For the rescue operation in Palakkad, two Army teams have been moved on requisition from the state government….reports Asian Lite News
Indian Army teams have undertaken a rescue operation to extricate a person stuck in a steep gorge in Kerala’s Malampuzha mountains.
Teams have been mobilised overnight and rescue operations are under progress, the Indian Army said.
For the rescue operation in Palakkad, two Army teams have been moved on requisition from the state government.
“One team of 12 personnel from Madras Regiment Centre, Wellington, consisting of mountain qualified personnel with specialist equipment reached by road at the location at early hours on Wednesday,” Army sources said.
The second team of 22 personnel from Parachute Regiment centre, Bangalore also moved by aircraft to Sulur and reached the spot by 4:00 am.
The boy named Babu from Malampuzha trapped in the pocket of a steep hill since Monday. Communication has been established with the boy and he is safe, the Army said.
Meanwhile, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan also spoke about the incident and said the efforts are in full swing to rescue the youth.
Taking to Twitter, Vijayan wrote, “Efforts are in full swing to rescue the youth trapped in Malampuzha Cherat hill. There are currently two units of the Indian Army at the scene. Army members were able to talk to him. The rescue operation will be intensified today. Air Force helicopter is ready to be deployed.” (ANI)
The new uniform is of digital pattern like the troops of the US Army. “The camouflage of the changed uniform is better than its previous one,” said a senior Indian Army officer….reports Asian Lite News
Indian Army unveiled its new combat uniform at the parade on the occasion of Army Day on Saturday.
The new combat uniform for army personnel is aimed to provide more comfort and sustainability.
In a first, the Army Day parade witnessed the new uniform and weapons of a different era. The troops will also march donning the same uniform during the Republic Day parade this year.
The new uniform is of digital pattern like the troops of the US Army. “The camouflage of the changed uniform is better than its previous one,” said a senior Indian Army officer.
Indian Army unveils its new Combat Uniform.
This newly designed military uniform by the National Institute Of Fashion Technology makes its debut at the #ArmyDay Parade in Delhi. It is made for:
The Army has always objected over other paramilitary forces wearing combat dresses of similar pattern. “Many times we had flagged it,” said the officer.
Interestingly, the new combat uniform does not have a tuck-in dress and there will be a T-shirt inside. The pattern is a digital disruptive one and more like a pixelated design.
The officer said that it has been designed keeping comfort levels in mind.
The new combat uniform has been designed in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). An eight-member team comprising students and professors worked on the design of the new uniform.
The NIFT team went through four different fabrics, eight different designs, and almost 15 patterns before locking it all down.
The new uniform has a mix of colours, which include olive green and earthen shades, keeping in mind the different terrains and areas of deployment of troops as well as the extreme weather conditions
The new combat uniform has eliminated the need to have different uniforms for different terrains – earlier there were uniforms for jungle warfare, desert warfare etc.
There were reports that the new pattern is based on the LTTE uniform. The Indian Army has dismissed this comparison, stating that the uniform is “distinctively different” from the LTTE uniform.
Exercise Dakshin Shakti was conducted by the Southern Command of Indian Army with an aim to ensure integrated application of forces in multi-domain operations and uphold the nation’s military aims over the entire spectrum of conflict, reports Asian Lite News
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Manoj Mukund Naravane, on Friday concluded his two-day visit to an exercise location in Jaisalmer.
During his visit, the Army chief reviewed Exercise Dakshin Shakti, which was conducted by the Southern Command of Indian Army with an aim to ensure integrated application of forces in multi-domain operations and uphold the nation’s military aims over the entire spectrum of conflict.
During the past one week, units and formations of the Indian Army practiced tactical and operational manoeuvres involving its infantry, mechanised formations and airborne troops in a fluid battlefield environment, operationalising future technologies.
Glimpse of Exercise Dakshin Shakti
This was effected by exploiting versatile and indigenous airborne platforms such as Advanced Light Helicopter (Weapon System Integrated), Swarm Drones and enmeshing Artificial Intelligence to provide a cohesive operational and intelligence picture amalgamated within the Intelligence, Surveillance and Recce (ISR) architecture.
A formidable display of the same, including Special Heliborne Operations, Swarm Drones and ALH Manoeuvres and coordinated action by ground troops were also practiced.
The Army chief commended the Southern Command for fielding and exploiting the capabilities of indigenous equipment inducted as part of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Army chief visits Jaisalmer, reviews Dakshin Shakti exercise
He also emphasised the need to constantly evolve tactics, techniques and procedures to fight ‘future wars’, as well as capability enhancement in manned and unmanned systems.
The COAS complimented all the participants for the high state of readiness and operational preparedness and exhorted them to continue their vigil for the security of the nation.
Army chief visits Jaisalmer, reviews Dakshin Shakti exercise
Glimpses of Exercise Dakshin Shakti
Army chief visits Jaisalmer, reviews Dakshin Shakti exercise
On the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation, reports Asian Lite News
Continuing his annual tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday arrived in Nowshera, Jammu to celebrate Diwali with soldiers. Last year, PM Modi while celebrating Diwali with soldiers at Longewala in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan had said that as long as the Indian soldiers are present, this country’s Diwali celebrations would continue in full swing and be luminescent.
The Prime Minister lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.
The Prime Minister further said that it is because of the soldiers that people can sleep peacefully.
“Our soldiers are the ‘suraksha kawach’ of ‘Maa Bharti’. It is because of you all that people of our country can sleep peacefully and there is happiness during festivals,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have spent each Diwali with soldiers guarding our borders. Today, I have brought along with me the blessings of crores of Indians for our soldiers here,” he said.
The Prime Minister continued his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers. Notably, PM Modi has been visiting soldiers on Diwali, ever since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Lauded soldiers for carrying out surgical strike
Prime Minister Modi on Thursday praised the soldiers for carrying out the surgical strike across the border and said that it fills everyone with pride.
He also said that the country has been giving a befitting reply to those attempting to disturb the peace in the region.
(Photo: ANI)
“It fills every Indian with pride on the role this brigade played during the surgical strike,” the Prime Minister said while addressing soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also said, “The role played by this brigade during the surgical strike fills everyone with pride. I will remember that day forever as it was decided that all soldiers should return before sunset… I was sitting beside the phone and was asking about the whereabouts of every soldier,”
“There were many attempts to disturb the peace here but each time a befitting reply has been given,” the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister during his address also lauded the soldiers for serving on Indian borders and pointed out that security personnel were the “suraksha kawach” (armour) of the nation.
The Prime Minister further said that it is because of the soldiers that people can sleep peacefully.
“Today I have in front of me brave brothers and sisters who have the good fortune of serving our motherland. I can see the dedication to protect our land in your eyes. It is because of you, we are able to celebrate our festivals with peace,” said the PM.
‘Self-reliance in defence sector’
Reiterating his vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, PM Modi said that the commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the only way to change old methods of procuring defence equipment.
(Photo: ANI)
While addressing soldiers at Nowshera in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said, “Earlier, it used to take years together to procure defence equipment for the security forces. The commitment to self-reliance in the defence sector is the only way to change old methods.”
The Prime Minister also that this will make the defence sector stronger. PM Modi further said that the connectivity of the border has significantly improved our security deployment capability.
“Connectivity in border areas has improved- be it from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, Jaisalmer to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This has helped us enhance our deployment capability,” the Prime Minster said. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Visits in recent years
In 2019, the Prime Minister had celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the Rajouri district along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
He had called soldiers as his family and lauded them for guarding the borders even during festivals. He had exchanged Diwali greetings with the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Pathankot Air Force Station.
In 2018, Prime Minister Modi had celebrated Diwali with jawans of the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), at Harsil in Uttarakhand. Following that he had offered prayers at the Kedarnath shrine.
(Photo: ANI)
In 2017, the Prime Minister celebrated the festival of light with army soldiers and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in the Gurez Valley of Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora District.
In 2016, the PM went to Himachal Pradesh to celebrate the festival with Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel at an outpost.
He visited the Punjab border to celebrate Diwali with soldiers in 2015. In 2014, Prime Minister Modi spent Diwali in Siachen with soldiers. (ANI)
Indian Army had commenced commissioning women officers in 1992; it had now moved to inducting women officers in most of the branches of the Army, said Singh…reports Asian Lite News
With women now being accepted for permanent commission in the Indian Army, they would be commanding army units and battalions in the near future, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said.
Indian Army had commenced commissioning women officers in 1992; it had now moved to inducting women officers in most of the branches of the Army, Singh said on Thursday.
“A number of women have reached the rank of Lieutenant General and equivalent within the Indian Armed Forces, leading their men and women under the most challenging conditions,” the Defence Minister noted.
He was delivering the inaugural address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) webinar on ‘Role of Women in Armed Forces.
The webinar was hosted by the Hq, Integrated Defence Staff of the Ministry of Defence.
The induction of women in Military Police had commenced last year, marking a major milestone wherein women are inducted in the rank and file of Army, Singh said.
“I am happy to share with you that from next year, women shall be able to join our premier tri-service pre-commissioning training institute, the National Defence Academy,” he pointed out.
Singh said that Government’s approach to the induction of women in the armed forces had been progressive.
“We have taken the evolutionary path of moving from support to combat support and thereafter to combat arms within the armed forces,” he added.
Women were being inducted in both support and combat roles, the Defence Minister said.
* In the Indian Navy, they pilot Maritime Reconnaissance aircrafts and since last year they were appointed onboard warships.
* The Indian Coast Guard had been employing women officers in combat roles which includes pilots, observers and aviation support services.
* In the Indian Air Force, women fly helicopters, fighter jets and constitute a significant percent of the officer cadre. In UN peacekeeping missions too, women from the Indian Armed Forces participate regularly
‘Changing character of war bringing threats’
Underlining that the concept of security was undergoing a paradigm shift, Singh said the changing character of war was bringing threats from our borders to within our society.
“Terrorism is just the most obvious and diabolical manifestation of this reality. It has been employed as a weapon of choice by non-state actors and irresponsible states alike for the furtherance of their political objectives,” he noted.
Pointing out that the SCO had unequivocally rejected terrorism in all its manifestations and forms, he added and stressed that “this fight cannot be won by half the population…Women too will remain equal contributors in this fight, both within the armed forces and beyond them.”
“Women have and will remain equal contributors in this fight, both within the armed forces and beyond them,” Defence Minister Singh said.
“We have deep trust and a very positive experience in harnessing women’s power in national development. We seek every means to optimize the unrealized potential of half of our human resources,” Singh said.
India was amongst the few countries that took an early initiative when it came to the participation of women in the armed forces, the Defence Minister said.
“Women have been serving with pride in Indian Military Nursing Service for over 100 years now,” he pointed out.
Addressing the seminar, Singh said the event came at a time when a large number of women had successfully broken the glass ceiling in a variety of professional spheres.
The SCO had unequivocally rejected terrorism in all its manifestations and forms, he added.
Noting that India remained deeply committed to the SCO and its charter, he said, “We have had long-standing and natural linkages through the course of history with all countries of this unique grouping”.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat delivered the welcome address. The SCO Deputy Secretary-General Muratbek Azymbakiev also addressed Webinar via video link.
The first session on ‘Historical Perspective of Women’s Roles in Combat Operations’ was chaired by Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Medical) Lt General Madhuri Kanitkar.
The second session on ‘Emerging Trends in Wars and Likely Roles of Women Warriors’ was chaired by Former Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao Menon.
Members from Pakistan, Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan shared their views on the subject.
Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane said the Chinese army deployed their forces in considerable numbers across Eastern Ladakh and up to eastern command, reports Ajit Dubey
Expressing hope that the pending issues between India and China along the Line of Actual Control would be resolved soon, Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane said the increase in the deployment by Chinese troops across the border was a matter of concern.
Indian Army Chief M.M. Naravane (Photo: Bidesh Manna/IANS)
He said India had made matching deployments in terms of troops and infrastructure in its areas along the LAC and there was no way anyone would be able to behave in an aggressive manner again.
Speaking to ANI, Gen Naravane, who is in Ladakh for his two-day visit, said, “The situation at friction points has been normal for the past six months. The talks have been going on. We had the 12th round of talks last month, and also hopeful of having the 13th round of talks, maybe by the second week of October.”
He added, “When the talks had started, people were doubtful whether talks would resolve anything, but I am of the firm opinion that we can resolve our differences with dialogue and that is what has happened in the past few months.”
The army chief said, “The Chinese have deployed (their forces) in considerable numbers across Eastern Ladakh and up to eastern command. There has been an increase in the deployment and it is a matter of concern for us. We are also carrying out matching developments in terms of infrastructure and deployment of troops. We are quite poised in order to meet any eventuality.” (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had handed over an MBT Arjun Mk-1A to Army Chief General M.M. Naravane in Chennai on February 14, 2021….reports Asian Lite News
The Defence Ministry placed an order to procure 118 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) Arjun Mk-1A with the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Chennai for the Indian Army on Thursday.
The order, worth Rs 7,523 crore, will provide further boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector and is a big step towards achieving the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) goal, the ministry said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had handed over an MBT Arjun Mk-1A to Army Chief General M.M. Naravane in Chennai on February 14, 2021.
The state-of-the-art MBT Mk-1A is a new variant of Arjun tank designed to enhance fire power, mobility and survivability. Infused with 72 new features and more indigenous content from the Mk-1 variant, the tank would ensure effortless mobility in all terrains, besides precise target engagement during day and night.
It has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) by incorporating numerous upgrades on Arjun MBT, the in-service main battle tank with the Indian Army.
The MK-1A is equipped with accurate and superior firepower, all-terrain mobility and an invincible multi-layered protection provided by an array of advanced technology systems. It can take on the enemy in both day and night conditions as well as in static and dynamic modes.
By virtue of these capabilities, this indigenous MBT proves to be at par with any contemporary in its class across the globe.
This tank is particularly configured and designed for Indian conditions and hence it is suitable for deployment to protect the frontiers in an effective manner.
This production order to HVF opens up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 200 Indian vendors, including MSMEs, with employment opportunities for around 8,000 people.
This will be a flagship project showcasing the indigenous capability in cutting edge defence technologies. The MBT Arjun Mk-1A has been designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), along with other laboratories of DRDO within two years (2010-12).
The development activities commenced from June 2010 and the tank was fielded for user trial in June 2012.
Extensive trial evaluation was conducted in various phases covering 7000+ km — both in DRDO and user trials — of automotive and substantial firing of various ammunition during 2012-2015.
The Indian Army will be conducting air reconnaissance and protecting facilities during the joint drills with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Pakistan Army, reports Asian Lite News
As India makes efforts to thwart threats at its borders from China and Pakistan, troops from the three countries are set to take part in a mega anti-terror drill of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Russia aimed at expanding cooperation to deal with the growing menace of terrorism and extremism.
As part of the SCO initiative, the Peace Mission Exercise is conducted for member states.
Peace Mission-2021 is an anti-terrorist command and staff exercise of member countries. More than 3,000 soldiers are expected to participate in the drill.
The Indian Army will be conducting air reconnaissance and protecting facilities during the joint drills with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and the Pakistan Army.
The joint exercise will be conducted by the Central Military Commission of Russia from September 11 to September 25 at the Donguzsky training ground in the Orenburg region in Urals.
The drill will involve tactical-level operations in an international counter-insurgency or counter-terrorism environment under the SCO Charter. The joint exercise will strengthen mutual confidence, interoperability and enable sharing of best practices among the armed forces of the SCO nations.
India became a full member of the SCO in June 2017. The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001, with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as its founding members.
India, Pakistan armies share sweets at LoC on Eid
Sources said the Indian contingent will have 200 personnel, primarily comprising troops from the infantry, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
Last year, India had withdrawn from a multilateral war game as its troops were engaged in a bitter standoff with the Chinese PLA in several areas along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh, while Pakistan was in continuous violation of the ceasefire agreement.
At first, India had agreed but later it withdrew from the multi-lateral exercise last year. No reason was cited officially as to why India had reversed its decision.
The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline…reports Asian Lite News.
The Indian Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have established a hotline in the North Sikkim region on Sunday to avoid any kind of skirmishes along the Line of Actual Control.
The Indian Army in a statement said that a hotline was established between Indian Army in Kongra La, North Sikkim and PLA at Khamba Dzong in Tibetan Autonomous Region to further the spirit of trust and cordial relations along the borders.
“The event coincided with the PLA Day on August 1, 2021,” the Indian Army stated.
The force stated that the Armed forces of the two countries have well established mechanisms for communication at ground commanders level. These hotlines in various sectors go a long way in enhancing the same and maintaining peace and tranquillity at the borders.
The inauguration was attended by ground commanders of the respective armies and a message of friendship and harmony was exchanged through the Hotline.
Earlier this year on January 20, Indian and Chinese troops physically clashed in the high-altitude area of Naku La in north Sikkim with several soldiers being injured on both sides after Indian troops repelled an attempt by the Chinese troops to enter Indian territory.
The PLA has been showing assertiveness all along the Line of Actual Control even as Indian Army remains in a state of high alertness to respond to aggressive actions. The minor face-off was resolved by local commanders as per established protocols.
Last year on May 9, both the countries troops had also clashed at Naku La, which had left several soldiers on both sides injured.
It happened just after the violent clashes on the north bank of in eastern Ladakh on May 5-6 when PLA was making multiple attempt of incursions into the Indian territory.
India, China military-level talks end on positive trajectory.
Later, a deadly physical clash at Galwan on June 15, 2020 night claimed 20 Indian lives and four Chinese soldiers.
For India, the Sikkim border, including the tri-junction, is extremely critical and sensitive. It is because if a Chinese breakthrough happens here, they can reach, and block, the Siliguri corridor — a narrow, 27-km wide strip of Indian territory that connects India’s entire northeastern region with the rest of the country.
The Chinese control over the Siliguri corridor could cut off the entire northeast. To prevent this, India guards Sikkim heavily with two mountain divisions.
The Indian army has safeguarded the Sikkim border, even through a major firefight in the nearby Nathu La in 1967.
As many as 614 inspired young recruits from the Indian Army’s Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) Battalion on Friday graduated as soldiers in a passing out-cum-attestation parade held in Srinagar.
Recruit course serial number 124, on having completed one year of strenuous training was attested on June 25, 2021 at a glittering parade at the Bana Singh Parade Ground of JAK LI Regimental Centre.
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
The attestation parade, depicting graduation of a Recruit and his transformation into a Young Soldier, was reviewed by Lieutenant General DP Pandey, AVSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding 15 Corps. The dauntless young soldiers of the regiment, hailing from all regions and religions of the union territory, marching in precise unison with a singular aim of devoting their lives in service of their nation, singing their Regimental song ‘Balidanam Veer Lakshanam’, inspired one and all as their voice echoed in the Kashmir Valley.
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
“It was a beautiful drill. On the occasion, I would like to congratulate young soldiers, officers of JAK LI regimental centre for training so well amid the COVID-19 restrictions. My heartiest congratulations to the JAKLI regimental centre,” said the Lt Gen while speaking to ANI.
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
He also praised their contribution towards encouraging more and more youth from Jammu and Kashmir to come forward to join the security forces and also highlighted the vital role played by their parents in motivating their wards to join this noble profession in service of the nation. The young soldiers who excelled themselves in varied facets of training were also felicitated by the Reviewing Officer.
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Meanwhile, the newly recruited soldiers expressed their happiness over joining the Army.
A young soldier said, “I am very happy that I have passed a year’s tough training and become a soldier. The whole staff has worked hard to make us disciplined and good soldier. Discipline is a big part of the Army which you will not get to see anywhere else.”
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
The passing out-cum-attestation parade was held after 11 months of training. During the parade, the salute to the tri-colour with National Anthem playing inspired patriotic fervour amongst all soldiers present at the event.
Arun Pal Singh, a new recruit said, “After almost 11 months of our training, our passing out parade was held today. I am very proud and so is my family. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, they could not be here.”
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
“I am feeling really good that I am now a part of the Army. Before joining even we were unaware of what we are stepping into, however, we learnt a lot from books, movies and soldiers of our nation subsequently realizing that it is a good way of living,” said Sahil Kumar Sharma, another new recruit. (ANI)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
Newly Army recruits take part in the passing out parade in an Army JKLI Headquarters in Srinagar (Pictures by Umar Ganie/Asian Lite)
