n a major push to enhance the Indian Army’s readiness for counter-terrorism (CT) operations, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday announced the conclusion of 13 contracts worth Rs 1,981 crore under the emergency procurement (EP) route. This is part of a Rs 2,000 crore outlay allocated for rapid capability building.
Executed through fast-track procedures, the procurement aims to enhance situational awareness, lethality, mobility, and protection for troops deployed in counter terrorism operations. The acquisitions were completed within compressed timelines to ensure rapid capability augmentation, the Ministry of Defence said.
Key equipment being procured includes multiple categories of drones, including VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) systems. Drone detection and interdiction systems, all these came in very handy during the operation Sindoor. Additional bullet proof jackets (BPJs) and ballistic helmets are also on the purchase list.
Among the radars being purchased is the low-level lightweight radars.
For needs to tackle incoming ariel threats the Army will be getting very short-range air defence systems (VSHORADS). This will include launchers of the VSHORADS and its missiles. These have ranges of less than 10-km and form part of multi-layered air defence systems that proved its mettle in Operation Sindoor.
The Army will be adding to its arsenal of loitering ammunitions, these are like ‘kamikaze’ drones and can stay in the air for specified period and hit targets on a command given from ground.
The Army will also get ‘night sights’ for rifles. These allow troops to sight the terrorists even during night.
The MoD said these procurements reflect the Ministry’s commitment to equipping the Indian Army with modern, mission-critical, and completely indigenous systems to meet emerging security challenges.
The emergency procurement route continues to be a key enabler in bridging urgent capability gaps and ensuring timely induction of vital operational equipment.
In the past few years emergency procurement has been done in five tranches largely for equipment needed for tackling the threats along the northern boundary with China.
Capt M S Kohli, who led India’s first successful Everest expedition, dies
Captain Manmohan Singh Kohli (retd), renowned Indian Navy officer and legendary mountaineer who led India’s first successful Everest expedition in 1965, passed away in New Delhi on June 23 at the age of 93.
Known for his daring leadership during a covert Indo-US mission in 1965 to place a nuclear-powered spying device on Nanda Devi in Uttarakhand to monitor Chinese nuclear activity, Capt Kohli led India’s first successful Everest Expedition in 1965.
“Regret to inform the sad demise of Capt MS Kohli (retd) on June 23 at New Delhi,” The Navy said.
Capt Kohli’s covert operation on Nanda Devi has roots in the early 1960’s when China conducted its first nuclear test near Lake Lop Nur in the Xinjiang province. At that time, Cold War hysteria was at its peak. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reached out to the Indian Intelligence Bureau for help in spying on Chinese nuclear tests and missile firings.
Born December 11, 1930, in Haripur (now Pakistan), Kohli authored a book ‘Spies in the Himalayas’, and in which he described Nanda Devi as offering a vantage point with an unfettered view across Chinese-occupied Tibet. Meanwhile the Indian Navy said Capt Kohli was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1954 and retired in 1974.
Gen SM Shrinagesh’s ‘Commanded By Destiny’: The General who Indianised Army
Book Title: Commanded By Destiny: A General’s Rise from Soldier to Statesman
Author: Gen SM Shrinagesh
The advantage in reading memoirs set in a bygone era is that they transport the reader back to those very times and afford them the chance to relive them. It invokes personal experience of those times and also the legends and anecdotes one has heard and can relate to.
General Satyawant Mallannah Shrinagesh was the second Chief of the Army Staff of the Indian Army from 1955 to 1957, and his life was truly commanded by destiny. Early education in England, military service from subaltern to the Chief of the Army Staff and then, on retirement, setting up the Administrative Staff College to train officers of the civil services and, finally, the governorship of three states of the Indian Union — one can scarcely find anyone matching that unique profile.
The book has been put together and published more than four decades after the demise of Gen Shrinagesh. It has been possible only because the editors have done such a good job of converting Gen Shrinagesh’s personal notes into his memoirs that they read like his autobiography. The narrative covering the contours of his journey through an extraordinary life has been presented in 16 chapters arranged chronologically.
As one follows the narrative of the General’s fierce patriotism and an enduring love for and pride in the Indian Army, the wide range of his intellect and the depth of knowledge clearly come through. But, above all, it is his demureness and humility that is unmistakable.
Among his many services to the nation, what must stand out is his most sterling contribution to the Indian Army, particularly in terms of its Indianisation (removing colonial vestiges) and reorganisation of the Army post-Independence. The Indian Army under the British was structured to maintain control over their colonial empire within and outside India. Gen Shrinagesh saw the necessity to restructure the Indian Army to instead defend our Independence and our borders. Its force structure was required to be based on the perceived threats to our national security. His experience of active combat leadership and higher direction of military operations during the Kashmir war of 1947-48 was reflected in his concept of a future-ready Indian Army.
His outlook was visionary. He was among the first few (along with Lt Gen SPP Thorat) to appreciate the potential threat from China and the need to prepare for two battlefronts. He had factored in the vulnerability of the narrow Siliguri corridor in his assessment of threats to our national security. He had also pointed out the need for jointness among the armed forces and to have a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) towards that end. He felt a reserve force should be kept in readiness to act swiftly in an emergency.
As part of restructuring the Army, he realised how essential it was to give the Army time to train, incorporate newer concepts of warfare, weapons, equipment and systems. For that, he advocated the need to relieve the Army of mere border-guarding duties by raising paramilitary forces (like the BSF, the ITBP and so on) to be assigned those tasks.
Gen Shrinagesh had a keen sense of history and its relevance to contemporary issues is evident in his analysis of the Chinese aggression in 1962, an almost clairvoyant assessment of Beijing’s ambitions and expansionism.
In the three chapters covering his tenures as Governor of three states, each completely diverse in terms of geography, history and socio-political milieu, his understanding and insights into socio-political issues is remarkable. It is particularly evident in his handling of the Naga insurgency in the 1960s. While assisting the Central government to find a political solution to the problem, he was also clear-headed about the use of (military) force to deal with the armed underground cadres operating under the leadership of Phizo.
Even while serving the interests of the people of each state where he was appointed, he was mindful of the larger national priorities, which included the need to consolidate our Independence by simultaneously fostering Centre-state relations and placing the nation’s interests above regional considerations. This he encouraged vigorously during his three tenures as Governor.
Gen Shrinagesh was not a stranger to being in the company of celebrities and persons of high social standing. His meetings with the Nizam of Hyderabad and an account of a tiger shoot at the invitation of a Maharaja make for interesting reading. Yet, none of those opportunities affected his humbleness and self-effacing nature. He maintained his calm persona and dignity without any aura of greatness, which he rightly had claim to.
The book is not without its lighter moments. The General has quoted two interesting stories, both with subtle humour.
Gen Shrinagesh lived a life with courage of his convictions, his innate sense of values and a strong belief in discipline, honour and integrity.
If he were to come back today, he would be pleased to see that many of his dreams, like the appointment of CDS, have become a reality and his reading of Chinese expansionism has been proved right.
— The reviewer is former Commander of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps
Army Chief reviews security ahead of Amarnath Yatra
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday reviewed the preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 3 and for which the UT and Centre are making special security arrangements.
In addition, General Dwivedi assessed the Kashmir region’s overall security grid and spoke with officers about the region’s current security state.
“General Dwivedi reviewed the security grid in the Kashmir region and reviewed preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. He was briefed on the current operational dynamics and the broader strategic landscape, including a demonstration on the integration of advanced technologies in operations, leading to smarter decisions and enhanced surveillance and response mechanisms,” the Army posted on X.
The Army said the COAS praised all ranks of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps “for their unwavering commitment in ensuring peace and stability through decisive counter-terror operations and initiatives aimed at the development of the region and uplift of the local population”.
The security arrangements for the pilgrimage are being given special emphasis due to the April 22 attack in Pahalgam by terrorists. The police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), CRPF and Army will protect the convoys of pilgrims that will pass through many forest areas along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.
Besides, the lodgement centres of the pilgrims on their way to the Valley are also being secured to ensure there is no untoward incident. The administration is also gearing up to provide all facilities to the pilgrims who will visit the holy cave shrine.
Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, conducted a tour of the Baltal axis to assess the sanitation facilities being put in place for the upcoming pilgrimage.
Asad ordered full deployment of sanitation personnel with proper supervision by the designated nodal officers.
Meanwhile, Samba Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma visited three key lodgement centres — Chichi Mata Temple, Nonath Ashram and Daini Transit camp — to review arrangements.
The centre at the Chichi Mata Temple has a capacity for around 800 pilgrims. The DC took stock of civic amenities, including toilets, bathing units and others. At Nonath, the issue of water shortage was flagged for urgent action.
The administrations of the district from where the pilgrims will pass have been asked to ensure proper arrangement
Navy set to commission stealth frigate ‘Tamal’ in Russia on July 1
The Indian Navy is set to commission its latest stealth multi-role frigate, INS Tamal, on July 1 at Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Commander of the Western Naval Command
‘Tamal’ is the eighth in the series of Krivak-class frigates inducted from Russia over the past two decades and is the second ship of the Tushil Class, which are upgraded versions of the Talwar and Teg classes, each comprising three ships.
As part of the broader contract for the Tushil class, India is also constructing two similar frigates, known as the Triput class, at Goa Shipyard Limited, with technology transfer and design assistance from Russia. By the conclusion of this series, the Indian Navy will operate 10 ships with similar capabilities and commonality in equipment, weaponry, and sensor fit across four different classes.
The Tamal’s construction was closely overseen by an Indian team of specialists from the Warship Overseeing Team stationed at Kaliningrad, under the aegis of the Embassy of India, Moscow. At the Naval Headquarters, the project was steered by the Directorate of Ship Production under the Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition.
The ship features 26 per cent indigenous components, including the BrahMos long-range cruise missile, capable of targeting both sea and land. The Navy has stated that the ship’s combat capability is enhanced by a range of Network Centric Warfare capabilities and an advanced Electronic Warfare suite. The Tamal boasts a high tonnage-to-firepower ratio, extended endurance, and a top speed exceeding 30 knots.
The crew, comprising over 250 personnel, has undergone rigorous training both ashore and afloat in the challenging winter conditions of St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad.
Agniveer common entrance exam from June 30 to July 10
The date-wise schedule has been published on the official website of the Indian Army
The online Common Entrance Exam (CEE) for Agniveer recruitment in the Indian Army for the year 2025-26 has been scheduled from June 30 to July 10.
The exam will be conducted at ION Digital Zone, Bahadurgarh, Patiala, and RIMT University, Fatehgarh Sahib. The date-wise schedule has been published on the official website of the Indian Army. Admit cards for the candidates have already been issued, and the results of the online entrance exam will be declared in July 2025.
The exam is the first stage of the recruitment process; it is followed by recruitment rallies in the second stage, where shortlisted candidates, based on their performance in the CEE, will be invited. The final merit list will be prepared based on the results of the online CEE and the performance in the screening tests during the rallies.
Bilawal Bhutto says Pakistan will go to war if India denies water under IWT
India put in abeyance the 1960 agreement soon after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people
Pakistan’s former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday said his country will go to war if India denies Islamabad its fair share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
India put in abeyance the 1960 agreement soon after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. Union Home Minister Amit Shah last week announced to never restore the historic accord.
Bilawal’s comments came two days after Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry criticised Shah’s “brazen disregard” for international agreements.
Bilawal, in a speech in parliament, rejected the Indian decision to suspend the agreement and threatened to get Pakistan’s share of water.
“India has two options: share water fairly, or we will deliver water to us from all six rivers,” he said referring to the six rivers of the Indus basin.
He said the IWT was still in vogue as the agreement cannot be held in abeyance.
“The attack on Sindhu (Indus river) and India’s claim that the IWT has ended and it’s in abeyance. First, this is illegal, as the IWT is not in abeyance, it is binding on Pakistan and India, but the threat itself of stopping water is illegal according to the UN charter,” he said.
Bilawal, who is head of the Pakistan Peoples Party, threatened that if India decides to follow through on the threat, “we will have to wage war again”.
The former foreign minister also highlighted the importance of talks and cooperation, especially in counterterrorism efforts.
“If India and Pakistan refuse to talk, and if there is no coordination on terrorism, then violence will only intensify in both countries,” he said.
Assessing satellite images, experts suggest Fordow, Iran’s most important nuke site, may have been destroyed
Built up to 300 feet under a mountain approximately 95 km southwest of Tehran, Fordow, officially known as Shahid Ali Mohammadi Nuclear Facility, is a uranium enrichment plant and one of Iran’s most important and heavily fortified nuclear sites
Even as post-strike damage assessments by the US and Israeli military are underway, experts interpreting open source satellite images of the impact of US air strikes on Iran’s nuclear research site at Fordow suggest that the facility has been heavily damaged or even totally knocked out.
On June 22, B-2 stealth bombers flying out of the US had carried out precision strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, using the massive 13,600-kg GBU-57 ‘bunker buster’ and cruise missiles. US president Donald Trump had announced that these sites were destroyed.
“Mensurations indicate Fordow completely destroyed. Can’t be operationalised again,” Col Vinakay Bhat (retd), a satellite imagery expert commented on his X handle along with posting an overhead picture of the site. “Possibly struck with 13 x GBU-57 bunker buster bombs and probably destroyed from within totally,” he added.
Built up to 300 feet under a mountain approximately 95 km southwest of Tehran, Fordow, officially known as Shahid Ali Mohammadi Nuclear Facility, is a uranium enrichment plant and one of Iran’s most important and heavily fortified nuclear sites.
Because of its geographical location, it was said to be the most difficult and resilient target amongst the three and was a cause for concern as it had the capacity to house advanced centrifuges for producing weapons-grade uranium.
Natanz, located south of Fordow, is Iran’s main uranium enrichment site and a central element of its nuclear programme, while the site at Isfahan houses uranium conversion facilities, laboratories and Chinese-built research reactors. Both these have been targeted by Israel in the past.
Under operation Midnight Hammer, the B-2 flew nonstop across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean to drop the largest conventional bombs, the GBU-57 massive ordnance penetrator, that can penetrate over 200 feet below the Earth’s surface to destroy deeply buried targets.
After the mission, the US Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Dan Caine, had said that the initial assessment indicated that all three sites sustained “severe damage and destruction,” though it was too soon to say whether Iran retained some nuclear capability.
Satellite imagery by private space firms taken shortly after the strikes on the Fordow indicated impact points from the US bombs and damage and showed changes in the ground’s appearance and dust near the likely strike locations. Some experts have pointed out six bomb impact craters, with multiple munitions striking the same precise point.
Satellite imagery has also shown significant changes to the colour of the mountainside around Fordow, indicating that a vast area was covered with a layer of grey ash after the strike, possibly resulting from the chemical composition of explosives that were detonated and the damage they caused. One GBU-57 carries 2,300 kg of conventional explosives.
Another satellite image showed 16 cargo trucks parked near one of the entrances to the site around the time the strike were undertaken, which suggested that some material from the site may have been removed or reinforcement of the site may have been done in anticipation of an attack.
In their comments, various experts have maintained that total destruction of the underground facilities is quite possible, though a final assessment of the damage will take time as additional information over various sources flows in.
“No reason to doubt Secretary Hesgeth’s claim that Fordow is destroyed, given the attack with massive ordnance penetrators (MOPs) above the main centrifuge halls, whose location is well-known from Iranian Amad drawings in the Nuclear Archive,” David Albright, a former UN nuclear inspector who heads the Institute for Science and International Security, posted on X. “But still, is there credible post-attack information confirming that? Iranian government sources and media have provided disinformation,” he added.
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, told the UN Security Council that while the level of radioactivity outside the Natanz and Isfahan remained unchanged and were at normal levels, within the Natanz facility, there was both radiological and chemical contamination.
Israel again attacks Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear site
Iran’s underground enrichment site at Fordo was again attacked on Monday, Iranian state television reported. The report, also carried by other Iranian media, offered no word on damage, nor who launched the assault.
However, Israel has been conducted airstrikes throughout the day in Iran.
The United States launched a major attack Sunday on three Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, which required the use of sophisticated bunker-buster bombs.
Trump raised the question of regime change in Iran, as senior officials in his administration warned Tehran against retaliation.
“It’s not politically correct to use the term, “Regime Change,” but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
Trump’s post came after officials in his administration, including US Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, stressed they were not working to overthrow Iran’s government.
“This mission was not and has not been about regime change,” Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon, calling the mission “a precision operation” targeting Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran launches missiles, drones at Israel in wake of US strikes on its nuclear targets
June 23, 2025 3:12 pm
Iran fired a salvo of missiles and drones on Monday at Israel while also warning the United States that its military has been given a “free hand” to attack American targets in the wake of the Trump administration’s massive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Meanwhile, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog said on Monday that “very heavy damage” is expected at Iran’s underground facility at Fordo after a US airstrike there with sophisticated bunker-buster bombs. Israel said its defence systems were operating to intercept the latest Iranian threat, which apparently targeted the north and central areas of the country, and told people to head to shelters. Iran described the attack a new wave of its Operation “True Promise 3,” saying it was targeting the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Iranian state television. AP
Iran’s parliament looking to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog: Report
June 23, 2025 1:27 pm
A parliamentary bill to suspend Iran’s cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog is under consideration, Ruhollah Motefakerzadeh, a member of parliament’s presidium said on Monday according to state media. Iranian media also reported Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf saying: “We in the parliament are seeking to pass a bill that would suspend Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA until we have objective guarantees of the professional behaviour of this international organisation.” Qalibaf added Tehran was not looking to develop nuclear weapons. “The world clearly saw that the Atomic Energy Agency has not fulfilled any of its obligations and has become a political tool,” he added. Reuters
Israeli drone downed in Iran
June 23, 2025 1:24 pm
The Israeli military said one of its drones was downed during an operation on Monday morning in Iran. The military also said 15 fighter jets struck missile launchers and storage sites in western Iran, close to the border with Iraq. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Sunday Israel was “very close to achieving our goals” in removing Iran’s nuclear and missile threats. AP
Iran’s military warns US of heavy consequences for entering war on Israel’s side
June 23, 2025 12:34 pm
Recent hostile action by the United States expanded the scope of legitimate targets for Iran’s armed forces, a spokesperson for its Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said in a video shared on Monday. Ebrahim Zolfaqari said the US should expect heavy consequences for its actions. “Mr. Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” Zolfaqari said in English at the end of his recorded statement.
Israeli military says it attacked 6 airports in Western, Eastern and Central Iran
June 23, 2025 11:46 am
Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran
June 23, 2025 10:49 am
Commercial airlines around the world on Monday were weighing how long to suspend Middle East flights as a conflict which has already cut off major flight routes entered a new phase after the US attacked key Iranian nuclear sites and Tehran vowed to defend itself. The usually busy airspace stretching from Iran and Iraq to the Mediterranean has been largely empty of commercial air traffic for 10 days since Israel began strikes on Iran on June 13, as airlines divert, cancel and delay flights through the region due to airspace closures and safety concerns. New cancellations of some flights by international carriers in recent days to usually resilient aviation hubs like Dubai and Qatar’s Doha, show how aviation industry concerns about the region have escalated. However, some international airlines were resuming services on Monday. Leading Asian carrier Singapore Airlines, which described the situation as “fluid”, was set to resume flying to Dubai on Monday after cancelling its Sunday flight from Singapore. Similarly, Flightradar24 departure boards show British Airways, owned by IAG, was set to resume Dubai and Doha flights on Monday after cancelling routes to and from those airports on Sunday. Air France KLM cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh on Sunday and Monday.
Iran executes a man convicted of cooperating with Israeli intelligence: Report
June 23, 2025 10:30 am
Iran executed a detainee named Mohammadamin Shayesteh who had been sentenced to death for collaborating with Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Monday. Shayesteh had been arrested in late 2023 and was described by Tasnim as “the head of a cyber-team affiliated with Mossad.”
US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites mark perilous turn in Middle East: UN chief
June 23, 2025 10:25 am
The US bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities marks a “perilous turn” in the Middle East, UN chief Antonio Guterres told an emergency session of the Security Council, amid escalating tensions in the region. The 15-nation Council met for the emergency session on Sunday after President Donald Trump announced that the US had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran – Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. “The bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States marks a perilous turn in a region that is already reeling. From the outset of the crisis, I have repeatedly condemned any military escalation in the Middle East,” Secretary General Guterres told the UN Security Council. Guterres said the people of the region cannot endure another cycle of destruction. “And yet, we now risk descending into a rathole of retaliation after retaliation. The UN Chief stressed that the international community must act immediately and decisively to halt the fighting and return to serious, sustained negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme.
Shares slip, oil rises as investors weigh Iran risks
June 23, 2025 9:03 am
Shares slipped in Asia on Monday and oil prices briefly hit five-month highs as investors anxiously waited to see if Iran would retaliate against US attacks on its nuclear sites, with resulting risks to global activity and inflation. Early moves were contained, with the dollar getting only a minor safe-haven bid and no sign of panic selling across markets. Oil prices were up around 2.8%, but off their initial peaks.
Iran weighs retaliation against US for strikes on nuclear sites
June 23, 2025 9:01 am
Iran and Israel traded air and missile strikes as the world braced on Monday for Tehran’s response to the US attack on its nuclear sites and US President Donald Trump raised the idea of regime change in the Islamic republic. Iran vowed to defend itself on Sunday, a day after the US joined Israel in the biggest Western military action against the country since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, despite calls for restraint and a return to diplomacy from around the world. Commercial satellite imagery indicated the US attack on Saturday on Iran’s subterranean Fordow nuclear plant severely damaged or destroyed the deeply buried site and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, but the status of the site remained unconfirmed, experts said.
