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India govt allocates Rs 6.21 lakh crore for defence

The allocation is aimed to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technology and manufacturing and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated over Rs 6.21 lakh crore in the Regular Union Budget for the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25.

“In the Regular Union Budget of Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated Rs 6,21,940.85 crore (approx. US $75 Billion), the highest among the Ministries,”as per a Ministry of Defence press release.

“While maintaining the allocation made to MoD during interim budget, the Government has made an additional allocation to the tune of Rs 400 crore on innovation in defence through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme,” as per a Ministry of Defence press release.

Through this scheme, MoD is engaging with start-ups/MSMEs and innovators to develop Def-Tech solutions and supply the Indian military with innovative and indigenous technological solutions. A grant of upto 50 per cent of Product Development Budget with enhanced limit (Max) of Rs 25 crore per applicant will be awarded as per extant iDEX guidelines.

“The allocation to MoD for FY 2024-25 is higher by approx. Rs one lakh crore (18.43 per cent) over the allocation for FY 2022-23 and 4.79 per cent more than allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, a share of 27.66 per cent goes to capital; 14.82 per cent for revenue expenditure on sustenance and operational preparedness; 30.66 per cent for Pay and Allowances; 22.70 per cent for Defence Pensions, and 4.17 per cent for civil organisations under MoD. The total allocation comes out as approx. 12.90 per cent of Budgetary Estimate of Union of India,” as per the release.

The allocation is aimed to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence technology and manufacturing and equipping the Armed Forces with modern weapons/platforms along with creation of job opportunities for the youth.

“In absolute terms, budgetary allocation under capital head to the Defence Forces for FY 2024-25 is Rs 1.72 lakh crore, which is 20.33 per cent higher than the actual expenditure of FY 2022-23 and 9.40 per cent more than the Revised Allocation of FY 2023-24. The allocation is aimed to fill the critical capability gaps through big ticket acquisitions in current and subsequent FYs. The enhanced budgetary allocation will fulfill the requirement of annual cash outgo on planned Capital acquisitions aimed at equipping the Armed forces with state-of-the-art niche technology, lethal weapons, fighter aircraft, ships, submarines, platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, specialist vehicles etc.,” the Ministry said in the release.

MoD has earmarked 75 per cent of modernisation budget amounting to Rs 1,05,518.43 crore for procurement through domestic industries during this FY. This will have a multiplier effect on GDP, employment generation and capital formation, thus providing a stimulus to the economy.

“The continued higher allocation for operational readiness boosts the morale of the Armed Forces with the sole motive of keeping them battle ready at all times. The Government has allocated Rs 92,088 crore during the current Financial Year under this head, which is 48 per cent higher than the budgetary allocation of FY 2022-23.

This is aimed to provide best maintenance facilities and support system to all platforms including aircraft and ships. It will facilitate procurement of ammunition; mobility of resources & personnel as demanded by the security situation, and strengthen the deployment in forward areas for any unforeseen situation,” the Defence Ministry said in the release.

The Government is committed to provide best healthcare facilities to veterans and their dependents through enhanced allocation to Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). In the regular budget for FY 2024-25, Rs 6,968 crore has been allotted to ECHS which is 28 per cent higher than the previous year allocation. This follows the significantly higher allocation at revised estimate stage during the FY 2023-24 when the allocation to ECHS was enhanced by 70 per cent over BE, the Defence Ministry said.

The financial provision made during the budget this year will promote strategic infrastructure development in border areas, while boosting socio-economic development in that region. Projects such as development of Nyoma Airfield in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,700 feet, permanent bridge connectivity to southernmost Panchayat of India in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 4.1 km strategically-important Shinku La tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and many other projects will be funded out of this allocation.

“The allocation to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for this FY 2024-25 is Rs 7,651.80 crore, which is 6.31 per cent higher over the allocation of FY 2023-24. Out of this, Rs 3,500 crore is to be incurred only on capital expenditure, adding teeth to the arsenal of ICG for addressing the emerging maritime challenges and providing humanitarian assistance to other nations. The allocation will facilitate the acquisition of fast-moving patrolling vehicles/interceptors, advance electronic surveillance system and weapons,” as per the Defence Ministry release.

The budgetary allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been increased to Rs 23,855 crore in FY 2024-25 from Rs 23,263.89 crore in FY 2023-24. Out of this allocation, a major share of Rs 13,208 crore is allocated for capital expenditure. This will financially strengthen the DRDO in developing new technology with special focus on fundamental research and hand-holding of the private parties through Development-cum-production partner. The allocation to Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme stands out to be Rs 60 crore which is specially designed for new start-ups, MSMEs and academia attracting the young bright minds interested in innovation and developing niche technology in collaboration with DRDO.

The Government has increased the allocation on innovation in defence through iDEX from Rs 115 crore during FY 2023-24 to Rs 518 crore in the current fiscal year, which will boost start-ups/MSMEs/innovators in developing Def-Tech solutions and invite young ignited minds, the Defence Ministry said in the release.

Total budgetary allocation on account of defence pensions is Rs 1,41,205 crore which is 2.17 per cent higher than the allocation made during 2023-24. It will be incurred on monthly pension to approx. 32 lakh pensioners through System for Pension Administration (Raksha) or SPARSH and through other pension disbursing authorities, the Defence Ministry said in the release. (ANI)

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Goa Shipyard launches first indigenous frigate Triput

The ship was launched by Adv. Rita Sreedharan, in the presence of PS Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, the Chief Guest for the occasion….reports Asian Lite News

In a significant milestone, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) successfully launched the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate on Tuesday.

According to an official statement, the vessel is the first of the two Frigates of the P1135.6 Class being constructed at GSL. It is the first time these vessels are being constructed indigenously.

With the launch of this frigate Triput, the Indian Navy and GSL continue their march towards self-reliance, making ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ a reality. This strategic move adds another Defence Shipyard to the league of yards capable of building weapon-intensive platforms.

The ship was launched by Adv. Rita Sreedharan, in the presence of PS Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Goa, the Chief Guest for the occasion.

The launching ceremony was attended by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, and Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, along with officials from the Ministry of Defence, senior flag officials of the Indian Navy, and GSL employees.

Since the plate-cutting ceremony of the ship on 20 September 2020 and keel laying on 29 January 2021, the shipyard has made exceptional strides in achieving this milestone. This import substitute is a hallmark of indigenization, incorporating multiple complex and advanced indigenous technologies and systems. The hulls of these vessels are made from indigenous steel, a specialized low-carbon micro-alloy grade steel, as per the release.

The construction of these ships is based on the Indian Navy’s specific requirements to meet the entire spectrum of naval warfare in all three dimensions. The 124-metre-long and 15.5-metre-wide ship is propelled by four gas turbines, designed to achieve a maximum speed of 28 knots at a displacement of approximately 3200 tonnes. The ship is fitted with a potent combination of state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, an integrated platform and bridge management system, and a host of other advanced features. The ship’s air defence capability, designed to counter enemy aircraft and anti-ship cruise missiles, revolves around a vertical-launch long-range surface-to-air missile system. Additionally, the ship is equipped with indigenous power generation and distribution systems, an AC system, a steering system, and stabilizers designed and developed by private industry.

This project contributes to the nation’s prosperity by developing the local ecosystem and supporting the workforce, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs. It is likely to generate substantial employment for local industry and MSMEs engaged in production activities at various factories and within Goa Shipyard Limited.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor of Goa appreciated the efforts of the MoD, the Indian Navy, and the industry in ensuring that all shipbuilding requirements of the Indian Navy are fulfilled indigenously. He congratulated the employees of GSL on achieving this critical milestone and overcoming all odds, urging everyone present to ensure that the march towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence production continues earnestly to meet the targets.

The launch of Triput is an exemplary testimony to our nation’s warship-building capability and propels Goa Shipyard Limited into the league of Indian shipyards capable of producing state-of-the-art frigates for the Indian Navy. (ANI)

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CRPF’s K9 units among in Paris for Olympics security

K9s Vast and Denby, both Belgian Shepherd Malinois, aged five and three years, respectively, left for Paris on July 10 and reached the same day…reports Asian Lite News

Two K9 teams from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have reached Paris as part of the 10 K9 teams from various organisations selected to provide security to various venues of the upcoming Paris Olympics, 2024, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.

K9s Vast and Denby, both Belgian Shepherd Malinois, aged five and three years, respectively, left for Paris on July 10 and reached the same day. The Belgian Shepherd Malinois breed is considered to be the most preferred combat dog by security forces worldwide.

Besides the two K9s from the CRPF, the other eight are from Assam Rifles, Sashastra Seema Bal, the National Security Guard, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

“Two K9s are selected from each of the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF). A total of 10 K9s, along with their handlers, have been deployed to secure the various venues of the Paris Olympics. They have been deployed at the request of the French government,” said other Central government officials, privy to the development and seeking anonymity.

CRPF K9s Vast and Denby were selected for the job after going through a series of stringent tests held at the Dog Breeding and Training School of CRPF.

“They (Vast and Denby) also underwent specialised training for nearly 10 weeks before their deployment, focusing on the assignments they were likely to be given,” said the CRPF.

The handlers of the two K9s, too, were put through rigorous physical training, besides basic classes in the French language, before their departure, said the CRPF in a statement.

The deployment is likely to last until the completion of the Summer Olympic Games in 2024, where athletes from 196 nations are likely to participate. (ANI)

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India releases list of 346 indigenous defence items

The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of the items mentioned in the fifth PIL through various routes including ‘Make’ procedure or in-house development involving the industry, including MSMEs….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Defence has notified the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting 346 defence items in a major boost to Aatmanirbharta in defence production.

The items include strategically important Line Replacement Units/Systems/Sub-Systems/Assemblies/Sub-Assemblies/Spares & Components and raw materials, with import substitution value worth Rs 1,048 crore, according to a Ministry of Defence statement issued on Monday.

These items will only be procured from the Indian Industry after the timelines of indigenisation as indicated in the list available on the Srijan portal (https://srijandefence.gov.in).

The Ministry of Defence had launched Srijan portal in 2020. On this portal, defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and Service Headquarters (SHQs) offer defence items to domestic industries, including MSMEs and start-ups, for indigenisation.

The DPSUs will undertake indigenisation of the items mentioned in the fifth PIL through various routes including ‘Make’ procedure or in-house development involving the industry, including MSMEs. This will provide impetus to the growth in the economy, enhanced investment in defence and lead to reduced import dependence. In addition, this will augment the design capabilities of domestic defence Industry due to the involvement of academia and research institutions, the Ministry said.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), BEML Limited, India Optel Limited (IOL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) are the DPSUs involved in defence items of the fifth PIL.

The companies have initiated the process for issuing Expressions of Interest/Requests for Proposal on their respective websites with a link on the ‘Srijan Portal Dashboard (srijandefence.gov.in/DashboardForPublic) specifically designed for this purpose, and Industry/MSMEs/start-ups may come forward to participate in large numbers, according to the official statement.

Earlier, four PILs comprising 4,666 items were notified by the Department of Defence Production for DPSUs, of which 2,972, having import substitution value worth Rs 3,400 crore, have already been indigenised. These five lists for DPSUs are in addition to the five positive indigenisation lists of 509 items notified by the Department of Military Affairs (DMA). These lists include highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition.

Till June 2024, over 36,000 defence items were offered to domestic industry for indigenisation by the DPSUs and SHQs. Of them, more than 12,300 items have been indigenised in the last three years. As a result, the DPSUs have placed orders on domestic vendors to the tune of Rs 7,572 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat has led to indigenous production in the defence sector scaling a record high of Rs 1.27 lakh crore for the financial year ended on March 31, 2024. India’s exports of defence items during the financial year have crossed the Rs 21,000 crore mark.

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DRDO boosts private sector with 7 new defence projects

The Indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem…reports Asian Lite News

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded seven new projects to industries under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various requirements of the Armed Forces and aerospace and defence sectors.

These project sanctions are a testimony to the continuing endeavour of DRDO in nurturing Industries, especially MSMEs and start-ups, in the defence and aerospace domains.

The Indigenous development of these technologies will strengthen the military-industrial ecosystem.

The Indigenous Scenario and Sensor Simulation Toolkit project involves the development of an indigenous toolkit for simulator training of pilots in realistic scenarios.

This will help in full mission planning and large-force engagement. The project has been awarded to start-up, Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

The Underwater Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle project relates to versatile marine battlefield accessories that can be deployed in multiple combat roles.

The objective is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). The project has been awarded to Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt Ltd Pune.

Long-range Remotely Operated Vehicles for Detection and Neutralisation Vehicles are dual-use systems that will enable the detection, classification, localisation and neutralisation of underwater objects while keeping the key assets away from the suspected operational area.

The project has been awarded to a start-up, IROV Technologies Pvt Limited, Kochi.

The development of the Ice Detection Sensor for Aircraft project aims to detect icing conditions inflight, caused by supercooled water droplets that freeze after their impact against the aircraft’s external surfaces and are utilised by the aircraft for turning on the aircraft Anti-icing mechanism. It has been awarded to Craftlogic Labs Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

The development of a Radar Signal Processor with an Active Antenna Array Simulator project will enable the deployment of multiple target systems for test and evaluation of multiple short-range aerial weapon systems.

It serves as the basic building block for larger radar systems. The project has been sanctioned to Data Pattern (India) Limited, Chennai.

Development of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-based Timing Acquisition and Dissemination System project has been sanctioned to Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru.

It aims to enable the indigenisation of timing acquisition and dissemination system, the use of Indian Constellation for acquiring time and the development of a customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements.

Development of Graphene-Based Smart and E-textiles for Multifunctional Wearable Applications The start-up, Alohatech Private Limited, Coimbatore has been sanctioned the project.

It will develop conductive yarn and fabric-making processes using graphene nanomaterials and conductive inks. The outcome will be advanced nanocomposite materials-based E-textiles utilising the inherent advantages for practical clothing applications. (ANI)

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Exercise Pitch Black: IAF’s Su-30 set to roar Australian skies

Held every two years, the exercise focuses on large-force employment missions involving large numbers of international aircraft….reports Asian Lite News

India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets will be seen in action during Exercise Pitch Black — Australia’s biggest international air combat training activity — that begins at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in Darwin and Tindal from Friday.

With approximately 140 aircraft and over 4000 personnel from 20 nations participating, this year’s iteration of Exercise Pitch Black is the largest participation in its 43-year history, the RAAF announced on Thursday.

Held every two years, the exercise focuses on large-force employment missions involving large numbers of international aircraft.

The last edition of the exercise held in 2022 saw the participation of an Indian Air Force contingent that included four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.

The IAF contingent for this edition comprises of over 150 highly skilled air warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su-30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and the IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.

“The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and building strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment,” India’s Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.

The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.

For the first time, aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei will participate in the exercise.

In addition, aircraft from France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, United States; and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand will also participate.

Aircraft will operate from the RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

“Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with like-minded nations. Training with our partner nations throughout Exercise Pitch Black demonstrates our commitment to the shared value of sustaining peace and stability across the region,” said Exercise Director Air Commodore Peter Robinson.

According to the RAAF, the exercise exposes participants to complex scenarios whilst utilising some of the most advanced aircraft and battlespace systems, in one of the biggest areas of military training airspace in the world.

“For international participants, there is a significant benefit to participating in Exercise Pitch Black 24. It provides experience in how to deploy over great distances, with some countries travelling from around the globe to reach Australia,” said the Australian Defence Ministry.

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India discusses defence manufacturing with DR Congo

The issue figured prominently at the First Secretary-level meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and the DRC held in New Delhi on July 5, 2024….reports Asian Lite News

In another demonstration of India’s growing engagement with African nations, top defence officials have held discussions with their counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the co-production and co-development of weapon systems. This is significant given that the Congolese side is looking at modernising their armed forces.
 
The issue figured prominently at the First Secretary-level meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and the DRC held in New Delhi on July 5, 2024.
 
The meeting was aimed at identifying areas for collaboration to fulfil the potential of defence cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Defence said. Detailed discussions were held to promote cooperation in training and the defence industry.

The Indian delegation used the opportunity to highlight the significant progress made by its domestic defence industry. “The DRC side shared the need for modernisation of their Armed Forces. They expressed confidence in the capability of the India defence industry and suggested areas of co-production and co-development,” the Ministry of Defence said.
 
The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and included senior officers of the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and the Armed Forces. The Congolese delegation was led by the Permanent Secretary of Defence, Ministry of Defence, DRC Major General Lukuikila Metikwiza Marcel and included senior officers from the Ministry and a representative of the Embassy of DRC in India.

While in New Delhi, the Congolese delegation also called on Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. The visit is expected to open up new avenues for defence cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Defence said.
 
The meeting came less than three months after the First Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held in New Delhi on April 10, 2024.
 
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations including strengthening of cooperation in trade and economic relations, mining, agriculture, development partnership, defence, science & technology, digital public infrastructure, green energy, culture, and people-to-people ties.

They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the UN and other multilateral fora, the MEA added.
 
India enjoys cordial and friendly relations with the DRC. India was among the first countries to establish a diplomatic mission in Kinshasa in 1962. The bilateral trade between India and DRC is growing at a healthy rate and has increased from US$ 321 million in 2018-19 to US$ 845 million in 2022-23.  (India News Network)

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‘Nomadic Elephant’: India-Mongolia joint drill begins in Meghalaya

Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is an annual training event with Mongolia which is conducted alternatively in Mongolia and India…reports Asian Lite News

The 16th edition of Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ between armies of India and Mongolia will be conducted in Meghalaya’s Umroi from July 3-16, the Indian Army stated on Tuesday.

Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) said that the exercise set to be conducted in Meghalaya aims to enhance interoperability between two armies in carrying out semi-conventional operations in semi-urban/mountainous terrain.

“Exercise #NomadicElephant The 16th edition of Joint Military Exercise #NomadicElephant between #IndianArmy & #MongolianArmy will be conducted in Umroi, #Meghalaya from 03 Jul to 16 Jul 2024. The exercise aims to enhance interoperability between both Armies in conducting semi conventional operations in semi urban/ mountainous terrain under the #UN mandate,” Additional Directorate General of Public Information, IHQ of MoD (Army) posted on X.

Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ is an annual training event with Mongolia which is conducted alternatively in Mongolia and India. The 15th edition of the Joint Military Exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ was conducted in Mongolia’s Ulaanbaatar, according to the Ministry of Defence’s earlier press release. Soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 and Indian Army soldiers from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry Regiment had participated in the exercise in 2023.

In May this year, the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia took place in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17 and reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence Amitabh Prasad and State Secretary of Ministry of Defence, Mongolia Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj.

India’s Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve also attended the meeting. During the JWG, both sides expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries.

“They reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and identified means to further enhance cooperation in these areas, articulating steps in this direction,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Moreover, both sides also exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation. Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad highlighted the potential of the capacity and capability of the Indian defence industry and looked forward to a fruitful partnership with the Armed Forces of Mongolia.

The Mongolian side exuded confidence in the capacity and capability of the Indian industry. Both sides also acknowledged the growing ties between the two countries. (ANI)

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Gen. Dwivedi takes charge as Indian Army Chief

General Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) from General Manoj Pande, who superannuated on June 30…reports Asian Lite News

An ace infantry officer with vast experience in operations, General Upendra Dwivedi, took over the command of the Indian Army on Sunday.

The 30th Chief of the Indian Army belongs to the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and was Vice Chief of Army Staff from February this year.

He hails from Madhya Pradesh and has studied in Sainik School Rewa (MP). He joined the prestigious National Defence Academy in January 1981 and was commissioned into the 18th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles on December 15, 1984, which he later commanded in the Kashmir valley and the deserts of Rajasthan.

From his school days, he was an outstanding sportsman and excelled in both NDA and IMA, where he was awarded the Blue in Physical Training. He continued to excel post commissioning and was awarded the gold medal in the Physical Training Course. General officer has a unique distinction of balanced exposure along Northern, Western and Eastern Theatres, in varied terrain and operational environment including Deserts, High Altitude, Riverine, Built Up area, North East and Jammu and Kashmir.

He commanded his battalion in active counter-terrorism operations in the Kashmir Valley and in the Rajasthan Desert. He has been Inspector General Assam Rifles as Major General and Sector commander as Brigadieri. Assam Rifles participated in intense counterterrorism operations and held various other staff command appointments in the North East, where he pioneered the first ever compendium on Indo-Myanmar border management.

Subsequently, he commanded the Rising Star Corps along the Western Front and the prestigious Northern Army from 2022-2024 in an extremely challenging operational environment. During his command, he provided strategic guidance & Operational oversight for planning and execution of sustained operations along the Northern & Western borders, besides orchestrating the dynamic counter terrorism operations in J-K.

He was also involved in modernising and equipping of the largest Command of the Indian Army, where he steered the induction of Indigenous equipment as part of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He synergized with the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for convergent nation-building outcomes and infrastructure development.

He has varied staff exposures, which include handling conventional operations of the Armed Brigade in the Punjab Plains, providing logistical support to a Mountain Division in the North East along the Northern Borders and operating a Strike Corps in deserts. At IHQ HQ (Army), he contributed significantly to the Military Secretary’s branch and was instrumental in raising a section in the Military Operations Directorate.

Later, as the DG Infantry, he steered and fast-tracked capital procurement cases of weapons for all three services, leading to significant and visible capability enhancement for our Armed Forces. As Deputy Chief, he gave impetus to automation and the absorption of niche technology in the Indian Army. Being a tech enthusiast, he worked towards enhancing the tech threshold of all ranks in Northern Command and pushed for critical & emerging technologies like big data analytics, AI, Quantum and blockchain-based solutions.

The officer’s two overseas tenures include Somalia, as part of HQ UNOSOM II and Seychelles, as Military Advisor to the Government of Seychelles. Besides, attending the Staff College, Wellington & Higher Command Course at AWC, Mhow, the officer was conferred ‘Distinguished Fellow’ in the coveted NDC equivalent course at USAWC, Carlisle, USA. Complementing his illustrious military career, are an M.Phil. in Defence & Management Studies, in addition to two Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies and Military Science, including one from USAWC, USA. He has authored / presented articles in various professional forums/journals.

He is married to Sunita Dwivedi, a science graduate, who is a homemaker. Sunita Dwivedi has been associated with Aarushi, an institute for special ability children in Bhopal. The couple are blessed with two daughters who are working with NGOs. (ANI)

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Navy chief begins 5-day visit to Bangladesh

He is also scheduled to address participants at the National Defence College, Dhaka and visit a few key defence facilities…reports Asian Lite News

Indian Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi began his four-day official visit to Bangladesh on Sunday as both countries continue to explore new avenues for cooperation and further strengthen the strong bonds of friendship between the two navies.

Admiral Tripathi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his counterpart Admiral M Nazmul Hassan in Dhaka and also review the Passing Out Parade scheduled at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA) at Chittagong on July 4.

According to the Ministry of Defence, during his visit, the Indan Navy chief would also hold bilateral discussions with Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Lt. General Mizanur Rahman Shameem (Principal Staff Officer, Armed Forces Division) and senior leadership of the Bangladesh government.

He is also scheduled to address participants at the National Defence College, Dhaka and visit a few key defence facilities.

“Naval cooperation between India and Bangladesh has been traditionally strong, encompassing a wide span which includes operational interactions through port calls, bilateral naval exercises, along with capacity building, capability enhancement and training initiatives,” stated the Defence Ministry.

On Saturday, Indian Navy Destroyer INS Ranvir arrived in Chattogram for a week-long visit that coincides with the visit of Admiral Tripathi. The Guided Missile Destroyer forms part of the front-line combatant fleet of the Indian Navy on the Eastern Seaboard.

Last week, India and Bangladesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further consolidate cooperation between the two countries in the field of military education.

The MoU was signed between the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) Wellington and the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Dhaka’s Mirpur during the state visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India.

Both colleges impart training to officers of tri-services, preparing them for higher staff and command responsibilities.

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