*PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)* GOVERNMENT OF INDIA **** *'हरकामदेशकेनाम'* *INS TABAR PARTICIPATES IN EXERCISE 'INDRA NAVY-21' WITH RUSSIAN NAVY* Mumbai :Friday, 30 July 2021 The 12th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy was held in the Baltic Sea from 28 to 29 July 2021. Initiated in 2003, Ex INDRA NAVY epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two navies. This exercise is being undertaken as part of the visit of INS Tabar to St Petersburg, Russia to participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy. This exercise has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation. The primary aim of exercise INDRA NAVY-21 is to further consolidate inter-operability built up by the two Navies over the years and also to enhance understanding and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations. The scope of this edition includes wide-ranging and diverse activities across the spectrum of maritime operations. The Indian Navy was represented by the stealth Frigate INS Tabar whilst the Russian Federation Navy was represented by Corvettes RFS Zelyony Dol and RFS Odintsovo of the Baltic Fleet. The exercise was progressed over two days and included various facets of fleet operations such as anti-air firings, underway replenishment drills, helicopter ops, boarding drills and seamanship evolutions. Exercise INDRA NAVY-21, being conducted despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, will help to further strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between both Navies. The exercise will be another milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two navies and reinforce the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries. https://www.instagram.com/p/CR8NURQjWv3/?utm_medium=tumblr

*INS Talwar in Exercise Cutlass Express-21* Indian Naval Ship Talwar is participating in the multi-national maritime exercise Cutlass Express 2021 (CE 21), being conducted from 26 Jul to 06 Aug 21 in Kenya. In the harbour phase, which was conducted from 26 -28 Jul at Mombasa, a team of Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of Talwar conducted training of personnel from navies of Kenya, Djibouti, Mozambique, Cameroon and Coast Guard of Georgia. The MARCOS shared the best practices in executing Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations with the participating foreign Navy sailors during the exercise, which was held at the Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa. Exercise Cutlass Express is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities between the U.S., East African and Western Indian Ocean nations to counter illicit maritime activity in the Western Indian Ocean. https://www.instagram.com/p/CR5bjkHnLhl/?utm_medium=tumblr

*'Indian Naval Ship Tabar arrives at St Petersburg, Russia on good will visit on 22 Jul 21 '* Indian naval ship Tabar arrived at St Petersburg 22 Jul 21 as part of a five-day goodwill visit to Russia and to participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy. India and Russia share special bilateral relations that span several decades. These include close military ties and strong co-corporation between the two navies. INS Tabar is a Talwar-class stealth frigate and forms part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet which is based at Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. Incidentally, the ship was built for the Indian Navy in Russia and was commissioned at St Petersburg in April 2004. The ship is presently commanded by Capt Mahesh Mangipudi and has a complement of over 300 personnel. The ship is equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors and is among the earliest stealth frigates of the Indian Navy. During the Russian Navy Day Parade on 25 Jul 21, INS Tabar will join the column of ships that will be reviewed by the President of Russian Federation. The Indian Naval Band embarked on Tabar will also participate in the City Parade during the celebrations. In addition, during her stay at St Petersburg, the crew of Tabar will participate in various bilateral professional interactions with the Russian Navy. This will be followed by naval exercises at sea between the two navies. This will be part of the established series of naval exercises between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy titled exercise INDRA. The harbour interactions and the exercise at sea aim to consolidate the long standing ties between the two navies. These engagements seek to further enhance maritime security and conduct combined operations against maritime threats. These interactions will also offer an opportunity for both sides to observe and imbibe the 'Best Practices' followed in each other's Navy. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRqwB4bnpl6/?utm_medium=tumblr

IAF FLOOD RELIEF OPERATIONS: RATNAGIRI 23 JULY 2021 On 22 July 2021, at around 1:30 pm, the IAF received a message for requirement of flood relief operations in Chiplun and Khed town of Ratnagiri district Maharashtra. When the weather permitted, a Mi-17 I V helicopter got airborne from Mumbai for Ratnagiri at 3:40 pm and landed at Ratnagiri at 5 pm. Bad weather did not permit any further operations in the evening. Operations have resumed today with the helicopter deployed at Ratnagiri along with another one flown in from Mumbai. An NDRF team of 10 personnel with approximately one ton load has also been flown in by IAF to Ratnagiri. A helicopter from Ratnagiri got airborne at 11:35 am, carried out reconnaissance and rescued two people before landing back at Ratnagiri. The IAF is also positioning two Mi-17V5s and two Mi-17s for flood relief operations. Another helicopter is standing by at Pune for any emergent requirement. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRqrac7Hkfp/?utm_medium=tumblr

*Indian Navy Mobilises Rescue Teams for Flood Relief and Evacuation in Maharashtra* Based on a request received from the Government of Maharashtra, the Western Naval Command, Mumbai has mobilised Flood Rescue Teams and Helicopters to provide assistance to the State Administration. Despite adverse weather conditions and widespread inundation in affected areas, a total of seven naval rescue teams departed by road for deployment to the Ratnagiri and Raigarh districts on 22 July 2021 from Mumbai. Airlift of marooned personnel from Raigarh district is also being undertaken. One Seaking 42C Helo from INS Shikra, Mumbai departed for Rescue at Poladpur/Raigad during early morning hours on 23 Jul 21. The naval Flood Rescue Teams are fully self-sustained and equipped with Gemini rubber boats, loud hailers, first aid kits, life jackets and life buoys. These rescue teams also include specialist Naval Divers and diving equipment. Additional Flood Rescue Teams are being maintained on a high degree of readiness at Mumbai, for immediate deployment, should the need arise. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRqBmGQHtOm/?utm_medium=tumblr

*INDIAN NAVY EXERCISES WITH ROYAL NAVY CARRIER STRIKE GROUP* Indian Navy participated in a two-day bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG)-21 led by HMS Queen Elizabeth in the *Bay of Bengal* from 21 to 22 Jul 21. The bilateral Maritime Exercise was designed to hone the ability of the two navies to operate together in the maritime domain. The maiden exercise between Indian Navy and the Royal Navy’s latest Aircraft Carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth included participation of CSG-21 comprising Type 23 Frigates and an Astute-class submarine in addition to the other surface combatants. Indian Navy was represented by IN Ships _Satpura, Ranvir, Jyoti, Kavaratti, Kulish and a submarine_. Anti-Submarine Warfare capable Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft P8I also participated in the exercise. With the presence of the CSG-21 in the Indian Ocean, the ongoing exercise has afforded excellent opportunity to engage over the entire spectrum of maritime operations including ASW, Anti-Air and Anti-Surface warfare. The exercise also witnessed the maiden participation of the F 35 B Lightning which operate from the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth. Regular IN-RN interactions over the years have augmented their professional content, interoperability and adaptability in the ever-changing security scenarios. The inter-operability achieved over the years has ensured a quantum jump in the complexity and scale of professional exchanges which is being further enhanced by the presence of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group in the Indian Ocean. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRoqYG-HrOa/?utm_medium=tumblr

INDIAN ARMY & PAKISTAN ARMY EXCHANGED SWEETS ON THE OCCASION OF EID- AL- ADHA Indian Army & Pakistan Army exchanged sweets on the auspicious occasion of Eid-Al-Adha at the Line of Control at Poonch-Rawalakot Crossing Point & Mendhar - Hot spring Crossing Point in Poonch district on 21 Jul 2021. The ceremony is seen as an enhanced confidence building measure in the backdrop of ongoing ceasefire between both the countries. Greetings & best wishes of peace & harmony were conveyed to the Pak Army reps from Indian Army. The gesture was appreciated by both the Armies and is expected to further promote goodwill & mutual trust. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRldgStnsRn/?utm_medium=tumblr

***   'हर काम देश के नाम' SARANG TO PERFORM AT MAKS AIR SHOW IN RUSSIA New Delhi,  Monday, 20 July, 2021 The Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF is all set to perform for the first time at the MAKS International Air Show at Zhukovsky International Airport, Russia. The air show is a biennial fixture and this year’s edition is scheduled from 20 to 25 July 2021.  This is the first occasion when the Sarang Team is performing its four helicopter aerobatics display in Russia, with its ‘Made in India’ ‘Dhruv’ Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). These HAL manufactured machines have hinge less rotors and are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, which makes them extremely suitable for military aviation.  The Sarang Team was formed in 2003 at Bangalore and its first international display was at the Asian Aerospace Airshow at Singapore in 2004. Since then, Sarang has represented Indian aviation at air shows and ceremonial occasions in UAE, Germany, UK, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka till date. Apart from aerobatics displays at national and international venues, the team has also taken active part in numerous Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Missions.  https://www.instagram.com/p/CRiu9QzHvWl/?utm_medium=tumblr

Shillong 10 Jul 21 *PASSING OUT PARADE AT 58 GORKHA TRAINING CENTRE* The Passing Out Parade of the 190th Recruit Training Batch of 58 Gorkha Training Centre was held on 10 Jul 2021 at Harish Parade Ground, Happy Valley, Shillong. The Parade marks the culmination of rigorous Recruit training during which young boys are transformed into physically fit, mentally robust & professionally competent Young Soldiers of Indian Army. In an impressive ceremony marked by immaculate turnout and precision marching, 130 Recruits took the ‘Oath of Affirmation’. These young soldiers will now be despatched to their battalions dedicated to serve and protect the Motherland. The Parade was reviewed by Colonel Vibhu Vashishtha, Officiating Commandant, 58 Gorkha Training Centre who congratulated the Young Soldiers for the successful completion of their training while also exhorting them to strive to be finest soldiers of Indian Army. During the presentation ceremony, Recruit Ashish Roka was awarded the Overall Best Recruit of 5 GR (FF) and Recruit Rahul Singh Dhami was awarded Best Recruit of 8 GR. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRJQIc_nRaN/?utm_medium=tumblr

*INS Tabar Undertakes Maritime Partnership Exercise with Spanish Navy* INS Tabar while enroute to port city Brest, France undertook a maritime partnership exercise at sea with the aircraft of Spanish Navy on 08 Jul 21 near Cape Trafalgar soon after crossing the Straits of Gibraltar. A Cessna Citation Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a Sea King (SH-3D) helicopter operating from Rota Naval Base of the Spanish Navy participated in the exercise. A wide range of operations like Air Defence, Air Picture Compilation, vertical replenishment and crossdeck operation were exercised by the ship. The exercise was mutually beneficial in enhancing interoperability and towards consolidating combined operations against maritime threats. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHOXjcHGL6/?utm_medium=tumblr

*Visit of the Chief of Naval Staff to Western Naval Command at Mumbai* Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, visited Western Naval Command, Mumbai on 07 and 08 Jul 21. The Admiral was received by Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at the Command Headquarters. The CNS was briefed on various activities and operational readiness of the Command. The CNS also participated in Monsoon Manthan series of training and wargames in Maritime Warfare Centre. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRHAcMFnlkJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

'हर काम देश के नाम' ARMY COMMANDER NORTHERN COMMAND PAYS HOMAGE TO CAPTAIN VIKRAM BATRA FROM THE SKY Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir Wednesday, 07 July 2021 On 07 Jul 1999, Captain Vikram Batra, a young and brave officer who had caught the fancy of the nation and become the icon of Indian Army Officer spirit by his success signal during capture of Pt 5140; “Dil Maange More”, made the supreme sacrifice but not before capturing Pt 4875 now christened as Batra Top. To commemorate his “BalidanDiwas”; his then Commanding Officer and now GOC-in-C, Northern Command overflew “Batra Top” in a Sukhoi-30 MKI. This gesture epitomises the enduring relation between a Commanding Officer and his officer. Lt Gen YK Joshi, UYSM, AVSM, VrC,SM paid homage to his fallen comrade from the sky, an apt recognition of IAF’s contribution to the ground operations in Operation VIJAY. Capt Batra continues to motivate the present generation of officers and would do so in perpetuity. It is most befitting that his gallant action be commemorated by his then Commanding Officer of 13 JAK RIF whose contribution to the war effort were recognised by award of VrC for exceptional leadership in face of the adversary. https://www.instagram.com/p/CRBjZE3n0V7/?utm_medium=tumblr

*YOUNG SAILOR FROM NAVY CHILDREN SCHOOL MUMBAI SELECTED TO REPRESENT INDIA AT WORLD SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP IN ITALY* Master Adhvait Menon, a 15 year old student of Class 10 in Navy Children School (Mumbai) has been selected to represent India at the 2021 Optimist World Sailing Championship being held at Riva Del Garda, Italy from 30 Jun to 10 Jul 21. He is the son of a serving Naval Officer Cdr Prasant C Menon. A promising yachtsman, Adhvait started sailing at the age of 10 and has received awards at various state and national events. He also sails Enterprise and Laser class of boats. Adhvait trains at Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre (INWTC), Mumbai alongwith the members of the Navy Sailing Team. He was also the youngest participant at the 2020 YAI National Sailing Championship. He is also an avid runner and stood first at the 2019 Navy Mumbai Half Marathon in the under 14 boys category. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ-eqEOghkf/?utm_medium=tumblr

'हरकामदेशकेनाम INS TABAR ENTERS PORT OF NAPLES, ITALY Mumbai : Sunday, 04 July 2021 As part of the ongoing Overseas Deployment, INS Tabar entered the Port of Naples, Italy on 03 Jul 21. The ship was accorded a warm welcome by the Italian Navy. Col Rohit Teotia, Defence Attache at the Embassy of India in Italy coordinated all aspects of the visit. During the stay in port the Commanding Officer Captain Mahesh Mangipudi called on the senior officers of the Prefect of Naples Authority, the regional Italian Navy Headquarters and the Coast Guard Headquarters at Naples. On departure the ship will undertake Passage Exercise with the Italian Navy Ship Marceglia. The exercise is aimed at furthering cooperation, interoperability and exchange of best practices between the two navies. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ7nkUen8Ua/?utm_medium=tumblr

ARMY PAYS TRIBUTE TO ITS VALIANT BRAVEHEART Srinagar, 03 Jul 2021 Army today, paid tributes to Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli, who made the supreme sacrifice on 01 Jul 2021 at Hanjan, District Pulwama (J&K), in a solemn ceremony at BB Cantt. Lt Gen DP Pandey, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldier on behalf of the proud Nation. Late Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli was part of Operation Hanjan on 01 Jul 2021. At around 00:25 am, during cordon and search operation in the village, the terrorists fired indiscriminately on the search party. Late Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli showed highest level of courage and valour by returning effective fire, in which he sustained a gunshot wound in the chest and was grievously injured. His Bleeding was controlled with combat first aid and he was immediately evacuated to 92 Base Hospital for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries on 01 Jul 2021. The Braveheart, Late Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli, was 37 years old and had joined the Army in 2006. He belonged to Village Ukkal of B Bagewadi Tehsil, Vijayapura District in Karnataka and is survived by his wife, One daughter and one son. The mortal remains of Havildar Kashiray Bammanalli were taken for last rites to his native place, where he would be laid to rest with full military honours. In this hour of grief, the Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and remains committed to their dignity and wellbeing. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ3sZuDniri/?utm_medium=tumblr

The two days integrated exercise involving the Indian Air Force, the Indian Navy and the US Navy's Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group commenced today in the Indian Ocean Region. The day's excercises culminated with a joint flypast by USN F-18s, Indian Navy Mig-29K and the IAF's Jaguars & Su-30 MKIs. Pictures depict IAF Su-30 MKIs refuelling mid air and the joint flypast. https://www.instagram.com/p/CQeCFaqnK-h/?utm_medium=tumblr