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Pakistan’s poor state of economy and bankruptcy is directly related to its enormous expenditure on defence.

Lt Gen (retd) Harwant Singh

Operation Sindoor was launched by India against terrorist centres in Pakistan and against military infrastructure in that country. This operation was in response to the cross-border terrorist attack near Pahalgam on

April 22 — a major intelligence failure for which accountability is yet to be fixed.

India’s air-defence systems performed extremely well and its troops displayed appropriate skills in handling high-tech military equipment. Pakistan’s success lay in shelling Indian villages in J&K and inflicting civilian casualties.

Pakistan has also claimed it had knocked down Indian fighter planes. The precise casualty figures on both sides or the full extent of damage to military assets has still not been fully disclosed.

We have to wait and see if this operation is enough to dissuade Pakistan from continuing with cross-border terror attacks and give up its policy of a “thousand cuts” against India. Going by the past record and Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir’s recent statements, it seems unlikely.

India’s response, as and when the next terrorist attack takes place, is likely to be significantly enhanced. India must war-game what red lines can and must be crossed. Pakistan must realise the outcome of a nuclear conflict.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also claimed that it has destroyed a few Indian aircraft. The Army chief has been promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. But what should concern us is that few countries openly stood with India during this brief conflict. When India tried to block the IMF loan to Pakistan, it was not successful.

It is said that the IMF usually allows such loans through, especially when the economy of a country is in dire straits. Perhaps this reflects on our foreign policy, especially in view of the fact that we don’t have friendly relations with any of our immediate neighbours.

Before the launch of Operation Sindoor, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is believed to have warned Pakistan about our attack. Was this an act of diplomacy or serious breach of security, which resulted in the escape of some terrorists?

While the Minister now says that he had informed Pakistan 15-30 minutes after the launch, in response to Rahul Gandhi’s question, some analysts argue the warning was necessary in order to move out the civilian population. Imagine if a few hundred innocent people had been killed along with terrorists, these analysts say.

As for India now dispatching parliamentary and diplomatic teams to various countries to brief them on Pakistan’s terrorist activities and the compulsions for India to launch Operation Sindoor, it seems like a case of shutting the gate after the horse has bolted.

The people of Pakistan must realise that its Army is unnecessarily creating the bogey of a threat from India. Pakistan’s poor state of the economy and bankruptcy is directly related to its enormous expenditure on defence.

It needs to develop good neighbourly relations with India. Good relations and enhanced trade with India will work to Pakistan’s great advantage. India desires a friendly and prosperous Pakistan.

Finally what have been the gains from Op Sindoor for India and Pakistan? For India, besides demonstrating its resolve to meet cross-border terrorism head on, there are expectations of electoral gain.

On the Pakistan side, the fissures that were surfacing in its Army seems to have been closed. The Pakistan Army’s standing in the country appears to have been restored.

Lt Gen Harwant Singh (retd) is former deputy chief of army staff.

Invest in R&D, fly-by-night operators not welcome in this sector, cautions Defence Secy

Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday pointed to systemic delays in defence projects. “Not a single project that I can think of has been completed on time,” he said, adding that even while signing contracts, the IAF anticipated delays and still proceeded with signing contracts.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit, he called for greater emphasis on indigenous design and development, stressing the need for industry to allocate a portion of revenue to R&D, drawing inspiration from the Sikh principle of “dasvandh” (donating 10 per cent of earnings).

“In Punjabi culture, there’s the concept of ‘dasvandh’, giving 10 per cent of earnings back to society. Something similar should apply here. Every industry should earmark a portion of revenue for R&D,” he said.

He suggested the need for domestic design and development, followed by mass production. “We need to start designing in India and when it comes to producing in numbers, the capacity has to come in,” he added.

The IAF Chief raised concerns over brain drain, stating, “We are not getting the best people for the job. They’re going abroad to work. We need to retain them with good pay, incentives, work environment and may be some recognition.”  He pushed for urgent action, suggesting “quick Make in India programmes” to accelerate progress.

Defence Secretary Raj Kumar Singh, speaking at the same event, said the Indian industry could secure better prospects in military equipment manufacturing by investing in research and development. He cautioned that there was “no get-rich-quick option” in this sector.

He called for the need for long-term commitment, stating that companies lacking engineering expertise, manpower or willingness to invest in R&D should not enter defence production.

“Fly-by-night operators will not be welcome,” Singh asserted, assuring that the Ministry of Defence would support private industry just as it had backed public sector enterprises. He pledged to “bury the private sector in orders” while urging streamlined procurement processes and ease of doing business in defence.

The Defence Secretary said the defence modernisation budget was fully utilised in the last fiscal, breaking a long-standing pattern of underspending caused by slow procurement decisions. The pace of modernisation was expected to pick up, he said.

Though the defence expenditure had fallen to 1.9 per cent of the GDP, Singh said it remained sufficient to meet current modernisation goals. He reiterated that the government’s long-term defence vision was rooted in atmanirbharta (self-reliance.

General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.), former Chief of Army Staff and senior Indian politician, represents a rare blend of military leadership, administrative reform, and patriotic zeal. From leading troops in war zones to overseeing critical evacuation missions and taking bold stands in Parliament, his journey reflects a lifetime of service, integrity, and fearless leadership. He will be the Reviewing Officer for the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the historic 148th course of the National Defence Academy (NDA), scheduled for May 30. The landmark event will see the first batch of woman cadets graduating from the premier tri-services academy among around 340 passing out cadets. Table of Contents Also Read: NDA Passing Out Parade To Be Held on 30 May 2025: All You Need To Know About The Event in Advance Early Life and Education Born on May 10, 1950, in Uttar Pradesh, Gen. Vijay Kumar Singh grew up in a family with strong military traditions, instilling in him values of discipline, patriotism, and honour from an early age. His military education includes top institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA), Indian Military Academy (IMA), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and the College of Combat, Mhow. He also trained at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania, gaining global strategic insights. These prestigious institutions shaped his leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to national service, laying the foundation for his distinguished career as a military reformer and statesman. Then Second Lt VK Singh During 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Distinguished Military Career Commissioned into the 2 Rajput Regiment in 1970, General V.K. Singh began his military journey on the front lines. He played a key role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which resulted in the historic liberation of Bangladesh. His early experiences in active combat shaped his leadership and operational expertise. Throughout his career, General Singh was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations in challenging regions like Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir. He also represented India in UN Peacekeeping Missions across Africa, contributing to global peace and stability. Rising through the ranks, he commanded military units at every level—from company and battalion to brigade, division, and corps. His leadership of elite Special Forces units earned him respect for tactical excellence and operational efficiency. General Singh became known for his strong advocacy of modernization and transparency in the Indian Army. Equally dedicated to soldier welfare, he consistently worked to improve the lives and conditions of the men under his command. His career reflects a blend of combat experience, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to national service. Then Lt Col VK Singh in 1991 Movie ‘Prahar’. Tenure as Chief of Army Staff (2010–2012) Appointed as India’s 26th Chief of Army Staff, General V.K. Singh made history as the first commando-trained officer to hold the Army’s top position. His tenure was marked by bold decisions, fearless leadership, and a commitment to military integrity. One of the most talked-about events during his service was the age dispute controversy, where General Singh challenged the official records of his date of birth. This brought the sensitive issue of civil-military relations into the national spotlight, sparking widespread debate. General Singh also led a strong anti-corruption drive, notably exposing the Tatra trucks procurement scandal. His actions raised serious concerns about corruption in defence deals and emphasized the need for transparency and accountability within the armed forces. Another major moment of his tenure was a confidential letter to the Prime Minister, later leaked to the media. In it, he warned of serious gaps in India’s defence preparedness, highlighting issues in military readiness and equipment shortages. Despite the controversies, General V.K. Singh’s legacy as Army Chief is remembered for his courage, transparency, and unwavering stance on accountability within the Indian Army. General VK Singh as Cheif of Army Staff. Awards and Military Honors General Singh’s illustrious military career has been recognized with some of India’s highest military honors, showcasing his exceptional service and leadership. He has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), and Yudh Seva Medal (YSM)—each a testament to his operational brilliance, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to national security. These prestigious awards highlight General Singh’s distinguished contributions in both combat and peacetime roles. From leading troops in challenging operations to driving reforms and ensuring military preparedness, his career reflects exemplary leadership under fire and dedication to India’s defence. These accolades not only honour his past achievements but also reinforce his enduring legacy in the Indian armed forces. General V.K. Singh enrolled as a Ph.D. student at Barkatullah University in Bhopal in 2010, focusing his research on “Geostrategy of Wakhan,” a strategic region in Afghanistan. While specific details about the completion of his doctoral studies are not publicly available, his official parliamentary biography lists a Ph.D. among his educational qualifications, suggesting that he successfully earned the degree. Transition to Politics and Government Leadership Post-retirement, General Singh entered politics by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. He was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) from Ghaziabad and quickly emerged as a key national figure. General Singh has held significant ministerial roles, including Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways. As a Minister of State, General Singh was instrumental in leading high-risk evacuation missions such as Operation Rahat in Yemen, and similar successful efforts in Iraq and Libya, showcasing his leadership in crisis situations. In the infrastructure domain, he played a vital role in accelerating road and highway development projects across India, contributing to national connectivity and growth. General Vijay Kumar Singh’s transition from military leadership to public service reflects his disciplined, hands-on approach and unwavering commitment to national development. His image as a soldier-politician continues to resonate with people across the country, symbolizing service, action, and integrity in public life. He currently serves as the Governor of Mizoram. Personal Life, Writings & Leadership Philosophy General Singh is the author of the acclaimed autobiography Courage and Conviction, which offers a candid insight into his life, military career, and reformist vision. Through his writing, he shares valuable lessons from his experiences on the battlefield and his commitment to transforming India’s defence and governance systems. General Singh often speaks on important topics such as youth participation in governance, the importance of national pride and patriotism, and the need for transparency in defence and public institutions. His strong advocacy for these issues resonates widely, inspiring many across the country. His guiding philosophy, “A soldier never quits, even when he removes his uniform,” reflects his relentless dedication to serving the nation beyond the battlefield. This principle continues to shape his impactful political and public life, making him a respected voice on leadership, integrity, and national service. Autobiography of General VK Singh. A Symbolic Return to NDA On 30 May 2025, General Singh will be reviewing the 148th NDA Passing Out Parade, which saw the first women cadets graduate from the Academy. His presence will serve as a powerful symbol of continuity between past traditions and modern military reforms. This moment will be reinforcing his role as both a product of the NDA and an inspirational leader for future defence officers. Also Read: NDA’s First Batch of Women Cadets Set to Graduate, Marking Historic Milestone in Armed Forces Conclusion General Singh’s journey from military service to political leadership embodies India’s evolving defence and governance ecosystem. A warrior, reformer, whistleblower, and politician, his legacy is one of principled leadership, national service, and uncompromising values. As India faces new global and strategic challenges, Gen. Singh remains a figure of strength and inspiration—a living reminder that service before self is not just a motto, but a way of life.

The Indian Army honoured a 10-year-old boy from Punjab’s Ferozepur district for his unwavering committment during the India-Pakistan conflict. He helped the soldiers by bringing water, milk and other items as they fought the battle in the scorching heat.

Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu

In Short

• Shravan Singh helped soldiers by bringing water, milk, lassi, ice during Op Sindoor
• He showed courage and devotion despite tense border situation
• Indian Army honoured Shravan Singh with memento and special treats

In the dusty and heat-soaked fields of Punjab’s Tara Wali village near the India-Pakistan border, hundreds of villagers witnessed Operation Sindoor – one of the country’s largest military mobilisations in recent times – unfold in front of their eyes. Soldiers lined up the village’s open fields, their boots tracing fresh lines in the soil, preparing for the unknown.

At the heart of this tense build-up stood a 10-year-old boy, Shravan Singh. No uniform. No weapons. But with courage that knew no measure. The boy who dreams of being an Indian Army soldier when he grows up, witnessed the war-like situation in his village in Ferozepur district. But, despite a tender age and a tough situation at the borders, nothing deterred him.

Shravan Singh, the son of local farmer Sona Singh, didn’t just watch from the sidelines. He stepped in. Armed with nothing but devotion and two small hands, he brought water, milk, lassi and even ice to the jawans camped on his family’s farmland. In the scorching heat, while fear gripped many, Shravan Singh ran daily to the troops, reminding them they were never alone.

“I wasn’t scared. I want to be a soldier when I grow up. I used to bring water, lassi and ice for the soldiers. They loved me a lot,” Shravan Singh says with a quiet confidence. His efforts did not go unnoticed. The Indian Army, moved by this young boy’s simple yet profound service, honoured him.

Major General Ranjit Singh Manral, the General Officer Commanding of the 7th Infantry Division, felicitated Shravan Singh in a ceremony, where the boy was gifted a memento, a special meal and his favourite treat – ice cream.”They gave me food and ice cream. I’m very happy. I want to become a soldier and serve the country,” an elated Shravan Singh said.

For Sona Singh, watching his son’s bond with the soldiers brought pride that no harvest could match.

“The Army was stationed on our fields. From the first day, Shravan began helping them – bringing milk, water, lassi and ice. He never missed a day. We stood by him. He stood by them,” Sona Singh said.In the grand retelling of Operation Sindoor, history will remember the troop movements, the strategies and the senior commanders. But in a quiet corner of that story, the name of Shravan Singh will resonate across the country – a small boy with a big heart who served his nations, not with arms, but with an unwavering spirit.

Prateek Chakraborty

Pub

The presentation at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, took place a day after the formal Defence Investiture Ceremony, which was conducted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 22

Jammu, May 23: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, in a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, Friday presented the ‘Badge of Sacrifice’ and the ‘Certificate of Honour’ to the ‘Next of Kin’ (NoK) of eight Indian army personnel and JKPS officer DySP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The presentation at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, took place a day after the formal Defence Investiture Ceremony, which was conducted at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 22.

The ‘Badge of Sacrifice’, a 24-carat gold-plated insignia, is individually engraved with the Army number, rank, and name of the soldier. On the reverse, the Indian Army insignia is inscribed, symbolising eternal remembrance. The ‘Certificate of Honour’ is equally distinguished – crafted on permanent-finish 24-carat gold foil and set within a gold-plated frame.

“Designed by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans of Indian Army, these honours reflect both the aesthetic dignity and enduring respect the Army holds for its fallen heroes. The families, many overcome with emotion, accepted the awards with quiet pride. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of the human cost of national security and the strength that sustains those left behind,” said PRO Defence Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.

The COAS presented the ‘Badge of Sacrifice’ and ‘Certificate of Honour’ to ‘Next of Kins’ of brave-hearts Colonel Manpreet Singh; Major Aashish Dhonchak; Captain Deepak Singh; Havildar Rohit Kumar; Naik Dilwar Khan; Rifleman Ravi Kumar; Sepoy Pradeep Singh; DySP Himayun Muzzammil Bhat and OEM GDE-1 Vijayan Kutty G (Border Road Organisation).

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, visited the counter-terrorism grid operating bases in South Kashmir, according to the Army spokesperson. During the visit on Wednesday, the Corps Commander reviewed the surveillance grid

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lt Gen Prashant Srivastava, visited the counter-terrorism grid operating bases in South Kashmir, according to the Army spokesperson.

During the visit on Wednesday, the Corps Commander reviewed the surveillance grid and operational preparedness. He also inspected the training activities t Corps Battle School to ensure peak combat effectiveness, the spokesperson informed.

He said the Corps Commander inspired the troops to “uphold peak operational readiness, underscoring the critical need to stay vigilant, agile and be ever prepared to respond to any challenge with steadfast resolve.”

In another statement, the Army said the Chinar Corps Commander reviewed security arrangements in the Warwan Valley region and engaged with locals. “Commending troops for their unwavering dedication, he emphasised upon the need for continued vigilance for safeguarding the area as well as to render assistance to the civil community in the remote region,” Army said.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will visit Singapore for three days (May 30 to June 1) to attend the 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. During the visit, General…

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan will visit Singapore for three days (May 30 to June 1) to attend the 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. During the visit, General Anil Chauhan will hold bilateral meetings with Chiefs of Defence Forces and senior military leadership from several foreign countries including those from Australia, European Union, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, the UK and the USA.

The Chief of Defence Staff will address the Academia, think tanks and researchers. He will speak on the topic ‘Future Wars and Warfare’. He will also participate in the simultaneous special sessions as part of the event and address on the topic ‘Defence Innovation Solutions for Future Challenges’.

Shangri-La Dialogue is premier defence and security summit that brings together defence ministers, military chiefs, policy makers and strategic experts across the globe. The event will witness leaders from 40 nations addressing Indo-Pacific security challenges.

The medals will be presented during a solemn ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York

The United Nations will posthumously award the prestigious “Dag Hammarskjöld Medal” to two Indian peacekeepers — Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh — in recognition of their supreme sacrifice in the service of global peace.

Brigadier Amitabh Jha was attached to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), overseeing the delicate ceasefire arrangements in the Golan Heights, while Havildar Sanjay Singh was deployed with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), where he worked to stabilise conflict-affected regions.

The medals will be presented posthumously during a solemn ceremony at the United Nations headquarters in New York today (May 29), marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers — an occasion dedicated to honouring over 4,300 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948 while serving under the UN flag.

The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, established by UN Security Council in 1997, is named after the second UN Secretary-General, Dag Hammarskjöld, who died in a 1961 plane crash while on a peace mission. The medal is awarded annually to military, police and civilian personnel who make the ultimate sacrifice while serving in UN peacekeeping operations.

India, as one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, has provided more than 2,00,000 personnel across 49 missions over the decades, and many Indian peacekeepers have been honoured with this medal in past years.

More than 10 families, many of them from Punjab, today protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for safe return of their loved ones from Russia-Ukraine warzone. “We are not asking for the moon. We just want to know if…

Ujwal Jalali Tribune News Service

More than 10 families, many of them from Punjab, today protested at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for safe return of their loved ones from Russia-Ukraine warzone.

“We are not asking for the moon. We just want to know if our kin are dead or alive,” said Jagdeep Kumar, whose younger brother, Mandeep Kumar, has been missing since March 2024.

The aggrieved families said their loved ones were lured by agents, who promised them lucrative jobs in Europe.“We request you with folded hands to give information about the missing Indians in the Russian army. If no action is taken, we will be forced to protest twice a month,” read a letter sent by the protesters to the Ministry of External Affairs.

“Indian Embassy in Moscow offered little assistance to those who went to Russia in search of their kin,” a wailing mother whispered.“I gave everything I had to bring my brother back. But I failed,” said Jagdeep, who alleged he was duped on the pretext of sending four people, including his brother from Armenia to Italy via Russia, Finland and Germany.

Three among them sensed something was wrong and came back, suspecting the so-called ‘donkey route’ — a notorious path used for illegal migration.

“My brother was still abroad. I got threatening videos from agents, who could be seen thrashing Mandeep and subsequently demanded more money,” said Jagdeep.Though an FIR was registered and a few agents were arrested, the network was still active, he said.

Jagdeep last spoke to his brother on March 3, 2024. “He was scared. He told me they’d forced him into Russian army and he has begun training near the Ukrainian border,” he recalled.

The protesters sought permission to head to Russia, with a letter signed from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, asking Indian diplomats to actively assist them.“Each passing day feels like a death sentence. We will not stop until we get answers,” said another protester.

Baisaran is fairly deep inside India. The actions of terrorists shows familiarity with the area.

Lt Gen Pradeep Bali Retd

The spring season in Kashmir this year was marred by the heinous terror attack perpetrated by heavily armed militants in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, claiming 26 innocent lives.

The Indian political leadership has set a “new normal” in terms of response to any act of terrorism traceable to Pakistan. However, there are some stark realities which have to be squarely addressed. To fully eliminate the scourge of terrorism, it is imperative to counter any form of local support to militants. To ensure a return to normalcy in Kashmir, in terms of local commerce and tourist footfall, the bellwether would be the safe conduct of the impending Amarnath pilgrimage. This can well be achieved by intensive deployment of a professional and counter-insurgency hardened force like the Rashtriya Rifles (RR), in larger numbers.

One harsh fact has to be contended with. Baisaran is fairly deep inside India. Those who carried out the massacre on April 22 were not on some lightning raid. Their actions show familiarity with the area.

That they could simply disappear and remain untraced points to the primacy of putting our own house in order. They may very well have gone back across the LoC or may be at large in the vastness of the Kashmir valley and its forests. In both cases, they would not be surviving only on fresh air and water from mountain rivulets.

There can be no denying the fact that there is local support for such militancy. The network of overground workers in concert with the cadres of Jamaat-e-Islami, is clearly active.

It may make for good optics to showcase normalcy in Kashmir but it needs to be remembered that such inimical and anti-India elements remain entrenched in the populace. Intelligence agencies, security forces and the local police need to act in a concerted, concrete and visible manner to address this problem. Normalcy cannot be endlessly held hostage by these malevolent elements.

To remain on top of the game, the induction of state-of-the-art systems, whether indigenous or imported, has to be an ongoing process. The MoD has stated that it would focus on simplifying acquisition procedures to facilitate swifter development of capability. However, without a robust fiscal outlay, any progress may fall well short of targets.

Any armed force in the world needs a gestation period to absorb new technologies and systems for warfare and such abilities cannot just manifest in the face of impending war by letting cash flow. The bottom line for capability development is both time and money.

The allocation for defence for 2025-26 is estimated at 1.91 per cent of the projected GDP, while a figure of 3 per cent has often been cited as an optimum allocation for meeting national security needs. However, it may be more prudent and pragmatic to view the required defence Bill in terms of a gross figure, which covers the annual expenditure, both revenue and capital, for all the three Services.

It is for the government to husband national resources in a manner that ensures defence of the nation. This will require not a mere balancing of the books but a resolve at the highest levels of government.

A Year of Reform is welcome. What is truly needed is not an year but an Era of Reform and Resolve, in tune with the “new normal”.

Lt Gen Pradeep Bali (retd) is a military commentator.

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