Honoured, says Sri Lankan Army Chief as he returns to Military Academy in Dehradun three decades later

Op Sindoor demonstrated IAF’s ability to deliver precise strikes, says IAF Chief AP Singh

200 flight cadets commissioned

ADG STRAT COMN PRINT EDITION UPDATE: 15 JUN 2025

War heroes feted

Top Army commander reviews security situation in Doda, Rajouri

Army’s Tololing expedition to honour Kargil war heroes on 26th anniversary

Youth from remote Jammu village commissioned as flying officer in IAF

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Pilot killed in Uttarakhand chopper crash served in Army for over 15 years

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Helicopter crashes near Kedarnath shrine in Uttarakhand, all 7 on board killed

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The Defence Ministry is expected to clear a proposal to buy three new regiments of the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) systems for the Indian Army.

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Once an IMA cadet, Rodrigo reviews passing out parade

Vijay Mohan Tribune News Service

Once a cadet at the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo on Saturday reviewed the passing out parade of the latest batch of newly commissioned officers, who are set to step out from the Indian Army’s ‘cradle of leadership’.

A total of 451 gentleman cadets of the 156 regular course, 45 technical entry scheme and 139 technical graduate course, forming the Spring Term-2025, passed out from the IMA on Saturday. This was the 156th passing out parade since its inception in 1932.

The newly commissioned officers included 32 from nine friendly foreign countries, with two of these from Sri Lanka. Another senior Sri Lankan Army officer, Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake, whose son was among the newly commissioned officers, also attended the event.

So far, 296 Sri Lankan Army Officers have trained at the IMA. At any given time, about 700 Sri Lankan personnel across all ranks are training in various Indian military institutions.

Calling it an emotional homecoming, Lt Gen Rodrigo said he was deeply honoured to be at the passing out parade. He was commissioned from the IMA in December 1990 as part of the 87th course.

He is on an official visit to India from June 11 to June 14. The visit is aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in the areas of training and capability enhancement between the two countries.

Besides meeting top Indian military and civilian dignitaries, including the three Service Chiefs, his itinerary includes visits to important military establishments.

“The visit underscores the ongoing commitment by both Sri Lanka and India to deepen their robust defence cooperation, which has been built over decades of shared history, mutual trust and regional partnership. It also served as an important step towards strengthening the camaraderie and personal bonds between the two armies, capacity building, military training exchanges and coordinated response to regional challenges,” read an official statement by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Lt Gen Rodrigo had joined the Sri Lankan Army as an officer cadet in January 1989 as part of the under Regular Intake. After successfully completing officer cadet training in the Sri Lankan Military Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant.

A gunner, he later attended the Artillery Young Officers Course in India and has commanded Sri Lanka’s 18 Field Regiment Artillery. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence University of the United States and has also undergone a short training course in Pakistan.

Addressing the cadets at the IMA, he said, “I am deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears to stand before you as the first IMA alumnus to return as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and review this parade. Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn’t just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime.”

He reminded them that they would not only wear a rank, but embrace a new way of life with three unshakable responsibilities which they must uphold – first to the nation, second to the soldiers and third to the families of the bravehearts. He also said that the foreign officer cadets are the brand ambassadors of the values, imbibed by the IMA, that transcend borders.

Lt Gen Rodrigo presented the Sword of Honour to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra for being adjudged as the overall best cadet.

Academy Under-Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak bagged the gold medal for standing first in the order of merit, Nehra received the silver merit, while the bronze medal went to Battalion Under-Officer Anurag Verma.

Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya won the silver medal for standing first in the order of merit among technical graduates, while Nishan Balami from Nepal won the award for standing first amongst foreign cadets.

Highlights changing nature of warfare

During ‘Operation Sindoor’, the Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated its capability to deliver precise and decisive blows to the enemy, IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said on Saturday.

He was addressing the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad, on Saturday. A total of 254 flight cadets graduated on Saturday.

The Air Chief Marshal said the IAF had been and would always remain the first responder. “In the future, two things are certain: fast-evolving character of warfare and the increased relevance of the aerospace power,” he added.

“The IAF must remain ready and prepared. The battlefield is going to become more and more complex and you will need to continuously train and retrain to succeed in future,” said the IAF chief.

He further highlighted that the Indian Air Force was evolving into an aerospace force. Many of you cadets would lead the nation’s foray into space, he said.

Operation Sindoor has showcased exceptional coordination, synergy and integration within the armed forces. You must keep furthering the spirit of jointness as you grow in service, the IAF Chief said.

At the passing-out ceremony, nine officers from the Navy, seven officers from the Indian Coast Guard and one trainee from Vietnam, were also awarded ‘Wings’ on successful completion of flying training.

The event also included thrilling displays by the Akash Ganga team, the Air Warrior Drill Team and synchronised aerobatics by the Suryakiran aerobatic team. The graduation parade was interspersed with well-coordinated and synchronized fly-pasts by trainer aircraft that included the Pilatus PC-7 MklI, Hawk, Kiran Mk-1 and Chetak.

Flying Officer Rohan Krishnamurti from the Flying branch was awarded the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in the overall order of merit in the Pilots’ course. Flying Officer Nishtha Vaid was awarded the President’s Plaque for being first in the overall order of merit in the ground duty branches.

The parade culminated with the newly commissioned officers marching out in two columns to the resonant notes of martial marching tunes.

ADG STRAT COMN PRINT EDITION UPDATE: 15 JUN 2025

MoD/ Armed Forces

1. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit China later this month for SCO defence ministers’ meet, which comes amid efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to rebuild and stabilise bilateral ties, though de-escalation between the rival armies is yet to take place along the LAC. Singh is likely to have a bilateral meeting with his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the SCO meet on June 24-25, in what will be his first visit as defence minister to China_TOI.
2. Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij has requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to transfer a defence land to Haryana Government for the expansion of the Civil Hospital in Ambala Cantonment. To decongest the existing buildings of the civil hospital in Ambala Cantonment and for its expansion, the Health Department requires the 20-acre defence land adjacent to the hospital. During his Delhi visit, the Haryana minister met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and raised the demands related to Ambala Cantonment constituency_Trib.
3. The Indian Army welcomed 419 new officers on Saturday as the IMA held its ceremonial passing out parade at the historic campus in Dehradun. In an emotionally charged moment, Lt Gen BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and an IMA alumnus himself, reviewed the parade. Addressing the cadets, Lt Gen Rodrigo said, “I am deeply moved to the point of tears to stand before you today. Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. I stood exactly where you stand now – 36 years ago”_AA.
4. On Saturday, the army destroyed a terrorist hideout in Rajouri and recovered an IED along with other ammunition. According to information, the army launched a search operation in the Bhungai area of Thanamandi based on credible intelligence. During the operation, a terrorist hideout was discovered. From there, the army recovered 48 Pika rounds, five pistol rounds, one AK-47 round, 400 grams of IED and one tear gas shell_AU.
5. Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Saturday said ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched after the Pahalgam terror attack, stands as a shining testament to the unparalleled prowess of his force. “We have demonstrated our ability to deliver precise and decisive blows to the enemy. As the future of the Air Force, you must understand that the IAF has always been — and will continue to be — the first responder in times of national crisis,” he said, addressing the Combined Graduation Parade held at the Air Force Academy_Stmn, AA.
6. The launch of the much-delayed Axiom 4 (Ax-4) mission carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station will take place on June 19, Union Minister for science and technology Jitendra Singh said on Saturday. “Launch date of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station is, as of now, rescheduled for June 19, 2025,” Singh said on X. “Also, Space X team has confirmed that all the issues, that led to earlier postponement of the launch, have been duly addressed”_HT.
7. Former Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Saturday urged the West Bengal government and its neighbours to plan a defence corridor with the Centre in the eastern region of the country which he claimed has the “potential” but has been “ignored.” Air Chief Marshal Raha said, “A point has come up for the defence production corridor. Two such corridors have been approved by the Central government in the potential areas. It is like the rich becoming richer. They totally ignored eastern and north eastern India where there is so much potential”_AA.
8. The AFT has questioned an MoD justification for denying disability pension to a former Indian Air Force officer with hypertension and diabetes by dismissing it as a mere “life- style disease.” The tribunal described the reasoning as “cryptic and unconvincing.” “The disease of hypertension and diabetes of the applicant is held as aggravated by Air Force service. The applicant is entitled to get disability at the rate of 50% for life from date of retirement,” AFT’s Lucknow bench held in its recent order on Wing Commander Anik K Nair (Retd)_TOI.
9. Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier, maker of Rafale fighter jet, has said that Pakistan claims of shooting down three Indian Air Force’s Rafale jets during Operation Sindoor are false. “The Indians haven’t communicated, so we don’t know exactly what happened. What we already know is that what the Pakistanis are saying (three Rafales destroyed) is inaccurate,” he told a French publication_AA.

National Security

10. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a visit to Cyprus, Canada and Croatia on Sunday, with the focus on his planned meeting with his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the margins of the G7 Summit that is expected to reset bilateral relations after the diplomatic row over the killing of a pro-Khalistan separatist. Modi will begin the three-nation tour by travelling to Cyprus during June 15-16, only the third visit by an Indian premier and the first in 23 years_HT, FE, MP, AA, Pnr, Stmn.
11. India on Saturday disassociated itself from a statement by the SCO condemning Israel’s military strikes on Iran, saying it was not involved in discussions on the statement. The external affairs ministry said in a statement that India had articulated its position on developments between Israel and Iran on Friday, when New Delhi called for dialogue and diplomacy to be used to work towards de-escalation. India believes it is essential for the international community to “undertake endeavours in that direction,” the statement said. Meanwhile, EAM S Jaishankar also separately spoke to his counterparts in Israel and Iran on the escalating crisis, he posted on X_HT, AA.
12. Amid a backdrop of persistent geopolitical tensions between India and China, a different kind of bridge was being built in Kolkata last weekend – one of language, culture, and youth engagement. The eastern Indian city played host to the finals of the 24th edition of the global “Chinese Bridge” language competition on Sunday 8 June, where students from across the country showcased their proficiency in Mandarin and deepened cross-cultural understanding. The event was marked by a rare visit from Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong. “The cultural and historical ties between India and China go back centuries. There is no reason why our nations should not enjoy better relations,” Ambassador Xu said at the event. “Governments must work, but so must students and young people from both countries. They are the key to a brighter future” he added_Stmn.
13. Weeks after nearly 50 tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir were closed due to security reasons in view of the April 22 Pahalgam attack, they will now be reopened in a phased manner starting June 17, J&K LG, Manoj Sinha said on Saturday. He added that 16 destinations will reopen in the first phase, with eight places in Kashmir including parks near Pahalgam market_HT, AA, IE, Pnr.
14. In counter-insurgency operations in the outskirts of five valley districts of Manipur, joint teams of Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police and CAPFs seized 328 firearms and over 10,600 rounds of ammunition, officials aware of the matter said, adding that this is the largest single recovery. A senior police officer said “This is the largest single recovery of weapons since the
    outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, when around 6,000 fire- arms were looted from police armouries. As of last week, approximately 5,270 weapons and 60,000 rounds of ammunition had been recovered, and with this latest seizure, the total
    has now crossed 5,500″_HT, AA, IE, Pnr.
15. Amidst the ongoing intensified anti Naxal operations, a CRPF officer was killed on Saturday following an IED blast triggered by Naxalites in the dense forests located along the Jharkhand-Odisha border. According to official sources, the incident took place during a coordinated combing operation jointly carried out by CRPF, Odisha Police’s Special Operations Group and Jharkhand Police_Pnr.
16. The Centre on Saturday announced the setting up of a high-level committee headed by the Home Secretary to suggest “comprehensive guidelines” to respond to aviation accidents against the backdrop of Thursday’s Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad. The order issued by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation says the committee will “focus on formulating SOPs for preventing and handling such occurrences in the future” and publish its report within three months_Hindu.

Imdt Neighbourhood

17. Hundreds of Myanmar families were being uprooted from their homes on Saturday, a community organiser said, piling their belongings onto evacuation convoys to escape fighting between the military and anti-coup guerrillas. Myanmar has been consumed by a many-sided civil war since the military snatched power in a 2021 coup, leaving more than 3.5 million people displaced according to United Nations figures. Heavy combat has been raging since Monday around the village of Saung Nang Khae in the eastern state of Shan, according to locals and evacuation organisers_AA.
18. A meeting between Bangladesh Chief Adviser Mumammad Yunus with BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has irked two major allies of the interim government, the student-led NCP and Jamaat-e-Islami. Yunus returned to Bangladesh on Saturday, ending his four-day London tour, which featured the meeting with Rahman, the acting chief of former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s BNP. After the meeting with Rahman, BNP leader Amir Kharsu Mahmud Chowdhury and Yunus’ security adviser Khalilur Rahman held a joint briefing and hinted that elections could be held in February next year_IE.

Extended Neighbourhood

19. Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations on Saturday across the US against President Donald Trump, as officials urge calm, National Guard troops mobilise and Trump attends a military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary. A flagship “No Kings” march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, where the military parade will take place on Trump’s birthday. The demonstrations are gaining additional fuel from protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire_MP, AA, Pnr.
20. Israeli firing and airstrikes killed at least 45 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, many of them near an aid distribution site operated by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on Saturday, local health authorities said. Scores of Palestinians have been killed in near daily mass shootings trying to reach the food_HT, AA, IE, Pnr, Stmn.
21. Israel attacked a major onshore refinery of Iran’s giant South Pars gas field in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, causing a powerful explosion and fire as both sides engaged in rapidly escalating conflict with barrages of ballistic missiles, kamikaze drones and bomber aircraft attacks. Israel threatened to strike “every target of the ayatollah regime” in Iran, whose president warned of a severe response if the Israeli attacks continue_HT.
22. Iran’s Foreign Minister Bes Araghchi said on Saturday that nuclear talks with the United Sates were “unjustifiable” after the Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The US and Iran were scheduled to be in Oman on Sunday for their sixth round of indirect talks over Iran’s nuclear programme. The comments by Mr Araghchi came during a call with Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat. The Israeli air strikes were the “result of the direct support by Washington,” Mr Araghchi said. The US has said it is not part of the strikes. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi later said the planned talks “will not take place now”_Hindu.

War heroes and their next of kin were honoured at a ceremony held at the Chandigarh Press Club today.

Prominent among the attendees was Sub-Maj Sanjay Kumar, who was decorated with the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest award for gallantry, during the 1999 Kargil conflict. He is posted as an instructor with the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. The parents of Capt Vikram Batra, who was posthumously decorated with the PVC in the Kargil conflict, were also honoured.

Others present were Savita Rana, wife of Lt Col SS Rana, who was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, the highest peacetime gallantry award for his actions in anti-terrorist operations in Kashmir, Lily Bawa, who received a Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) during Indian Peacekeeping Force operations in Sri Lanka, and Surinder Chandpuri, wife of Brig KS Chandpuri, who was decorated with the MVC in the Battle of Longewala in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.In his keynote address, Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh, former Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, delved upon the ethos of the Indian Army and the grit and motivation of the Indian soldier. A panel of Lt Gen RS Sujlana, Maj Gen HJ Singh and Maj Gen Neraj Bali discussed what the corporate world can learn from the armed forces, while another session by Lt Gen KJ Singh, Brig SC Rangi and Col GS Bajwa focused on the history, glory and heritage of the armed forces.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, Lt General PK Mishra, on Thursday visited the visited forward posts and hinterland bases in Rajouri and Doda districts to review the operational preparedness.

An official informed that Lt Gen Mishra along with other senior officers from Delta force and Ace of Spades division conducted a comprehensive review of the operational preparedness during visits to forward posts in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri and Bhaderwah in Doda.

They also visited the Corps Battle School, where the GOC commended troops for their professionalism, rigorous training and high standards in counterterrorism operations.

The visit comes amid reports of movement of terrorists in higher reaches of Doda district.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Sandeep Mehta, visited the far-off Padri area today to assess the security situation and review existing security measures. Notably Padri area of Bhaderwah carries its boundaries with neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh.

During the visit, the SSP held interaction with the nomads and other shopkeepers and listened to their security concerns. He assessed the deployment of security personnel and reviewed patrol strategies and issued directions to enhance security, maintain law and order, and address emerging challenges. He was accompanied by Additional SP, Bhaderwah, Vinod Kumar, SDPO, Bhaderwah, Shokat Ali and other officials.

Following the visit, the SSP held a comprehensive crime meeting with officers at Bhaderwah police station focusing on reviewing crime trends, statistics, and patterns. He discussed strategies to combat crime, including intelligence-led operations and issued directives to improve policing, enhance community engagement and strengthen investigation mechanisms.

The SSP emphasised the importance of proactive policing, community partnership and effective use of technology to ensure public safety.During the meeting, all under investigation cases of the current year and backlog cases were discussed and necessary instructions were issued to expedite investigation.

The SSP issued directions to the officials to keep surveillance over suspects, drug addicts, OGWs and trouble creators.

In a tribute to the gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the historic battle of Tololing in the Kargil War of 1999, the Indian Army embarked on a commemorative expedition to Tololing Peak.

“The expedition, flagged off from the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on Friday, seeks to pay homage to the unwavering spirit and supreme sacrifice of the soldiers who recaptured strategic heights from enemy forces, marking a crucial turning point in the conflict,” an official spokesperson of Army said.

A team of 37 soldiers from units that actively participated in the battle of Tololing will summit the Tololing peak and hoist the Tricolour, paying tribute to the fallen heroes. “The Indian Air Force has also extended its support to this endeavour and fielded officers and airmen for the said expedition, exemplifying the spirit of synergy and jointmanship that defines the Indian Armed Forces,” the spokesperson said.

“As the nation commemorates the 26th anniversary of Operation Vijay, the Tololing expedition stands as a poignant reminder of the valour, patriotism and selfless service that epitomise the Indian Armed Forces. This expedition is more than just an adventure; it is a journey of remembrance, reflection and reverence, aimed at inspiring future generations with the stories of courage and sacrifice that shaped the nation’s history,” he added.

A youth from a remote village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu has been commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF), a defence spokesperson said.

In a statement, Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal termed it a “moment of immense pride for the region and the nation.”

“The commissioning of Flying Officer Pranav Uppal, a native of Jammu’s Chamb sector, marks the culmination of a remarkable journey defined by perseverance, discipline, and a deep commitment to serve the nation,” the spokesperson said.

Lt Col Bartwal said coming from a humble background with no family history in the armed forces, flying officer Uppal’s interest in the military was sparked during visits to his elder brother at Sainik School. “Inspired by the military environment and values he witnessed there, he joined Sainik School in Class 6, overcoming significant financial and logistical challenges,” he said.

He cleared the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) examination on his first attempt. At NDA, he stood out for his academic excellence and all-round performance, which continued during his training at the Air Force Academy (AFA).

He was awarded ‘Best in Aerobatics’ during Stage-I flying and had the rare honour of flying with the Commanding Officer of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Lt Col Bartwal said, adding he also held the distinguished appointment of Squadron Cadet Captain, reflecting his leadership potential and respect among peers.

Flying Officer Uppal’s journey from a border village to the skies is a testament to what grit, focus, and patriotism can achieve.

“His success story is expected to inspire countless young aspirants, especially from rural and underrepresented regions of the country,” the spokesperson said.

A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the BSF and the exact reasons behind the incident are being ascertained

A BSF jawan allegedly shot dead his senior following an argument at a camp in West Bengal’s Murshidabad, officials said Sunday.

The incident took place around 10:30 pm on Saturday at the Border Security Force (BSF) camp in Dhuliyan in the said district. Constable Shivam Kumar Mishra shot dead his senior Head Constable Ratan Singh Shekhawat after a heated argument. The accused constable has been apprehended, officials said.

The two troops were stationed in a BSF unit that was deployed in the area following the recent communal clashes in Murshidabad, they said. A Court of Inquiry has been ordered by the BSF and the exact reasons behind the incident are being ascertained, officials said.

Shekhawat, 56, joined the BSF in 1989 and was posted in the 119 battalion of the force. He hailed from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The accused also belonged to the same battalion.