India and the United Kingdom have reinforced their growing defence partnership during the 14th India-UK Executive Steering Group (ESG) meeting, held on May 20 and 21 in New Delhi and Hisar. The event saw high-ranking officials from the Indian Army and the British Army convene to chart the future course of military cooperation between the two nations.

A central focus of the meeting was the Annual Defence Cooperation Plan, which includes the joint military exercise AJEYA WARRIOR. First launched in 2015, this bilateral training initiative has been instrumental in boosting tactical coordination and operational interoperability. Past editions have taken place in diverse terrains across Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, helping troops adapt to varied combat environments.

In addition to joint exercises, the ESG discussions addressed a broader spectrum of collaboration. These included emerging defence technologies, joint operational training modules, think tank linkages, and personnel exchanges. The emphasis was on mutual capability enhancement and creating avenues for more integrated defence operations.

As part of their India visit, the British delegation visited the Hisar Military Station, home to the Indian Army’s 33rd Armoured Division under the South-Western Command. The visitors were given an overview of India’s mechanised warfare capabilities and witnessed small-team tactical drills that demonstrated the Indian Army’s operational depth and flexibility.

This strategic engagement echoes a wider global shift toward multilateral military interoperability. A 2023 NATO study on defence cooperation noted that joint exercises such as AJEYA WARRIOR could improve tactical efficiency in multinational operations by up to 30%, highlighting the real-world impact of these partnerships.

The ESG meeting comes close on the heels of a similar high-level dialogue between the Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force, held in London earlier this year. These continued engagements point to a sustained and expanding military relationship between the two countries, with shared interests in security, innovation, and global stability.

With deepening ties and growing mutual trust, the India-UK defence relationship is poised to play a more significant role in addressing regional and global security challenges through joint training, co-development of technology, and strategic planning.

A high-stakes counter-terrorism mission, Operation Trashi, is underway in the Chhatru area of Kishtwar district as Indian security forces confront a group of terrorists believed to be linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The joint operation by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was launched in the early hours of Thursday following credible intelligence on terrorist movement.

Contact with the suspected terrorists was made at around 3:29 AM IST in the Singhpora area of Chatroo. Initial reports indicate the presence of at least five militants, possibly divided into two groups, with ties to Saifullah, a known JeM commander. Reinforcements from the CRPF and Indian Army have secured the area, and a tight cordon has been established to prevent any escape.

The encounter follows the April 2025 terrorist attack near Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, predominantly Hindu tourists. That attack, blamed on JeM, triggered a robust military response including Operation Sindoor, during which India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision missile strikes. Operation Trashi is seen as a continuation of these efforts to dismantle cross-border terror infrastructure.

Kishtwar’s challenging terrain and forested cover have long made it a hotspot for militant activity. The district’s location near key infiltration routes has historically facilitated terrorist movement. Earlier this year, the Indian security apparatus successfully conducted Operations Nader and Keller in the region, eliminating six militants. Operation Trashi represents a further escalation in India’s push to root out residual terrorist cells.

Jaish-e-Mohammed, formed in 2000, has been at the forefront of anti-India militancy. The group, reportedly supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been responsible for major terror incidents including the 2019 Pulwama attack. Intelligence sources suggest that the May 7 Operation Sindoor strikes may have dealt a severe blow to the group’s leadership, killing several top operatives, including Abdul Rauf Azhar, brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar.

Local residents have been asked to remain indoors as the encounter continues. The Indian Army has reiterated that all measures are being taken to ensure civilian safety while engaging the militants. Security forces remain on high alert amid concerns of further infiltration attempts and retaliatory strikes.

As tensions continue to rise along the Line of Control and within Jammu and Kashmir, Operation Trashi underscores the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-backed terror outfits and India’s sustained efforts to neutralize them. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently affirmed that India reserves the right to respond decisively to any act of terror, reinforcing New Delhi’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism.

Lieutenant General Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Indian Army’s Central Command, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the operational and logistical preparedness of the Golden Key Gunners and the 116th Infantry Brigade, popularly known as the Sabse Aagey Brigade, in Dehradun. The visit is part of the Indian Army’s sustained efforts under the ‘Year of Defence Reforms’ to modernize its forces and enhance combat readiness.

During the visit, Lt Gen Sengupta closely reviewed the facilities at the Drone Training Lab, a pivotal unit supporting the Army’s push for technological absorption and innovation. He was briefed on the formation’s strides in adopting advanced tools such as drones, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Addressing officers and personnel, the Army Commander emphasized the growing role of technology in modern warfare and encouraged all ranks to upskill and adapt to evolving combat requirements.

The 116th Infantry Brigade, with a distinguished lineage tracing back to World War II under the British Indian Army, continues to lead the way in operational agility and modern military practices. Likewise, the Golden Key Gunners remain integral to Central Command’s modernization roadmap, aligning with the Army’s long-term vision of self-reliance and indigenization in defense systems.

Lt Gen Sengupta’s visit reflects the priorities of the Indian Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023–32), which builds upon milestones achieved during the 2023 ‘Year of Technology Absorption.’ The roadmap includes deepening collaborations with Indian academia, defense startups, and industries to boost indigenous capabilities in surveillance, logistics, and strike precision.

Commending the professionalism and dedication of the troops, the Army Commander urged the formations to maintain the highest standards of readiness. He referenced lessons from contemporary global conflicts, noting that hybrid warfare, rapid technological shifts, and non-conventional threats require a dynamic and forward-thinking defense strategy.

The visit also marks Lt Gen Sengupta’s continued engagement with frontline formations following his inspection of the Ibex Brigade in October 2024. His review in Dehradun underscores Central Command’s resolve to ensure that formations across varied terrains—from high-altitude Himalayan sectors to the complex Northeast—remain fully prepared and technologically empowered to meet emerging security challenges.

Lieutenant General Abhijit S Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Indian Army’s Spear Corps, conducted a strategic review of operational preparedness at forward locations in Arunachal Pradesh, with a special focus on leveraging drone technology to bolster battlefield efficiency. The visit took place at the Likabali Military Station, a key outpost in India’s northeastern frontier.

The inspection highlighted the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize warfare capabilities and maintain high levels of readiness along sensitive border areas. Lt Gen Pendharkar stressed the importance of adopting cutting-edge technology, particularly through the newly established Drone Excellence Centre at Likabali, which has been pivotal in training drone pilots and fostering innovation within the armed forces.

Established earlier this year, the Drone Excellence Centre is part of a larger vision to enhance surveillance and combat readiness in Arunachal Pradesh’s rugged and forested terrain. The facility is designed to equip soldiers with skills in operating First Person View (FPV) drones, which have been shown to increase reconnaissance effectiveness by up to 40%, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Defense Technology.

Lt Gen Pendharkar also reviewed indigenous drone fabrication projects underway within the Corps, encouraging a culture of self-reliance and innovation in line with the Indian Army’s 2025 “Year of Reforms” initiative. Since assuming command in August 2024, his leadership has emphasized adaptability and preparedness in addressing emerging threats along the border.

The strategic relevance of Arunachal Pradesh was underscored during the March 2025 seminar “Resurgent Arunachal: Integrated Approach to Security and Development,” held at Likabali. The event advocated for a balanced approach to border security and socio-economic growth, a perspective that resonates with the Spear Corps’ broader mission.

The Corps’ increased focus on drone technology also reflects the region’s complex security dynamics. Ongoing ethnic unrest in neighboring Manipur and spillover effects from Myanmar’s civil conflict have heightened the need for precise, agile operations. The integration of drone systems is expected to significantly improve situational awareness and operational response in such volatile conditions.

Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit reaffirms the Indian Army’s dedication to defending its northeastern borders through a blend of technological innovation and field-ready operational excellence. The efforts of the Spear Corps stand as a testament to India’s evolving defense capabilities in a challenging geopolitical environment.

A 25-year-old Agniveer from Himachal Pradesh, Naveen Kumar, lost his life in a tragic landslide while on duty in the Drass sector of Kargil on May 20. Officials confirmed that the young soldier was serving with the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles under the Agnipath recruitment scheme.

Naveen Kumar hailed from Halun village in Thural Panchayat of Kangra district. His mortal remains are expected to arrive at his native village on Thursday, where his final rites will be conducted with full military honors.

Vandana Kumari, the Pradhan of Thural Panchayat, confirmed the tragic news and expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire village. “We were informed by a local soldier. The entire village stands united with the bereaved family,” she said.

Naveen had joined the Army two years ago through an open recruitment rally as part of the Agnipath scheme. Coming from a family with a proud military background, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Rajmal, a Havildar in the 13 JAK Rifles, who passed away four years ago due to cancer.

Family members shared that Naveen had spoken to his mother on the morning of May 19, just a day before the fatal incident. His last visit home was in July 2024.

The news of his death was conveyed to the family by a fellow soldier on Tuesday evening, leaving the entire village in mourning.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Agniveer Naveen Kumar. In official statements, both leaders conveyed their condolences to the grieving family and lauded Naveen’s sacrifice, praying for strength and peace for his loved ones during this difficult time.