In a strategic move to enhance inter-service cooperation, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Western Command, visited the Headquarters of the Western Air Command at Subroto Park, New Delhi. The high-level meeting aimed to deepen coordination, interoperability, and joint preparedness between the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, particularly along the sensitive Western Front bordering Pakistan.
Lt Gen Katiyar held detailed discussions with the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, focusing on integrated operational planning and readiness. The visit included a comprehensive briefing on recent air operations, especially those conducted under Operation Sindoor—a multi-domain warfare exercise tailored to address modern military threats through synchronized land-air strategies.
Although specifics of Operation SINDOOR remain classified, its emphasis on joint combat preparedness reflects India’s evolving approach to warfare, where synergy between ground and aerial forces is critical. The Western Air Command, with over 50 operational bases, continues to be a pivotal force in India’s defence posture. It played a decisive role during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, conducting strategic bombing and troop airlift operations, and remains integral to India’s response capabilities along the Pakistan border.
This visit also underlines the strategic importance of the Western Front, which has historically witnessed intense military engagements, including the 1965 and 1971 wars. The increasing complexity of regional threats, including hybrid warfare and cross-border provocations, makes seamless coordination between the Army and Air Force imperative.
Lt Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, a highly decorated officer with over 37 years of service, brings vast operational experience from key sectors like the Siachen Glacier, Line of Control (LoC), and Line of Actual Control (LAC). His previous tenure as Director General of Military Operations and leadership of several key field formations add strategic depth to ongoing efforts at joint force integration.
The visit to the Western Air Command signals the Indian military’s continued focus on enhancing tri-service synergy, adapting to the dynamic threat landscape, and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to challenges across India’s western borders.
A new chapter was written in the legacy of the 14 Gorkha Training Centre as 158 Agniveers were formally inducted into the Indian Army during a solemn attestation parade held at the iconic Salaria Stadium in Subathu, Himachal Pradesh. The event marked the successful culmination of 31 weeks of rigorous basic military training for the fifth batch of Agniveers under the Indian government’s Agnipath Scheme.
In an impressive attestation parade held at the historic Salaria Stadium of 14 Gorkha Training Centre, #Subathu, 158 #AGNIVEERS passed out after successful completion of their basic military training. The AGNIVEERS in impeccable turnout marching… pic.twitter.com/H8NyDPxEmg
— Western Command – Indian Army (@westerncomd_IA) June 5, 2025
Impeccably dressed and marching in perfect unison to stirring patriotic tunes, the Agniveers took their oath of allegiance to the Republic of India in a ceremony steeped in tradition and pride. The event was graced by senior military officers, who presented awards to outstanding recruits in recognition of their performance during training. A symbolic moment of the parade included the handing over of a trophy and the ceremonial pinning of a badge on one of the Agniveers, marking their official transition into the Indian Army.
Adding to the grandeur of the occasion was a pipe band performance and a march-past, reviewed by a senior officer from a ceremonial vehicle. Families of the Agniveers were also honored during the ceremony, with proud parents receiving the Gaurav Padak as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support.
The Agnipath Scheme, launched in June 2022, aims to recruit youth between 17.5 and 21 years of age for a four-year term, including six months of training. Designed to rejuvenate the Army’s age profile and address annual retirements of nearly 50,000 to 60,000 personnel, the scheme has drawn both praise and criticism. While the government touts it as a transformative reform that instills discipline and opens new career avenues, critics—including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Indian National Congress—have expressed concerns over its short tenure, absence of pension for most recruits, and limited absorption into the permanent cadre.
This parade in Subathu is part of a larger nationwide series of attestation parades inducting over 6,500 Agniveers into the Indian Army. Similar ceremonies have recently taken place in locations such as Leh, Srinagar, Nasik, and Belagavi, reflecting the wide implementation of the Agnipath initiative across the country.
In a dramatic turn of events, the once-close alliance between tech billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump has unraveled into a public feud, centered around Trump’s signature legislative package, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), often referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB). What began as a policy disagreement has escalated into a war of words, with personal insults, financial threats, and accusations of betrayal flying across social media platforms. This article delves into the details of the Big Beautiful Bill, the reasons behind the Musk-Trump conflict, and the broader implications for the Republican Party and American politics.
What Is the Big Beautiful Bill?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a sprawling tax-and-spending reconciliation package championed by President Donald Trump as the centerpiece of his second-term domestic agenda. The 1,038-page legislation, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives in May 2025 with a vote of 215-214, combines a wide array of policy changes aimed at fulfilling Trump’s campaign promises. It is currently under consideration in the Senate, where it faces significant resistance. The bill leverages the budget reconciliation process, allowing it to pass with a simple majority and avoid a Democratic filibuster, but it requires careful navigation due to the Republican Party’s slim Senate majority.
The Big Beautiful Bill includes several high-profile measures, many of which have sparked controversy:
Extension of 2017 Tax Cuts: The bill extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, providing significant tax relief, particularly for high-income earners and corporations. This is a cornerstone of Trump’s economic agenda but has raised concerns about increasing the federal deficit.
Increased Defense and Border Security Spending: The legislation allocates substantial funds for military enhancements and immigration enforcement, including Trump’s mass deportation initiatives. These provisions align with Republican priorities but add to the bill’s cost.
Elimination of Electric Vehicle (EV) Tax Credits: The bill repeals federal tax credits of up to $7,500 for new electric vehicle purchases and $4,000 for used EVs, a move that directly impacts companies like Tesla, led by Musk.
Medicaid and Social Program Cuts: The bill imposes work requirements on Medicaid and reduces funding for programs like SNAP (food stamps), potentially stripping health coverage from nearly 11 million Americans, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
Debt Ceiling Increase: The legislation raises the federal debt ceiling by $4 trillion to accommodate its spending and tax cuts, a provision that has drawn fierce criticism from fiscal conservatives.
State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Expansion: The bill increases the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000, a concession to House Republicans from high-tax states like New York and New Jersey. However, this has been contentious among Senate Republicans.
Other Provisions: The bill includes measures to weaken federal judicial enforcement powers and roll back clean energy incentives established under the Inflation Reduction Act, further fueling opposition from both progressive and fiscally conservative factions.
The CBO estimates that the bill will increase the federal deficit by $2.4 trillion to $3.8 trillion over the next decade, with some independent analyses projecting up to $5 trillion. This significant fiscal impact has become a flashpoint in the Musk-Trump feud.
The Musk-Trump Alliance: A Brief History
Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s partnership began during the 2024 presidential campaign when Musk emerged as one of Trump’s most prominent supporters. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, donated over $290 million to Trump’s campaign and Republican candidates through his America PAC, making him one of the largest political donors of the cycle. His financial backing and vocal endorsements, including appearances at Trump rallies, were credited with helping secure key electoral victories, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania.
Upon Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, Musk was appointed as a “special government employee” to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a temporary initiative aimed at slashing federal spending and bureaucracy. Musk’s tenure at DOGE was marked by aggressive cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs of federal employees and the elimination of entire agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). While DOGE claimed to have saved $180 billion, Musk fell far short of his ambitious $2 trillion target, and his actions sparked widespread backlash, legal challenges, and protests targeting Tesla facilities.
Despite initial mutual admiration—Musk called Trump “a truly great American,” and Trump showcased Tesla vehicles on the White House lawn—their relationship began to fray as policy differences and personal clashes surfaced. Musk’s departure from DOGE on May 31, 2025, marked the beginning of open hostilities, culminating in his scathing criticism of the Big Beautiful Bill.
Why Are Musk and Trump Fighting?
The feud between Musk and Trump over the Big Beautiful Bill is rooted in a combination of policy disagreements, personal slights, and competing egos. Several key factors have contributed to the breakdown of their alliance:
1. Deficit Spending and DOGE’s Mission
Musk’s primary objection to the Big Beautiful Bill is its projected impact on the federal deficit, which he argues undermines the cost-cutting work he championed at DOGE. In a series of posts on X, Musk called the bill a “disgusting abomination” and a “massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill” that would increase the deficit to $2.5 trillion and saddle Americans with “crushingly unsustainable debt.” He warned that the bill’s $4 trillion debt ceiling increase could lead to a financial crisis, echoing concerns from fiscal hawks like Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee.
Musk’s frustration stems from his belief that the bill contradicts DOGE’s mission to reduce government waste. He told CBS News, “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly, which increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it, and undermines the work that the DOGE team is doing.” His comments have resonated with Republican budget hardliners, amplifying opposition to the bill in the Senate.
2. Elimination of EV Tax Credits
A significant point of contention is the bill’s repeal of federal EV tax credits, which directly affects Tesla’s bottom line. These credits, worth up to $7,500 per vehicle, have been a key driver of EV adoption, and Tesla reportedly spent $240,000 lobbying to preserve them. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged that the repeal would negatively impact Tesla, stating, “I know that has an effect on his business, and I lament that.” Musk, however, denied that his opposition was solely about EV incentives, insisting that his focus was on the bill’s “mountain of disgusting pork.”
Trump has suggested that Musk’s criticism stems from the EV credit cuts, claiming that Musk “had no problem” with the bill until this provision was removed. Musk refuted this, stating on X, “This bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night so fast that almost no one in Congress could even read it!”
3. Jared Isaacman’s NASA Nomination
Another flashpoint was Trump’s abrupt withdrawal of Jared Isaacman, a Musk ally and private astronaut, as his nominee for NASA administrator. Isaacman, seen as a candidate who would align NASA’s priorities with SpaceX’s interests, was pulled due to objections from Republican senators over his past Democratic donations. Rumors circulated that Sergio Gor, the director of the Office of Presidential Personnel and a reported Musk adversary, orchestrated the withdrawal as a deliberate slight. While White House insiders denied this, Musk reportedly perceived it as a “last insult,” further souring his relationship with the administration.
4. Starlink and Air Traffic Control
Musk’s proposal to integrate his Starlink satellite system into the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) air traffic control operations was rejected due to technological limitations and conflict-of-interest concerns. A source told Axios, “You can’t have air traffic control just run off satellites.” This rejection, coupled with broader scrutiny of Musk’s influence in the administration, added to his frustrations.
5. Personal and Political Tensions
The feud has taken a deeply personal turn, with both men trading insults on their respective social media platforms—Trump on Truth Social and Musk on X. Trump accused Musk of developing “Trump Derangement Syndrome” after leaving DOGE, suggesting that Musk “misses the place” and was upset about the EV mandate cuts. He also threatened to terminate government contracts with Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, which could jeopardize $22 billion in agreements.
Musk fired back, claiming credit for Trump’s 2024 election victory: “Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Dems would control the House and the Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate. Such ingratitude.” He escalated the rhetoric by alleging, without evidence, that Trump appears in unreleased Jeffrey Epstein files, a claim the White House dismissed as “unfortunate.” Musk also endorsed a post calling for Trump’s impeachment and replacement with Vice President JD Vance, further inflaming tensions.
The Fallout: Implications for the GOP and Beyond
The Musk-Trump feud has significant ramifications for the Republican Party, the Big Beautiful Bill’s prospects, and the broader political landscape:
1. Senate Resistance and GOP Fractures
Musk’s vocal opposition has emboldened fiscal conservatives in the Senate, including Senators Rand Paul, Mike Lee, and Ron Johnson, who are demanding substantial changes to the bill. Paul has stated he will not support a $5 trillion debt ceiling increase, and at least four Republican senators share his stance, enough to block the bill’s passage in its current form. The bill’s fate now hinges on Senate negotiations, with potential revisions to the SALT deduction and Medicaid provisions complicating matters.
The feud has also exposed deeper divisions within the Republican Party. While Trump remains the dominant figure, Musk’s influence—bolstered by his financial contributions and control of X—poses a challenge. His threat to “fire all politicians who betrayed the American people” in the 2026 midterms could disrupt Republican unity, particularly as the party faces a contentious election cycle.
2. Economic and Market Impact
The public spat has already had financial repercussions. On June 5, 2025, Tesla’s stock plummeted 14.3%, wiping out approximately $150 billion in market value, as investors reacted to Trump’s threat to cut government contracts and Musk’s political volatility. Musk’s increasing focus on politics has also driven protests at Tesla facilities, contributing to declining sales amid global competition.
3. Musk’s Political Evolution
Musk’s break with Trump marks a shift from his earlier MAGA loyalty to a more libertarian stance, aligning with fiscal hawks like Paul and Lee. Political analysts suggest that Musk’s disillusionment reflects broader discontent among right-leaning libertarians with Trump’s expansion of government spending and executive power. This could lead Musk to pursue a new political movement, as he hinted on X by questioning whether it’s “time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle.”
4. Democratic Opportunism
Democrats have seized on Musk’s criticism to amplify their opposition to the bill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have publicly endorsed Musk’s stance, with Schumer holding up printouts of Musk’s X posts during a press conference to argue that “Trump’s buddy says the bill is bad.” This unlikely alignment underscores the bill’s divisive nature and could further complicate its passage.
Conclusion
The clash between Elon Musk and Donald Trump over the Big Beautiful Bill represents a collision of ideological priorities, personal egos, and competing visions for America’s future. For Musk, the bill’s deficit spending and elimination of EV tax credits threaten both his fiscal philosophy and his business interests. For Trump, Musk’s public attacks are a betrayal from a key ally, undermining his legislative agenda at a critical moment. As the Senate debates the bill, the Musk-Trump feud has injected uncertainty into an already fragile legislative process, with potential consequences for the Republican Party, the U.S. economy, and the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms.
While the two men may still be “friends and allies” in private, as some White House sources claim, their public brawl has laid bare the tensions inherent in their partnership. Whether this marks the end of their alliance or a temporary rift remains to be seen, but for now, the battle over the Big Beautiful Bill has turned a once-unlikely bromance into a high-stakes political showdown.
The once-powerful alliance between President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has unraveled in dramatic fashion, with Musk publicly attacking Trump over his controversial “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Musk, the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency and the largest donor to Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign, claimed the president would have lost without his backing.
“Without me, Trump would have lost the election, Democrats would control the House, and Republicans would be 51-49 in the Senate,” Musk posted on his social media platform X, moments after Trump criticized him from the Oval Office. The president, speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, expressed disappointment in Musk’s recent statements and called his criticism unexpected.
The feud centers on the sweeping tax and spending legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which Musk branded a “disgusting abomination.”
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a flagship tax and spending legislation introduced by President Donald Trump in early 2025, aimed at streamlining federal programs, reshaping welfare benefits, and boosting infrastructure investment. Marketed by Trump as a transformative economic package, the bill includes sweeping changes such as corporate tax incentives, reductions in healthcare subsidies, and significant cuts to electric vehicle (EV) tax credits.
The bill, passed without Musk’s input according to his claims, reportedly rolls back electric vehicle (EV) tax credits and includes spending provisions that Musk said would significantly worsen the federal deficit.
In response, Musk slammed the process, stating, “The bill was never shown to me even once and was passed in the dead of night.” He accused the Trump administration of packing the bill with “a mountain of disgusting pork” and expressed disdain for how it was handled, despite his previous role in promoting fiscal efficiency.
Trump, meanwhile, defended the bill, asserting that it was necessary for America’s economic growth and that he “helped Elon a lot.” He also questioned whether their relationship could survive this political clash, noting, “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore.”
Musk’s financial role in Trump’s 2024 victory was significant. According to Federal Election Commission filings, he donated over $277 million to Trump-aligned political action committees, including $239 million to the America PAC, which funded voter outreach, ads, and rallies. He also contributed millions to the Senate Leadership Fund, MAHA Alliance PAC, and the controversial RBG PAC, which used the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s name in anti-abortion messaging, despite her known pro-choice stance.
His support peaked after Trump survived an assassination attempt in mid-2024, with Musk organizing rallies and aggressively campaigning for Trump’s re-election. His reward was a cabinet-level role focused on cutting federal waste—one he resigned from just a week before the feud exploded publicly.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” could add $2.4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade and result in nearly 11 million Americans losing health coverage. The EV sector, championed by Musk through Tesla, is expected to take a direct hit due to reduced subsidies.
With both men now publicly trading blows, what was once seen as a powerhouse partnership of politics and tech has disintegrated into a high-profile feud. Whether this rift will impact Trump’s policy agenda or Musk’s influence in Washington remains to be seen.
In a proud moment for the Indian Armed Forces, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), honored recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 (Phase-2) held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 4. The event was graced by the Hon’ble President of India, who presented the awards to personnel for their outstanding contributions to the nation.
The ceremony celebrated the courage, dedication, and professionalism of Indian Army soldiers, reinforcing the Armed Forces’ long-standing tradition of honoring exemplary service. General Dwivedi personally felicitated the awardees and interacted with their families, acknowledging the vital role they play in supporting India’s military strength.
Instituted in post-Independence India, honours like the Mention in Dispatches have recognized acts of bravery and exceptional service in operational areas. The Defence Investiture Ceremony continues this proud legacy by highlighting the selfless commitment of India’s armed forces.
General Upendra Dwivedi, who took charge as the 30th Chief of Army Staff on June 30, 2024, has been instrumental in modernizing the Indian Army. Under his leadership, the Army is rapidly advancing its capabilities through indigenous defence technologies, aligned with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. His vision emphasizes operational excellence and strategic self-reliance.
Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, who assumed office as AWWA President in July 2024, reaffirmed AWWA’s enduring mission to ensure the welfare of soldiers’ families. As the support pillar of India’s Army community, AWWA has worked tirelessly for decades to empower war widows, promote education, and provide vocational training to Army families.
The ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan brought together awardees, their families, and senior military leadership in a formal and emotional tribute to the Armed Forces. The event symbolized the nation’s deep gratitude and respect for its soldiers, whose dedication ensures India’s sovereignty and security.
General Dwivedi emphasized that recognizing gallantry and service is crucial in motivating troops to uphold the highest standards of military duty. The Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025 stood as a testament to the Indian Army’s core values of honor, sacrifice, and unity.
In a major breakthrough, Lieutenant Colonel Pradeep Nigam, who went missing from the Sagar Army Camp in Madhya Pradesh on June 2, has been successfully rescued from Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh. The officer, a resident of Gwalior district, was untraceable for nearly three days, prompting an intensive search operation involving the Indian Army, local police, and intelligence agencies.
Lt Col Nigam had reportedly left the Army camp in Sagar for his routine morning walk but failed to return, raising immediate concerns among his colleagues. The Army lodged a missing person’s complaint at the Cantonment Police Station in Sagar, following which a full-scale search was launched. Teams scanned CCTV footage, traced mobile signals, and gathered inputs from various sources to track his movements.
Authorities coordinated across state lines to ensure the officer’s safe recovery. After days of effort, he was found alive in Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. While the specific details regarding his condition and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain undisclosed, officials have confirmed that he is safe and is now under the care of military authorities.
The disappearance of a senior officer of Lt Col Nigam’s rank is considered extremely rare and has drawn national attention. Security agencies are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the reasons behind the incident. All possible angles, including personal, professional, and psychological factors, are being explored.
The rescue has brought immense relief to the officer’s family and the wider armed forces community. His safe return stands as a testament to the swift and effective coordination between military and civilian agencies.
This case highlights the Indian Army’s and law enforcement’s commitment to the safety of its personnel and their ability to respond quickly in crisis situations involving high-ranking officials. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
he Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) concluded the 6th edition of their Air Staff Talks in Tokyo, held from June 3 to 5, 2025. The three-day engagement marked a significant advancement in the defense partnership between the two nations, focusing on enhancing military cooperation through joint training, personnel exchanges, and professional military education.
The 6th edition of Indian Air force- Japan Air Self Defence Force, Air Staff Talks, were held in Tokyo from 03 to 05 June 2025. Co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal Rahul Bhasin of IAF and Major General Kubota Takahiro of JASDF, the AST underscored the growing synergy between the two… pic.twitter.com/pqLmL49O6z
The Air Staff Talks were co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal Rahul Bhasin of the IAF and Major General Kubota Takahiro of the JASDF. The discussions reflected the growing synergy between the two air forces and a shared strategic vision aimed at maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Both sides explored opportunities to deepen interoperability, building upon the momentum of earlier engagements such as the inaugural Joint Services Staff Talks in 2023.
A notable part of the visit was the IAF delegation’s meeting with India’s Ambassador to Japan, His Excellency Sibi George, at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. The interaction reinforced the diplomatic foundation supporting defense ties and aligned with India’s broader foreign policy objective of fostering deeper relations with key Indo-Pacific partners. Ambassador George has played a crucial role in expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, including defense and strategic affairs.
The Air Staff Talks are part of a growing framework of India-Japan defense collaboration, which has accelerated in recent years. The relationship has been nurtured through high-level visits, such as JASDF Chief General Izutsu Shunji’s 2020 trip to India, and is further supported by ongoing platforms like the Deputy NSA Strategic Dialogue. As regional tensions mount, both India and Japan have prioritized defense engagement to address shared concerns such as maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
Photographs from the Tokyo meetings depicted the cordial atmosphere, with Air Vice Marshal Bhasin and Major General Kubota exchanging mementos in a gesture of goodwill and respect. Group photos with the national flags of India and Japan served as a visual testament to the strengthening defense ties. Discussions took place in a formal, high-level setting, with both delegations engaging in detailed dialogue to identify new areas of cooperation.
This sixth edition of the Air Staff Talks reaffirmed the commitment of India and Japan to a rules-based international order and underscored their resolve to deepen military collaboration in the face of emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The two nations are expected to continue building on these strategic conversations, paving the way for more robust joint defense initiatives in the future.
In a ceremonial event steeped in naval tradition, Captain Ashok Rao, NM, officially took command of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, from Commodore Birendra S Bains. The change of command took place aboard the 45,000-tonne vessel, symbolizing the Indian Navy’s focus on indigenous excellence and operational preparedness in the Indo-Pacific.
Captain Rao, a distinguished officer from the 52nd course at the Naval Academy, brings substantial leadership experience to the role. His prior commands include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Kora, and INS Nishank, alongside a tenure as Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. His appointment is expected to bolster INS Vikrant’s operational capabilities and strategic role in regional security.
The formal proceedings unfolded on the expansive flight deck of INS Vikrant, featuring a ceremonial parade, a guard of honor, and the traditional exchange of salutes. INS Vikrant, constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and commissioned in 2013, stands as a hallmark of India’s naval engineering, measuring 262 meters in length and 62 meters in width.
Designed for a versatile air wing, the carrier can host up to 36 aircraft, including 26 fixed-wing combat jets such as the MiG-29K. Future plans include the induction of 26 Rafale M F4 jets, approved in 2023, further elevating its air power. The vessel also accommodates helicopters like the Dhruv MK-III, Sikorsky MH-60R, and Kamov Ka-31 for multi-role missions.
INS Vikrant features a STOBAR (Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) configuration and incorporates two aircraft elevators strategically positioned to support simultaneous flight and elevator operations. This design advantage over INS Vikramaditya, which operates with a single, centrally located elevator, enhances sortie generation and operational flexibility.
Command operations are centered from the bridge, overseen by the captain, while flight operations are managed by FLYCO (Flight Control Position), an elevated control tower with a 10-meter vantage point for optimal visibility over the flight deck.
The leadership change aboard INS Vikrant reinforces the Indian Navy’s long-term vision of building a self-reliant maritime force. Named in honor of India’s first aircraft carrier, decommissioned in 1997, the current Vikrant continues to play a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and projecting power in key sea lanes.
In a significant step toward strengthening India’s border defenses, the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of 4,000 top-attack anti-tank mines. The initiative falls under the Buy (Indian)/(Indian-IDDM) and Buy & Make (Indian) categories of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 and supports the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Top-attack mines represent a new generation of land warfare capability. Unlike traditional mines that detonate upon contact with the underbelly or tracks of armored vehicles, these mines are designed to detect and strike targets from above—exploiting a tank’s weakest point. Using a combination of seismic, acoustic, and infrared sensors, such systems are capable of identifying, tracking, and engaging enemy armor with high precision.
Top Attack Anti-Tank Mines are advanced land-based munitions designed to engage and neutralize armoured vehicles by targeting their most vulnerable area, the top armour.
Unlike traditional bottom-attack mines that detonate upon direct contact with the vehicle’s tracks or… https://t.co/uZLdaIQ3VS
The procurement comes at a time of rising regional tensions, particularly along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. Military planners have been increasingly focused on modernizing India’s defensive posture in vulnerable areas such as eastern Ladakh and the Line of Control (LoC). This RFI builds on earlier efforts, such as the induction of indigenously developed anti-personnel and anti-tank mines in 2021 and the deployment of logistical support assets in high-altitude areas.
While the RFI does not specify a model, defense sources note the Indian Army is likely looking for capabilities similar to Russia’s PTKM-1R mine. First seen in the Ukraine conflict, the PTKM-1R uses a combination of seismic and acoustic sensors to detect approaching vehicles and then launches an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) to strike from above. Its inclusion as a reference highlights the kind of advanced capability India is now seeking to replicate or enhance.
Indian defense firms are expected to respond to this opportunity, with companies like Reliance and Bharat Forge having previously expressed interest in manufacturing advanced munitions. The relatively limited order size has raised concerns about economies of scale, but experts believe this could be a precursor to a larger procurement effort if trials are successful.
The move also reflects a broader shift in battlefield dynamics. Modern tanks are increasingly being equipped with countermeasures like cage armor designed to deflect top-down attacks, prompting innovation on both sides of the arms race. Indian military planners appear keen to stay ahead by investing in advanced sensor-fused munitions capable of defeating such defenses.
Some analysts suggest that the timing of the RFI may be linked to contingency planning in sensitive regions such as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Though no official comment has been made, the Indian Army’s renewed interest in area-denial weapons signals a readiness to prepare for high-intensity mechanized warfare.
The push for indigenous production also aligns with India’s aim to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and build a robust defense industrial base. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape military strategies, the development and deployment of top-attack mines could become a vital element of India’s deterrence posture in South Asia.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking, has won fresh orders worth ₹2,323 crore (excluding taxes) from two leading Indian shipbuilders—Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The orders are for the supply of base and depot-level spares for missile systems installed on Indian Navy warships, ensuring uninterrupted operational readiness of these systems.
JUST IN | Bharat Electronics Limited (@BEL_CorpCom), has received orders from MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata totally valued at Rs. 2,323 Crore (excluding taxes) for supply of base and depot spares for the missile systems on Indian Naval ships.
The latest contract highlights BEL’s growing importance in India’s maritime defense architecture. It will directly support advanced Indian naval platforms such as the Kamorta-class corvettes. These corvettes, constructed by GRSE under Project 28, form a key part of the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare fleet. With four ships—INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS Kiltan, and INS Kavaratti—commissioned between 2014 and 2020, the class stands out for achieving nearly 90% indigenous content, aligning with the Indian government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Equipped with advanced systems such as BEL’s IAC Mod C fire-control system, the Kamorta-class ships are also set to integrate the Vertically Launched Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) system. This move, planned by the Indian Navy since 2022, aims to further enhance the fleet’s air defense capabilities.
The order marks another significant addition to BEL’s expanding defense portfolio. It follows closely on the heels of a ₹2,210 crore order announced on June 3 for supplying 240 aero-engines and Electronic Warfare Suites for Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force. BEL’s financial growth has kept pace with these achievements, with its net profit for Q4 FY 2025 rising 15% to ₹2,127 crore, backed by a 13% increase in revenue to ₹8,499 crore.
The Kamorta-class corvettes themselves are a symbol of India’s defense engineering capabilities. With a length of 109 meters and a beam of 13.7 meters, they are designed for operations in nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare environments. Capable of speeds up to 25 knots, even under sea state 7 conditions, they can also accommodate helicopters such as the Westland Sea King Mk.42B.
GRSE’s role in building these vessels has also elevated its position on the global stage, with proposals submitted in recent years for naval acquisition projects in the Philippines and Brazil.
This latest development reflects India’s ongoing commitment to building a self-reliant defense ecosystem, strengthening its position in the Indo-Pacific, and reducing dependency on foreign military imports. BEL’s consistent success in securing high-value defense contracts not only boosts the domestic defense industry but also enhances India’s potential to emerge as a global exporter of advanced military technologies.
