President Droupadi Murmu presented the Shaurya Chakra to Lieutenant Colonel CVS Nikhil of the 21st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award recognizes his outstanding courage and leadership during a high-risk counter-insurgency operation along the India-Myanmar border.

Also Read: President Murmu Awards 6 Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras at Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025

The operation, conducted on November 23, 2022, saw then-Major Nikhil lead a covert mission deep into militant-dominated jungle terrain. According to official records, he infiltrated hostile territory under the cover of night and faced heavy enemy fire. Displaying exceptional tactical skill, he led an assault that eliminated two high-priority insurgents, significantly disrupting militant operations in the region and ensuring the safety of his team.

The Shaurya Chakra is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award, established in 1952 and renamed in 1967. It is awarded for acts of extraordinary bravery away from direct combat and includes a monthly stipend granted by the central government since 1999.

Lt. Col. Nikhil’s unit, 21 Para (Special Forces), has a distinguished record within the Indian Army. Formerly the 21 Maratha Light Infantry, the battalion was re-designated as a Special Forces unit in 1996. It has participated in numerous high-profile operations, including Operation Hot Pursuit in 2015, where it successfully targeted insurgent camps along the India-Myanmar border.

The 21 Para (SF) is known for its counter-insurgency and special reconnaissance operations in hostile environments. The battalion has earned several prestigious citations, including multiple Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations and GOC-in-C Eastern Command Citations.

Lt. Col. CVS Nikhil’s recognition highlights the Indian Army’s focus on cultivating fearless leadership and precision operations in unconventional warfare scenarios. The award ceremony was attended by senior military officials, dignitaries, and families of awardees, celebrating the bravery and dedication of India’s elite forces.

President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious Shaurya Chakra to Subedar Vikas Tomar of the 1 Para Special Forces at a solemn ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award was conferred for his exceptional bravery and leadership during a high-risk counter-terrorism operation in the dense Dhagri Forest on September 11, 2024.

Also Read: President Murmu Awards 6 Kirti Chakras and 33 Shaurya Chakras at Defence Investiture Ceremony 2025

The operation, which lasted 120 hours, saw Subedar Tomar lead his team through intense combat under extremely hostile conditions. Demonstrating tactical acumen and unwavering courage, he successfully engaged and neutralized terrorist threats while ensuring the safety of his team. He also evacuated injured personnel amid heavy enemy fire, preventing a major terror plot and embodying the highest traditions of valor and sacrifice, as noted in the official citation.

The Shaurya Chakra, instituted in 1952 and renamed in 1967, is India’s third-highest peacetime gallantry award. It is awarded to both military and civilian personnel for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice outside direct combat with the enemy.

Subedar Tomar serves in the elite 1 Para Special Forces unit of the Indian Army, a battalion renowned for its expertise in counter-insurgency, anti-terror operations, and high-risk reconnaissance missions. The Dhagri operation once again highlighted the critical role played by the Para SF in safeguarding India’s national security.

President Murmu commended Tomar’s indomitable spirit and valor, stating that his actions serve as an inspiration to the nation. The event was attended by senior military officials, fellow awardees, and the families of the brave, making it a moment of pride for the armed forces and the country.

In his brief remarks, Subedar Tomar dedicated the award to his unit and family, especially acknowledging the unwavering support of his mother, Shrimati Onkar Devi, and father, Shri Sanjay Singh. His recognition further adds to the legacy of the Para Special Forces—India’s most elite and fearless warriors since their formation in 1966.

The Indian Army on May 23, 2025, launched a community radio station named “Panchshul Pulse” at 88.4 FM in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, aimed at strengthening ties with local communities in remote and high-altitude regions. The station was inaugurated by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army’s Central Command.

The initiative, led by the Army’s Panchshul Brigade, seeks to use radio as a tool for community development and communication. It will focus on celebrating local culture, spreading awareness of government and Army initiatives, promoting education, and generating employment opportunities, while also offering entertainment tailored to regional audiences.

Lt Gen Sengupta highlighted the significance of the station in enhancing civil-military relations and using media to reach isolated populations. He noted the success of a similar initiative, Kumaon Vani in Nainital, which has connected nearly 500 villages, and expressed optimism that Panchshul Pulse would yield similar results.

The station’s launch marks a strategic effort to integrate technological outreach with local development goals, reinforcing the Army’s role beyond security to i

nclude welfare and empowerment in frontier areas.

The inauguration was attended by Army officials, local leaders, and residents, reflecting the collaborative nature of the project. Programming on Panchshul Pulse will cater to the specific needs and aspirations of the region, helping preserve its cultural heritage while supporting progress and resilience in the border district.

Sepoy Sandeep Pandurang of the 17 Rashtriya Rifles lost his life during a fierce encounter with Pakistani terrorists in the Singhpora Chatroo area of Kishtwar district on Thursday. The joint counter-insurgency operation, which commenced early in the morning, also left two other soldiers injured, according to official Army sources.

The ongoing operation, codenamed “Op Trashi,” is being conducted by the Indian Army’s 2 Para, 11 Rashtriya Rifles, 7 Assam Rifles, and the Jammu & Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG). Security forces launched the offensive based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of three to four heavily armed foreign terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist outfit.

During the exchange of fire, Sepoy Pandurang sustained critical injuries and later succumbed, making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. He hailed from Karandi village in Akole tehsil of Maharashtra’s Ahmednagar district. The injured soldiers were evacuated to a military hospital and are currently receiving medical treatment.

As per initial reports, two terrorists may have been eliminated during the operation, although official confirmation from the Army is awaited. The firefight took place in treacherous weather conditions, with high-altitude terrain and poor visibility complicating the troops’ efforts, according to the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps.

This encounter comes just weeks after a similar engagement in the same region on April 12, in which two Pakistani terrorists, including a top JeM commander, were killed and a cache of advanced weapons, including an M4 rifle and an AK-series weapon, was recovered.

The latest confrontation underlines the continued threat of cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been escalating, particularly after the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir, which reignited calls for stricter counter-terrorism operations. India has consistently accused Pakistan of harboring and aiding terrorist outfits targeting Indian territory.

Sepoy Pandurang’s death has drawn widespread tributes from across the nation. His sacrifice has been honored by military leaders and civilians alike, with many describing him as a symbol of courage and selflessness. In line with the Indian Army’s protocol, the term “veergati” is used to recognize his ultimate sacrifice while avoiding civilian terms like “martyr.”

The Indian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism from the region, vowing to carry forward its counter-insurgency mission to ensure peace and security. Updates on the operation and the status of the remaining terrorists are expected in the coming hours.

Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Surya Command, conducted a comprehensive review of the operational, training, and administrative preparedness of the Infantry Battalions under the Panchshul Brigade. The brigade is stationed in a forward high-altitude sector, likely in regions such as Eastern Ladakh or Siachen, where India has reinforced its military posture following recent standoffs with China.

The visit emphasized the Indian Army’s sustained focus on readiness in strategically sensitive northern areas. Lt Gen Sengupta was briefed on the brigade’s ongoing modernization efforts, which include the induction of next-generation weapon systems, enhanced mobility equipment, and technology-driven battlefield tools. These developments are in line with the Army’s broader initiative to embrace technological transformation across all formations.

Amid snow-covered peaks and rugged terrain, the Army Chief lauded the troops’ professionalism and resilience. He praised their ability to operate in one of the world’s harshest military environments and encouraged them to maintain their high standards of operational effectiveness. This inspection follows Lt Gen Sengupta’s earlier visit to the Panchshul Locators unit in Nainital in January 2025, reflecting his continued attention to operational preparedness across the region.

The review comes as part of the Indian Army’s “Year of Technology Absorption” campaign launched in 2024, which aims to reduce logistical vulnerabilities and enhance warfighting capabilities in difficult terrain. The initiative has already seen the integration of drones, counter-drone systems, and upgraded vehicles, alongside collaborations with premier institutions like IIT Delhi. Notably, the Army has deployed innovations such as the IoT-based “Vidyut Rakshak” system to monitor generator performance in real time.

The Panchshul Brigade’s deployment and preparedness are crucial to India’s defensive posture along the Line of Actual Control, particularly following the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020. Training in these formations includes rigorous acclimatization, mountaineering exercises, and simulations of tactical scenarios unique to high-altitude warfare.

Lt Gen Sengupta’s visit highlights the Army’s ongoing efforts to ensure that frontline units are fully equipped and mentally conditioned to face any emerging threats. As regional tensions persist, especially along the Himalayan frontier, such reviews reinforce India’s resolve to secure its territorial integrity through advanced readiness and modernization.

In a critical move to reinforce India’s defense posture in Ladakh, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, visited formations under the Fire and Fury Corps to assess their operational readiness. The visit comes amid rising tensions on both the western and eastern borders, with recent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and continuing strategic challenges along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Lt Gen Sharma conducted thorough inspections of operational deployments, including terrain analysis using detailed models that illustrated India’s strategic positions in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh. He interacted with troops stationed across forward posts, commending their resilience, commitment, and professionalism in maintaining India’s territorial integrity under extremely demanding conditions. Addressing the personnel, he emphasized the necessity of continuous readiness and urged them to remain alert to any potential escalation.

The Fire and Fury Corps, headquartered in Leh, is India’s frontline formation responsible for safeguarding Ladakh and the surrounding region. Operating at altitudes often exceeding 15,000 feet, the Corps faces unique environmental and logistical challenges. Its soldiers are trained at the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, which specializes in snow-craft, mountaineering, and survival techniques essential for combat in glaciated and mountainous terrain. The Corps plays a vital role in defending sensitive zones such as the Siachen Glacier and the Galwan Valley.

Lt Gen Sharma’s visit reflects the strategic importance of the Northern Command, which spans India’s entire northern frontier—from the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir to the LAC in eastern Ladakh. A decorated infantry officer with experience in operations such as Pawan, Meghdoot, Rakshak, and Parakram, he brings seasoned leadership to the command at a time when India faces complex two-front security challenges.

His review comes shortly after a spate of ceasefire violations by Pakistan in early May, with cross-border firing reported for five consecutive nights. The situation escalated following the Pahalgam terror attack on May 1, which prompted India to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and initiate intensified counter-terror operations in Kashmir. Concurrently, strategic tensions with China remain high, especially around Eastern Ladakh, where India has deployed T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks to counter the PLA’s Type 15 light tanks designed for high-altitude warfare.

The visit serves as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s commitment to defending national interests in one of the most strategically significant and challenging regions. The Fire and Fury Corps continues to stand at the forefront of India’s military strategy, with the Northern Command ensuring that its troops remain battle-ready in the face of evolving threats from both western and eastern adversaries.

In a move reaffirming the Indian Army’s strategic emphasis on border defense, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command, conducted an in-depth review of the operational preparedness of two critical divisions under the Kharga Corps – the Pine Division and the Charging Ram Division. The assessment took place amid persistent tensions along the western border with Pakistan.

Lt Gen Katiyar, who assumed leadership of the Western Command in July 2023, lauded the formations for their high level of readiness and combat proficiency. The Western Command plays a vital role in defending India’s western frontier, with the Kharga Corps, or II Corps, serving as a core operational pillar. Headquartered in Ambala, the Corps has a distinguished combat history, especially during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, where it played a decisive role in capturing key towns in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

The visit included field inspections, interaction with frontline troops, and assessments of training regimens, equipment efficiency, and tactical innovation. The Pine Division and the Charging Ram Division—formally known as the 22 Infantry Division based in Meerut—are tasked with safeguarding India’s western borders. Both divisions are continuously evolving to meet modern warfare demands, with integration of new technologies and regular joint exercises forming part of the Army’s ongoing modernization strategy.

The review comes against the backdrop of increasing regional security challenges. India finds itself under strategic pressure from both its western and eastern borders. A 2023 report by the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) noted that China may be seeking to stretch India’s military capacity by pressuring both fronts simultaneously. In this context, Western Command’s readiness efforts are seen as part of a broader national strategy to reinforce military deterrence and secure India’s position in the Indo-Pacific.

Lt Gen Katiyar brings a wealth of operational experience to the role, having served as the Director General of Military Operations and commanded troops in high-altitude and sensitive areas such as Siachen, the Line of Control (LoC), and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). His tenure has been marked by a focus on force transformation, technology-driven modernization, and operational agility. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently emphasized this vision of evolving the Indian Army into a modern, network-centric force ready to face emerging threats.

As one of the Indian Army’s premier fighting formations, the Kharga Corps continues to play a pivotal role in India’s military posture. The Western Command’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and rapid response capability highlights its readiness to protect national interests and ensure peace through strength. The Army’s operational ethos, “Forever Ready for Operations,” remains more relevant than ever.