed, although both manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes are available with the engine.
The cabin is likely to be stripped down and reconfigured to accommodate Army-specific equipment and communications systems. The priority will be on functionality and tactical readiness rather than luxury.
A Complementary Induction
In addition to Mahindra’s Scorpio Pik-Ups, the Indian Army is also set to induct 2,978 units of the Force Gurkha, a rugged off-roader suited for high-altitude and rough terrain deployment. Together, these acquisitions form a crucial part of the Army’s modernization and mobility enhancement program.
Export Potential and Civilian Launch
While Mahindra is not planning to launch the Scorpio N Pik-Up in the Indian civilian market due to historically low demand, the vehicle is expected to enter international markets soon. The export version will come equipped with premium features like leatherette upholstery, digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and even a sunroof. Some variants may also feature Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and trailer sway control, though such features are unlikely to appear in the Army version.
Mahindra’s continued engagement with the Indian Armed Forces underlines its commitment to supporting national defence requirements through durable, indigenous, and mission-ready mobility solutions.
