Japanese warships made a historic visit to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, for the first time in nearly 90 years, marking an effort to enhance strategic ties in the South Pacific amid increasing regional tensions. The JS Ise and JS Suzunami participated in joint exercises with Australia and New Zealand, highlighting Japan’s focus on a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” This visit follows Australia’s decision to collaborate closely with Japanese defense firms for its naval projects, showcasing …

India is facing a significant challenge following the U.S. decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian exports, primarily in response to India’s continued purchase of Russian oil amid the Ukraine conflict. Indian officials, including Dammu Ravi from the Ministry of External Affairs, criticized the tariff as “unfair” and “unjustified,” asserting that it lacks logic and will not derail India’s industrial growth. In response, India is looking to diversify its trade partnerships, exploring new markets …

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has confirmed that preparations are underway for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, focusing on energy and defense cooperation amidst Western sanctions on Russia. Doval’s talks in Moscow emphasized the importance of India’s ongoing procurement of Russian crude oil, which reflects national interests despite tensions with the US. He is expected to advocate for the timely delivery of the remaining S-400 air defense systems, crucial for India’s strategic defense …

The UK’s charity sector watchdog has concluded that the display of Khalistan boards at the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Slough does not violate political guidance for charities. This decision follows an investigation prompted by governance concerns regarding the gurdwara. The Charity Commission emphasized that after extensive review and consultations, the display of such political statements is permissible under the existing regulations. This ruling highlights ongoing tensions related to the Khalistan movement abroad, reflecting …

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss strengthening bilateral energy and defense ties, ahead of Putin’s upcoming visit to India. This meeting is particularly significant given recent geopolitical tensions, such as the U.S. imposing hefty tariffs on Indian goods linked to oil purchases from Russia. Doval’s engagement reflects India’s strategic commitment to maintaining strong relations with Russia, countering external pressures, and ensuring national security interests. Strengthening ties …

China has escalated naval and coast guard operations in the South China Sea, responding to a joint patrol by India and the Philippines involving three Indian warships and two Philippine frigates, emphasizing a strategic partnership formalized during Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos’s visit to New Delhi. The exercises, which included various combat drills within the Philippines’ EEZ, have drawn sharp condemnation from Beijing, reflecting its concern over a growing multilateral coalition supporting Manila. India’s enhanced military …

A recent report warns that the United States risks losing its crucial partnership with India amid increasing tensions spurred by the Trump administration’s decision to double tariffs on Indian exports to 50%, effective August 27, 2025. This tariff hike, targeting key sectors like seafood, textiles, jewelry, and auto parts, is a retaliation against India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. While the U.S. pursues economic nationalism through these sanctions, India maintains its strategic autonomy by engaging …

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to visit India later this year, as confirmed by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval during his talks in Moscow. This visit comes amid increasing pressure from the U.S., with President Trump imposing tariffs on Indian imports due to New Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian crude oil, a situation that has escalated tensions between the two nations. Meanwhile, discussions between India and Russia are underway to further strengthen their …

US President Donald Trump has imposed a significant 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s increased purchases of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine conflict. This tariff is a culmination of an executive order that initially included a 25% tariff, which was then raised due to claims that India is exploiting the situation to bolster its oil imports from Russia, directly challenging US geopolitical strategies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has rebuffed this …

Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, will visit India from August 10 to 14 to enhance bilateral defense ties under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. His discussions with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi aim to strengthen cooperation on regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. With initiatives like joint exercises, training exchanges, and staff talks, both nations are advancing their military collaboration. Notably, exercises such as AUSTRAHIND and Talisman Sabre focus on counter-terrorism …

A senior Indian defence official has refuted Pakistan’s claims regarding advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, particularly those attributed to the PAF’s outdated DA-20EW Falcon aircraft. The official emphasized that such narratives are unfounded, asserting that India’s advanced systems, including the Rafale jets equipped with the SPECTRA suite, far surpass Pakistan’s capabilities, which rely on antiquated technology. Furthermore, India’s EW advancements, supported by the DRDO and private sector, ensure a significant edge over Pakistan’s reliance on …

India and the Philippines are strengthening their diplomatic ties, further enhancing India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly against the backdrop of China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. President Bongbong Marcos’s recent visit marks a significant step in elevating bilateral relations to a strategic level, especially as the Philippines prepares to chair ASEAN next year. This cooperation is timely, as the Philippines has shifted towards defending its national interests and aligning more closely …

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1, 2025, marking his first trip since the 2020 Galwan clash, which had strained India-China relations. This visit follows his annual summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, and is being closely monitored by international stakeholders due to its potential impact on regional security dynamics. The backdrop of Modi’s visit is characterized …

The recent Russian-Chinese naval exercises “Maritime Interaction-2025,” conducted in the Sea of Japan, emphasized anti-submarine warfare and showcased enhanced operational coordination between the Russian Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy. This iteration, marked by the involvement of advanced naval assets and a new joint headquarters in Vladivostok, aimed to exhibit strategic deterrence amid heightened global tensions, particularly following U.S. military movements in the region. The drills involved joint detection and mock-destruction of an “enemy” …

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration harbored concerns over India’s BrahMos missile potentially being armed with nuclear warheads to target Pakistan. U.S. officials worried about nuclear escalation amid rising tensions, prompting diplomatic interventions. However, Indian officials clarified that the BrahMos is a conventionally armed system, outside the control of its Strategic Forces Command, and emphasized adherence to a No First Use nuclear policy. The BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile, is recognized for …

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is currently in Moscow to enhance India-Russia defense cooperation amid threats from the U.S. regarding increased tariffs on Indian goods, particularly due to India’s oil imports from Russia. Doval’s visit, which includes discussions on the purchase of additional S-400 missile systems and potentially acquiring Su-57 fighter jets, aims to reaffirm the longstanding strategic partnership between India and Russia. Concurrently, the Indian Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, met with Deputy Defence …

Ukraine has raised concerns regarding Indian-made electronic components found in Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones utilized by Russian forces, prompting discussions between Ukrainian officials and India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The components, identified from Vishay Intertechnology and Aura Semiconductor, are dual-use items, and India asserts that its exports comply with international regulations. Indian authorities are investigating the situation and enhancing awareness of export compliance among manufacturers. While Ukraine emphasizes the need for stricter controls to prevent component …

Russia has targeted a gas facility in Ukraine’s Odesa region, compromising the country’s winter preparations, according to President Zelenskiy. The attack is seen as a calculated move against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has already been severely impacted by earlier missile strikes. Despite Russia’s claims that energy systems are legitimate military targets, this incident raises significant humanitarian concerns, especially as Ukraine struggles with gas shortages and aims to increase imports through alternative routes like the Transbalkan …

A Wall Street Journal report revealed US concerns that India’s use of BrahMos missiles during Operation Sindoor could escalate into a nuclear confrontation with Pakistan, fearing India might arm the missiles with nuclear warheads. India, however, reaffirmed its “No First Use” nuclear policy, emphasizing BrahMos is a conventional weapon. The success of the operation demonstrated India’s growing military capabilities and commitment to self-reliance in defense. The BrahMos program, primarily indigenous now, symbolizes India’s strategy to …

The Pakistan Army has dismissed speculation that General Asim Munir, its Chief of Army Staff, is pursuing the presidency, labeling such rumors as “baseless.” This clarification follows weeks of unverified claims, with officials asserting that the discussions about Munir’s potential presidency are part of a malicious campaign aimed at creating political instability. Munir’s recent elevation to Field Marshal after a brief conflict with India has consolidated his authority, highlighting the military’s significant influence over Pakistan’s …

The inaugural India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue was held in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in training, capability building, and maritime security. The meeting, co-chaired by Indian and New Zealand defense officials, highlighted ongoing defense collaboration and discussed emerging areas of cooperation, including the White Shipping Information Exchange. This dialogue follows an MoU signed in March 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening defense relations. The mutual trust and shared democratic values between …

The recent discussions surrounding India’s oil purchases from Russia and President Trump’s proposed punitive tariffs highlight a complex geopolitical situation. US State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce refrained from directly commenting on India’s stance, while criticizing its oil procurement as fueling the Russian war effort against Ukraine. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded implicitly to Trump’s threats by advocating for a fair global order and reaffirming India’s commitment to its national interests. Nikki Haley, a prominent …

Recent reports indicate escalating military activity by China around Taiwan, with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence detecting 16 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating near its waters. Notably, eight of the aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone. This increase in incursions highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions, as China continues to assert claims over Taiwan under its “One China” principle, despite Taiwan’s self-governance and strong public support for its …

Amid intensifying trade tensions, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on August 6, 2025, that he will strengthen partnerships with BRICS nations, particularly India, while categorically declining dialogue with US President Donald Trump. The move follows the US imposition of a sweeping 50% tariff and sanctions against a Brazilian Supreme Court justice, actions Lula has condemned as politically motivated and encroachments on Brazil’s sovereignty. During the July 6–7 BRICS summit in Rio de …

The Indian Army recently highlighted significant historical events from the 1971 Indo-Pak war, particularly focusing on the U.S. arms supply to Pakistan during this conflict. Despite the military crackdown in East Pakistan, the U.S. had provided Pakistan with over $2 billion worth of military equipment, reflecting a strategic alignment that complicated the geopolitical landscape. The Army’s archival posts underscored these realities while coinciding with current tensions, particularly in response to U.S. criticism of India’s energy …