Current Events :
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, has secured two projects from the Army Technology Board (ATB) with a combined outlay of Rs 120 crore.
The projects, awarded under the 27th Army Technology Board cycle, focus on the development of autonomous armoured vehicles and directed energy weapons for the Indian Army.
The ATB, functioning under the Indian Army’s Military Operations Directorate, identifies emerging technological requirements and assigns critical research and development tasks to institutions capable of delivering advanced solutions.
IIT Ropar was selected for both projects owing to its expertise in robotics, autonomous systems, photonics and laser technologies.
IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja said autonomous armoured vehicle project aims to develop next-generation combat platforms capable of operating with minimal human intervention.
He further said the second project involves the development of directed energy weapons, which employ highly focused electromagnetic energy beams to neutralise threats.
Such systems are increasingly being viewed as a game-changing capability in modern warfare, particularly for anti-drone operations, missile defence and electronic warfare applications.
The Director said the award of the two projects reflected the confidence reposed by the Indian Army in the institute’s research ecosystem.
“These two ATB projects are a strong endorsement of the research ecosystem we have built at IIT Ropar. Our faculty and students have been working with rigour and purpose in the defence technology domain, and this recognition by the Indian Army validates that work,” he said.
Ahuja said the institute viewed the projects as a direct contribution to national security and would execute them with the urgency and discipline required for strategic defence programmes.
Apart from their military significance, the projects are expected to generate substantial economic activity in the region. IIT Ropar officials said the programs would involve collaboration with startups, MSMEs and industry partners for component development, manufacturing and testing.
Defence experts are of the view that large-scale technology programmes often create innovation ecosystems around research institutions, leading to the growth of specialised industries and skilled employment opportunities, he said.
The Indian Navy inducted three ships today (June 21) — one that can fight far out at sea, one that can map the sea, and one that can hunt submarines close to the coast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the commissioning of INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray in Kolkata, adding to the steady inducting of new vessels into the Indian Navy since January 2025.
The three vessels — the Brahmos-armed stealth frigate INS Dunagiri, the deep-water survey vessel INS Sanshodhak, and the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) INS Agray — have been built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. According to the Ministry of Defence, the three together have more than 75 per cent indigenous content, and involve over 200 MSMEs.
ICGS Achal has officially arrived at its base port in Vadinar, Gujarat, marking a major boost to India’s maritime security in the strategically vital North-West Region. The vessel’s deployment strengthens coastal surveillance, rapid response capability, and the protection of national maritime interests.
The newly commissioned Fast Patrol Vessel Achal was welcomed at Vadinar with a special ceremony attended by senior Coast Guard officers, personnel, local administration officials, and dignitaries. Its arrival is being hailed as a milestone in reinforcing the maritime security framework of the region.
Achal was formally inducted into the Indian Coast Guard fleet in Goa on 9 May. The vessel, measuring 51 metres in length, is equipped with advanced navigation, communication, and surveillance systems. It has been designed for prolonged sea patrols, rapid response operations, and diverse maritime missions, combining speed, endurance, and operational flexibility.
The North-West Region, particularly Gujarat’s coastline, is of immense strategic importance due to its proximity to international maritime trade routes and the high volume of maritime activity in the Arabian Sea. Stationing Achal at Vadinar enhances India’s ability to monitor offshore infrastructure, shipping corridors, and sensitive maritime zones.
The vessel will play a vital role in safeguarding India’s maritime boundaries, preventing illegal infiltration, conducting anti-smuggling operations, enforcing maritime laws, and protecting fishermen at sea. It will also provide timely assistance to vessels in distress, strengthening the humanitarian role of the Coast Guard.
Equipped with modern sensors and surveillance technology, Achal will enable precise monitoring of maritime activities and immediate responses to threats or emergencies. Its advanced systems will enhance operational readiness and allow the Coast Guard to address emerging maritime challenges with greater efficiency.
The Indian Coast Guard has long been central to protecting the nation’s maritime frontiers, conducting search and rescue missions, controlling marine pollution, and providing humanitarian assistance. The induction of Achal further improves the speed, reach, and effectiveness of these operations.
Experts emphasise that Achal’s deployment reflects the Government of India’s continued emphasis on strengthening coastal and maritime security. In recent years, the Coast Guard fleet has expanded significantly, with investments in advanced surveillance systems and maritime infrastructure. Achal’s arrival underscores India’s long-term commitment to maritime defence and coastal vigilance.
Defence analysts note that the vessel’s presence at Vadinar is more than just an addition to the fleet. It represents a strategic reinforcement of India’s maritime security architecture in one of the most sensitive regions of the country. The ship is expected to contribute substantially to ensuring safety, stability, and national security in the North-West maritime domain.
Defence Strategy Analysis
New Delhi, June 24. India and the United Kingdom have held what officials described as “constructive and forward-looking” discussions aimed at deepening defence ties and charting a stronger framework for cooperation between their armies.
The 15th India-UK Executive Steering Group (ESG) meeting was held in the UK from June 17 to 19, according to the Indian Army.
As part of the engagement, the Indian delegation visited the UK Trials and Experimental Group, participated in discussions at the UK Ministry of Defence in London and toured MBDA’s facilities in Stevenage.
The talks focused on expanding multi-layered military cooperation through greater interoperability between the two armies, enhanced bilateral exercises and training activities, and exchanges of expertise in niche and emerging military technologies.
The two sides also explored new opportunities for collaboration in military training and discussed increasing engagement between defence think tanks to support long-term strategic cooperation.
According to a post the Indian Army’s X handle, the deliberations helped lay out a robust roadmap for strengthening defence cooperation and further reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the Indian Army and the British Army.
The discussions come against the backdrop of growing strategic convergence between New Delhi and London. Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India and the UK were well placed to build a future-oriented and mutually beneficial partnership, supported by the recently concluded comprehensive trade agreement and an expanding defence industrial roadmap.
Jaishankar made the remarks during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in New Delhi
India has confirmed that eleven India-bound ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at halting hostilities.
At the same time, ten Indian-flagged vessels remain in the Persian Gulf region, with two additional Indian ships having crossed into the Gulf from the opposite side. The Ministry of External Affairs provided this operational assessment during its regular press briefing, underscoring the fragile yet improving maritime situation.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that since the signing of the MoU, eleven vessels destined for India have crossed the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes against the backdrop of prolonged instability surrounding the critical maritime chokepoint, which is a primary corridor for international hydrocarbon and liquefied gas shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz had been reopened for traffic last week under the preliminary Washington-Tehran agreement, but Iranian authorities announced a renewed closure on Saturday following Israeli military strikes inside Lebanon. Despite this, commercial shipping traffic has accelerated in recent days.
Independent maritime tracking agencies have reported heightened activity through the Strait, signalling a recovery in transport volumes after months of disruption. Commodity analytics firm Kpler recorded no fewer than thirty-six resource carriers sailing through the Strait on Monday, marking one of the busiest operational windows since the conflict began in late February.
This surge reflects a noticeable rebound in maritime operations after severe bottlenecks caused by the closure of the passage following the US-Israel attack on Iran on 28 February.
The Iran-US MoU, formalised last week, has created a sixty-day diplomatic window to address long-standing strategic issues. This agreement followed months of direct military confrontations that destabilised West Asian energy corridors and disrupted international financial markets.
The diplomatic breakthrough has temporarily eased tensions, allowing for the resumption of critical shipping operations, though the situation remains volatile given the renewed closure announced by Tehran.
India’s ability to move eleven ships through the Strait highlights the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement and careful navigation of the evolving geopolitical landscape. The continued presence of ten Indian vessels in the Gulf underscores the need for ongoing coordination with regional stakeholders to ensure safe passage and uninterrupted maritime trade. The developments also reflect the delicate balance between diplomacy and military realities in one of the world’s most strategically vital waterways.
DroneVerse has successfully demonstrated its Rudra‑7 FPV drones and Counter‑Unmanned Aerial Systems (C‑UAS) to the Indian Army at Leh in Ladakh, operating at altitudes of up to 18,000 feet.
This marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous drone capabilities, showcasing reliable performance in extreme high‑altitude conditions and strengthening frontline defence preparedness.
Gurugram‑based DroneVerse carried out the demonstration of its FPV drones and C‑UAS systems before Indian Army officials in Leh, Ladakh. The trials were conducted at altitudes reaching 18,000 feet, where thin air, freezing temperatures, and turbulent winds pose severe challenges to aerial platforms. Despite these conditions, the Rudra‑7 FPV drone displayed stable flight control, precision targeting, and sustained operational reliability.
The Rudra‑7 drone successfully executed high‑speed vertical climbs, precision strike simulations, and real‑time live feed transmissions. Its advanced propulsion tuning and adaptive flight algorithms allowed it to maintain manoeuvrability under reduced atmospheric pressure. The Indian Army assessed its performance in terms of payload carriage, blast radius control, and targeting consistency, validating its combat readiness.
DroneVerse’s FPV drones are designed for frontline assault missions and swarm compatibility. They feature modular payload slots that can carry explosive warheads or surveillance pods.
The lightweight carbon‑composite airframe, combined with intelligent electronic stabilisation, makes them suitable for terrain‑adaptive operations across varied battle conditions. These attributes are critical for operations in Ladakh’s rugged terrain, where traditional systems often face performance degradation.
The company also showcased its Counter‑UAS systems, which are engineered to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones. With drone warfare becoming a central element in modern conflicts, such systems are vital for protecting forward bases, convoys, and critical infrastructure. The demonstration highlighted India’s growing emphasis on layered drone defence, combining offensive FPV platforms with defensive C‑UAS technologies.
India has confirmed its intent to deepen defence ties with the UAE amid reports of potential exports of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Akashteer air defence system. While the Ministry of External Affairs has not confirmed the deal, discussions are reportedly advancing quickly, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s urgent need to secure critical infrastructure following Iranian attacks.
New Delhi has reiterated its close defence relationship with Abu Dhabi, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that India wants these ties to grow stronger. He clarified that the Defence Ministry would be better positioned to provide details on the reported negotiations.
Reuters has reported that talks between India and the UAE are at an early stage but are progressing rapidly. The UAE has shown interest in several Indian systems, particularly BrahMos and Akashteer, as it seeks to enhance protection of vital energy infrastructure, including the Strait of Hormuz.
The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is among the fastest supersonic cruise missiles in the world, capable of speeds of Mach 2.8–3.0 and ranges of around 290 km in export variants. It can be launched from land, sea, and air platforms, making it versatile for multiple operational scenarios. However, any export requires Moscow’s approval due to the joint development arrangement.
The Akashteer system, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in collaboration with the Indian Army, is a fully automated air defence command and control network. It integrates radars, sensors, and weapon systems to provide real-time detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats. Its mobility and automation make it particularly effective against modern threats such as drones and cruise missiles.
The UAE’s interest in Indian systems comes after facing over 2,800 missile and drone attacks from Iran earlier this year, which caused billions in infrastructure and tourism losses. Protecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, has become a strategic priority for Abu Dhabi.
Defence Acquisition Consulting
India’s defence exports have surged to over ₹38,000 crore in FY 2025–26, with equipment supplied to more than 80 countries. The Philippines became the first overseas buyer of BrahMos in 2022 in a $375 million deal, followed by Vietnam’s $629 million agreement in May 2026.
Indonesia is also nearing a final deal. If the UAE agreement materialises, it would mark India’s entry into the Gulf defence market, diversifying Abu Dhabi’s supplier base beyond traditional Western partners.
Analysts argue that closer defence cooperation with India provides the UAE with strategic autonomy while avoiding friction with Washington, as both nations remain U.S. allies.
The potential deal, reportedly valued at up to $4 billion, would further cement India’s position as a rising global arms exporter and reinforce its role as a net security provider in Asia and the Middle East.
JD VJD Vance’s proposal for deploying Indian or Saudi troops as peacekeepers in Ukraine was revealed in the book Regime Change. He opposed the idea of NATO forces being sent into the conflict, warning that such a move could provoke Russia.
His alternative suggestion was to involve non‑NATO countries such as India or Saudi Arabia, with the aim of supporting a ceasefire without drawing the United States deeper into the war. However, the proposal was met with scepticism and ultimately dismissed.
Donald Trump reportedly laughed off Vance’s suggestion, remarking that India would not contribute to or fund such missions. He acknowledged his cordial ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi but insisted that India does not finance such international operations.
Trump indicated he would be more open to the United Kingdom or France deploying troops, provided the United States avoided direct involvement. His comments reflected both his transactional approach to foreign policy and his reluctance to commit American forces abroad.
The exchange took place during a January 30, 2025 Oval Office meeting led by special envoy Keith Kellogg. The meeting outlined an ‘America First’ peace plan that avoided recognising Russian territorial claims but simultaneously barred Ukraine from regaining lost territory militarily.
Trump repeatedly criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him a “bad negotiator” and labelling Ukraine the most corrupt country in the world. He also instructed Kellogg to avoid official contacts with Russia, while hinting at undisclosed parallel negotiations.
In a separate meeting with technology CEOs, Trump complained about high foreign tariffs, citing India’s 175% duties on US goods. He warned that companies failing to build within the United States would face massive tariffs.
This underscored his broader view of India as resistant to bearing costs in international arrangements, even as he maintained a positive personal relationship with Modi. His remarks illustrated the tension between strategic cooperation and economic disputes in the India–US relationship.
The episode highlights the divergence between Vance’s search for alternative peacekeeping solutions and Trump’s blunt rejection of India’s potential role. It also reflects Trump’s consistent emphasis on shielding the United States from costly overseas commitments while pressing allies and partners to shoulder greater responsibility.
The discussions revealed both the limits of India’s involvement in European security matters and Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy and trade.
A Bailey bridge located on National Highway 5 in Tapri region under Kinnaur district on Sutlej river collapsed along with a dumper which was present on the bridge, leading to one person sustaining minor injuries. The incident also led to disruption in traffic movement, causing inconvenience to the commuters.
The accident took place today near Urni Dhank on NH05, which collapsed while a dumper was crossing it.
A police team from Tapri reached the spot as soon as it received the information and rescued an injured.
Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Amit Sharma and Superintendent of Police (SP), Sushil Kumar Sharma also reached the spot to take stock of the situation.
A team of the Tapri police station, led by the SHO, rushed to the spot. The driver was rescued and rushed to a nearby medical facility. He has sustained minor injuries. The traffic is being diverted through the alternative route.
Kinnaur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sushil Kumar Sharma confirmed the report and said that the traffic had been diverted through alternative routes.
Meanwhile, the Kinnaur DC instructed the National Highway authorities to restore the bridge at the earliest.
