The Indian Army has intensified operations in the Jammu region by sealing traditional infiltration routes to prevent the movement of 40–50 Pakistani terrorists operating in forested areas south of the Pir Panjal range. Amidst the Amarnath Yatra, a large-scale manhunt is underway across multiple districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur, to dismantle terror networks. Enhanced surveillance with night patrols, drones, and elite units is being used to dominate high-altitude areas and deny terrorists safe havens_Pnr.
Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹112.40 crore during a patrol in Mizoram’s Champhai district near the Myanmar border. Two individuals carrying rucksacks at Zokhawthar village fled into the Tiau river and escaped to Myanmar. The 3.33 lakh tablets were believed to be intended for distribution in Champhai. The consignment was handed over to Mizoram Police for further investigation_AA, Hindu.
Although recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas into the Indian Army has halted due to changes in the Agnipath scheme, retired Gorkha soldiers continue to serve as a vital link between India and Nepal. Ahead of Kargil Vijay Diwas, an Indian Army team visited Nepal to honour the families of 18 Nepali Gorkha soldiers who were martyred in the Kargil War. The team presented mementos and paid respects, reinforcing the deep historical and emotional ties. Despite Nepal’s reservations over Agnipath, the Indian Army maintains outreach and gratitude towards Gorkha families, symbolising continued respect and connection_NBT(Hindi).
The black box of the Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jet that crashed in Rajasthan’s Churu district on 9 July has been recovered. The crash occurred near Bhondu and Siphawali Rohi villages shortly after takeoff, and both pilots were killed. A high-level search operation involving teams from Delhi, Gujarat, and Suratgarh was launched to find the wreckage. This was the third Jaguar crash this year; previous crashes occurred in Gujarat on 2 April and Ambala on 7 March. The Air Force is planning to phase out the aging Jaguar fleet by 2031, replacing it with advanced aircraft like the Tejas Mk-1A_NBT(Hindi).
A French firm, UnseenLabs, detected a Chinese research vessel operating covertly in the Bay of Bengal with its identification system switched off, raising concerns of strategic intent. The vessel’s activities, including seafloor mapping and submarine corridor identification, suggest military objectives beyond scientific research. While Indian defence sources downplayed concerns, stating the vessel was outside India’s Exclusive Economic Zone and under naval monitoring, the report noted many Chinese research ships are linked to military purposes. Of 64 active vessels, over 80% are suspected of dual-use roles, aligned with China’s goal of expanding undersea domain awareness_AA.
National Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing a World Bank report, highlighted that inequality in India is rapidly declining, placing the country among the world’s most equitable nations. Speaking at the Rozgar Mela, where over 51,000 job letters were distributed, he attributed India’s progress to equality, democracy, and demography. Modi emphasised youth empowerment, job creation through welfare schemes, and economic growth, noting that India’s income inequality is lower than major economies like the US and UK. He also mentioned India’s rising global stature in manufacturing, technology, and digital sectors, supported by schemes like PM Surya Ghar Yojana and the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme_HT, FE, AA, IE, Pnr.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the success of Operation Sindoor as a testament to India’s military strength and national growth, likening it to the 1971 war. Addressing BJP workers in Lucknow, he praised the precision of the operation against terrorist camps in Pakistan. He also credited Prime Minister Modi for India’s economic rise from 11th to 4th place globally since 2014 and predicted India would become the third-largest economy within a few years. Singh emphasised that India’s progress is rooted in cultural and spiritual values, not expansionism_HT.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit China next week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in Tianjin on July 15. In addition to the SCO meet, he will hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, focusing on normalising ties, supply chain issues, and the boundary dispute. This marks Jaishankar’s first China visit since the 2020 Ladakh border standoff. The visit follows recent India-China engagements aimed at resolving tensions, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit and plans for continued dialogue through the Special Representatives mechanism. China currently chairs the SCO_MP, AA, IE, Pnr.
The Srinagar district administration denied the National Conference (NC) permission to visit the graveyard of 22 people killed on July 13, 1931, during Dogra rule, citing security concerns. NC leaders, including Farooq Abdullah, had planned to pay tribute at Naqshband Sahib. The police issued a public advisory barring entry to the Nowhatta area on July 13, 2025. The NC criticised the decision, calling it unfortunate and stressing the historical importance of the date, which was removed from J&K’s list of public holidays after the 2019 reorganisation_HT, Hindu, ET.
Twenty-three Maoists, including members of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army and a key guard commander of top leader Madvi Hidma, surrendered in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma district, carrying a collective bounty of ₹1.18 crore. Since 2024, over 1,450 Maoists have surrendered, driven by the state’s surrender policy, increased police presence, and disillusionment with Maoist ideology. Those who surrender receive ₹50,000 and skill training. A day earlier, 22 more Maoists, including a DVCM member with a bounty of ₹37.50 lakh, had surrendered in Narayanpur_IE, AA, Statesman.
The Dalai Lama commenced a month-long spiritual visit to Ladakh, arriving in Leh to a warm and devotional welcome by monks, nuns, and devotees. Marking his first visit since 2023, he was received with traditional ceremonies and prayers. Events include teachings on ‘The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva’ and an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment. The Ladakh Buddhist Association called the visit a blessing, while his office reaffirmed that only Tibetans can decide his successor, countering China’s claims. His visit also aims to promote peace, compassion, and the Nalanda tradition amidst growing global interest in Tibetan affairs_Statesman.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in its 2024 annual report, reaffirmed that Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism remains a core concern. The MEA criticised Pakistan for failing to act against UN-designated terrorists and for supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir through infiltration, narcotics smuggling, ceasefire violations, and anti-India propaganda. It also highlighted Pakistan’s use of military-grade equipment and tunnels by terrorists, indicating a state-backed ecosystem. India has raised these issues at various international forums, urging Pakistan to take verifiable steps and adhere to its 2004 commitment against using its territory for terrorism_Statesman, ET.
Imdt Neighbourhood
As Pakistan’s month-long UNSC presidency nears its end, it plans to hold an open debate on global unresolved disputes, aiming to pass a resolution promoting peaceful settlement mechanisms. Though the real intent is to spotlight Kashmir, Islamabad is unlikely to name J&K directly to avoid a veto. The resolution will likely be broad to avoid objections. Pakistan also plans a separate event to enhance cooperation between the UN and OIC. Most UNSC members, except China, still consider Kashmir a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan_TOI.
The Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) has claimed responsibility for 84 coordinated attacks across Balochistan during 9–11 July, calling it the successful conclusion of “Operation Baam.” According to their spokesperson, the strikes targeted Pakistani military personnel, intelligence operatives, and key infrastructure_TOI.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif dismissed rumours that President Asif Ali Zardari would be removed and replaced by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling the claims baseless. He affirmed that Munir never sought the presidency and reiterated the strong relationship among himself, Zardari, and Munir, centred on Pakistan’s progress. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the speculation as a malicious campaign, allegedly driven by hostile foreign elements. Zardari, elected in 2023 for a five-year term, continues to hold office, while Munir’s tenure as Army Chief was extended to five years last year_MP, TOI.
Pakistan and Russia have signed an agreement to restore and modernise the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Karachi, originally built with Soviet help. The deal, signed at the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow, aims to revive steel production and marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation. China was also in the race for the project. Pakistan’s special assistant to the PM, Haroon Akhtar Khan, noted that the partnership reflects shared history and a joint commitment to industrial growth_AA.
Saima Wazed, daughter of Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Director, has taken indefinite leave amid legal troubles. Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission has filed cases against her for fraud, forgery, and abuse of power. Questions have also been raised over her appointment, with allegations of using her mother’s influence and providing false academic information. WHO has not explained her leave, and Catharina Boehme is currently serving in her place_Hindu.
Extended Neighbourhood
The US is pressing Japan and Australia to clarify their roles in the event of a US-China war over Taiwan. Pentagon official Elbridge Colby has been discussing this with both countries’ defence officials. The request surprised Tokyo and Canberra, as the US itself hasn’t guaranteed military defence of Taiwan. Meanwhile, Australian PM Anthony Albanese visited China to strengthen trade ties amid high geopolitical tensions_TOI.
Satellite images confirm that an Iranian missile strike on Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base hit a US geodesic dome used for secure communications. The Pentagon acknowledged the attack, noting minimal damage as aircraft had been evacuated beforehand. The dome, part of a $15 million Modernised Enterprise Terminal system, was destroyed, but surrounding infrastructure remained largely intact. US officials stated the base remains fully operational, and the strike did not escalate into a wider conflict_IE.
US President Donald Trump has announced 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico, effective from 1 August, citing Mexico’s role in drug trafficking and trade imbalances with the EU. The move, part of Trump’s 2024 campaign strategy, targets 24 countries and the 27-member EU bloc. While the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) exempts some goods, Mexico and the EU have criticised the tariffs as unfair and damaging to supply chains. The EU warned of economic disruption and vowed to continue negotiations. The tariffs follow earlier duties, including a 25% levy on Mexican goods and a 20% EU tariff in April_HT, FE, AA, IE, Hindu.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the United States has resumed military aid shipments to Ukraine after a temporary and unexpected suspension last week. In a video address, he confirmed the renewed supply and ongoing military cooperation with the US, particularly through General Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. The Pentagon had earlier halted deliveries of air-defence missiles and artillery shells_AA.
Russian drone and missile strikes killed at least six people across Ukraine, including in Chernihtsi, Dnipropetrovsk, and Sumy regions, and wounded dozens more in Lviv, Kharkiv, and other areas. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 319 drones and 25 cruise missiles, while jamming 258 decoys. Russia launched 597 drones and 26 missiles overnight, continuing a surge in long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Lutsk near the Polish border. Poland scrambled jets in response. The stepped-up bombing campaign has dimmed hopes for resolving the ongoing war_MP, AA, IE, TOI.
During a visit to North Korea, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned the US, South Korea, and Japan against forming military alliances targeting Pyongyang. Lavrov, meeting his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui in Wonsan, accused the trio of escalating tensions through joint military drills and arms buildup. He defended North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, attributing them to self-defence. Choe reaffirmed North Korea’s unwavering support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and described the two countries’ relationship as an “invincible alliance.” The growing Russia–North Korea military cooperation has alarmed Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo_HT, MP, Pnr, Hindu.
Ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel in Gaza are reportedly stalled due to Israel’s insistence on keeping troops in the territory. Discussions in Doha have hit a roadblock over Israel’s proposed withdrawal map, which Palestinians claim involves redeployment rather than genuine withdrawal. Hamas has rejected Israel’s terms, which include maintaining military presence in over 40% of Gaza and displacing residents. Meanwhile, fresh Israeli airstrikes killed at least 28 Palestinians, including children, in central Gaza_HT, IE.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will cooperate with the IAEA but access to bombed nuclear sites poses security and safety concerns. A new law requires Supreme National Security Council approval for inspections. While Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, it will only accept deals allowing uranium enrichment and excluding missile issues. Iran criticised IAEA’s recent declaration of treaty violations and is considering future talks with the US cautiously. Reports of Russian support for a uranium enrichment ban were denied by Iran_HT, IE, AA.
