News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Army

  • Power games: Amid growing Chinese threat, Rajnath gives emergency buying powers to defence forces

    Express News Service

    Border TensionDefence minister Rajnath Singh gives emergency powers to forces for overseas purchase

    In light of the situation on the border, especially on the north and north-eastern fronts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given financial powers to the three services to buy weapons from overseas using the emergency acquisition route. Under this emergency power, Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force would be allowed to buy any weapon or ammunition valued up to Rs 300 crore from any overseas manufacturer to meet the shortfall of critical operational requirements. For purchases under the emergency route, the three services will not have to seek approval from the ministry. The deliveries of these purchases, however, will have to be made within one year.

    The three services have been given this emergency power for the next six months. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which the minister chaired in New Delhi on August 22. The three services chiefs who are part of the DAC, the ministry of defence’s apex procurement body, had emphasised on early acquisition of critical ammunition. Sources said that the three armed forces have also been allowed to approach the defence ministry for seeking approval for emergency procurement of new weapons under $300 million to meet the critical shortfalls.

    The armed forces will use the emergency powers to make fast-track purchases of GPS-guided Excalibur shells for ultra-light Howitzer guns, Derby-I and MICA air-to-air missiles, Spice-1000 and Hammer precision-guided munitions, Barak and Spyder air defence missiles, Spike anti-tank guided missiles, Heron MKII drones, land mines, and small arms ammunition, etc. It is expected that the three armed forces will get new weapons and ammunition worth $750 million through fast-track purchases. The Indian Army is likely to buy ammunition for T-90 tanks, BMP-II, AD guns, artillery guns, small arms, rockets, missiles and mortars, while the Indian Air Force is expected to buy air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, smart bombs, chaffs, flares and precision-guided munitions. Besides, the Indian Navy wants to procure 10 Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) from Israel through a fast track procurement route.

    Team ModiThe rise and rise of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    BJP leaders can underestimate the importance of the party’s parliamentary party meetings at their own peril. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resulted in making and unmaking of many careers. The Prime Minister’s usually longish address at these meetings have largely centred around highlighting his government’s achievements and exhorting party MPs to inform people of their constituencies about these achievements. In one of these meetings, Ballia MP Bharat Singh annoyed the Prime Minister by saying how could they publicise the achievements because ministers did not have time to meet MPs and inform them about these achievements and the bureaucrats do not meet them either. Singh was denied a ticket in the next election.

    In another meeting, the Prime Minister was pleasantly surprised by an MP’s power-point presentation to his fellow members on the reach and benefits of the Modi government’s schemes. This MP’s career has skyrocketed after that day. He was made a minister of state the same year, and elevated as the Cabinet minister after 2019 elections. The name of this MP is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He has risen in the party ranks so fast that the joke in the BJP is that the top two’s trusted troika of J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupendra Yadav has now turned into a four-horse carriage with Shekhawat joining the ranks. The 1967-born Shekhawat started his political career by winning the student union election of Jodhpur’s Jainarayan Vyas University as ABVP’s presidential candidate.

    He has gone on from there to win two Lok Sabha elections, defeating Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son in 2019 by a margin of over two lakh votes. He is now the Prime Minister’s pointman for executing critical projects. He has been made in charge of elections in Punjab and Haryana. He was appointed as convenor of the 14-member committee for coordinating with state units and allies for the election of Droupadi Murmu as President of India. Sources say he will play a crucial role in the upcoming elections in Rajasthan. 

    Shahid FaridiThe writer is Associate Editor and Chief of Bureau at TNIE, New Delhi. Email: [email protected]

    Border Tension
    Defence minister Rajnath Singh gives emergency powers to forces for overseas purchase

    In light of the situation on the border, especially on the north and north-eastern fronts, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given financial powers to the three services to buy weapons from overseas using the emergency acquisition route. Under this emergency power, Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force would be allowed to buy any weapon or ammunition valued up to Rs 300 crore from any overseas manufacturer to meet the shortfall of critical operational requirements. For purchases under the emergency route, the three services will not have to seek approval from the ministry. The deliveries of these purchases, however, will have to be made within one year.

    The three services have been given this emergency power for the next six months. This decision was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), which the minister chaired in New Delhi on August 22. The three services chiefs who are part of the DAC, the ministry of defence’s apex procurement body, had emphasised on early acquisition of critical ammunition. Sources said that the three armed forces have also been allowed to approach the defence ministry for seeking approval for emergency procurement of new weapons under $300 million to meet the critical shortfalls.

    The armed forces will use the emergency powers to make fast-track purchases of GPS-guided Excalibur shells for ultra-light Howitzer guns, Derby-I and MICA air-to-air missiles, Spice-1000 and Hammer precision-guided munitions, Barak and Spyder air defence missiles, Spike anti-tank guided missiles, Heron MKII drones, land mines, and small arms ammunition, etc. It is expected that the three armed forces will get new weapons and ammunition worth $750 million through fast-track purchases. The Indian Army is likely to buy ammunition for T-90 tanks, BMP-II, AD guns, artillery guns, small arms, rockets, missiles and mortars, while the Indian Air Force is expected to buy air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, smart bombs, chaffs, flares and precision-guided munitions. Besides, the Indian Navy wants to procure 10 Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS) from Israel through a fast track procurement route.

    Team Modi
    The rise and rise of Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    BJP leaders can underestimate the importance of the party’s parliamentary party meetings at their own peril. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resulted in making and unmaking of many careers. The Prime Minister’s usually longish address at these meetings have largely centred around highlighting his government’s achievements and exhorting party MPs to inform people of their constituencies about these achievements. In one of these meetings, Ballia MP Bharat Singh annoyed the Prime Minister by saying how could they publicise the achievements because ministers did not have time to meet MPs and inform them about these achievements and the bureaucrats do not meet them either. Singh was denied a ticket in the next election.

    In another meeting, the Prime Minister was pleasantly surprised by an MP’s power-point presentation to his fellow members on the reach and benefits of the Modi government’s schemes. This MP’s career has skyrocketed after that day. He was made a minister of state the same year, and elevated as the Cabinet minister after 2019 elections. The name of this MP is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He has risen in the party ranks so fast that the joke in the BJP is that the top two’s trusted troika of J P Nadda, Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhupendra Yadav has now turned into a four-horse carriage with Shekhawat joining the ranks. The 1967-born Shekhawat started his political career by winning the student union election of Jodhpur’s Jainarayan Vyas University as ABVP’s presidential candidate.

    He has gone on from there to win two Lok Sabha elections, defeating Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s son in 2019 by a margin of over two lakh votes. He is now the Prime Minister’s pointman for executing critical projects. He has been made in charge of elections in Punjab and Haryana. He was appointed as convenor of the 14-member committee for coordinating with state units and allies for the election of Droupadi Murmu as President of India. Sources say he will play a crucial role in the upcoming elections in Rajasthan. 

    Shahid Faridi
    The writer is Associate Editor and Chief of Bureau at TNIE, New Delhi. 
    Email: [email protected]

  • Indian Army contingent participates in Ex Vostok-2022 in Russia, China participating

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army contingent of the Gorkha Regiment troops on Thursday began the multilateral strategic and command Exercise Vostok – 2022 at the training grounds of the Eastern Military District of Russia which will take place from 01 to 07 September 2022.

    The US has raised concerns on the participation of other countries in the exercise.

    Indian Army in a statement said, “The Indian Army contingent comprising troops from 7/8 Gorkha Rifles had arrived at the exercise location and over the next seven days will undertake joint manoeuvres to include joint field training exercises, combat discussions, and firepower exercises.”

    The exercise is aimed at interaction and coordination amongst other participating military contingents and observers, added the Army.

    The Indian Army contingent will look forward to sharing practical aspects and putting into practice the validated drills, procedures and practice amalgamation of new technology through discussions and tactical exercises.

    The exercise is taking place at the time Russia- Ukraine enters the seventh month. The armies of the other countries include the troops of China’s People’s Liberation Army. There has been a continuing standoff between the armies of India and China since May 2020.

    Talking on Indian participation while the US raised concerns MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “India has been regularly participating in multilateral exercises in Russia, along with a number of other countries.”, and called it the Vostok exercises as routine, and added that they would only including Army contingents.

    The US White House Press Secretary had said that “the US has concerns about any country exercising with Russia while Russia wages an unprovoked brutal war against Ukraine. ”

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Army contingent of the Gorkha Regiment troops on Thursday began the multilateral strategic and command Exercise Vostok – 2022 at the training grounds of the Eastern Military District of Russia which will take place from 01 to 07 September 2022.

    The US has raised concerns on the participation of other countries in the exercise.

    Indian Army in a statement said, “The Indian Army contingent comprising troops from 7/8 Gorkha Rifles had arrived at the exercise location and over the next seven days will undertake joint manoeuvres to include joint field training exercises, combat discussions, and firepower exercises.”

    The exercise is aimed at interaction and coordination amongst other participating military contingents and observers, added the Army.

    The Indian Army contingent will look forward to sharing practical aspects and putting into practice the validated drills, procedures and practice amalgamation of new technology through discussions and tactical exercises.

    The exercise is taking place at the time Russia- Ukraine enters the seventh month. The armies of the other countries include the troops of China’s People’s Liberation Army. There has been a continuing standoff between the armies of India and China since May 2020.

    Talking on Indian participation while the US raised concerns MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “India has been regularly participating in multilateral exercises in Russia, along with a number of other countries.”, and called it the Vostok exercises as routine, and added that they would only including Army contingents.

    The US White House Press Secretary had said that “the US has concerns about any country exercising with Russia while Russia wages an unprovoked brutal war against Ukraine. ”

  • Delhi Metro exhibition pays tribute to India’s war heroes, charts DMRC growth story 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A permanent exhibition at a Delhi Metro station blending stories of courage and bravery displayed by Indian soldiers and the incredible journey of the urban transporter since its genesis 32 years ago was opened on Thursday.

    Titled ‘Veerta Aur Vikas’, it also pays tribute to illustrious gallantry award recipients of the country, and was inaugurated at Rajouri Garden Metro Station on the Pink Line of the network.

    The exhibition was opened by DMRC chief Vikas Kumar along with the family members of many gallantry award recipients such as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Captain Vikram Batra who have laid down their lives for the country, a senior DMRC official said.

    DMRC also felicitated some of the family members of five decorated gallantry award recipients — PVC awardees Second Lieutenant Khetarpal and Capt Batra, Ashoka Chakra recipient Maj Mohit Sharma, Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Anuj Nayyar and Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Pratap Singh.

    Nutan Batra Malik (Capt Batra’s sister), R P Sharma and Sushila Sharma (parents of Maj Sharma), Mukesh Khetarpal (Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s brother), Shakti Singh (Capt Singh’s brother) and Meena Nayyar (Capt Nayyar’s mother) were present on the occasion, the senior official said.

    Spread over a length of about 100 feet, the exhibition features 13 vibrant panels, and also showcases images of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Vir Chakra.

    Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.

    “In this special exhibition, we have paid our respect and tribute to the brave gallantry award recipients from the armed forces who have displayed unprecedented courage and valour in the line of duty. Since the Delhi Metro is frequented by millions of people every day from all walks of life, we felt that their contributions should be documented and displayed at one of our stations so that the passengers can get to know about these incredible stories of courage and sacrifice for the nation,” Kumar said.

    Captain Batra, a young and brave officer, had caught the fancy of the nation and become an icon for his heroics in the Kargil War of 1999. He was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Second Lieutenant Khetrapal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War who also made the supreme sacrifice at a young age of 21, was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Other panels showcase India’s journey of 75 years since Independence, and the major milestones achieved.

    The exhibition also tells about the genesis of Delhi Metro and its eventful journey and incredible growth story in changing the paradigm of urban transportation in the national capital and beyond.

    A panel on this theme, ‘Genesis: Delhi Metro – From Ideas to Action’, says the development of the Delhi Metro took 32 years from the time a mass rapid transit network was was first recommended.

    “In 1969-70, the Central Road Research Institute carried out an extensive study on traffic and travel characteristics of Delhi, based on transport demand projection of 1981 and submitted its report,” the panels says, in a timeline of Metro’s journey.

    Through specially designed panels, “we have tried to blend the stories of their courage and bravery and the incredible growth story of the Delhi Metro”, DMRC officials said.

    “Our nation, India, today stands as a proud example of what a thriving democracy can achieve if the people decide to stand together and work for the goodwill of the country. Overcoming a number of challenges, India is rapidly building world-class infrastructure and embracing new-age sustainable technologies. The success of the Delhi Metro is a glowing example of how we are capable of executing mammoth infrastructure projects oriented towards public good,” the DMRC said.

    However, this success story called India could not have been scripted, had our borders been unsafe, it said.

    The DMRC also shared a glimpse of the exhibition with a small video clip on its Twitter handle.

    “India’s brave armed forces are guarding the nation with unparalleled commitment and valour to ensure that the rest of the nation is safe and focussed on development. Therefore, as a tribute to the gallantry award recipients of the Indian armed forces, who have shown exemplary courage to preserve the sovereignty and dignity of the nation, a permanent exhibition has been installed,” the DMRC said.

    Rajouri Garden is one of the busiest interchange stations of the Delhi Metro network. The exhibition has been strategically installed here so that a large number of people can see it.

    Delhi Metro stations are being utilised as platforms for the promotion of India’s rich culture and heritage. Many of these stations have exhibitions, displays and artworks depicting the history and cultural diversity of the nation.

    This exhibition at Rajouri Garden is an important addition to the list of such stations, it said.

    NEW DELHI: A permanent exhibition at a Delhi Metro station blending stories of courage and bravery displayed by Indian soldiers and the incredible journey of the urban transporter since its genesis 32 years ago was opened on Thursday.

    Titled ‘Veerta Aur Vikas’, it also pays tribute to illustrious gallantry award recipients of the country, and was inaugurated at Rajouri Garden Metro Station on the Pink Line of the network.

    The exhibition was opened by DMRC chief Vikas Kumar along with the family members of many gallantry award recipients such as Second Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal, Captain Vikram Batra who have laid down their lives for the country, a senior DMRC official said.

    DMRC also felicitated some of the family members of five decorated gallantry award recipients — PVC awardees Second Lieutenant Khetarpal and Capt Batra, Ashoka Chakra recipient Maj Mohit Sharma, Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Anuj Nayyar and Maha Vir Chakra awardee Capt Pratap Singh.

    Nutan Batra Malik (Capt Batra’s sister), R P Sharma and Sushila Sharma (parents of Maj Sharma), Mukesh Khetarpal (Second Lieutenant Khetarpal’s brother), Shakti Singh (Capt Singh’s brother) and Meena Nayyar (Capt Nayyar’s mother) were present on the occasion, the senior official said.

    Spread over a length of about 100 feet, the exhibition features 13 vibrant panels, and also showcases images of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Vir Chakra.

    Param Vir Chakra (PVC) is India’s highest military decoration, awarded for displaying distinguished acts of valour during wartime.

    “In this special exhibition, we have paid our respect and tribute to the brave gallantry award recipients from the armed forces who have displayed unprecedented courage and valour in the line of duty. Since the Delhi Metro is frequented by millions of people every day from all walks of life, we felt that their contributions should be documented and displayed at one of our stations so that the passengers can get to know about these incredible stories of courage and sacrifice for the nation,” Kumar said.

    Captain Batra, a young and brave officer, had caught the fancy of the nation and become an icon for his heroics in the Kargil War of 1999. He was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Second Lieutenant Khetrapal, a hero of the 1971 Indo-Pak War who also made the supreme sacrifice at a young age of 21, was awarded the PVC posthumously.

    Other panels showcase India’s journey of 75 years since Independence, and the major milestones achieved.

    The exhibition also tells about the genesis of Delhi Metro and its eventful journey and incredible growth story in changing the paradigm of urban transportation in the national capital and beyond.

    A panel on this theme, ‘Genesis: Delhi Metro – From Ideas to Action’, says the development of the Delhi Metro took 32 years from the time a mass rapid transit network was was first recommended.

    “In 1969-70, the Central Road Research Institute carried out an extensive study on traffic and travel characteristics of Delhi, based on transport demand projection of 1981 and submitted its report,” the panels says, in a timeline of Metro’s journey.

    Through specially designed panels, “we have tried to blend the stories of their courage and bravery and the incredible growth story of the Delhi Metro”, DMRC officials said.

    “Our nation, India, today stands as a proud example of what a thriving democracy can achieve if the people decide to stand together and work for the goodwill of the country. Overcoming a number of challenges, India is rapidly building world-class infrastructure and embracing new-age sustainable technologies. The success of the Delhi Metro is a glowing example of how we are capable of executing mammoth infrastructure projects oriented towards public good,” the DMRC said.

    However, this success story called India could not have been scripted, had our borders been unsafe, it said.

    The DMRC also shared a glimpse of the exhibition with a small video clip on its Twitter handle.

    “India’s brave armed forces are guarding the nation with unparalleled commitment and valour to ensure that the rest of the nation is safe and focussed on development. Therefore, as a tribute to the gallantry award recipients of the Indian armed forces, who have shown exemplary courage to preserve the sovereignty and dignity of the nation, a permanent exhibition has been installed,” the DMRC said.

    Rajouri Garden is one of the busiest interchange stations of the Delhi Metro network. The exhibition has been strategically installed here so that a large number of people can see it.

    Delhi Metro stations are being utilised as platforms for the promotion of India’s rich culture and heritage. Many of these stations have exhibitions, displays and artworks depicting the history and cultural diversity of the nation.

    This exhibition at Rajouri Garden is an important addition to the list of such stations, it said.

  • Captured Pakistani terrorist was sent to attack Indian post: Army 

    By PTI

    RAJOURI: A Pakistani terrorist, who was captured in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, was paid Rs 30,000 by a colonel of Pakistan intelligence agency to attack the Indian Army post, officials said on Wednesday.

    Thirty-two-year-old Tabarak Hussain, a resident of Sabzkot village of Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was arrested in Naushera sector on Sunday after his accomplices abandoned him and fled back after being intercepted by the alert Indian troops.

    This was for the second time in the past six years that Hussain, who also worked for an intelligence unit of the Pakistani army, was arrested while trying to infiltrate into this side from across the border, the officials said.

    The Army’s 80 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier Kapil Rana, said on August 21, in the morning hours alert soldiers deployed in Jhangar spotted the movement of two to three terrorists from across the LoC.

    “One terrorist came close to the Indian post and tried cutting the fence, when he was challenged by alert sentries. The terrorist trying to flee, however, was brought down by effective fire, incapacitating him,” he said.

    He said two terrorists who were hiding behind, fled the area by taking cover of dense forest and broken ground.

    The injured Pakistani terrorist was captured alive and provided with immediate medical aid and lifesaving surgery was carried out.

    Brigadier Rana said the captured terrorist revealed his identity as Hussain, a resident of Sabzkot village of Koti in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    On further interrogation, the terrorist confessed about their plan to attack the Indian Army post.

    Hussain revealed that he was sent by a colonel of Pakistan intelligence agency named Col Yunus Chaudhry who had paid him Rs 30,000 (Pakistani currency).

    Arms, ammunitions and Pakistani currency recovered by Indian Army personnel after a search operation, in Rajouri district. (Photo | PTI)

    Hussain also revealed that he along with other terrorists had carried two to three close recces of Indian forward posts with an aim to target them at an opportune time.

    “The go-ahead to target the Indian post was given by Col Chaudhry on August 21,” the brigadier said.

    Hussain confessed his long association with terrorism and said he was trained by Major Razak of the Pakistan army.

    “I was betrayed (by accompanying terrorists) and subsequently captured by Indian Army,” Hussain told reporters in a brief interaction at the military hospital.

    “I underwent six-month training and visited several (terrorist) camps (run by Pakistan army) for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members,” he said.

    Brigadier Rajeev Nair, the commandant of the military hospital in Rajouri, said the condition of Hussain is stable.

    “He came to bleed our troops but they saved his life, gave him their blood and fed him by their hands,” Nair said.

    At the time of the arrest, officials said he was heard shouting “Mai marne ke liye aaya tha, mujhe dhoka de diya. Bhaijaan mujhe yahan se nikalo” (I had come to die but was betrayed.Brothers, pull me out from here).

    As per the officials, his hair of private parts was found shaved, which is being done by terrorists when on a suicide mission as seen in the past.

    Hussain, along with his younger brother Haroon Ali, was arrested on April 25, 2016, and underwent 26 months of imprisonment before being repatriated via Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar.

    He was cultivated by the Pakistan army and trained to acquire enemy information and establish a cover story in case the individual is ever apprehended, the officials had said, adding he underwent six weeks training as a guide at LeT training camp at Bhimber along the LoC.

    On December 16, 2019, Hussain’s another younger brother Mohd Sayeed was also apprehended by the army in the same sector, the officials said, adding Sayeed was found to be under heavy influence of drugs at the time of his arrest but he confirmed repatriation of his brothers.

    RAJOURI: A Pakistani terrorist, who was captured in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, was paid Rs 30,000 by a colonel of Pakistan intelligence agency to attack the Indian Army post, officials said on Wednesday.

    Thirty-two-year-old Tabarak Hussain, a resident of Sabzkot village of Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), was arrested in Naushera sector on Sunday after his accomplices abandoned him and fled back after being intercepted by the alert Indian troops.

    This was for the second time in the past six years that Hussain, who also worked for an intelligence unit of the Pakistani army, was arrested while trying to infiltrate into this side from across the border, the officials said.

    The Army’s 80 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier Kapil Rana, said on August 21, in the morning hours alert soldiers deployed in Jhangar spotted the movement of two to three terrorists from across the LoC.

    “One terrorist came close to the Indian post and tried cutting the fence, when he was challenged by alert sentries. The terrorist trying to flee, however, was brought down by effective fire, incapacitating him,” he said.

    He said two terrorists who were hiding behind, fled the area by taking cover of dense forest and broken ground.

    The injured Pakistani terrorist was captured alive and provided with immediate medical aid and lifesaving surgery was carried out.

    Brigadier Rana said the captured terrorist revealed his identity as Hussain, a resident of Sabzkot village of Koti in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    On further interrogation, the terrorist confessed about their plan to attack the Indian Army post.

    Hussain revealed that he was sent by a colonel of Pakistan intelligence agency named Col Yunus Chaudhry who had paid him Rs 30,000 (Pakistani currency).

    Arms, ammunitions and Pakistani currency recovered by Indian Army personnel after a search operation, in Rajouri district. (Photo | PTI)

    Hussain also revealed that he along with other terrorists had carried two to three close recces of Indian forward posts with an aim to target them at an opportune time.

    “The go-ahead to target the Indian post was given by Col Chaudhry on August 21,” the brigadier said.

    Hussain confessed his long association with terrorism and said he was trained by Major Razak of the Pakistan army.

    “I was betrayed (by accompanying terrorists) and subsequently captured by Indian Army,” Hussain told reporters in a brief interaction at the military hospital.

    “I underwent six-month training and visited several (terrorist) camps (run by Pakistan army) for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members,” he said.

    Brigadier Rajeev Nair, the commandant of the military hospital in Rajouri, said the condition of Hussain is stable.

    “He came to bleed our troops but they saved his life, gave him their blood and fed him by their hands,” Nair said.

    At the time of the arrest, officials said he was heard shouting “Mai marne ke liye aaya tha, mujhe dhoka de diya. Bhaijaan mujhe yahan se nikalo” (I had come to die but was betrayed.Brothers, pull me out from here).

    As per the officials, his hair of private parts was found shaved, which is being done by terrorists when on a suicide mission as seen in the past.

    Hussain, along with his younger brother Haroon Ali, was arrested on April 25, 2016, and underwent 26 months of imprisonment before being repatriated via Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar.

    He was cultivated by the Pakistan army and trained to acquire enemy information and establish a cover story in case the individual is ever apprehended, the officials had said, adding he underwent six weeks training as a guide at LeT training camp at Bhimber along the LoC.

    On December 16, 2019, Hussain’s another younger brother Mohd Sayeed was also apprehended by the army in the same sector, the officials said, adding Sayeed was found to be under heavy influence of drugs at the time of his arrest but he confirmed repatriation of his brothers.

  • Monsoon fury: Two washed away in Rajasthan; locals in MP affected by rain-related incidents

    By PTI

    KOTA/ BHOPAL: Two people were washed away in floods and two others went missing in Baran and Bundi districts of Rajasthan, as heavy rains continued to lash the region on Tuesday.

    Rural Development and Panchayti Raj Minister Ramesh Meena on Tuesday toured the rain-affected areas of Karauli district.

    “Talked to the Principal Secretary to the CM and apprised him about the flood situation. Many villages have become islands. Villagers need help,” Meena tweeted.

    He instructed officials to arrange food and drinking water for the affected people.

    Torrential rains have created a flood-like situation in Rajasthan’s three districts – Jhalawar, Dholpur and Baran — where the army and disaster relief team carried out operations to rescue about 1,100 people from across the state, officials said on Tuesday.

    An IAF helicopter is also being deployed to airlift more than 50 people stuck in the waterlogged areas in Baran and Jhalawar districts while schools in all four districts of Kota division — Kota, Baran, Jhalawar and Bundi — have been shut, they said.

    Secretary of Disaster Management and Relief Department Ashutosh Pednekar said army columns have been deployed in Dholpur and Jhalawar districts.

    Rivers like Chambal, Parvan, Parvati, and Kalisindh are flooded and excess water from overflowing dams is being released by opening their gates.

    ALSO READ | At least 50 dead in rain-related incidents in Himachal, other states in three days

    The body of 35-year-old Premnarayan Suman, a resident of Dabri Kakaji village in Baran district, who had been swept away in the flood on Monday evening, was recovered Tuesday from near his village, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Anta circle) Tarun Kant Somani said.

    In Bundi district, Satyanarayan Prajapat, 50, a resident of Suwasda village fell into a flooded anicut on Tuesday morning while he was on his way to collect fodder for cattle near his village. Prajapat was found dead, Circle Inspector at (Nainwan) Babulal Meena said.

    The bodies of both, Suman and Prajapat, were handed over to their families after post-mortem later in the day.

    In Baran’s Shekhapur village, a 20-year-old man, identified as Ekram, was swept away while crossing a flooded brook along with his two friends Monday evening.

    WATCH |

     

    Locals rescued the two youths, while Ekram has not been located yet, Station House Officer (Kawai) Man Singh said.

    In Kota district, search operations were on to locate Kudeep Chauhan, who had fallen into a swollen Chambal river near Nayapura crematorium ground Monday evening.

    Another youth who had fallen into the Chambal while taking a selfie on Monday evening in Karbala area of Kota city, swam with the flow and came out on the other side of an over-bridge in Nayapura area, an eyewitness said.

    “In Dug town of Jhalawar district, Amritlal Tailor, his wife, and their three children were injured when their thatched house collapsed at around 5.30 am on Tuesday when they were asleep,” Dug SHO Amarnath said.

    “While Amritlal was referred to Jhalawar district hospital with fracture and critical injuries, four others from his family were under treatment at a local government hospital,” he said.

    Baran Collector Narendra Gupta said that 11 people, stranded for two days in the submerged Khurai village under Chabra police station of Baran district, were on Tuesday evening airlifted to a safe place by an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter.

    Swollen Chambal river following incessant monsoon rains, in Kota on Tuesday

    Jhalawar Collector Bharti Dixit said that 53 persons have been rescued through boats, while 49 others were still stuck by evening and attempts to rescue them were still on.

    During the last 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday, 29 cm rainfall occurred in Jhalawar’s Dug, followed by 26 cm in Arnod (Pratapgarh) and Pidawa (Jhalawar), 23 cm in Bakani (Jhalawar), 17 cm in Gangdhar and Pachpahad (Jhalawar), 16 cm in Aklera (Jhalawar), 15 cm in Asnawar (Jhalawar), and 13 cm in Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar).

    The Met department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Banswara and Dungarpur districts and heavy rainfall in Bhilwara and Chittorgarh districts on Tuesday.

    Locals face difficulties in heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh

    As heavy rainfalls continue to hit parts of Madhya Pradesh, the people of the state continue to face difficulties and bear damage to the public properties.

    In central and east Madhya Pradesh, it has been raining heavily for the last 24 hours. Also, there is a possibility of heavy rainfalls in Ratlam, Ujjain, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur in the coming hours.

    Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the rain and flood-affected areas.

    In the last 24 hours, State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) together have rescued over 400 people from floods/excess rain in the state. The following number of people from floods/excess rain: Vidisha (190), Rajgarh (103), Ashoknagar (94), Raisen (7), Jabalpur (5), Mandla (3), Sidhi (2), Guna (3).

    ALSO READ | Rain fury brings life to a halt in several parts of MP, including state capital Bhopal

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj S Chouhan reviewed situations in rain-affected districts of the state and stated that assistance will be given by sending helicopters to Vidisha if need be.

    Chouhan said, “The people of 10 flood-affected villages from Vidisha and Guna districts will be airlifted using two helicopters. NDRF and SDRF teams are deployed for rescue operations in the rain and flood-affected districts of the state.”

    Later, CM reviewed the flood situation in Vidisha district.

    “We will try our best to give adequate compensation for damages due to flood situation. I will soon visit the flood-affected districts of the state,” he said.

    In the state, the Parvati river is flowing at its maximum water level in Guna and the Ken river in Panna is close to its maximum water level. The water level of the Narmada river is 271.56 metres. In Vidisha, the Betwa river and its tributaries are overflowing.

    According to the information received this morning, the water level in dams like Rajghat, Gandhi Sagar, Bargi, Tawa, Handiya, Mohanpura, Barna, Kolar, Omkareshwar, Kaliasot, Bhadbhada etc. has increased significantly.

    Also, 11 gates of Bansujara Dam in Tikamgarh have been opened. Earlier on Monday, a red alert for rainfall has been issued in 39 districts of Madhya Pradesh including Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

    Apart from this, moderate rainfall is to take place in 12 districts including Indore, Gwalior, Dhar and Khargone.

    Due to the incessant rains, District Collector and Magistrate Neeraj Kumar Singh had on Monday announced that there will be a holiday in all schools of the Narmadapuram district.

    Eight trains diverted on Guna-Maksi route 

    At least eight trains were diverted on Tuesday following the inundation of tracks due to heavy rain, which disrupted the rail traffic between Guna and Maksi in Madhya Pradesh, an official said.

    “Due to incessant rains, flood water reached the railway tracks in Biaora and Kumbhraj, leading to disruption of the rail traffic on the Guna-Maksi route,” said Guna station master RS Meena.

    He said while the eight trains were diverted, the Bina-Nagda train was cancelled.

    Meena said the Bina-Nagda train will move back from Guna while Sabarmati Express was diverted to the Bina-Bhopal route.

    “Some more evening trains may be affected,” he said.

    Many parts of MP, including Bhopal, witnessed heavy downpours over the last few days, leading to power supply disruptions in the state capital and other places. Narmadapuram, Vidisha and Guna districts are hit by floods.

    (With inputs from ANI)

    KOTA/ BHOPAL: Two people were washed away in floods and two others went missing in Baran and Bundi districts of Rajasthan, as heavy rains continued to lash the region on Tuesday.

    Rural Development and Panchayti Raj Minister Ramesh Meena on Tuesday toured the rain-affected areas of Karauli district.

    “Talked to the Principal Secretary to the CM and apprised him about the flood situation. Many villages have become islands. Villagers need help,” Meena tweeted.

    He instructed officials to arrange food and drinking water for the affected people.

    Torrential rains have created a flood-like situation in Rajasthan’s three districts – Jhalawar, Dholpur and Baran — where the army and disaster relief team carried out operations to rescue about 1,100 people from across the state, officials said on Tuesday.

    An IAF helicopter is also being deployed to airlift more than 50 people stuck in the waterlogged areas in Baran and Jhalawar districts while schools in all four districts of Kota division — Kota, Baran, Jhalawar and Bundi — have been shut, they said.

    Secretary of Disaster Management and Relief Department Ashutosh Pednekar said army columns have been deployed in Dholpur and Jhalawar districts.

    Rivers like Chambal, Parvan, Parvati, and Kalisindh are flooded and excess water from overflowing dams is being released by opening their gates.

    ALSO READ | At least 50 dead in rain-related incidents in Himachal, other states in three days

    The body of 35-year-old Premnarayan Suman, a resident of Dabri Kakaji village in Baran district, who had been swept away in the flood on Monday evening, was recovered Tuesday from near his village, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Anta circle) Tarun Kant Somani said.

    In Bundi district, Satyanarayan Prajapat, 50, a resident of Suwasda village fell into a flooded anicut on Tuesday morning while he was on his way to collect fodder for cattle near his village. Prajapat was found dead, Circle Inspector at (Nainwan) Babulal Meena said.

    The bodies of both, Suman and Prajapat, were handed over to their families after post-mortem later in the day.

    In Baran’s Shekhapur village, a 20-year-old man, identified as Ekram, was swept away while crossing a flooded brook along with his two friends Monday evening.

    WATCH |

     

    Locals rescued the two youths, while Ekram has not been located yet, Station House Officer (Kawai) Man Singh said.

    In Kota district, search operations were on to locate Kudeep Chauhan, who had fallen into a swollen Chambal river near Nayapura crematorium ground Monday evening.

    Another youth who had fallen into the Chambal while taking a selfie on Monday evening in Karbala area of Kota city, swam with the flow and came out on the other side of an over-bridge in Nayapura area, an eyewitness said.

    “In Dug town of Jhalawar district, Amritlal Tailor, his wife, and their three children were injured when their thatched house collapsed at around 5.30 am on Tuesday when they were asleep,” Dug SHO Amarnath said.

    “While Amritlal was referred to Jhalawar district hospital with fracture and critical injuries, four others from his family were under treatment at a local government hospital,” he said.

    Baran Collector Narendra Gupta said that 11 people, stranded for two days in the submerged Khurai village under Chabra police station of Baran district, were on Tuesday evening airlifted to a safe place by an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter.

    Swollen Chambal river following incessant monsoon rains, in Kota on Tuesday

    Jhalawar Collector Bharti Dixit said that 53 persons have been rescued through boats, while 49 others were still stuck by evening and attempts to rescue them were still on.

    During the last 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Tuesday, 29 cm rainfall occurred in Jhalawar’s Dug, followed by 26 cm in Arnod (Pratapgarh) and Pidawa (Jhalawar), 23 cm in Bakani (Jhalawar), 17 cm in Gangdhar and Pachpahad (Jhalawar), 16 cm in Aklera (Jhalawar), 15 cm in Asnawar (Jhalawar), and 13 cm in Jhalrapatan (Jhalawar).

    The Met department warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Banswara and Dungarpur districts and heavy rainfall in Bhilwara and Chittorgarh districts on Tuesday.

    Locals face difficulties in heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh

    As heavy rainfalls continue to hit parts of Madhya Pradesh, the people of the state continue to face difficulties and bear damage to the public properties.

    In central and east Madhya Pradesh, it has been raining heavily for the last 24 hours. Also, there is a possibility of heavy rainfalls in Ratlam, Ujjain, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur in the coming hours.

    Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force have been deployed in the rain and flood-affected areas.

    In the last 24 hours, State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) together have rescued over 400 people from floods/excess rain in the state. The following number of people from floods/excess rain: Vidisha (190), Rajgarh (103), Ashoknagar (94), Raisen (7), Jabalpur (5), Mandla (3), Sidhi (2), Guna (3).

    ALSO READ | Rain fury brings life to a halt in several parts of MP, including state capital Bhopal

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj S Chouhan reviewed situations in rain-affected districts of the state and stated that assistance will be given by sending helicopters to Vidisha if need be.

    Chouhan said, “The people of 10 flood-affected villages from Vidisha and Guna districts will be airlifted using two helicopters. NDRF and SDRF teams are deployed for rescue operations in the rain and flood-affected districts of the state.”

    Later, CM reviewed the flood situation in Vidisha district.

    “We will try our best to give adequate compensation for damages due to flood situation. I will soon visit the flood-affected districts of the state,” he said.

    In the state, the Parvati river is flowing at its maximum water level in Guna and the Ken river in Panna is close to its maximum water level. The water level of the Narmada river is 271.56 metres. In Vidisha, the Betwa river and its tributaries are overflowing.

    According to the information received this morning, the water level in dams like Rajghat, Gandhi Sagar, Bargi, Tawa, Handiya, Mohanpura, Barna, Kolar, Omkareshwar, Kaliasot, Bhadbhada etc. has increased significantly.

    Also, 11 gates of Bansujara Dam in Tikamgarh have been opened. Earlier on Monday, a red alert for rainfall has been issued in 39 districts of Madhya Pradesh including Bhopal, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

    Apart from this, moderate rainfall is to take place in 12 districts including Indore, Gwalior, Dhar and Khargone.

    Due to the incessant rains, District Collector and Magistrate Neeraj Kumar Singh had on Monday announced that there will be a holiday in all schools of the Narmadapuram district.

    Eight trains diverted on Guna-Maksi route 

    At least eight trains were diverted on Tuesday following the inundation of tracks due to heavy rain, which disrupted the rail traffic between Guna and Maksi in Madhya Pradesh, an official said.

    “Due to incessant rains, flood water reached the railway tracks in Biaora and Kumbhraj, leading to disruption of the rail traffic on the Guna-Maksi route,” said Guna station master RS Meena.

    He said while the eight trains were diverted, the Bina-Nagda train was cancelled.

    Meena said the Bina-Nagda train will move back from Guna while Sabarmati Express was diverted to the Bina-Bhopal route.

    “Some more evening trains may be affected,” he said.

    Many parts of MP, including Bhopal, witnessed heavy downpours over the last few days, leading to power supply disruptions in the state capital and other places. Narmadapuram, Vidisha and Guna districts are hit by floods.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • Amid chilly bilateral ties, Pakistan to attend SCO counter-terror drills in India

    By PTI

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will attend the counter-terrorism drills hosted by India under the ambit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in October, despite a chill in bilateral ties, a media report said on Saturday.

    While Pakistani and Indian military contingents have taken part in counter-terrorism exercises together, this will be the first time that Pakistan will be attending such drills in India, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

    Pakistan will attend the international counter-terrorism exercise scheduled in October this year under SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), the newspaper quoted Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Asim Iftikhar as saying on Friday at the weekly briefing.

    “Yes, there will be exercises under the ambit of SCO RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure),” the spokesperson said, adding that India was chairing the SCO RATS this year.

    “These exercises are scheduled to be held in India in Mahesar in October, and as Pakistan is a member, we will participate,” he said.

    “At what level, I think when we approach that, we will let you know,” the FO spokesperson added.

    The exercise scheduled to be held in Manesar in Haryana will see participation from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, besides India.

    India and Pakistan, under the banner of the SCO are part of the nine-member Beijing-based regional body.

    The move is termed to be significant given the tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.

    India’s decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy.

    India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and shall forever” remain an integral part of the country.

    India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence.

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will attend the counter-terrorism drills hosted by India under the ambit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in October, despite a chill in bilateral ties, a media report said on Saturday.

    While Pakistani and Indian military contingents have taken part in counter-terrorism exercises together, this will be the first time that Pakistan will be attending such drills in India, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

    Pakistan will attend the international counter-terrorism exercise scheduled in October this year under SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), the newspaper quoted Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesman Asim Iftikhar as saying on Friday at the weekly briefing.

    “Yes, there will be exercises under the ambit of SCO RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure),” the spokesperson said, adding that India was chairing the SCO RATS this year.

    “These exercises are scheduled to be held in India in Mahesar in October, and as Pakistan is a member, we will participate,” he said.

    “At what level, I think when we approach that, we will let you know,” the FO spokesperson added.

    The exercise scheduled to be held in Manesar in Haryana will see participation from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, besides India.

    India and Pakistan, under the banner of the SCO are part of the nine-member Beijing-based regional body.

    The move is termed to be significant given the tensions between India and Pakistan after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019.

    India’s decision evoked strong reactions from Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian envoy.

    India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and shall forever” remain an integral part of the country.

    India has said it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence.

  • BJP’s youth wing leader caught on camera assaulting ex-Army man, party expels concerned leader

    By Express News Service

    BHOPAL: A local leader of ruling BJP’s youth wing has been caught on camera ruthlessly assaulting an ex- serviceman inside the latter’s shop in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh.

    While a criminal case has been lodged against the accused, the ruling party’s Rewa district unit has expelled the accused leader from the party.

    The incident happened when the ex-serviceman Dinesh Mishra was sitting inside his barber’s shop in Amahiya town of Rewa district at around 6.30 pm on Monday.

    “The Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Deendayal Division Rewa’s vice president Rituraj Chaturvedi alias Bachhcu along with aide Anurag Mishra entered my shop and started thrashing me and also ransacked property inside the shop. Entire act by the BJYM leader and his aide was recorded in the CCTV camera. In the past also, he has targeted me, but the police didn’t help me. What happened to me on Monday is actually an assault on the entire ex- Indian Army servicemen community,” the ex-serviceman Dinesh Mishra alleged on Tuesday.

    Just after the video of the incident went viral on Tuesday, the local police acted in the matter and lodged a case in the matter u/s 452, 294 and 323 IPC. The accused are being identified through the video and action will be initiated against them soon, ASP-Rewa Anil Sonkar said.

    “The matter pertains to an old rivalry between both sides. Action will be taken against the accused, no matter whoever they are,” the ASP said.

    He, however, denied that in the past the police hadn’t entertained any complaint from the ex-serviceman.

    Meanwhile, acting in the matter, the Rewa district BJP president Dr Ajay Singh expelled the concerned BJYM leader from the party with immediate effect.   

    BHOPAL: A local leader of ruling BJP’s youth wing has been caught on camera ruthlessly assaulting an ex- serviceman inside the latter’s shop in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh.

    While a criminal case has been lodged against the accused, the ruling party’s Rewa district unit has expelled the accused leader from the party.

    The incident happened when the ex-serviceman Dinesh Mishra was sitting inside his barber’s shop in Amahiya town of Rewa district at around 6.30 pm on Monday.

    “The Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Deendayal Division Rewa’s vice president Rituraj Chaturvedi alias Bachhcu along with aide Anurag Mishra entered my shop and started thrashing me and also ransacked property inside the shop. Entire act by the BJYM leader and his aide was recorded in the CCTV camera. In the past also, he has targeted me, but the police didn’t help me. What happened to me on Monday is actually an assault on the entire ex- Indian Army servicemen community,” the ex-serviceman Dinesh Mishra alleged on Tuesday.

    Just after the video of the incident went viral on Tuesday, the local police acted in the matter and lodged a case in the matter u/s 452, 294 and 323 IPC. The accused are being identified through the video and action will be initiated against them soon, ASP-Rewa Anil Sonkar said.

    “The matter pertains to an old rivalry between both sides. Action will be taken against the accused, no matter whoever they are,” the ASP said.

    He, however, denied that in the past the police hadn’t entertained any complaint from the ex-serviceman.

    Meanwhile, acting in the matter, the Rewa district BJP president Dr Ajay Singh expelled the concerned BJYM leader from the party with immediate effect.   

  • Amid Chinese aggression, India, US to carry out mega military exercise in Uttarakhand’s Auli in October

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India and the US will hold an over two-week-long mega military exercise in Uttarakhand’s Auli in October amid the fast-evolving regional security scenario.

    The 18th edition of exercise “Yudh Abhyas” is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 31, sources in the defence and military establishment said on Wednesday.

    A number of complex drills is being planned for the mega exercise, they said.

    The last edition of the exercise took place in October 2021 in Alaska in the US.

    The sources said the exercise is aimed at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the armies of India and the US.

    The “Yudh Abhyas” exercise is taking place in the backdrop of India’s lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

    The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing for the past few years.

    In June 2016, the US designated India a “Major Defence Partner”.

    The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

    The two sides also signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.

    In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to further boost bilateral defence ties.

    The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

    NEW DELHI: India and the US will hold an over two-week-long mega military exercise in Uttarakhand’s Auli in October amid the fast-evolving regional security scenario.

    The 18th edition of exercise “Yudh Abhyas” is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 31, sources in the defence and military establishment said on Wednesday.

    A number of complex drills is being planned for the mega exercise, they said.

    The last edition of the exercise took place in October 2021 in Alaska in the US.

    The sources said the exercise is aimed at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the armies of India and the US.

    The “Yudh Abhyas” exercise is taking place in the backdrop of India’s lingering border row with China in eastern Ladakh.

    The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing for the past few years.

    In June 2016, the US designated India a “Major Defence Partner”.

    The two countries have also inked key defence and security pacts over the past few years, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries to use each other’s bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation.

    The two sides also signed the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 which provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for the sale of high-end technology from the US to India.

    In October 2020, India and the US sealed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) to further boost bilateral defence ties.

    The pact provides for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries.

  •  Indian Army to hold exercises with Oman and Vietnam in August

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In its bid to bolster military ties, Indian Army soldiers are scheduled to hold exercises with the Army personnel of Oman and Vietnam, the two countries which are strategically significant for India.

    As per the Indian Army 4th edition of the exercise AL Najah with the Royal Army of Oman will be held at the foreign training node of Mahajan Field Firing ranges (Rajasthan) from 1 to 13 August in which 60 personnel from Sultan of Oman Parachute Regiment will hold exercise with Indian troops from 18 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.

    The Indian Army on Sunday said, “The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills & procedures, the establishment of joint command & control structures and elimination of terrorist threats. The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism Operations, Regional Security Operations and Peace Keeping Operations under United Nations charter apart from organising joint physical training schedules, tactical drills, techniques and procedures.”

    The exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and will further manifest in enhancing bilateral relations, added the Indian Army.

    These exercises with the two countries will add to the existing strong defence ties.

    The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.

    India-Oman Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The other exercise is with Vietnam which “is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific policy”, the Army said.

    The 3rd edition of Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise “Vinbax 2022” at Chandimandir will be held from 1 to 20 August.

    A 45-member Vietnam People’s Army Contingent comprising Medical and Combat Engineers are scheduled to exercise with Indian Army troops of the 105 Engineer Regiment.

    As per sources, “The theme this year is deployment and employment of an engineering company and a medical team as part of UN Contingent for peacekeeping operations”.

    The exercise is a sequel to a previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and will be a major milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, the sources added.

    In June, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi had signed the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’, which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Logistics Support was also inked in the presence of both the Ministers.

    The continuous military exercise between the three nations has developed trust and has brought maturity to the relations, the Army said.

    Oman provides operational support to the Indian Navy for anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Sea. India had access to the Duqm port in Oman,which strenghtened India’s capability and maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean Region.

    NEW DELHI: In its bid to bolster military ties, Indian Army soldiers are scheduled to hold exercises with the Army personnel of Oman and Vietnam, the two countries which are strategically significant for India.

    As per the Indian Army 4th edition of the exercise AL Najah with the Royal Army of Oman will be held at the foreign training node of Mahajan Field Firing ranges (Rajasthan) from 1 to 13 August in which 60 personnel from Sultan of Oman Parachute Regiment will hold exercise with Indian troops from 18 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.

    The Indian Army on Sunday said, “The scope of the exercise includes professional interaction, mutual understanding of drills & procedures, the establishment of joint command & control structures and elimination of terrorist threats. The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism Operations, Regional Security Operations and Peace Keeping Operations under United Nations charter apart from organising joint physical training schedules, tactical drills, techniques and procedures.”

    The exercise aims to enhance defence cooperation and will further manifest in enhancing bilateral relations, added the Indian Army.

    These exercises with the two countries will add to the existing strong defence ties.

    The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), the Arab League, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.

    India-Oman Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The other exercise is with Vietnam which “is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific policy”, the Army said.

    The 3rd edition of Vietnam-India bilateral army exercise “Vinbax 2022” at Chandimandir will be held from 1 to 20 August.

    A 45-member Vietnam People’s Army Contingent comprising Medical and Combat Engineers are scheduled to exercise with Indian Army troops of the 105 Engineer Regiment.

    As per sources, “The theme this year is deployment and employment of an engineering company and a medical team as part of UN Contingent for peacekeeping operations”.

    The exercise is a sequel to a previously conducted bilateral exercise in Vietnam in 2019 and will be a major milestone in strengthening bilateral relations, the sources added.

    In June, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang in Hanoi had signed the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’, which will significantly enhance the scope and scale of existing defence cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding on Mutual Logistics Support was also inked in the presence of both the Ministers.

    The continuous military exercise between the three nations has developed trust and has brought maturity to the relations, the Army said.

    Oman provides operational support to the Indian Navy for anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Sea. India had access to the Duqm port in Oman,which strenghtened India’s capability and maritime strategy in the Indian Ocean Region.

  • Encounter breaks out between security forces, militants in J&K’s Baramulla

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

    The security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Wanigam Bala in the Kreeri area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

    He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants opened firing on the security forces, who retaliated.

    There are no reports of any casualties so far on either side, the official said.

    SRINAGAR: An encounter broke out between militants and security forces in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, police said.

    The security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Wanigam Bala in the Kreeri area of the district following information about the presence of militants there, a police official said.

    He said the search operation turned into an encounter after the militants opened firing on the security forces, who retaliated.

    There are no reports of any casualties so far on either side, the official said.