India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant is on its maiden overseas deployment to Sri Lanka.

The carrier has onboard fighter jets, the MiG 29K and helicopters. The INS Vikrant, along with indigenous stealth frigate INS Udaygiri, is representing the Indian Navy at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025 being hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy in Colombo from November 27 to 29.

At 47,000 tonnes, the INS Vikrant is the biggest warship to be made in India. It was commissioned in September 2022.

The IFR is part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75^th anniversary celebrations and features participation from naval ships, delegations and observers from several countries.

The carrier and both the ships and underscore India’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation. The maiden participation of INS Vikrant for an International Fleet Review highlights India’s continued engagement with partner navies in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and reflects India’s emphasis on promoting peace, stability and security through collaboration and interoperability.

During their stay in Colombo, the ships will participate in key IFR events including the ceremonial fleet review, city parade, community outreach activities, and professional naval interactions.

As part of public outreach initiatives, the ships were opened to visitors during IFR 2025. A number of school children and Sri Lankan authorities were shown the carrier.

Security forces recover two hand grenades, a detonator, and explosive-like material

Security forces on Friday busted a hideout linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit in Pulwama district, and arrested a terrorist associate involved in supporting terrorists, police said.

In a major success against the terror network, Police in Awantipora, along with security forces, busted the hideout and arrested a terrorist associate, a police spokesman said.

The arrested terrorist associate has been actively involved in providing logistic support and facilitating transportation of arms and ammunition to JeM terrorists operating in the Tral and Awantipora areas, he said.

He further informed that, acting on a credible input regarding the presence of terrorists in the Naner Midoora area of the south Kashmir district, security forces launched a cordon and search operation there.

During the search, a terrorist associate identified as Nazir Ahmed Ganai, a resident of Ganai Mohalla Nanar, affiliated with JeM, was arrested, the spokesman said.

During sustained questioning, and on his disclosure, a terrorist hideout located in the orchards belonging to the accused was uncovered and subsequently busted, he said.

From the hideout, security forces recovered two hand grenades, a detonator, and explosive-like material, all of which were seized for further analysis. The hideout was destroyed on the spot, the spokesman added.

A case has been registered, and further investigation has been initiated, he added.

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025, organised by the Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, brought together military leaders, global strategic experts, diplomats, industry leaders and young scholars to examine India’s security challenges and technological frontiers in an increasingly contested global landscape

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India believes in peace and dialogue, but when it comes to the nation’s sovereignty and the security of its people, “we do not compromise”.

“Our armed forces are a driving force that enables India to address neighbourhood challenges while contributing to regional stability,” the minister said while speaking at the two-day Chanakya Defence Dialogue, which concluded today.

India, he said, has emerged as a voice of balance and responsibility in the current global environment. “India’s economic growth, technological capabilities and principled foreign policy have made it a voice of balance and responsibility in the changing global scenario, with countries across the Indo-Pacific and the Global South viewing us as a reliable partner,” he added.

Reforms, Singh said, have become a strategic necessity rather than a choice. “We are strengthening border and maritime infrastructure to support security and connectivity,” he added.

The armed forces were being equipped with new platforms, technologies and structures, he noted. Procurement processes were being revamped to ensure speed, transparency and accountability.

“We are investing in startups, deep-tech capabilities and R&D that will shape the battlefields of the future,” he said.

The Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025, organised by the Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, brought together military leaders, global strategic experts, diplomats, industry leaders and young scholars to examine India’s security challenges and technological frontiers in an increasingly contested global landscape. The two-day event aimed to create a comprehensive platform for strategic deliberation on India’s future security architecture.

Major Simratpal “Simmer” Singh, deputy commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers – Japan Engineer District (JED), was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony November 26 at District headquarters on Camp Zama.

Col Patrick Biggs, JED commander, presided over the event and administered a reaffirmation of the oath of office, reports army.mil.

Singh’s parents, Sukhbir Singh and Jasvir Kaur, pinned on their son’s new rank in front of family, friends and colleagues.

Singh reflected on his journey during remarks at the ceremony, crediting mentors, friends and Army leaders for their support throughout his career. “The Army and this Nation have given this village kid from Punjab far more than he deserves, and my hope is to be able to give even a tenth of it back,” he said.

“Good leaders throughout my career have lifted me up and helped remove barriers. This is what I hope to emulate.”

As deputy commander, Singh helps oversee a diverse portfolio of engineering missions that support the U.S.–Japan Alliance and contribute to regional stability across the Indo-Pacific. His promotion represents a significant endorsement of his leadership and ability to manage complex operations on behalf of the United States.

Over the course of more than 15 years in uniform, Singh has built a career as a combat engineer and leader in key command and staff roles. He began his service with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, where he served as an assistant brigade engineer and platoon leader. He deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, leading more than 180 combat patrols to clear routes, strengthen base defenses, and support the establishment of the first medical facility in Shah Wali Kot Province.

After returning from deployment, Singh served as brigade finance officer, preparing annual budget estimates and helping allocate $15 million for a National Training Center rotation while overseeing financial support to more than 20 enabling units.

Following the Engineer Captain’s Career Course, he joined the 249th Engineer Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. There, he helped plan and execute 23 critical national-defence power-generation missions supporting strategic facilities worldwide. He also contributed to real-world hurricane response efforts—including during Hurricanes Matthew, Harvey and Maria—and coordinated major disaster-response exercises with FEMA, USACE Headquarters and multiple state emergency agencies.

Singh later commanded the battalion’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, managing the Army’s only industrial-scale generators deployed globally. He subsequently served as an instructor and assistant professor of economics and finance at the US Military Academy at West Point, teaching future Army officers and contributing to academic research.

A native of Kent, Washington, Singh is a 2010 graduate of the US Military Academy with a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering. He also holds a Master of Science in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Operational Studies from the US Army Command and General Staff College.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO Service Medal, German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge and Ranger Tab.

Projects announced in memory of martyrs in Himachal Pradesh have seen slow progress. Despite being one of the states with the highest representation in the armed forces, Himachal continues to lose soldiers in militancy operations in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and the North East. During Operations Parakram, Rakshak and Vijay, the state lost 85, 54 and 174 personnel respectively.

Six years after Sepoy Tilak Raj of Dhewa village in Jawali subdivision, Kangra district, was martyred in the Pulwama attack, several commitments made to his family remain pending. The government had announced the construction of a memorial gate, naming the road to his home and improving access to the cremation ground, along with renaming the village school. While his widow, Savitri Devi, received a government job and the school was renamed, the remaining assurances have not been fulfilled. The family eventually installed a statue of the martyr using their own resources.

A similar situation exists in the case of Kargil martyr Havildar Surinder Kumar of Dann village in Nurpur. His widow, Veena Devi, says that apart from renaming the local ITI in Jawali after him, other assurances made during his cremation on July 20, 1999, including an LPG agency and a memorial gate, were never realised. “When my husband laid down his life, my sons were just 11 and 8. We were promised support, but many commitments remain unaddressed,” she said.

In earlier years, under former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, the government often reached out to bereaved families with financial assistance and jobs for widows. This practice, families say, has gradually declined and even the presence of elected representatives at funerals has become less frequent.

As the nation observes Kargil Vijay Diwas with pride, many martyr families in Himachal continue to wait for the honours and support they were promised, feeling that much of it remains limited to paperwork.

1971 INDO PAK WAR (THE LIBERATION WAR)BATTLE OF HILLI BOGRA: 23 NOV – 18 DEC1971, A HARD NUT TO CRACK by Maj Gen Harvijay Singh

Kangra bids tearful farewell to Wing Commander Namansh Syal

Dedicated fighter pilot, served nation with unwavering commitment: IAF pays tribute to Wg Cdr Namansh Syal

Afsaan, wife of Wing Commander Namansh Syal

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Wing Commander Namansh Syal’s mortal remains to reach Kangra this afternoon

To defend East Pakistan, Lt Gen A A K Niazi, C-in-C East Pakistan, occupied important communication centres in strength. Theatre fortresses were created at towns of Jessore, Jhendia, Bogra, Rangpur, Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Bhairab Bazar, Comilla and Chittagong. Initially the Indian Army hammered head on into the fortresses but soon changed its strategy, and, despite its very small numerical superiority of 1.5 : 1 for the Attack Ops of War manoeuvred past the Pak defences. Numerous tactical battles were fought in the riverine terrain of Bangladesh. The toughest was perhaps the battle of Hilli in the Northwestern Sector from 23 Nov to 11 Dec although the final (formal) surrender took place on 18 Dec.

It involved great personal valour from the warring sides. • Maj J B S Yadava and Maj Abjeet Mamik, company commanders 5/11 Gorkha Rifles awarded Vir Chakra. • Maj Quazi Nuruzzaman awarded with Bir Uttom, 2nd highest award for individual gallantry in Bangladesh. • Maj Muhammad Akram Shaheed of Pakistan won Nishan-e-Haider, highest military honour of the country. • Brigadier Tajammal Hussain Malik commander of Hilli fought resolutely. Once Hilli was bypassed he withdrew to Bogra and even after the formal surrender on 16 Dec, refused to surrender till finally captured by Mukti Bahini and seriously injured. Malik on return to Pakistan was the only Brigadier from East Pakistan promoted to Maj Gen. In 1980 he was arrested by Gen Zia Ul Haq and court martialled on a charge of trying to overthrow Gen Zia. Terrain in the NW Sector was dry and suitable for armour. It was linked by rail and road to the Jessore-Jhenida in the South.

The only major river within the sector was the Tista, which flowed North-West to South-East and joined the Brahmaputra at Chilmari. Pakistan’s 16 Infantry Division with its headquarters at Bogra defended this sector with; • one brigade deployed in North, with HQ at Rangpur, • second held the centre with HQ at Bogra, • third was in the South at Nator. • an ad hoc brigade held Rajshahi. • The only regiment of armour with the enemy in East Pakistan was located in this sector, its four squadrons distributed among the regular brigades of 16 Division and other ad hoc formations.

The main offensive of 33 Corps was launched by 20 Mountain Division consisting of 66, 165, 202 and 340 Infantry Brigades, 3 Armoured Brigade, 471 Engineer Brigade and two artillery brigades augmented by 33 Corps Artillery. It was tasked to capture Hilli, cut off the railway line isolating Pakistani defences in the north. The frontal assault on Hilli turned out to be slogging match against its well prepared defences, held by up to a brigade strength leading to heavy casualties on both sides. Despite repeated attacks, the defenders held resolutely on. The Indian Army soon learnt its lesson and the futility of attacking Pakistani Fortresses. 340 Mountain Brigade, the corps reserve, was tasked to move north of (i.e Bypass) Hilli and threaten Pirganj, thereby forcing the thinning of Hilli to cater for this new threat to its rear. The advance of 340 Brigade was a classic manoeuvre: skilful use of tanks and tank-mounted infantry. The increased mobility enabled bypassing of enemy frontal defences, beating them to new defensive lines they had intended to occupy and attacking them from flanks and rear.

This bold strategy resulted in the rapid fall of Pak Army strongholds, and its forces were divided and pushed back towards the two extreme ends of the sector. (Rangpur and Bogra) Mukti Bahini a highly motivated lot, thirsting for revenge against the Pak soldiers provided effective intelligence of the locations of the Pak troops, which went a long way in helping the Indian Army to get through the gaps and achieve speed and surprise in their march towards Dacca. The battle was not without its lighter moments. “You may be right, Sir. But I swear the buffaloes have 100-mm guns fitted on them and they are picking off our bunkers one by one”. Paki Post Commander at Charkai, 11 Kms N of Hilli responding to HQ’s retort that he must be seeing buffaloes because tanks cannot come through marshes and nalas. 340 Infantry Brigade entered Bogra on 16 Dec, followed by rest of the corps, effectively ending the fighting in this sector. However, five Pakistani fortified positions continued to hold out, incl Rangpur, astride Indian lines of supply, which might have posed logistic problems, had the war dragged on.

A total of 371 soldiers were killed and 961 wounded on the Indian side, most in the battle of Hilli. Fighting in Bogra was stiff, tanks found it difficult to manoeuvre in built-up area. By midday on 14 Dec a large portion of the town was taken. Fighting continued on the following day with Pakistanis sticking to a small perimeter. In the early hours of 16 Dec small groups began to surrender and later during the day came the orders to cease-fire. Hilli became a symbol of heroic Pakistani resistance but also a lesson in the limits of static defence. Fortresses can delay but cannot halt a broader operational collapse if the attacker chooses to outflank it.

Kangra bid a tearful farewell to Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the LCA Tejas crash during the Dubai Air Show. His mortal remains arrived this afternoon at Kangra Airport from Sulur Air Base, Coimbatore.

His wife, an officer in the IAF, and their young daughter stood brave but heartbroken as the tricolour-draped coffin was received.

From the airport, the mortal remains were taken to his native village, Patialkhad near Yol, where the last rites were performed with full military honours. Hundreds of residents thronged the route, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” their voices echoing through the valley in a moving tribute to the fallen hero. The atmosphere was heavy with grief as the martyr’s mother clung to the coffin of her only son, inconsolable in her loss. In a moment that left everyone humbled, his wife, wearing her uniform, offered a final salute to her husband, a gesture symbolising both love and unwavering service to the nation.

Minister for AYUSH, Youth Services and Sports Yadwinder Goma laid a wreath on behalf of the Himachal Pradesh government, calling the loss “unbearable for both the state and the country.” He assured the grieving family of the government’s unwavering support. Former Speaker and Sulah MLA Vipin Singh Parmar described Wing Commander Syal as an exceptionally skilled pilot whose demise is “a great setback to the nation.”

Nagrota Bagwan MLA Raghubir Singh Bali, Shahpur MLA and Vidhan Sabha Chief Whip Kewal Pathania, along with the Deputy Commissioner and senior military and civil officers were present to pay homage. Civil officials, senior military officers and a large number of ex-servicemen also gathered to pay their respects.

Wing Commander Namansh Syal with wife Afsaan.

Mourning the tragic loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, the Indian Air Force on Saturday said the air warrior was a “dedicated fighter pilot” and thorough professional, who served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty.

Syal, who hailed from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra, was killed on Friday after the indigenous multi-role Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, crashed in a ball of fire during the aerial display at the Dubai Air Show.

The single-engine lightweight aircraft crashed around 2:10 pm local time (3.40 pm IST) after the pilot had flown across the site of the prestigious air show in Dubai during the demonstration flight. The aerial display of Tejas was scheduled to last for eight minutes.

The IAF in post on X shared a tribute note, remembering a fellow air warrior and his professional qualities.

“The Indian Air Force deeply mourns the tragic loss of Wg Cdr Namansh Syal, who lost his life in the unfortunate Tejas aircraft accident at the Dubai Air Show. A dedicated fighter pilot and thorough professional, he served the nation with unwavering commitment, exceptional skill and an unyielding sense of duty,” it said.

In its post, it also shared a photo of him in his IAF uniform and another one in his pilot overall and standing next to a fighter jet, besides a video of a send-off accorded to him after the tragic accident that claimed his life.

The video clip showed a group of uniformed personnel paying tribute, while some officials laid wreaths in front of a casket wrapped in the tricolour, bearing his mortal remains.

“His dignified persona earned him immense respect through a life devoted to service, and was visible in the send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, friends, and the officials of the Indian Embassy.

“The IAF stands in solidarity with his family in this hour of profound grief and honours his legacy of courage, devotion and honour. May his service be remembered with gratitude,” the IAF added in its post.

Syal is survived by his father, mother, wife Afsaan, who is also serving in the Air Force, and their six-year-old daughter.

As the crash inside the grounds of an airfield in Dubai cast a tragic shadow on an otherwise mega spectacle on the last day of the event in the desert city, video footage of the accident showed the jet abruptly dropping height after what looked like a low-altitude manoeuvre and then nosedived into the ground in a matter of seconds before being engulfed in a ball of fire.

Black smoke billowed over the Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, as horrified spectators, including women and children, assembled in large numbers at a grand stand area behind a fenced airstrip watched in shock.

The crash of a Tejas at the Dubai Air Show, was the second accident involving the indigenous multi-role LCA in less than two years  On March 12, 2024, a Tejas aircraft crashed near a residential colony in Jaisalmer while returning from tri-services military exercise ‘Bharat Shakti’ in Pokhran desert in what was the first accident involving the homegrown jet since it began flying in 2001.

She stands there in uniform, eyes holding a storm no one else can see. A wife who has lost her world, and an officer who must still hold her ground. If she wanted to scream her grief to the sky, she’d be right to. But the uniform on her shoulders asks for dignity even when the heart shatters. Only she knows the battle she’s fighting within. Soldiering always demands a price, sometimes unbearably heavy. Yet she stands steady, honoring the man she loved and the duty they both lived for. Farewell, brave air warrior. Blue skies and tailwinds.!!