Indian Army – Artifex.News

Senthamizh Arasu keeps his dream of turning out for the senior Indian hockey team alive

admin — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:15:00 +0000

Senthamizh Arasu.
| Photo Credit: S. Prasanna Venkatesan

At 25, Indian Army goalkeeper Senthamizh Arasu has not given up on his dream of playing for the senior Indian hockey team. The native of Arcot town in Vellore, who won bronze with the Junior India team at the 2017 Sultan of Johor Cup, is still waiting for an opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.

“I keep playing, trying to give my best at all National-level tournaments. I’m waiting, working hard and practising every day,” he said on the sidelines of the 97th All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament here on Friday.

“I am ready for the opportunity whenever it comes. Even an opportunity for the National team trials would do. I’m only 25, I still have a lot to do.”

Arasu, whose heroics in the penalty shootout against Karnataka helped Tamil Nadu win bronze at the 2023 senior Nationals, said he learnt a great deal from former Ireland goalkeeper David Harte at the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons camp in HIL.

“I have watched David Harte since childhood, and learnt a lot from him in HIL. He taught me about quick reactions and, more importantly, the mindset. When we concede a goal, we sometimes dwell on it. He taught me that the team keeps playing and we must be ready for the next ball,” he said.

A regular at the Murugappa tournament, Arasu is determined to overcome a familiar stumbling block.

“We have lost in the semifinals for three consecutive years. This is my fourth season, and we will see what happens this time. We are ready,” he said, hoping the tournament would bring him closer to his long-cherished India dream.

Published – October 23, 2026 09:40 pm IST

Source link

342 complete training at OTA; commissioned as officers in Indian Army

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 19:36:00 +0000

Newly commissioned officers at the OTA on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: J. Johan Sathyadas

Homemaker Rigzin Ladol and her retired teacher and husband Tundup Tsering from Zanskar district of the Union territory of Ladakh stood proudly next to their 24-year-old daughter Stanzin Tsangyang at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai on Saturday morning. Their daughter had completed her training and was commissioned into the Army as a Lieutenant.

Lt. Stanzin Tsangyang was among the 342 persons who completed their training and were commissioned as officers during the Passing Out Parade (POP) at the OTA. “I was interested in sports, and I was in the NCC during my college days. I was interested in joining the Army,” says the engineering graduate. “She is the first from my family to join the Army,” says her father Mr. Tsering.

Like Ms. Tsangyang, Lt. Ritika Dubey from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is the first from her family to join the Armed forces. There were also Lieutenants Mohit Arora, Prashant Gurung, and M.R. Raswanth, who had followed their family’s tradition of serving in the Army. Besides, 17 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Eswatini, Lesotho, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe also completed their training on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, reviewed the parade in Parameswaran Drill Square. During his speech, Mr. Swaminathan said: “Courage is a muscle. It strengthens every time you use it. Whether physical or moral, courage more often than not, means the ability to stand alone to your convictions. It cannot be downloaded in a crisis; it is built and engrained over time in the small choices we make every day.”

The character of warfare might have changed in many ways but fundamentally, war remained a profoundly human endeavour, said the Chief of the Naval Staff. “Combat operations may see new weapons being used across new domains, but their outcomes shall continue to be determined by the men and women who fight, lead, inspire, persist, and persevere.”

He presented the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ and Bronze Medal to Battalion Under Officer Gurkeerat Singh Hora, OTA Gold Medal to Academy Under Officer Abhinab Chauhan, and Silver Medal to Academy Cadet Adjutant Niket Singh Tomar.

Published – September 06, 2026 01:05 am IST

Source link

Durand Cup | Indian Army eases past Baghpat, on top of Group B

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:14:00 +0000

Samir opened the scoring for Indian Army in the 11th minute.
| Photo Credit: X@thedurandcup

Indian Army stormed to the top of Group B with a dominant 4-0 victory over Baghpat FC in a group league match of the 135th Durand Cup tournament at the Kishore Bharati Stadium on Wednesday.

The Army side produced a fine first-half performance, with Samir Murmu, Saikhom Borish Singh, Shubham Rana, and Christopher Kamei finding the net in succession to seal their team’s second successive win.

The win also took Indian Army to six points from two matches and moved it ahead of Samaleswari FC — also on six points — on the basis of a superior goal difference. Baghpat, which suffered its third consecutive defeat, exited the tournament without a point.

In the other match of the day, Indian Navy FT beat NEROCA FC 2-0 in a Group D encounter at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in Imphal.

Roshan Panna opened the scoring in the first half before E. Muhammed Inayath doubled the lead after the break to seal the Sailors’ first win. Indian Navy had lost its opening fixture 0-1 to local side FC Raengdai.

The win lifted Indian Navy to three points from two matches, leaving it second in the group behind FC Raengdai (six points).

The results: Group B: (Kolkata): Indian Army FT 4 (Samir Murmu 11, Saikhom Borish Singh 22, Shubham Rana 35, Christopher Kamei 45+3) bt Baghpat FC 0.

Group D (Imphal): Indian Navy FT 2 (Roshan Panna 23, Muhammed Inayath 65) bt NEROCA FC 0.

Published – August 05, 2026 09:44 pm IST

Source link

Pak Army Suffered ‘Heavy Casualties’ After Ceasefire Violations Along LoC

admin — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:27:19 +0000

Jammu:

Pakistani troops on Wednesday violated ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting a befitting response by the Indian Army, security officials said.

The extent of damage on the Pakistan side was not known immediately but the officials said the enemy forces suffered “heavy casualties”. The Indian Army neither confirmed nor denied the information.

The ceasefire violation by Pakistan in the Krishna Ghati sector came a day after two Indian Army personnel including a captain were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion triggered by suspected terrorists near the LoC in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu district.

The ceasefire violation along the LoC is very rare ever since India and Pakistan renewed the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021.

The officials said Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing on a forward post in the Tarkundi area along the LoC, prompting a strong retaliation by the Indian Army which resulted in “heavy casualties” among the enemy forces.

An undated video of a Pakistani army officer is making rounds on social media paying last respects to killed soldiers.

Meanwhile, the officials said a junior commissioned officer (JCO) of the Indian Army sustained minor injuries when he accidentally stepped over a landmine in the same sector this evening.

The JCO, who is a resident of Mendhar, was part of a patrolling party keeping a close vigil on the LoC to prevent infiltration of terrorists, they said, adding the injured officer was evacuated to the military hospital.

The situation along the LoC is tense following a spurt in hostile activities from across the border over the past week, the officials said.

This was the first ceasefire violation this year and a fourth cross-border incident in five days.

On Monday, a soldier was hit by a bullet from across the border while manning a forward post in the Kalal area of the Nowshera sector in Rajouri district while an Army patrol came under terrorist fire from a forest across the LoC in Rajouri’s Keri sector on February 8. The terrorists were apparently waiting for an opportunity to sneak into the Indian side.

During the intervening night of February 4 and 5, a land mine explosion reportedly resulted in some casualties to terrorists attempting to infiltrate into the Indian side from across the LoC in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district.

On February 10, General Officer Commanding of the Jammu-based White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva, reviewed “hostile activities” along the LoC in Rajouri district.

“GOC White Knight Corps, along with GOC Ace of Spades and GOC Crossed Swords divisions, visited forward areas of the Rajouri sector for an operational update on the prevailing security situation and the hostile activities,” the Army had said in a post on X.

The post, shared by the White Knight Corps on its official social media handles, said the corps commander complimented all ranks for their vigil and relentless operational focus.

He also urged them to remain prepared for all contingencies, the Army said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link

Meet ‘MULE’ Robotic Dog ‘Sanjay’, Star Of Republic Day Parade In Kolkata

admin — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 07:34:14 +0000

Kolkata:

Indian Army’s robotic dogs ‘MULE’ (Multi Utility Legged Equipment) stole the show at the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on Sunday. Named ‘Sanjay’, the ‘MULE’ is an all-weather ground robot dog that can climb stairs, steep hills, and cross hurdles.

According to the Indian Army, it is designed for several operations, including perimeter security, asset protection, and chemical-biological-nuclear warfare scenarios. They can also be used for explosives detection and disposal, intelligence, and surveillance.

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee takes part in #RepublicDay2025 celebrations at Kolkata.

(Source: Mamata Banerjee Social Media) pic.twitter.com/1KUWOvFFvL

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

The robotic dogs can carry a payload of 15 kgs and can be operated in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius.

The Indian Army has so far inducted 100 robotic dogs in various units, officials said.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose unfurled the national flag at Red Road in Kolkata today morning. This was followed by a parade – led by Naib Subedar Rajneesh.

Contingents of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, Rapid Action Force, and Disaster Management Group took part in the parade. Apart from these, students from various schools also participated in the ceremony and performed cultural dances.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the event.

West Bengal tableau at Republic Day parade

West Bengal’s Republic Day tableau at the Kartavya Path in Delhi highlighted the state’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme which provides a guaranteed monthly income to women. It also featured the state’s ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ initiative showcasing its rich cultural heritage, architectural excellence, and artistic traditions.

The tableau’s front featured a ‘Durga’ idol, with Chhau performers accompanying the tableau.

The mega Republic Day parade in the national capital was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other high-level dignitaries. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as a chief guest.

Source link

Opinion: India-China Is Why 'Military Diplomacy' Works

admin — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 06:29:37 +0000

Military diplomacy, or defence diplomacy, may sound like an oxymoron to many, but it must be part of the comprehensive power strategy of any country that wishes to be a regional or a global player. Peacekeeping, deterrence and humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) are some examples of the kind of soft power a country can exert through hard power projection. All these activities have been successfully conducted by the Indian military and diplomatic establishment for over five decades, since the times of the Korean crisis in 1953. India’s HADR operations and its participation in peacekeeping operations across major conflict zones, along with measures it undertakes to ensure the security of maritime lanes, have won it distinct honour and prestige. Even so, one often hears the complaint that we work in silos, even within the Ministry of Defence. While bureaucracy is accused of highhandedness and functioning without domain knowledge, defence forces are seen as acting with disdain towards complex external factors. In the tussle, it’s diplomacy that suffers ultimately.

Multi-Layered Consultations

One of the most successful examples of India’s military diplomacy has been the firm dealing with China in the years following the Galwan clash in 2020. Stationing our forces in an eyeball-to-eyeball position and the continuous building of infrastructure on the border in the last five years have indeed deterred the Chinese from further escalation. But real success has been achieved by diplomatic and military consultations, facilitated through the established mechanisms of WMCC and Commander-level talks. Dialogue, diplomacy and deterrence remained the key tools for the two countries as the political leadership, right from the Prime Minister to the Defence Minister, the External Affairs Minister, and the National Security Advisor, engaged with their Chinese counterparts.

A Personal Experience In Bangladesh

One would remember the 1971 Bangladesh war of independence. It was the era of the Cold War and powerful naval assets dominated the scene. Nixon had ordered the US Seventh Fleet’s Task Force 74, led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Enterprise, to proceed towards the Bay of Bengal. As the US moved in favour of Pakistan to intimidate India, the Soviets sent their warships to the Indian Ocean to confront the Americans. The standoff gave enough leverage to India to help the Bangladeshis continue their crusade against Islamabad. India could play a critical role in the conflict in no small measure due to Soviet assistance. In fact, in the later years, the Soviet state also played a significant role in converting the relationship between India and Bangladesh into a special and privileged strategic partnership. The successor state, Russia, remains a trusted partner for India even today. The case is a clear display of military diplomacy and how it can become a defining feature of any bilateral relationship.

I was posted in Bangladesh in the mid-1980s, when the country was under the rule of the anti-India regime of General Ershad. Something unique happened one day. Reports came in that riots, apparently state-managed, had broken out in certain parts of the country, targeting Hindu civilians; the famous Dhakeshwari temple in Dhaka was also vandalised and defiled by miscreants. Frantic calls kept coming in and many Hindu leaders rushed for help. While the High Commission was mulling over responses, news arrived that Indian forces (namely, the Indian Peace Keeping Force, or IPKF) had landed in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This news in itself ended up having a deterring and salutary impact and the government machinery doubled down to contain the riots in less than two hours. Fear served its purpose. President Ershad also sent his special envoy to India to visit the then Prime Minister. While the story of the success of the IPKF in Sri Lanka has seen mixed commentary, the unintended effects in a third country can’t be ignored.

India’s Peacekeeping Efforts

India, being part of the largest number of UN deployments, has excelled in peacekeeping operations. I recall meeting President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia once. She was full of praise for the Indian female contingent and its role in her country. Over the years, this dimension of India’s diplomacy has become one of the key supporting arguments for India’s claims for a permanent seat in the UNSC, an organisation it co-founded with others and to which it has remained committed, albeit with suggestions for reforms. Here again, one notices the congruences of military diplomacy.

From evacuation operations in conflict or disease-ridden zones to providing maritime security against piracy, terrorism and interventions by non-state actors, the role of Indian forces is critical. The most recent example has been the way the Indian Navy has kept the sea lines of communications (SLOCS) open under the unremitting Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and even the Indian Ocean. Likewise, from Nepal and Turkey to Africa and Latin America, providing humanitarian assistance in the wake of manmade or natural disasters has become the hallmark of Indian foreign and security diplomacy.

Bring Down Silos

In today’s landscape, riddled with grey zone warfare tactics and advanced cyber threats, a robust communication strategy and techno-economic inputs are indispensable. Perhaps the government should consider conducting regular briefings of retired diplomats and defence personnel, who can be good and reliable interlocutors if they have the line and facts at their disposal. It is also imperative to not only do a SWOT analysis of structural gaps in India’s military diplomacy but also define the turfs of various branches and forces in order to create an integrated strategy. For the military, that shouldn’t be difficult with the recently set up institution of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

Defence, security and technology are critical drivers of strategic cooperation between countries and thus, they must be specifically and vigorously pursued. The defence sector under the ‘Make in India’ vision has become a priority, and military diplomacy can play an important role here. India has instituted 2+2 dialogues with various countries at the Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister (EAM) levels. This should percolate down to the grassroots, to bridge the divide between defence forces, bureaucracy and diplomats. A whole-of-government approach is the need of the hour.

(The author is India’s former Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

Source link

President Murmu On Army Day

admin — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 04:50:38 +0000

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu lauded the Indian Army for its pivotal role in ensuring national security and fostering peace in the country during the 77th Army Day celebrations.

The President highlighted the Army’s invaluable contribution to the nation’s progress and prosperity, stating that their efforts have created a secure and peaceful environment.

Army Day, observed annually on January 15, marks the foundation of the Indian Army and symbolises India’s military independence. It commemorates the historic moment in 1949 when General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Army Chief of India, handed over command to Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, who became the first Indian Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit.

The theme for the 77th Army Day celebrations is “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena.”

In a statement, the President conveyed her warm greetings to the Army, acknowledging its courage and professionalism in defending India’s borders.

“The courageous army personnel have consistently displayed extraordinary courage and high standards of professionalism in defending our borders. The Indian Army has been involved in anti-terrorism operations and has been instrumental in containing terrorism,” the statement read.

“A grateful nation pays tribute to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation. The nation is indebted to them and their families. I wish the Indian Army continued success in all its endeavours and convey my best wishes to its gallant soldiers, veterans and their families,” it added.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his admiration for the Indian Army’s “indomitable courage, valour, and selfless service” on the occasion.

He extended his heartfelt greetings to all soldiers, officers, and their families, stating that Army Day provides an opportunity to honour their invaluable contributions to national security and integrity.

The Defence Minister highlighted the Army’s unparalleled role in “guarding the borders of the country but is also making an unparalleled contribution in the field of disaster management, peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.”

He described the Indian Army as “a symbol of pride and confidence for every Indian.”

Rajnath Singh underscored the Army’s importance as one of the key pillars of national security and its incomparable role in nation-building. He expressed satisfaction with the Army’s preparedness to address all forms of threats, “whether traditional or unconventional and its vital contribution to India’s emergence as a Viksit Bharat.”

He noted the Army’s rapid adoption of modern technology and its commitment to promoting indigenisation through self-reliance. He lauded its efficiency, discipline, and patriotism, which have brought glory to India on the global stage.

The Defence Minister also paid homage to the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation. He emphasised that their courage and dedication have ensured a secure future for the country.

In his message, he described the Indian Army as a symbol of unity, courage, and devotion to duty, saluting its unwavering commitment to the nation.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link

Army Chief Justifies Removal Of Iconic Picture Of Pakistan’s Surrender In 1971 War

admin — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:53:59 +0000

New Delhi:

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi today spoke out over the removal of the iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender to India in the 1971 war from his office at Raisina Hill in New Delhi. It was recently replaced by a new painting titled ‘Karam Kshetra’. The move had caused much anguish among army veterans, who have criticised the decision.

The iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender used to be on the wall of the army chief’s lounge at his office. In December it was taken down for maintenance and upkeep, but later sent away to the Manekshaw convention centre instead of being brought back to the army chief’s office. A new artwork was installed in its place.

Defending the move, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, “If you see the golden history of India – it has three chapters. It has the British era, the Mughal era and the era before that. If we wish to connect that and the Army’s vision, symbolism becomes important.”

Suggesting a generational change, the army chief said the new painting is created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, “who belongs to the younger generation in the force”.

The Indian Army has said that the new painting, “Karam Kshetra” means “Field of Deeds”. “It portrays the Army as a guardian of Dharma that protects the nation’s values and reflects its evolution into a technologically-advanced integrated force,” it explained.

The painting shows snow-capped mountains around the Pangong lake in Ladakh, Lord Krishna’s chariot and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya – all representing strategic wisdom.

The army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front.

Addressing the criticism over the new painting, Army Chief Gen. Dwivedi said, “It is also being said that there is a semi-clad Brahmin standing at the centre on the banks of Pangong Tso. If Indians do not know Chanakya, they need to refer back to their civilisational approach.”

The army chief further said that “If I have to connect the past, present and future, the new painting symbolises that.”

Laying the case to rest, the army chief concluded that the move should not be seen as a removal of the iconic 1971 painting from his office. “The army chief has two lounges and the surrender painting is at the lounge at Manekshaw Centre,” Gen. Dwivedi said.

(Inputs from PTI)

Source link

Army Chief Justifies Removal Of Iconic Picture Of Pakistan’s Surrender In 1971 War

admin — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:53:59 +0000

New Delhi:

Suggesting a generational change, the army chief said the new painting is created by Lt Col Thomas Jacob of the 28 Madras regiment, “who belongs to the younger generation in the force”.

The painting ‘Karam Kshetra’ has replaced the iconic picture of Pakistan’s surrender to India in the 1971 war. (Photo Credit: X / @bsdhanoa)

The painting shows snow-capped mountains around the Pangong lake in Ladakh, Lord Krishna’s chariot and Hindu statesman and philosopher Chanakya – all representing strategic wisdom.

The army chief suggested that the new painting was made considering the current realities as he mentioned about the re-balancing of troops in view of challenges coming from the northern front.

The army chief further said that “If I have to connect the past, present and future, the new painting symbolises that.”

(Inputs from PTI)

Source link

Army Chief On “Issues” Raised By Top Officer

admin — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:28:47 +0000

New Delhi:

Women officers in the Army are performing exceedingly well and the force is looking at increasing their induction, Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said Monday while playing down concerns of a senior commander who flagged “problems” facing the units commanded by women officers.

In an unprecedented move, Lt General Rajeev Puri, a Corps Commander, had written a five-page letter to Eastern Army Commander Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari listing a series of issues impacting Army units commanded by women officers in the eastern sector.

The women officers are performing remarkably well, Gen Dwivedi said while replying to a question at a press conference ahead of the Army Day.

“The letter which got leaked out, shouldn’t have gotten leaked out. A court of inquiry has been ordered about it. It is a perception, it is his perception. He has all the right to give out that perception and comment,” the Army chief said.

“It is an internal communication,” he said.

The Chief of the Army Staff said the Army appointed the women commanding officers following an order by the Supreme Court.

“Today, I just wish to assure you, women officers were doing exceedingly well,” he said.

“Today, there are approximately 16 women officers who are doing Staff College. There are women officers who are pilots in the aviation branch also,” he said.

The Army wants a strong woman officer, who is “Kaali mata ka roop”, the Army chief said.

At the same time he emphasised on the need to follow a gender neutral approach.

The Army started assigning women officers to command roles following a Supreme Court order in 2023.

Several women officers are now helming units in various forward locations, including in areas under the Northern and Eastern Commands.

The Army chief suggested that the force is looking at a 12 times increase in women’s induction in officer rank by 2032.

In his letter, Lt Gen Puri wrote: “During the last one year, there has been an increase in the number of officer management issues in units commanded by women officers.” He wrote that most cases pertain to lack of tact and understanding of the personal requirements of unit personnel, especially officers.

Lt Gen Puri also listed “misplaced sense of entitlement”, “lack of empathy” and a “tendency to complain” among the issues impacting the units.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Source link