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India Gazette
09-06-2025
- General
- India Gazette
Mortal remains of soldier killed in Sikkim landslide flown to home in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep [India], June 9 (ANI): The mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen PK, who was killed during the devastating landslide at Chatten, North Sikkim were flown to his home in Androth, Lakshadweep, an official statement from the Army said. The mortal remains were recovered on June 8 after eight days of search efforts by the Army. 'His final journey--traversing nearly 2,500 kilometres from Chatten in North Sikkim to his native island of Androth in Lakshadweep--was a solemn and dignified tribute to a life dedicated to the nation. This long and logistically complex repatriation was made possible through a coordinated tri-services operation involving the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, supported ably by the local administration,' the army's statement read. Army Aviation helicopters and Indian Air Force aircraft, including the C-295, were employed for this effort, ensuring timely and seamless transportation across multiple legs of the journey. A ceremonial wreath-laying tribute was conducted with full military honours at Bengdubi Military Station on June 8, marking the Indian Army's profound respect. At Androth, the Indian Navy rendered a Guard of Honour, reaffirming the sanctity of soldierly sacrifice, according to the statement. 'Sepoy Sainudheen PK embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army--quiet professionalism, absolute integrity, and unmatched dedication. Whether in Siachen or Sikkim, he served with a quiet courage that inspired all ranks. His sacrifice is a reminder that true valour lies in selfless service even in the face of unseen dangers. We salute a soldier, a comrade and a son of India whose memory will forever guide us,' said the soldier's commanding officer. Born on 20 December 1991 in Androth, Lakshadweep, Sepoy Sainudheen joined the Indian Army on 24 March 2012. Over the past 13 years, he served with honour and distinction across some of the harshest operational terrains, including the forbidding heights of the Siachen Glacier, the Army said. Incessant rainfall and a cloudburst in northern Sikkim on the night of May 30-31 triggered widespread devastation, severely damaging critical roads and bridges. A week ago, atleast 6 people went missing and 3 army personnel lost their lives in North Sikkim's Chaten area. (ANI)
Time of India
09-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sepoy from Lakshadweep killed in Sikkim landslide laid to rest
Kochi: Lakshadweep native sepoy Sainudheen PK, who was killed in the landslide in Chatten in north Sikkim, was laid to rest on Monday evening after his body was brought to his native Androth in Lakshadweep. Sainudheen's body was recovered on Sunday after eight days of search efforts by Indian Army . On Sunday, a ceremonial wreath-laying tribute was conducted with full military honours at the Bengdubi military station in Darjeeling, West Bengal on Sunday. At Androth in Lakshadweep, Indian Navy rendered a guard of honour ahead of the funeral on Monday. Born on Dec 20, 1991, Sainudheen joined Indian Army in March 2012. Over the past 13 years, he served the army across some of the harshest operational terrains, including the Siachen Glacier. "Sepoy Sainudheen PK embodied the finest traditions of Indian Army — quiet professionalism, absolute integrity, and unmatched dedication. Whether in Siachen or Sikkim, he served with a quiet courage that inspired all ranks. His sacrifice is a reminder that true valour lies in selfless service even in the face of unseen dangers. We salute a soldier, a comrade and a son of India whose memory will forever guide us," his commanding officer said. "His final journey — traversing nearly 2,500km from Chatten in north Sikkim to his native island of Androth in Lakshadweep — was a solemn and dignified tribute to a life dedicated to the nation. This long and logistically complex repatriation was made possible through a coordinated tri-services operation involving Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, supported ably by the local administration," a Defence PRO statement read. Army Aviation helicopters and Indian Air Force aircraft, including the C-295, were employed for this effort, ensuring timely and seamless transportation across multiple legs of the journey.
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Killed in Sikkim landslide, soldier flown home to Lakshadweep 2,500 km away
The Army, Air Force, and the Navy coordinated the final journey of a soldier from a disaster site at an altitude of 9,000 feet in Sikkim's Mangan district to a little above sea level in Lakshadweep. The mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen P.K., who died after a landslide hit a military camp in northern Sikkim's Chhaten on June 1, were flown about 2,500 km to his native island of Androth in the Lakshadweep archipelago on Monday. His body was recovered on Sunday under the debris in the disaster zone after eight days of relentless search efforts. Five others, including Lt. Col. Pritpal Singh Sandhu, his wife and daughter, remained traceless. 'Sainudheen P.K. was among the six missing personnel after the landslide. Three other Army personnel were killed and four were injured in the disaster,' Mangan's Superintendent of Police Sonam Detchu Bhutia said. Known for discipline Born on December 20, 1991, Mr. Sainudheen joined the Army on March 24, 2012. 'Over the past 13 years, he served with honour and distinction across some of the harshest operational terrains, including the forbidding heights of the Siachen Glacier. He was known among peers and seniors alike for his professionalism, discipline, and unflinching dedication to duty,' a statement from the Defence Ministry said. 'His final journey was a solemn and dignified tribute to a life dedicated to the nation. This long and logistically complex repatriation was made possible through a coordinated tri-Services operation involving the Army, IAF and the Navy, supported ably by the local administration,' it said. Army Aviation helicopters and IAF aircraft, including the C-295, were employed for this effort, ensuring timely and seamless transportation across multiple legs of the journey. A ceremonial wreath-laying tribute was conducted with full military honours at the Bengdubi Military Station in West Bengal. At Androth, the Navy rendered a guard of honour. 'Whether in Siachen or Sikkim, he (Sepoy Sainudheen) served with a quiet courage that inspired all ranks. His sacrifice is a reminder that true valour lies in selfless service even in the face of unseen dangers. We salute a soldier, a comrade and a son of India whose memory will forever guide us,' the Sepoy's commanding officer said.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen recovered eight days after Sikkim landslide; tributes pour in
The mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen PK were recovered after a landslide in Sikkim. He sacrificed his life at Chatten. The Indian Army conducted relentless search efforts. Sainudheen served in harsh terrains like Siachen. His final journey was a tribute to his dedication. A tri-services operation repatriated his remains to Lakshadweep. A ceremonial tribute was held with full military honors. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Guwahati: The mortal remains of Sepoy Sainudheen PK , who made the supreme sacrifice in the devastating landslide at Chatten, North Sikkim, were recovered on Sunday after eight days of relentless search efforts by the Indian Army Searches continue to locate the remaining individuals still missing after the landslide struck a military camp at Chaten in Sikkim on June the evening of June 1 at 7 PM, a catastrophic landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck the Indian Army military camp at Chaten in District Lachen. The Indian Army promptly initiated rescue operations , displaying unparalleled commitment and resilience in the face of individuals have been rescued with minor injuries, while the mortal remains of three brave personnel have been on December 20, 1991, in Androth, Lakshadweep, Sepoy Sainudheen joined the Indian Army on 24 March 2012. Over the past 13 years, he served with honour and distinction across some of the harshest operational terrains, including the forbidding heights of the Siachen Glacier. He was known among peers and seniors alike for his professionalism, discipline and unflinching dedication to final journey—traversing nearly 2,500 kilometres from Chatten in North Sikkim to his native island of Androth in Lakshadweep—was a solemn and dignified tribute to a life dedicated to the nation. This long and logistically complex repatriation was made possible through a coordinated tri-services operation involving the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy , supported ably by the local Aviation helicopters and Indian Air Force aircraft, including the C-295, were employed for this effort, ensuring timely and seamless transportation across multiple legs of the journey.A ceremonial wreath-laying tribute was conducted with full military honours at Bengdubi Military Station, marking the Indian Army's profound respect. At Androth, the Indian Navy rendered a Guard of Honour, reaffirming the sanctity of soldierly Commanding Officer said:'Sepoy Sainudheen PK embodied the finest traditions of the Indian Army—quiet professionalism, absolute integrity, and unmatched dedication. Whether in Siachen or Sikkim, he served with a quiet courage that inspired all ranks. His sacrifice is a reminder that true valour lies in selfless service even in the face of unseen dangers. We salute a soldier, a comrade and a son of India whose memory will forever guide us.'
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor: How India's private sector is arming our military, and why it could transform the future of defence
Operation Sindoor has put a spotlight on India's growing defence strength, especially the rising role of private companies in military technology. A decade ago, India mostly depended on public sector undertakings (PSUs) and foreign imports for defence needs. But now, private firms are leading innovation and becoming key partners in building modern systems for warfare. Firms like Tata Advanced Systems (TAS), Alpha Design Technologies (ADTL), Paras Defence & Space Technologies, ideaForge, and IG Drones are no longer just supporting players, they are helping shape India's military future. TAS, for example, is working with Airbus Spain to make C-295 military transport aircraft at the country's first private aircraft factory in Vadodara. Paras Defence is known for its work in electronic warfare, optics, and drone systems. Alpha Design provides everything from radars to tank parts and satellite equipment. Other big players such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani Group, and Bharat Forge are also growing their presence in defence. For instance, L&T won contracts worth over Rs 13,000 crore to supply radar and weapon systems. Adani recently opened two new plants to make ammunition and missiles in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to meet 25% of India's small-calibre ammunition needs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Leading the drone revolution One of the biggest success stories of the private sector has been in drone technology. In the 1990s, India began using Israeli drones like the Heron and Searcher. But the 1999 Kargil War showed how much India needed real-time intelligence from its own systems. Since then, DRDO and private firms have worked to develop Indian drones. By May 2025, India's armed forces were using many home-grown drones. ideaForge's SWITCH UAV and NETRA V2, made with DRDO, have already been deployed. Alpha Design teamed up with Israel's Elbit Systems to build the SkyStriker, a drone that can carry out precise attacks. Solar Industries' Nagastra-1 added to India's strike options, while NewSpace Research provided drone-swarm capabilities for the Air Force. Live Events What's coming next? The development of drones is not slowing down. New platforms are being built for logistics and high-altitude missions, such as Garuda Aerospace's Jatayu and SkyPod for regions like Siachen. Drones like Throttle Aerospace's Raven and AI-based swarm systems from 114AI and NewSpace show how startups are driving the next wave of military technology. The Drone Federation of India, with over 550 companies and 5,500 pilots, is aiming to make India a global drone hub by 2030. IG Drones, which works with the Indian Army and government agencies, is a good example of how private firms are providing services, research, and manufacturing for defence. Big numbers, bigger goals India's defence exports touched nearly Rs 24,000 crore ($2.9 billion) in FY25, and private firms played a huge role. The government wants to double this to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. The Indian drone market alone could be worth $11 billion by 2030, making up over 12% of the global share. Earlier this month, defence stocks jumped by up to 4% after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Operation Sindoor and said India must lead in defence innovation with its own technology. 'We have proven our strength in modern warfare,' he said. Policy support fuels growth The success of Operation Sindoor was made possible by government policies that supported private defence production. Since 2021, India has banned imported drones and launched a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with Rs 120 crore to boost local manufacturing. In FY24, India's home-grown defence production hit Rs 1.3 lakh crore, and the share of private companies is rising steadily. Initiatives like iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and SRIJAN (import substitution) are helping startups and companies enter the defence space. Looking ahead: Space is the next frontier The future of defence will involve more AI-powered and autonomous systems, and private firms are well-suited for this challenge. Operation Sindoor showed how a strong partnership between private companies, the public sector, and the military can help India become a high-tech power. Space will be a big part of this journey. India still lags behind countries like the US and China in military satellites, but it is catching up. Companies like Digantara, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, and Ananth Technologies are working on satellite systems and space tech. Earlier this year, three South India-based private firms were chosen to co-develop 31 satellites under the Space-Based Surveillance-3 (SBS-3) programme. This marks the first time private firms are building satellites for strategic military use. With 52 new satellites planned, 21 by ISRO and 31 by the private sector, India's space surveillance capability is set to grow quickly. Inputs from TOI
