Introduction Military diplomacy as an instrument of statecraft utilises military capabilities, personnel, expertise and institutional relationships to support national foreign-policy and strategic objectives. The release of India’s ten-year strategic roadmap for defence diplomacy on 03 September 2026, marks a significant development in the India’s approach to national security and foreign policy. Titled RAKSHA and unveiled…
In a quiet yet powerful affirmation of merit and resolve, Major Navya Shekhawat of the Army Service Corps has become the first woman officer from the Indian Army to serve as Aide-de-Camp to the President of India. Appointed to Rashtrapati Bhavan, she now stands beside President Droupadi Murmu during state functions, investiture ceremonies and diplomatic…
In a significant leadership transition within the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, Lt Gen Yash Ahlawat handed over the reins of the elite XVII Corps, popularly known as the Brahmastra Corps, to Lt Gen SS Kartikeya. The change of command took place at the Corps Headquarters at a place in West Bengal, marking transition in one…
In a bold daytime operation on September 1, 2026, Special Forces of Israel’s Shin Bet, working with the Israel Defence Forces, captured Muein (also reported as Moein or Muin) al-Arabid, head of Hamas’s internal security apparatus, near his home in western Gaza City. The high-value target was taken alive and transferred to Israel for questioning….
Maj Gen Harvijay Singh On the pre-dawn hours of 1 September 1965, Pakistani forces launched Operation Grand Slam across the Cease Fire Line in the Chhamb-Jaurian sector. Their objective was clear and ambitious: a swift armoured thrust to seize the vital Akhnoor bridge, sever the Pathankot-Jammu highway, and isolate Indian forces in Kashmir. Keywords: Operation…
In a monumental leap toward self-reliance in military aerospace, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France’s Safran Helicopter Engines have formally signed a landmark contract with their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines. The deal marks the start of joint design, development, and manufacturing for the new high-power Aravalli engine. Rated at an impressive 3,500 to 4,000…
In a landmark step for India’s defence self-reliance, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has manufactured and successfully test-fired the first AK-203 assault rifle built entirely with Indian components and materials. Nicknamed ‘Sher’, the prototype underwent firing trials, including burst firing, at the company’s Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Initial results have been described as…
Agra A foreign media delegation comprising 39 journalists from 13 countries visited the elite Shatrujeet Brigade of the Indian Army to gain first hand insights into its specialised Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities. The visit, held at the formation’s base in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, underscored India’s growing role as a reliable first responder…
Maj Gen Harvijay Singh In August 1965, Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar, a covert campaign designed to seize Jammu and Kashmir through infiltration and induced rebellion. Under President Ayub Khan, thousands of Pakistani soldiers from the Special Services Group, along with irregulars and Razakars, crossed the Cease Fire Line disguised as locals. Organised into forces…
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth felicitated three distinguished veterans with the Yoddha Seva Samman during the Retiring Officers Seminar held in the national capital. The honour, instituted under the guiding ethos of “Honour Through Action, Vijay Through Service,” recognises the enduring spirit of service that continues long after a soldier hangs up…
