Geopolitics and Security Alliances

EAM Jaishankar leads FIPIC foreign ministers' meeting in NYC

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar hosted a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) in New York, emphasizing a “people-centric” agenda focused on health, technology, and capacity building. This meeting coincided with the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where Jaishankar highlighted the progress of the 12-point action plan unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the FIPIC-III Summit in 2023. The plan aims to enhance collaboration …

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Cybersecurity and Information Warfare

North Korea's Kimsuky Group Uses AI in Phishing Campaign

A recent cyber espionage campaign by North Korea’s Kimsuky hacking group has revealed a troubling evolution in cyber threats, as they employed AI tools like ChatGPT to forge military IDs and conduct phishing attacks targeted at South Korean journalists and researchers. This marks a significant advance in the capabilities of state-sponsored cybercriminals, leveraging generative AI to enhance traditional phishing attacks, making detection increasingly difficult. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures, training …

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Miscellaneous

CDS Gen Chauhan Highlights Lt Gen Thorat's Enduring Strategic Impact

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan praised the strategic insights of Lt Gen S.P.P. Thorat during the release of the revised edition of his autobiography, highlighting its relevance to India’s military evolution. He emphasized Thorat’s prescient warnings regarding the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict, specifically his proposals for defensive strategies in Ladakh and the North East Frontier Agency, underscoring a missed opportunity in air support during the war. The book serves as a valuable resource …

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Cybersecurity and Information Warfare

Collins Aerospace Recovers from Cyberattack Disrupting Airports

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, is working to restore its onsite passenger processing software after a significant cyber intrusion on September 19 disrupted operations at multiple European airports. The attack primarily affected the MUSE system, leading to offline check-in, baggage processing, and boarding operations, causing widespread travel delays and cancellations. British authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the incident, which is part of a troubling trend of cyberattacks affecting critical infrastructure in …

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Defense Policy and Budgeting

Theaterisation reform in India stalled by rank and command issues.

India’s ambitious military reform initiative, theaterisation, is currently stalled due to ambiguities surrounding rank and command authority. The complexity arises from the historical evolution of military ranks, where four-star Service Chiefs in Delhi appear to overshadow three-star Commanders-in-Chief in the field, leading to a dilution of operational command. The recently passed Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, 2023, while providing some statutory recognition, does not adequately address the operational command gap crucial for effective …

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Defense Business and Industry

IAF's Plan to Acquire Su-57E and Rafale Jets to Counter China

In a strategic move aimed at modernizing its fleet and countering the growing air power of China and Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to be considering a dual acquisition plan involving the Russian Su-57E stealth fighter and French Rafale jets. This ambitious initiative includes an initial direct purchase of two squadrons of Su-57Es, with plans for domestic production of additional units at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Nashik, which is capable of …

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Defense Business and Industry

L&T and BEL collaborate to bid for India's next-gen fighter jet.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s largest private sector defense player, has formed a strategic partnership with state-owned Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to bid for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, aimed at developing India’s next-generation fighter jet. The consortium plans to respond to an Expression of Interest issued by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in the coming weeks. This collaboration is significant as it combines L&T’s engineering prowess and systems integration capabilities with BEL’s …

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Defense Business and Industry

HAL to Play Key Role in Developing 120kN AMCA Engine

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to play a crucial role in the development of a new 120 kN thrust engine for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), collaborating with the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and French manufacturer Safran. HAL, with decades of expertise in aerospace manufacturing, is set to leverage its capabilities to produce advanced internal engine components and integrate them with the AMCA’s stealth airframe. While HAL is traditionally dominant in military …

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Miscellaneous

US Urges India to Diversify Away from Russian Oil Amid Tariffs

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright urged India to move away from discounted Russian oil purchases, framing this pivot as essential for aligning with US policies on the Ukraine war. While Wright emphasized that the US does not wish to punish India, he linked recent tariff hikes on Indian imports to the nation’s energy choices, suggesting these measures aim to pressure India into diversifying its energy sources. He highlighted the potential for expanded cooperation in various …

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Mil Personnel and Veterans

Arch honoring Indian Army and "Operation Sindoor" to be built in Bhubaneswar.

A significant initiative to honor the Indian Army is underway in Bhubaneswar’s Khannagar, where an arch themed on “Operation Sindoor” will be erected, featuring real horses to evoke the historic scene at Pahalgam. Complementing this patriotic display, mini tricolor flags will adorn the area, while 500 saplings of various plants will be distributed to visitors as part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday. Scheduled for …

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Mil Personnel and Veterans

General Anil Chauhan's tenure as Chief of Defence Staff extended to May 2024.

On 24 September 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved extending General Anil Chauhan’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, until 30 May 2026 or until further orders. Appointed on 28 September 2022, his term was due to end on 30 September 2025. The government described the eight-month extension as ensuring continuity for key military reforms, including theaterisation and enhanced jointness among the services. Officials noted the CDS …

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Politics

Government defends permanent commission for women officers in Army.

The Indian government defended its policy granting permanent commissions to Short Service Commission (SSC) women officers in the Army during a Supreme Court hearing regarding 84 officers challenging their denial of commission. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati emphasized adherence to a uniform policy devoid of discrimination, noting that annual confidential reports are gender-neutral and objective. The officers argued that despite their service in challenging operations, they were overlooked for permanent commissions. Bhati countered that the …

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Defense Business and Industry

Enhancing India's Defense through Synchronized Multi-Domain Operations

The modern battlefield is increasingly characterized by data saturation and multi-domain complexities, necessitating a synchronized approach to multi-domain operations (MDO). This convergence of effects across physical, informational, and human dimensions emphasizes the need for India’s defense forces to adapt and innovate. The integration of advanced technologies and data analytics into military strategy is crucial for achieving operational effectiveness and maintaining a competitive edge. The broader significance lies in the necessity for India to enhance its …

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Defense Business and Industry

India to Issue ₹30,000 Cr RfP for MALE Drones, Boosting Indigenization

India’s defense sector is undergoing a significant transformation, as announced by Defence Secretary Rajesh Singh, who detailed a Request for Proposal (RfP) for MALE-class drones worth ₹30,000 crore. This initiative aims to bolster India’s surveillance and strike capabilities while encouraging domestic production, with at least 75% of defense spending targeted at the local industry over the next decade. Additionally, the Indian Armed Forces plan to procure 87 MALE drones to meet immediate operational needs, reflecting …

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Defense Business and Industry

India’s INS Vishal Carrier Faces Delays Amid EMALS Tech Hurdles, China’s Advances

India’s planned 65,000-ton INS Vishal, conceived as a CATOBAR super-carrier, has slipped behind earlier expectations largely because acquiring a shore-tested U.S. Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and associated high-power electric-propulsion technology has proven politically and technically fraught, prompting New Delhi to pursue indigenous alternatives. In 2025 New Delhi pushed a Technology and Capability Roadmap that prioritises home-grown EMALS and electric drive solutions and has tasked DRDO and industry partners to scale prototype electromagnetic launchers and …

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Geopolitics and Security Alliances

Zelenskyy warns of a historic arms race and calls for global action.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed world leaders at the UN General Assembly, articulating concerns over what he described as “the most destructive arms race in history.” He urged the international community to take decisive action against Russia, asserting that President Vladimir Putin’s intentions are to escalate the conflict across Europe. Zelenskyy’s comments followed a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reaffirmed his support for Ukraine and criticized Russia’s aggressive tactics, expressing confidence that …

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Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Kulgam Man Arrested for Aiding Terrorists in Pahalgam Attack

In a significant development in the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, police arrested 26-year-old Mohd Yousuf Katari from Kulgam for allegedly providing logistical support to the terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives, primarily targeting tourists. The arrest follows an intelligence operation and is linked to the subsequent elimination of the three terrorists involved, including the operation’s mastermind, Sulieman alias Asif, during Operation Mahadev on July 29. This …

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Military Operations

India to Conduct First Cold Start Drone Exercise in October

The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct their first-ever drone and counter-drone exercise named “Cold Start” in early October, marking a significant development in India’s military strategy. This exercise, which will involve participation from all three services, aims to test the capabilities of unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies, reflecting the evolving nature of warfare influenced by recent conflicts like the Ukraine war. The term “Cold Start,” traditionally associated with a rapid, integrated military response …

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Mil Personnel and Veterans

Centre tells Supreme Court: No bias in women's SSC commissions

The Indian government has asserted to the Supreme Court that there is no discrimination in granting permanent commissions to women officers in the Short Service Commission (SSC) of the Army, countering claims made by women officers who have participated in critical operations. Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati emphasized that selection criteria are gender-neutral and based on merit, with annual confidential reports evaluated without bias. Despite contentions regarding the consideration of difficult postings, the Centre maintains …

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Defense Business and Industry

L&T and BEL Partner for India's 5th-Generation Fighter Program

Larsen & Toubro on September 23, 2025 unveiled a strategic tie-up with Bharat Electronics to form a consortium aimed at supporting the Indian Air Force’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme, with plans to respond to the Aeronautical Development Agency’s Expression of Interest (EoI) soon by combining L&T’s aerospace platform expertise and BEL’s defence-electronics strengths. Both firms pointed to their prior involvement in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft programme—delivering aero-structure modules and mission-critical avionics—as well …

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Geopolitics and Security Alliances

India Condemns Pakistan for Fatal Airstrikes on Civilians

India has strongly condemned Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for its recent airstrikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in the deaths of at least 30 civilians, including women and children. Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi criticized Islamabad for misusing international platforms to level unfounded accusations against India while facing its own pressing issues, including a deteriorating economy and human rights abuses. He urged Pakistan to focus on its internal challenges rather than …

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Terrorism and Counterterrorism

71 Maoists surrender in Dantewada under Lon Varratu campaign

In a significant development for peace in South Bastar, 71 Maoists, including 30 with bounties totaling Rs 64 lakh, surrendered to authorities under Chhattisgarh’s Lon Varratu and Puna Margem initiatives. Notable surrenders included Baman Madkam, carrying an Rs 8 lakh reward, and several others linked to violent activities over the past decade. The District Police Force and CRPF facilitated this mass surrender through sustained outreach efforts, emphasizing rehabilitation and skill development for the returnees. Each …

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Miscellaneous

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh to Conduct Farewell Flypast for MiG-21

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bid farewell to the iconic MiG-21 fighter jet, which has been a pivotal part of its fleet for over six decades, during a ceremonial decommissioning event on September 26 at the Chandigarh Air Force base. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh will conduct the final flypast in a MiG-21, symbolizing the end of an era for an aircraft that has significantly shaped India’s aerial combat capabilities since …

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Defense Policy and Budgeting

Retired VAdm Luthra Highlights Delays in India's IAC-2 Project

Retired Vice Admiral Girish Luthra has underscored the stalling of India’s second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-2), INS Vishal, emphasizing the need for clarity amidst rising regional tensions. Initially envisioned in 2015 as a 65,000-tonne CATOBAR vessel capable of significant operational efficiency, advancements have lagged due to funding issues and strategic debates between adopting advanced foreign technologies versus indigenous capabilities. The recent reaffirmation of IAC-2 under the Navy’s Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) for a …

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Defense Business and Industry

Dassault Proposes Indigenous Rafale Production in India

Dassault Aviation is making a significant move towards enhancing India’s defense capabilities by offering to produce the Rafale fighter jet entirely in India, with an emphasis on indigenous components and advanced upgrades. This initiative, which includes the assembly at Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited in Nagpur and local manufacturing of fuselages by Tata Advanced Systems, aims to not only bolster the Indian Air Force amidst a squadron shortage but also position India as a regional aerospace …

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