In the aftermath of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi arrived in Srinagar on Friday to assess the security situation and review counter-terror operations underway in the region.

During his visit, General Dwivedi was briefed by senior military officials at the 15 Corps Headquarters. Sources said the Army Chief was updated on the ongoing operations to eliminate the terrorists behind the April 22 attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam, which targeted civilians, primarily tourists.

According to reports, General Dwivedi was also apprised of ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC), where Pakistani troops reportedly initiated small arms firing earlier today. The Indian Army responded swiftly and effectively. “There were no casualties,” officials confirmed.

The attack took place while U.S. Vice President JD Vance was on a visit to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Saudi Arabia, adding a sensitive international dimension to the incident.

Following the attack, the Indian Army has been placed on high alert and multiple search operations have been launched across south Kashmir to neutralise the terrorists. Security has also been ramped up along the LoC in view of increased ceasefire violations.

In addition to military measures, the central government has taken significant diplomatic steps:

• Closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari.
• Suspension of the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistani nationals.
• Declaration of Pakistani Defence, Naval, and Air Advisors in New Delhi as Persona Non Grata. They have one week to leave India.
• Reciprocal withdrawal of Indian military advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.
• Removal of five support staff from both high commissions.

“The posts of Service Advisors stand annulled,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, underlining India’s strong stance.

Meanwhile, massive public protests have erupted across several cities, with demonstrators demanding strong retaliatory action against Pakistan. The government’s response reflects both a military and diplomatic recalibration of ties with the neighboring country, amidst heightened tensions.

The Indian Army continues to operate with increased vigilance, while political and strategic circles assess long-term countermeasures in light of the attack.

Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, the Army Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, conducted a visit to the Dot On Target Division to evaluate its operational preparedness and combat readiness. The visit underscored the Indian Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and excellence in military operations.

During his review, Lt. Gen. Singh commended the division for its exceptional professionalism, technology-driven approach, and relentless pursuit of operational excellence. The Dot On Target Division, part of the prestigious Sapta Shakti Command, has been actively engaged in rigorous training exercises to ensure mission readiness, reflecting the Army’s broader modernization efforts.

Lt. Gen. Manjinder Singh, who assumed command of the South Western Command on July 1, 2024, brings a wealth of experience from his 37-year military career, including significant roles in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and along the Western Front. His leadership aligns with the Indian Army’s ongoing transformation, which has gained momentum since 2023, focusing on technology integration, operational efficiency, and self-reliance in defence.

The Indian Army’s modernization initiatives include the adoption of advanced surveillance systems, streamlined logistics, and the procurement of cutting-edge equipment like 130 tethered drones and 19 tank-driving simulators to enhance capabilities amid evolving security challenges, such as the India-China standoff in Eastern Ladakh since 2020. Additionally, programs like the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the establishment of ‘Army Cells’ at technical institutions underscore the Army’s push for indigenization under the ‘Atmanirbharta’ vision.

The Dot On Target Division’s focus on combat readiness and tactical superiority highlights the Indian Army’s preparedness to address contemporary warfare challenges, ensuring it remains a formidable force on the global stage. The visit by Lt. Gen. Singh reinforces the Army’s dedication to training hard and fighting hard, as it continues to adapt to the demands of modern military operations.

The Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) concluded their first-ever Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) in New Delhi, held from April 23 to 24, 2025. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in the growing defense cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral military ties.

The talks focused on formulating an Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, which includes key initiatives such as the Joint Exercise Sada Tanseeq, military training, and education programs. Both nations explored opportunities for domain expert exchanges and engagements in areas of mutual interest. A particular emphasis was placed on collaboration in operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and niche technologies to boost interoperability and capability development between the two forces.

The discussions took place in a formal setting, with senior military officials from both sides engaging in detailed deliberations. The event also featured symbolic gestures of partnership, including the exchange of mementos and a group photograph of the delegations, underscoring the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.

This initiative builds on the momentum of the inaugural India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘Sada Tanseeq,’ which was held in Rajasthan in February 2024. The AAST aligns with India’s broader defense modernization goals, encapsulated in the ‘Year of Tech Absorption’ and ‘Decade of Transformation’ frameworks, which prioritize the integration of advanced technologies and strategic partnerships. For Saudi Arabia, the talks reflect its ongoing efforts to diversify defense collaborations beyond traditional Western allies, focusing on regional partners like India to enhance long-term security and interoperability.

The event underscores the deepening ties between New Delhi and Riyadh, driven by shared interests in regional stability, counterterrorism, and technological advancement. As both nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia, this collaboration is poised to strengthen their strategic alignment and foster greater cooperation in the defence sector.

Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, AVSM, VSM, Director General Medical Services (Army) and Senior Colonel Commandant, visited Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore (CHAFB) today, marking another significant engagement in her tenure as the first woman to hold this prestigious position. The visit highlighted the Indian Armed Forces’ commitment to enhancing healthcare services for serving personnel, veterans, and their dependents.

During her visit, Lt Gen Nair was briefed on the upcoming Modern Multistory Hospital Complex, a significant infrastructure project aimed at bolstering the hospital’s capacity to deliver advanced medical care.

She also witnessed the Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) in action, a system inaugurated by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari on May 22, 2024, to provide expert guidance and definitive care during medical emergencies for Indian Air Force personnel and their families across the nation.

Lt Gen Nair interacted with officers at CHAFB and lauded the comprehensive healthcare ecosystem being provided at the facility. She praised the hospital’s efforts in ensuring high-quality medical services and its readiness to cater to the needs of the armed forces community.

The General Officer’s visit underscored the importance of inter-service collaboration in strengthening the medical support framework for the military.

The Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore continues to play a pivotal role in delivering healthcare services, and with initiatives like the EMRS and the upcoming hospital complex, it is poised to set new benchmarks in medical care for the armed forces.

Lt Gen Nair’s visit not only boosted the morale of the medical teams but also reaffirmed the leadership’s focus on operational readiness and innovation in combat medical care.