President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Shaurya Chakra on 13 military and police personnel at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also present at the ceremony.

In a ceremony that drew attention to the quiet, often unheralded courage of India's security forces, President Droupadi Murmu on Monday presented the Shaurya Chakra to 13 soldiers and police officers at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among those present.

The honours spanned branches — Army, Navy, and state police — and ranged from counterterrorism operations along the Line of Control to anti-Naxal engagements deep in Chhattisgarh's conflict zones.

Colonel Who Killed Three Terrorists Honoured

Among the most noted recipients was Lieutenant Colonel Nitesh Bharti Shukla of the Indian Army's 19th Battalion, Sikh Regiment, who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for eliminating three terrorists along the LoC. The citation reflects the kind of direct combat engagement that rarely makes headlines but shapes the security calculus in the border hinterland.

Major Aditya Pratap Singh also received the award for showing exceptional bravery during a military operation in a border area of Arunachal Pradesh, while Major Anshul Baltu of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and 32 Assam Rifles was recognised for his service and demonstrated valour in the field.

Navy's Long-Distance Sailors Recognised

In a departure from the predominantly land-based recognitions, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A of the Indian Navy were awarded the Shaurya Chakra for their role in the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II expedition — a demanding circumnavigation mission that tested seamanship, determination, and endurance over an extended period. Their inclusion underlines a broadening definition of operational courage within the armed forces.

Chhattisgarh Anti-Naxal Officers in the List

Two police officers from Chhattisgarh — Inspector Laxman Kewat and Inspector Rameshwar Prasad Deshmukh — were also conferred the Shaurya Chakra for bravery during anti-Naxal operations in the state. Chhattisgarh has seen a significant intensification of counterinsurgency operations in recent years, with several high-value encounters drawing national attention. Recognising police officers at this level signals acknowledgment of the state-level forces that carry much of the operational load in left-wing extremism-affected districts.

A Posthumous Honour

The ceremony also carried a sombre note. Martyr Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand of 4 Rashtriya Rifles was posthumously awarded the Shaurya Chakra. President Murmu presented the honour to his wife and mother — a moment that encapsulated both the cost of service and the state's formal recognition of sacrifice.

A Cross-Service Ceremony

The Shaurya Chakra is India's third-highest peacetime gallantry award, given for acts of bravery, courageous action, or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield or in the face of the enemy. Monday's ceremony brought together recipients from diverse operational theatres — Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, the open ocean, and the jungles of central India — in one room. That range, perhaps more than any individual citation, speaks to the breadth of active threat environments Indian forces currently operate within.

With PM Modi in attendance, the event also carried political weight, taking place against the backdrop of continued security operations in border regions and the government's stated commitment to zero tolerance on insurgency.

Iran ‘far’ from final US deal as Houthis threaten key strait

Tehran cites major gaps after progress in negotiations

Iran has confirmed that despite recent diplomatic progress, the country remains “far” from a final peace agreement with the United States. The warning came as Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatened to close the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, escalating fears of a wider maritime conflict.

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also a lead negotiator, made the admission in a televised national address. He confirmed that while talks had moved forward, fundamental differences persist.

“We are still far from the final discussion,” Mr. Ghalibaf said. “We made progress in the negotiations, but there are many gaps and some fundamental points remain.”

Indian vessels targeted in Hormuz

In a significant escalation for New Delhi, Iranian forces opened fire on two Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Official sources confirmed that 14 vessels were intercepted in total, while 13 were allowed to return. The Ministry of External Affairs has summoned the Iranian ambassador to register a strong protest.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has declared the strait closed, warning that any ship attempting passage will be targeted. A maritime agency also reported a tanker came under fire from gunboats in the same waterway.

Houthis deliver stern warning to Trump

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi administration has issued a direct threat to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The warning is aimed at US President Donald Trump over what the group calls “all practices and policies that obstruct peace.”

Houthi deputy foreign minister Hussein al-Ezzi stated that if Sanaa decides to close the strait, no global power would be able to reopen it. The development places additional pressure on global shipping lanes already disrupted by the Hormuz closure.

US releases emergency oil reserves

Amid the growing supply crisis, the United States has withdrawn 26 million barrels of oil from its emergency reserves. The stockpile has been released to private companies in an effort to stabilise global markets.

President Trump has also made it clear that while a deal with Iran may be near, the ongoing naval blockade against the country will continue until an agreement is finalised. “Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally,” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.

Next round of talks possible in Pakistan

Diplomatic sources indicate that the next round of US-Iran negotiations could take place in Pakistan as early as Monday. However, neither side has officially confirmed the date or venue.

Iranian deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has also criticised Washington for refusing to abandon its “maximalist” demands. Tehran insists that any lasting peace must address the full scope of regional tensions.

India stresses strong ties with Tehran

Despite the firing on Indian vessels, an Iranian representative has publicly stated that the bilateral relationship between Tehran and New Delhi remains “very strong.” The statement appears aimed at containing diplomatic fallout from the Hormuz incident.

Indian officials, however, continue to monitor the situation closely. The government has advised all Indian-flagged vessels to avoid the strait until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue a formal demarche to Iran later this week.

Global impact and what comes next

The twin threats to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb now endanger nearly 40 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil supply. Asian nations, including India and Bangladesh, have already begun reporting fuel shortages and price volatility.

Military analysts suggest Iran still retains nearly 70 per cent of its pre-war ballistic missile stockpile. With the current ceasefire set to expire on April 22, all eyes remain on whether diplomatic channels in Pakistan can bridge the remaining gaps before tensions boil over once again.

Missiles overhead, mines below: How Indian LPG tanker survived Hormuz blockade

Indian-flagged vessel Pine Gas navigates high-risk ‘Larak route’ under Navy protection as regional conflict traps 3,200 ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a high-stakes maritime breakout, the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Pine Gas has successfully navigated the volatile Strait of Hormuz, escaping a regional blockade that has crippled global energy lanes. The vessel, carrying critical fuel supplies for India, arrived in safe waters this week after a harrowing three-week ordeal marked by daily aerial combat and the threat of sea mines.

The transit comes at a time when the region is reeling from the February 28 joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. According to latest news today, the Pine Gas was forced to adopt an unconventional "northern route" past Larak Island to avoid heavily mined international shipping lanes.

Crew witnessed daily combat

The ship’s 27-member Indian crew reported a "war-zone atmosphere" during their time in the Persian Gulf. Chief Officer Sohan Lal confirmed that the crew witnessed missiles and drones flying overhead on a daily basis as regional tensions escalated.

The vessel had loaded its cargo at the UAE’s Ruwais port on February 28, just as hostilities broke out. While the journey to India typically takes a week, the Pine Gas remained stranded for nearly 21 days before receiving clearance to move.

Unusual route via Larak

In a departure from standard maritime protocols, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) directed the tanker to navigate a narrow channel north of Larak Island. Sources indicated that the IRGC recommended this path because the primary Hormuz passage was reportedly littered with sea mines.

Crucially, the crew noted that the IRGC did not board the vessel, nor was any transit fee charged. This bypass was essential for the vessel's survival as standard routes became impassable for commercial traffic.

Operation Sankalp in action

The Indian Navy played a pivotal role in the rescue, providing a 20-hour continuous escort from the Gulf of Oman to the Arabian Sea. This mission falls under the long-standing Operation Sankalp, which secures sea lanes for Indian-flagged vessels.

Government updates confirmed that the Navy has intensified its presence in the region. Apart from Pine Gas, three other vessels—Shivalik, Nanda Devi, and Jag Laadki—have been safely brought back to Indian waters under naval protection.

Maritime emergency hits trade

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has officially declared the situation a "maritime emergency." Reports suggest approximately 3,200 vessels remain trapped within the Persian Gulf, unable to navigate the 33-kilometre-wide chokepoint.

The disruption is a significant blow to global energy stability. About 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade passes through the Strait, and for India, the stakes are even higher given its heavy reliance on Gulf suppliers.

India’s energy security risk

The crisis highlights a growing vulnerability in India’s energy map. In the 2024-25 period, 92% of India’s LPG imports originated from four Gulf nations: UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

With the UAE now supplying over 40% of India's LPG, any prolonged closure of the Hormuz Strait poses a direct threat to domestic supply chains. This English News Portal India report notes that while demand has surged due to schemes like Ujjwala Yojana, domestic production remains stagnant.

Rising domestic gas demand

Data shows India imported 20.67 million tonnes of LPG in 2024-25, a 40% jump from five years ago. Meanwhile, domestic production has hovered around 12.8 million tonnes, failing to keep pace with the 330 million active gas connections across the country.

As the conflict persists, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Navy remain on high alert. This public interest story will continue to evolve as officials monitor the remaining Indian vessels still awaiting safe passage through the world’s most dangerous waterway.

A Small Win, A Bigger Warning

Two Indian ships have been permitted to sail through the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow but enormously important waterway that has been effectively shut down since the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The passage of these vessels is being seen as a diplomatic signal, but make no mistake: India's energy security remains deeply fragile, and the crisis in the Persian Gulf is nowhere near resolved.

The Strait of Hormuz — just 21 miles wide at its narrowest — carries roughly 20% of the world's daily oil supply. When Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shut it down to Western-linked ships after retaliating against US-Israeli strikes, the ripple effects were immediate and severe for countries like India that depend heavily on this corridor.

Why This Matters for India Right Now

India depends heavily on this strategic corridor for its energy supplies. Nearly 85% of the country's LPG imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and around 40% of crude oil shipments also move through the same route. NBC News

Over 1,100 Indian seafarers are aboard at least 38 vessels affected by the closure, with shipowners urging naval protection to resume passage. Bloomberg The clearance of two ships is a relief, but it is a drop in the ocean compared to what is still stranded.

The passage was made possible after Iran announced it would differentiate between friends and foes. Iran's IRGC stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies The Washington Post, while leaving a window open for nations like India and China that have not aligned with the Western military campaign.

The Risk Hasn't Gone Away

Passage being "allowed" does not mean passage is safe. A cargo vessel heading toward India's Kandla Port caught fire after being struck by a projectile while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz Zee News — a stark reminder that even non-Western ships are operating in an active war zone.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained near a standstill on March 7, with only three total crossings recorded. The combination of vessel attacks, elevated strike risk, GPS and AIS interference, and the withdrawal of war-risk insurance coverage is now producing a near-total closure effect for much of the commercial market. Military.com

In plain terms: Iran may say the door is open for Indian ships, but the hallway is still on fire.

India's Tightrope Walk

India has long maintained a careful balancing act — maintaining warm ties with both Washington and Tehran. That balancing act is now under serious strain.

Indian officials have publicly noted that more than 40% of the country's oil imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, now an active combat zone. Al Jazeera The government is under pressure to act — and fast. According to reports, the government may consider deploying the Indian Navy if tensions rise further, with naval escort operations to help protect commercial vessels crossing the sensitive route. NBC News

Meanwhile, global oil prices have swung wildly. Oil prices briefly surged to around $120 per barrel due to supply concerns, and analysts warn that prolonged instability could affect fuel prices across several countries. NBC News

The passage of two Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz is a cautious win — but it should not be mistaken for stability. With Indian ships Strait of Hormuz movements still limited, over a thousand Indian sailors stranded, and an active shooting war ongoing, the situation demands urgent, sustained diplomatic and naval engagement from New Delhi.

India cannot afford to watch from the sidelines. Its kitchens, its factories, and its economy run on oil that flows through these 21 miles of water. What happens in the Persian Gulf does not stay there — it lands at your petrol pump, your cooking gas cylinder, and eventually your grocery bill.

The world is watching the Strait of Hormuz. India needs to do more than watch.

India has successfully test-fired its K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighaat, marking a critical advancement in the nation's sea-based nuclear deterrence capability.

The test, conducted in the Bay of Bengal on December 23, validates a strategic weapon system designed to strike targets up to 3,500 kilometers away while carrying a substantial nuclear payload. This successful launch significantly bolsters the credibility and reach of India's nuclear triad—the ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea.

The Strategic Significance of a Sea-Based Deterrent

The development and testing of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile are central to India's defense strategy. Ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) like the INS Arighaat are considered the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. They can remain undetected at sea for extended periods, providing a guaranteed retaliatory strike capability that aligns with India's stated "no-first-use" nuclear policy.

This survivability is what makes a sea-based deterrent so crucial. In the event of a first strike that disables land-based missiles or airbases, a hidden submarine ensures the nation retains the power to respond, thereby deterring potential adversaries from initiating conflict.

Technical Capabilities and Naval Expansion

The K-4 missile represents a major leap in India's undersea prowess. Derived from the Agni-III land-based missile, it has been extensively modified for the complex process of underwater launch. The missile ejects from its submarine silo, rises to the ocean surface, and then ignites its rocket motor to begin its flight trajectory.

With a reported capacity to deliver a nuclear warhead weighing up to 2.5 tons, the K-4 fills a crucial gap between India's shorter-range K-15 missile and future longer-range systems currently in development. The missile is intended to arm India's growing fleet of Arihant-class submarines.

INS Arighaat, commissioned in August 2024, is India's second SSBN and the first designed to carry the longer-range K-4.

The navy plans to commission a third submarine, INS Aridhaman, in early 2026, with a fourth to follow, creating a more robust underwater deterrent force.

The Broader Arsenal: Completing the Triad

The K-4 test is part of a series of recent advancements in India's strategic missile program, which together solidify a multi-layered defense and deterrent posture. The following table summarizes the key systems that constitute India's nuclear triad:

| Delivery System | Platform | Key Capability | Role in Triad |

| K-4 SLBM | Arihant-class Submarine (Sea) | 3,500 km range, nuclear payload | Survivabe second-strike |

| Agni-V | Road/Rail Mobile (Land) | Over 5,000 km range, MIRV-capable | Long-range land strike |

| Agni-Prime | Road/Rail Mobile (Land) | Up to 2,000 km range, high accuracy | Medium-range strategic strike |

| Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI | Aircraft (Air) | Nuclear gravity bombs | Air-based delivery |

Just months before the K-4 test, India successfully conducted the first-ever launch of its Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher, a system designed for rapid movement and quick launch response. Furthermore, the Akash-NG air defense system recently completed successful user trials, showcasing India's focus on developing a shield against incoming aerial threats. These parallel developments highlight a comprehensive approach to national security.

Regional Context and Forward Path

The enhancement of India's sea-based nuclear deterrence occurs within a complex regional security environment. Analysts note that the credible second-strike capability provided by systems like the K-4 is a pivotal factor in maintaining strategic stability. While the test moves India closer to a fully operational sea-based triad, reports suggest a few more validation trials may be required before the K-4 is formally inducted.

Looking ahead, India's missile development roadmap points to even more capable systems, including the K-5 and K-6 missiles with ranges between 5,000 to 6,000 kilometers, intended for future, larger submarines.

The successful test of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile marks a definitive step in India's journey toward a more secure and resilient strategic deterrent, ensuring its defensive posture evolves in step with contemporary challenges.