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.

The Battle Axe Division of the Indian Army, under the aegis of the Konark Corps, successfully completed a rigorous joint training exercise in the deserts of Rajasthan, focusing on enhancing tactical skills and battlefield drills for sustained operations. The exercise, which involved Mechanised Forces and Infantry units, was designed to ensure combat readiness in the challenging desert terrain, a strategically critical region along India’s western border.

The training emphasized seamless coordination between tanks, infantry, and support units, with operations conducted through both day and night to simulate real-world combat scenarios. Visuals from the exercise highlighted tanks maneuvering through sandy dunes, accompanied by infantry squads practicing tactical movements, and the use of advanced technology to support desert warfare. The theme of the exercise, “Invincible Together,” underscored the importance of joint operations in achieving battlefield dominance.

The Konark Corps, also known as the Desert Corps, has a storied history of defending India’s desert sectors in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Established on February 26, 1987, during Operation Trident, the corps played a pivotal role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, capturing 9,000 square kilometers of enemy territory. Headquartered in Jodhpur, the corps continues to be a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy in the region. This recent exercise is part of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to maintain operational superiority in the desert, especially amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

The participation of the Border Security Force (BSF) Artillery, a unique unit among Central Armed Police Forces for having its own artillery regiment, further strengthened the joint operational framework. The exercise also showcased the integration of modern technology, with advanced radar systems and heavy artillery in action, illuminating the desert landscape during nighttime drills.

This training comes on the heels of an Integrated Firepower Exercise conducted by the same division in April 2025, which also demonstrated the Indian Army’s combat capabilities in harsh terrain. Military experts note that such exercises are crucial for preparing forces to operate in the desert sector, where extreme temperatures, limited visibility, and vast expanses pose significant challenges.

The Indian Army has a long-standing tradition of training its units for diverse terrains, with specialized schools like the desert warfare school in Rajasthan and the High Altitude Warfare School in Kashmir. Units like the Para (Special Forces), including the 10th Battalion (Desert Scorpions), have historically excelled in desert operations, conducting deep raids during the 1971 war and now training international forces in similar environments. This exercise by the Battle Axe Division reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture while fostering interoperability among its forces.

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command solemnly announced the passing of Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari, who lost his life in a heroic attempt to save a fellow soldier during an operational patrol in a high-altitude area (HAA) of North Sikkim. The incident occurred when Lt Tiwari, risking his own life, tried to rescue a comrade from being swept away by a river’s strong currents.

Also Read: Who Was Lieutenant Shashank Tiwari? Know More About Him and The Incident

Lt Gen RC Tiwari, Army Commander of the Eastern Command, along with all ranks, expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family, emphasizing the Army’s unwavering support during this difficult time. The Eastern Command highlighted Lt Tiwari’s bravery as a testament to the values of the Indian Army, where soldiers stand by each other even in the face of extreme danger.

The backdrop of the announcement featured the National War Memorial in New Delhi, a fitting tribute to Lt Tiwari’s sacrifice. The memorial, dedicated to honoring soldiers who have laid down their lives for the nation, stands as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for those who serve in the Indian Armed Forces.

North Sikkim, known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, poses significant challenges for military operations. Rivers in the region are particularly hazardous due to glacial melts and heavy rainfall, which can cause sudden surges in water levels. A 2023 report by The Hindu on the Sikkim glacial lake outburst flood underscored the growing risks in the eastern Himalayas, where climate change has made such natural disasters more frequent. Despite these challenges, the Indian Army continues its operations in the region, including along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), to ensure national security.

Lt Shashank Tiwari’s sacrifice has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the nation, with many saluting his courage and selflessness. The Indian Army reiterated its commitment to supporting the family of the fallen hero, ensuring that his legacy of bravery endures.