Air Marshal P.V. Shivanand, AVSM, VM, assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the South Western Air Command (SWAC) today, marking a new chapter in the operational leadership of one of the Indian Air Force’s key commands. On assuming command, the Air Marshal paid homage to the nation’s fallen heroes at the South Western Air Command War Memorial, reaffirming the Indian Air Force’s enduring commitment to honouring the sacrifices of its personnel. Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force in December 1988, Air Marshal Shivanand is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Tactics…
Author: Digital Desk
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) formally decommissioned Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) H-186 at a ceremonial event held at 88 ACV Squadron, Coast Guard Headquarters No. 8, Haldia, marking the end of over two decades of dedicated operational service. The ceremony was presided over by Inspector General Iqbal Singh Chauhan, PTM, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East), in the presence of senior Indian Coast Guard officers, civil dignitaries, and representatives from the maritime community. Commissioned on 21 March 2002, Hovercraft H-186 played a vital role in strengthening India’s coastal security architecture through its exceptional amphibious capabilities and operational versatility. Over…
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called upon regional industries to play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat, urging them to transform regional strengths into national capabilities, local innovation into global competitiveness, and industrial growth into strategic strength. Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Vadodara, the Defence Minister emphasised that a developed India is not solely an economic aspiration but a vision of building a technologically advanced, economically resilient, and socially empowered nation. He underlined that in an evolving geopolitical environment, India’s self-reliance, technological capability, and national resolve will determine its standing on the global stage. Highlighting…
Steering a critical initiative for border governance, Assam Rifles in close coordination with the Civil Administration, Police and Medical Department of Kamjong District launched a joint identification, verification and biometric registration drive for displaced Myanmar nationals today. The extensive documentation exercise was carried out across Phaikoh, Shangkhalok and Aloyo villages in Kamjong District, where displaced Myanmar nationals fleeing ongoing regional instability have been taking temporary shelter. Operating under the explicit directives of the District Administration, a joint team consisting of forty civil officials and security personnel meticulously verified identities, enrolled biometric data and documented demographic profiles. This exercise successfully covered…
In a significant demonstration of its commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of India’s border communities, the Indian Army’s Spearhead Division of Spear Corps facilitated the pilgrimage of residents from Gelling—the First Village of India—along with devotees from Norbuling and Tuting to the sacred Chorten at Kepang La Pass under the Ministry of Defence’s flagship initiative, Rann Bhoomi Darshan. The visit coincided with the observance of the Universal Smoke Prayer Day, a century-old Buddhist tradition during which devotees offer ceremonial incense and smoke, praying for peace, prosperity, protection, and harmony for all living beings. The Indian Army ensured comprehensive logistical…
General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, demitted office as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) on Tuesday upon attaining superannuation, bringing to a close a distinguished military career spanning more than four decades in the service of the nation. His tenure as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff was marked by a strong emphasis on operational preparedness, organisational transformation, technological modernisation and enhanced jointness among the Armed Forces. Under his leadership, the Indian Army pursued comprehensive reforms aimed at building a future-ready, technology-driven and agile force capable of addressing emerging security challenges. General Dwivedi maintained a high state of…
Lieutenant General Gambhir Singh has assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff (COS), Headquarters Eastern Command, succeeding Lieutenant General Mohit Malhotra, who has been approved to take over as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command. On handing over the appointment, Lt Gen Mohit Malhotra expressed confidence in the leadership of his successor and exhorted all ranks to remain steadfast in their commitment towards enhancing operational effectiveness, organisational excellence and combat readiness. He also urged personnel to uphold the rich traditions, core values and professional ethos of the Indian Army while continuing to meet emerging security challenges with dedication and…
General Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, today assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, who retired upon superannuation after more than four decades of distinguished service to the nation. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, General Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, he has built an extensive operational, strategic and institutional profile, making significant contributions to the Indian Army’s combat capability, force modernisation and long-term transformation. General Seth has held command appointments at every level across…
President Droupadi Murmu conferred 105 Distinguished Service Decorations on personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and the Indian Coast Guard during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (Phase-II) held at Rashtrapati Bhawan yesterday. The awards included seven Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 12 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals, and 56 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals. These honours were awarded in recognition of distinguished service of the highest order. The ceremony highlighted the exceptional contributions of defence personnel in ensuring national security and operational excellence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Victoria, Mahe, on the sidelines of Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. This was the fourth meeting between the two leaders since Dr. Ramgoolam assumed office in November 2024. During the meeting, both leaders reviewed ongoing cooperation between India and Mauritius and assessed progress in the implementation of the Special Economic Package extended by India. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to Mauritius’ development, noting that ongoing bilateral projects are focused on healthcare, connectivity, sustainable development, and the blue economy. The two leaders also reaffirmed the importance of…