‘Unwell’ mariner dies on another vessel

An Indian seafarer died on board merchant vessel ‘MT Celestial’ due to lack of medical treatment as 14 Indian crew members of another ship, ‘MSV Virat 1’, were rescued after it faced an engine failure off the coast of Oman. The body of Nishanth Uirthanathan is being repatriated.

In a post, the Indian Embassy in Oman said it was coordinating with the local authorities, port officials and the shipping company regarding Uirthanathan, who died due to “medical conditions”.

The Embassy said the vessel had berthed at Duqm Port in Oman. “The mission is in touch with the family and facilitating all formalities for the earliest repatriation of the mortal remains to India,” it said.

Earlier, the Forward Seaman Union of India had posted a video showing fellow crew members using cold water to prevent the body from decomposing.

Referring to the incident involving ‘MSV Virat 1’, the Indian Embassy said all 14 seafarers had been rescued.

“The rescue operation involving Indian-flagged MSV Virat 1 has been successfully completed. All 14 crew members have been rescued and are presently on board ‘MV Jabal Ali 9’ heading to Mumbai. The crew is safe and in good health,” it said, posting a picture of the rescued mariners.

The Embassy had earlier said the mechanised sailing vessel was involved in an incident off the Oman coast. “It has emerged that the vessel experienced an engine failure, and the crew eventually transferred safely to a life raft,” it added.

This comes as three vessels with Indian crew members were targeted by the US in the region last week, leaving three seafarers dead.

In a statement later, the US Central Command claimed its naval helicopter assisted in the rescue of the 14 mariners.

Referring to the rescue, it said upon receiving a distress call from the stranded mariners, a US Navy P-8 aircraft was first on scene and responded by dropping a search and rescue kit that included a life raft, which the 14 mariners boarded.

“MV Jabal Ali 9 subsequently arrived on scene and recovered 11 crew members from the raft,” it said, adding that an MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, rescued the three other mariners after their life raft capsized in the rough seas. The three were later transported to MV Jabal Ali 9 in good health.

Advisory to shipping agencies

The Directorate General of Shipping has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. This comes days after three Indian seafarers were killed in a US military strike off the Oman coast.

Incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer during past few days have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region

The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) has advised maritime recruitment and placement agencies to restrict deployment of Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders, days after three Indian seafarers onboard MT Settebello were killed after the US military strike on the commercial vessel off the Oman coast.

The DG Shipping in a circular said masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz and adjoining waters, are advised to maintain heightened security awareness, closely monitor navigational warnings received and advisories issued from security agencies, and implement all applicable ship security measures and Company Security Procedures.

“This directorate further reiterates that all RPSL companies and shipping companies (maritime recruitment and placement agencies) are advised to restrict deployment or send Indian seafarers to conflict areas until further orders. However, companies may carry out crew change in emergency situations with the consent of crew members,” it said.

The circular noted that recent developments in the Gulf region, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, have resulted in multiple security incidents involving merchant vessels carrying Indian seafarers.

Incidents involving MT Marivex, MT Settebello and MV Jalveer during past few days have highlighted the increasing risks faced by commercial ships operating in the region.

It added that the Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Missions abroad and other stakeholders concerned to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.

The circular said asked maritime companies and stakeholders to exercise the highest degree of vigilance and caution while operating in the conflict zone.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran was “now complete”

United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced the completion of the peace deal between the US and Iran, declaring the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the immediate removal of its naval blockade, a move he said would restore the free flow of global energy supplies.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

The announcement came amid growing international efforts to end tensions in West Asia and follows days of intense diplomatic engagement involving Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been reached following extensive negotiations. Shehbaz Sharif said that both sides have also declared permanent termination of military operations in Lebanon.

The deal will be officially signed on June 19 in Switzerland.

In a post on X, Sharif stated, “Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

“The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland. We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in this mediation effort, the great leadership of the State of Qatar, for their support in reaching this agreement. I would also especially thank the visionary leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Turkiye for their immense contributions in this regard,” Sharif said.

“With the agreement now in place, mediators will facilitate a series of meetings this week. These pre-implementation discussions will lay the foundation for the technical talks and the official signing ceremony,” he further added.

Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED. Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 14, 2026

Earlier on Sunday, Trump had indicated that the agreement remained on track despite fresh tensions triggered by Israeli strikes in Beirut and threats of retaliation from Iran.

Speaking to Axios, Trump said the agreement, originally expected to be signed earlier in the day, had been delayed by several hours following the escalation in Lebanon.

“It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours,” Trump said, expressing frustration over the timing of the Israeli operation.

According to Axios, the strike in Beirut occurred shortly before the United States and Iran were expected to finalise the agreement. Trump had criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he was angered by the attack and believed it had complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The US President maintained that the agreement would enhance regional security by preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and by establishing stronger oversight mechanisms for Tehran’s nuclear programme, including inspections and the disposal of nuclear material.

While Trump and Sharif announced that an agreement had been reached, Iranian officials have not yet publicly confirmed the deal.

The deal marks a potential end to the conflict in the region, which began on February 28, with US and Israel strikes killing Iran’s erstwhile Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

handigarh, June 12 (IANS) To celebrate 60 years of commissioning as officers of one of the finest Indian armies, living legends of the 37th regular course of the Indian Military Academy, comprising stalwarts of the 28th National Defence Academy (NDA), will be assembling in Chandigarh this week to commemorate their enduring and endearing bond.

They are 1966-batch officers, some of the course mates have been martyred, while others left due to natural causes, will meet on June 14 and June 15 to perpetuate this unbreakable bond of friendship and camaraderie.

The motto of the diamond jubilee reunion is: “Time can erode the mountains and age can grey the hair, but the bonds forged in olive green only grow stronger with each passing decade.”

It was on the historic day of June 15, 1966, close to 300 officer cadets marched past the portals of the Chetwode Hall, with the Chetwode motto etched forever in their hearts.

A Ceremonial Pipping Ceremony was conducted on the night of June 15 at a grand function at the Chetwode Hall.

This is a prestigious military tradition where the Graduating Officer Cadets have their new rank insignia (pips) officially pinned on to their uniforms by their dear ones.

This also signifies the completion of their training as they stand on the threshold of a brave new world punctuated with challenges, adventure, supreme sacrifice but leading men fearlessly in battle, defending the nation at all costs and giving the enemy a bloody nose where warranted.

The officers of this large family of course mates have seen action in various theatres of war, notably the Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971, which has been covered in detail in the book, “War despatches 1971”, contributed to by 29 officers, course mates, who had seen action; the Kargil War and other offensive actions in terms of wresting the initiative from the adversary and dismantling their forward posts.

The officers of this course have held prestigious appointments at a very senior level such as Army Commander, Corps Commander, Heads of Training Institutions, UN Peace Keeping Force, etc.

The real test of their fortitude and selflessness came in 1971 when the boots on ground ably supported by superior airpower brought the enemy to their knees as they sought unconditional surrender and the liberation of Bangladesh was consummated.

A separate country of Bangladesh was formed, thanks to the indefatigable diligence and undiluted focus of the tri service stalwarts — the foot soldiers, the armour marauders ably supported by firepower from across the sky delivered a catastrophic blow on the enemy, who was forced to surrender.

These events have been succinctly brought out in the book “War Despatches 1971”, written by veterans of the 28th NDA officers from the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, who took part in the action in the Eastern and Western Sectors during the India-Pakistan War, to blaze a new trail of adventure, bordering on the razor-sharp, ambushes and finally out-manoeuvring the enemy in his own backyard.

They stitched together heroic tales of conflict that resulted in the enemy biting the dust.

The book was well edited by Brigadier Balram S. Mehta, the then Vice-Chancellor of the Maharashtra University of Institute of Management and Technology. He had also written the book “The burning Chaffees”, a soldier’s first-hand account of the 1971 War. There have been many achievers in the 1966 course. Three deserve mention. The first is Lieutenant General Mohinder Puri PVSM, UYSM.

As the General Officer Commanding, the famous 8 Mountain Division, during the Kargil War, he strategised the counter-offensive operation against the enemy and captured Tololing and Tiger Hill to restore the sanctity of the Line of Control.

The second is Colonel Kuldeep Singh Garcha, a former polo player of India and an equestrian of international repute.

The third is Lieutenant Colonel Vivek Mundkur, an innovator par excellence, built a glider himself and mastered the art of flying it. He was the first to popularise hang-gliding in India. At the reunion, the former Gentlemen Cadets still hold the same fire in their hearts with the brotherhood to live forever.

(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. Punjab Kesari assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)

Prannay Chhabra with his father on passing out from the National Defence Academy before joining the IMA.

Also passing out on Saturday is Cadet Suryansh Pathak, who will become the third generation in his family to wear the uniform

Born into a family where the uniform is more than attire, it is identity and with this he represents the fourth generation of warriors committed to the nation’s defence. The stars he wears are not just rank, but they are more of a responsibility. His journey reminds every young aspirant that a true legacy is not preserved by memory alone, it is renewed by action,” the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) said on Friday.

The family’s association with the armed forces began with his great-grandfather, Capt Gopaldas Banga, a doctor in the British Indian Army Medical Corps, who served in Egypt during the Second World War, according to information shared by ARTRAC.

Several Indian medical units served in Egypt and the wider North African campaign during the war, primarily attached to the 4^th and 5^th Indian Divisions under the British Eighth Army.

From the medical stream, the baton passed on to the Ordnance Corps with Prannay’s grandfather, Lt Col Arjun Dev Chhabra, whose responsibility was to ensure that fighting forces never lacked the tools of war.He later encouraged both his sons to join the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Prannay’s uncle, Lt Col Naveen Chhabra (retd), served in the Regiment of Artillery. Prannay is also an alumnus of the NDA.

Prannay’s father, Maj Gen Praveen Chhabra, is a serving Armoured Corps officer. His appointments include General Officer Commanding 20 Mountain Division, Inspector General (Operations) with the National Security Guard, and General Officer Commanding 72 Sub Area in Ladakh.

“Now as Prannay prepares to script his own chapter in the Army, unlike inheritance of wealth or comfort, what flows through his lineage is something far rarer, a living tradition of sacrifice, discipline and honour. What makes his story remarkable is not merely continuity, but a conscious choice. In a world of expanding civilian opportunities, he has chosen the honourable profession of arms, the path that demands grit over glamour and courage over comfort. It is precisely the challenge that he embraces,” the Army said.

While there are a large number of second- and third-generation officers in the armed forces, fourth-generation service is relatively rare, and fifth-generation is even rarer. The course that passed out from IMA in December 2025 included a fifth-generation officer.

Also passing out on Saturday is Cadet Suryansh Pathak, who will become the third generation in his family to wear the uniform. His grandfather served in the Army Service Corps, while his father was commissioned into 11 Madras and served for 36 years.

As a young Major attached with the Rashtriya Rifles, his father was awarded the Sena Medal for Gallantry for courage and leadership in counter-insurgency operations, and later commanded an Infantry Brigade along the Line of Control.

On his maternal side, the military tradition was equally strong; his grandfather served in the Gorkha Rifles for over three decades and fought in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, where he was awarded the Vir Chakra.

“As he prepares to join his parental unit, Suryansh recognises the responsibility before him. Soldiers will judge him by conduct, not by surname. The legacy behind him is strong, but his career will be defined by his own actions. The uniform demands nothing less,” ARTRAC said.

Among the eight pioneering women cadets of the first batch at IMA preparing to take the first step out of the Academy on Saturday is Ann Rose Mathew, who would be the second generation in her family. Her father is from the Indian Navy, which inspired and shaped her destiny.

This is the first time a serving military officer has been appointed Military Adviser to the NSCS, which is headed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Previous holders of the post were all retired officers

Army Deputy Chief Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, who served as Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) during Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the new Military Adviser (MA) to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).

This is the first time a serving military officer has been appointed Military Adviser to the NSCS, which is headed by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Previous holders of the post were all retired officers.

Lt Gen Ghai, whose military tenure runs until December 2027, is expected to assume charge shortly. His appointment to the NSCS was made earlier this week.

Lt Gen Ghai does not have the seniority or the mandatory residual service required for appointment as an Army Commander. He previously commanded the 15 Corps before serving as DGMO and later as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff.

Commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment, he has commanded an infantry battalion in the western sector, an independent brigade in the Central sector and a division in Arunachal Pradesh.

In the past, another serving officer, Lt Gen MU Nair, was appointed National Cyber Security Coordinator in the NSCS. However, Lt Gen Ghai will be the first serving officer to hold the post of Military Adviser.

Before him, the position was held by Gen NS Raja Subramani, who is now the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He was preceded by Air Marshal Sandeep Singh and, before him, Gen Anil Chauhan, who just retied as CDS.

Lt Gen Vinod Khandare was the first Military Adviser appointed to the NSCS under the Narendra Modi government after the post was revived in 2018.

Earlier, Lt Gen Prakash Menon, who retired in late 2011, was appointed Military Adviser in 2012 and served until 2014. He subsequently served as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the NSCS from March 2015 to 2017, reporting to Doval.

A meeting of the Principal Maintenance Officers Committee (PMOC) was held at No.3 Base Repair Depot, Chandigarh, on June 11-12 to focus on tri-services issues pertaining to maintenance policies, inventory management, indigenisation and innovation.

During the meeting, a sustained framework was chalked out and key decisions were taken to enhance long-term operational capability and operational readiness through improved coordination and joint capability development.

Air Marshal Sanjiv, Air Officer Maintenance at Air Headquarters and Chairman PMOC, welcomed the principal maintenance officers of the Army, Navy and Integrated Defence Staff. The meeting was attended by Lt Gen ADS Aujla, Master General Sustenance at Army Headquarters, Vice-Admiral Siva Kumar, Chief of Materials at Naval Headquarters and Air Marshal PK Vohra, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and other senior officers.

Established in 2021, the PMOC has become a robust tri-services forum for jointness and integration. It has been contributing towards greater tri-services synergy, operational effectiveness and self-reliance.

The FOC follows the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), an operational phase where a limited number of aircraft are inducted into service and further modifications as required are suggested and carried out

Amidst a push for developing additional Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Systems, the Netra AEW&C developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will be formally awarded the Final Operational Clearance on June 25, about a decade after the first aircraft was inducted into service.

“A ceremony for the declaration of Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System is planned on 25 June 2026 at Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Bengaluru,” DRDO said on Friday. “The FOC is a major milestone achieved for an indigenous system of systems such as the Netra AEW&C.”

The FOC officially certifies that a military aircraft is fully combat-ready, structurally sound, and equipped with all the required operational capabilities. The FOC follows the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC), an operational phase where a limited number of aircraft are inducted into service and further modifications as required are suggested and carried out.

The IAF, at present, has three Netra Mark-1 systems based on the Embraer – 145 airframe, which are based at Bhisiana Air Force Station near Bathinda in Punjab with No. 200 Squadron.

Inducted in 2015, these aircraft have been deployed in war like situations, first during the airstrikes on terror camps at Balakote in Pakistan’s Pakhtunkhwa area in 2019, then during the India-China border stand-off in 2020 and then during Operation Sindoor in 2025. These aircraft are complemented by three Beriev A-50 Airborne Warning and Control Systems that are based on the Russian IL-76 platform.

AEW&C aircraft form a critical element of network centric operations. Equipped with advanced radars and sensors, they act like an eye in the sky, not only keeping a watch on hostile platforms from a long range, but also guiding friendly aircraft during operations and relaying battlefield data to command centres.

In 2003, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and DRDO carried out a joint study for the development for an AEW&C system and after the project received government approval, DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), was made the nodal agency for the design, system integration and testing of the system.

Four other DRDO laboratories were also actively involved, with the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment responsible for developing the primary radar, Defence Electronics Application Laboratory for communication systems and data link, Defence Avionics Research Establishment for self-protection suite and electronic warfare measures and the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory for communication support.

Three ERJ – 145 were procured from Brazil and were extensively modified with additional features like in-flight refueling, satellite communication capability, avionics and electrical systems and various aerodynamic and structural changes. The first fully modified aircraft made its maiden flight in December 2011 at the Embraer facilities in Brazil and the aircraft was delivered to DRDO in August 2012.

The first Netra aircraft was delivered to the IAF by DRDO in February 2017 and it received initial operational clearance in October 2017 after trial runs at the Bhisiana Air Force Station. The second and third aircraft were received by the IAF in 2019 and 2023.

The central government has accorded its approval for developing another six Netra AEW&C of the Mark-1A variant, which would be more advanced with an enhanced mission suite, upgraded sensors and longer range radar for effective detection of low‑observability aircraft like drones and stealth jets and better human‑machine interface and tighter integration into IAF systems.

Plans are also under way to develop Netra’s Mark-2 variant involving a larger aircraft, more powerful radar with a detection range of over 500 kms and improved all‑round situational awareness. Six Airbus A-321 have been procured by the IAF from Air India for the project.

The Embassy of Iran in India on Saturday rejected the US President Donald Trump’s allegations regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them “baseless”.

It also accused Washington of attempting to deflect attention from recent attacks on commercial ships carrying Indian seafarers.

The Iranian Embassy said the US attacked three Indian vessels in less than a week, resulting in the death of three Indian sailors, and described the actions as “brutal” and “pathetic”.

In a post on X, the official account of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India shared, “The U.S. president’s accusation against Iran regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is simply baseless. It is an attempt to divert public attention from the brutal fact that the U.S. has attacked 3 Indian vessels in less than a week and killed 3 innocent Indian sailors. That’s pathetic!”

The U.S. president’s accusation against Iran regarding an Indian vessel in the Strait of Hormuz is simply baseless. It is an attempt to divert public attention from the brutal fact that the U.S. has attacked 3 Indian vessels in less than a week and killed 3 innocent Indian… https://t.co/2UiXWAMulM

This comes after Trump alleged that Iran was behind the attacks on three vessels carrying Indian seafarers near the Hormuz Strait, which resulted in the deaths of three, despite the US Central Command having confirmed that the strikes were carried out by American naval forces, calling the incident “totally unacceptable”.

His remarks followed Iran’s condemnation of the United States attacks on commercial vessels carrying Indian seafarers, resulting in the death of three in the Gulf of Oman, describing the actions as “brutal” and accusing Washington of engaging in “lawless conduct” that threatens global peace and maritime security.

In a statement on X, Esmaeil Baqaei, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran, expressed condolences over the deaths of Indian nationals killed in the attacks and called for international accountability.

“The brutal U.S. attacks on Indian commercial vessels, which have killed at least three Indian nationals, stand as clear evidence of America’s ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy. We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the slain Indian sailors and offer our sincere condolences to the Indian people and government,” the statement said.

He further urged the international community to take action against the repeated violations of international norms.

“The international community must hold the United States accountable for its lawless conduct, which continues to threaten global peace and security while endangering the freedom of navigation,” the spokesperson added.

Three successful interceptor trials put the country in the elite group of nations having BMD capability to engage up to ranges of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles

Ajay Banerjee

Taking the country’s air defence capabilities to the next level, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted three consecutive flight tests demonstrating a multi-layered defence system against long-range ballistic missiles.

The DRDO has also tested a naval missile designed to target enemy ships at sea.

The Ministry of Defence on Saturday said that the multi-layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capability was successfully demonstrated during a series of tests carried out on June 10 and 11.

“The interceptors (missiles fired to bring down the incoming threats) successfully engaged their respective targets. The systems have been designed and developed with the latest technologies to address emerging missile threats,” the ministry said.

According to the ministry, these tests have put the country in the elite group of nations having BMD capability to engage up to ranges of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

In military terminology, an ICBM refers to a missile with a range more than 5,000 km. A BMD – like the once developed by India—should be able to intercept the incoming threat.

Among the series of tests, the DRDO also successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Medium Range (NASM-MR).

India has been developing missile interceptors in the past two decades. The first test of the Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) interceptor for high-altitude engagements was conducted in 2006-07, followed by trials of the Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor for low-altitude interceptions.

The system was further fine-tuned over the years, with multiple successful tests of the PAD and AAD systems conducted off the Odisha coast during 2017 and 2018. These trials demonstrated the capability to intercept simulated ballistic missile targets with high accuracy.

In April 2023, India successfully conducted the maiden flight test of a sea-based (naval) BMD interceptor.

The tests done over the past two days are part of the next stage of development to have long-range, high-speed interception capabilities, including the ability to counter ICBM-class threats.

Prior to tests announced on Saturday, a series of BMD tests have also been conducted in 2022 and in July 2024.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated the DRDO on the successful demonstration of these crucial technologies.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of the DRDO, closely monitored the trials and applauded the combined efforts of DRDO and industry partners.