A Memorandum of Implementation was signed on 15 Nov 2024 in Tokyo between India and Japan for the co-development of the UNICORN mast, designed for Indian Navy ships. The agreement was exchanged between the Indian Ambassador and Japan's Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency Commissioner. The UNICORN mast integrates communication systems to enhance the stealth of naval platforms. Bharat Electronics Limited will collaborate with Japan to develop the system, marking the first co-development of defence equipment between the two nations. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of India’s first long-range hypersonic missile on November 16, 2024. The test took place at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha. This advanced missile, capable of carrying multiple payloads over distances exceeding 1,500 km, is designed for the Armed Forces.
The trial involved tracking systems across various domains, with data from downrange ship stations confirming precise terminal manoeuvres and an accurate impact.
Indigenously developed by DRDO's laboratories, including the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, along with industry partners, the flight trial was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and Armed Forces officers.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the event as a historic milestone, placing India among a select group of nations with such advanced military technology. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
The Indian Army conducted the multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Sanyukt Vimochan 2024, in Ahmedabad and Porbandar on November 18-19, 2024, showcasing India's disaster response readiness. Organized by the Konark Corps of Southern Command, the exercise featured a tabletop simulation on coastal cyclone management and a multi-agency demonstration of disaster response capabilities.
Participants included Indian Armed Forces, NDMA, GSDMA, and representatives from nine friendly nations. The event emphasized inter-agency coordination, rapid response, and indigenous technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Chief of Army Staff Gen. Upendra Dwivedi lauded the collaborative efforts, highlighting India’s leadership in global humanitarian assistance, underscoring the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—"the world as one family." Press Release: Press Information Bureau
The 2nd India-Japan Joint Service Staff Talks (JSST) concluded on 20th November 2024, in New Delhi. Both countries emphasised strengthening collaboration in space and cyber technologies as key elements of their defence ties. Discussions focused on enhancing ongoing defence engagements and exploring new cooperation opportunities under existing bilateral mechanisms. Both sides recognised the growing importance of their partnership in addressing emerging security challenges and ensuring peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
The JSST is a forum for enhancing defence cooperation through high-level operational discussions between India and Japan. It strengthens the bilateral defence relationship, with both sides committing to regular meetings for continued collaboration. This reflects the long-term strategic partnership built on mutual trust, respect, and shared values. Press Release:Press Information Bureau
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 20th November 2024, during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. This was the first meeting of the two Defence Ministers following the recent disengagement agreements and the meeting of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi & Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stressed that good relations between India and China, the two largest nations, are crucial for global peace and prosperity. Noting their shared border, he emphasized the need for cooperation over conflict. He urged reflection on the lessons from the 2020 border clashes and called for measures to prevent such incidents, ensuring peace along the India-China border. Both sides agreed to work towards rebuilding mutual trust and confidence through de-escalation and cooperation. Press Release:Press Information Bureau
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met his Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin and the Defence Minister of Lao PDR General Chansamone Chanyalath in Vientiane on 20th November 2024, on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus.
During the meeting, the Malaysian Defence Minister and Raksha Mantri agreed to support each other's efforts to enhance regional security and stability. They looked forward to the Malaysia-India Defence Committee Meeting in early 2025 to discuss strengthening defence cooperation. India and Malaysia currently co-chair the ADMM Plus Expert Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. In his meeting with the Defence Minister of Lao PDR, Raksha Mantri praised Lao PDR’s leadership as ASEAN Chair this year. He reaffirmed India’s strong support for ASEAN’s unity and assured General Chansamone Chanyalath of India’s commitment to further strengthen ties with Lao PDR and ASEAN across all areas.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the revised MoU during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Laos, noting its potential to strengthen ties and enhance capacity-building exchanges. Raksha Mantri also attended an Indian community event, highlighting India’s progress and the government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Modi, to make India ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
At the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Vientiane, Lao PDR, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's stance on freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and adherence to international law for peace in the Indo-Pacific. He emphasized that the Code of Conduct should not harm the rights of non-parties and must align with international law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Addressing global conflicts, he highlighted Lao PDR’s principles of non-violence and peace and called for embracing Buddhist doctrines of peaceful coexistence amidst growing global polarization.
Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised India’s commitment to dialogue for resolving global issues, highlighting open communication as key to trust and cooperation. He called the 21st century the 'Asian Century' and noted ASEAN's economic vibrancy and India's role as a trusted partner. Reflecting on India’s successful Act East policy, he highlighted strengthened ties with ASEAN and Indo-Pacific nations. Addressing climate change, he praised the 11th ADMM-Plus Joint Statement for focusing on resilience in the defence sector and called for an ADMM-Plus Defence Strategy on Climate Change to tackle security threats. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin at the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Vientiane on 21st November 2024. They discussed the progress of the India-US defence partnership, highlighting increased coordination, information-sharing, and industrial collaboration, particularly in the co-production of jet engines, munitions, and mobility systems. Both sides reaffirmed efforts to strengthen military ties and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. Shri Rajnath Singh also emphasized the need to implement QUAD initiatives.
Both sides expressed support for the growing India-US defence innovation collaboration through the Defence Acceleration Ecosystem, focusing on joint challenges, funding, and visibility. They agreed to maintain momentum in enhancing defence ties and strategic convergence. Raksha Mantri thanked Secretary Austin for his significant contribution to deepening the India-US defence partnership. In a post on X, Shri Rajnath Singh praised Austin as a great friend to India and wished him success in his future endeavours. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met the Minister of National Defence, the Republic of Korea Mr Kim Yong Hyun, the Minister for Defence Industry & Capability Delivery of Australia Mr Pat Conroy and the Defence Minister of New Zealand Ms Judith Collins on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM plus) at Vientiane, Lao PDR on November 21, 2024.
During the Raksha Mantri’s meeting with the Minister of National Defence, Republic of Korea, both sides agreed on the positive trajectory of bilateral defence cooperation, driven by shared challenges. They committed to working on the ‘Roadmap for Defence Industry Cooperation’ through mechanisms like the Defence Policy Dialogue. Raksha Mantri highlighted the potential for growth in co-production and co-development and invited Korean companies to invest in India’s defence corridors.
During his meeting with the Minister for Defence Industry & Capability Delivery of Australia, the Raksha Mantri highlighted the India-Australia partnership based on shared interests in regional stability and security. He noted the untapped potential for collaboration between Indian and Australian defence industries. An Air-to-Air refuelling agreement was exchanged, enhancing inter-operability between the two Air Forces. Both sides agreed to elevate defence cooperation bilaterally and regionally.
In his meeting with the Defence Minister of New Zealand, the Raksha Mantri emphasized that the India-New Zealand relationship is based on shared democratic values, common institutions, mutual interests, and a peaceful Indo-Pacific. He called for the early finalization of the Defence Cooperation Agreement to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, which are growing through regular exchanges and naval visits. He also highlighted India’s strong shipbuilding capabilities, and both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in this area. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on November 22, 2024, met his Japan counterpart Mr Gen Nakatani and Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines Mr Gilberto Teodoro on the final day of his three-day visit to Vientiane, Lao PDR.
In Rakshi Mantri’s meeting with the Japanese Defence Minister, both sides stressed the importance of the defence industry and technology cooperation. They agreed to enhance co-production and co-development in defence manufacturing. To improve interoperability, they discussed the Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement and increased participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises. They also agreed to explore new cooperation areas in the air domain.
In his meeting with the Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines, Raksha Mantri welcomed the Philippines as country coordinator for India in the ASEAN and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM plus) forum for the next cycle. Both sides agreed to expand and deepen cooperation in exchange of subject matter experts, defence industry, counter-terrorism, space, and maritime domains. Press Release:Press Information Bureau
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, Indian Army, returned after a successful five-day official visit to Nepal, strengthening defence cooperation, cultural ties, and mutual respect. During the visit, he held high-level meetings with Nepal's President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and Nepali Army COAS, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, fostering strong ties through open and respectful discussions.
Key outcomes of General Upendra Dwivedi's visit to Nepal included paying tribute at Bir Smarak, strengthening India-Nepal defence ties through strategic discussions with Nepali military leaders, and presenting Valour Mount horses and Sentinel dogs as a gesture of friendship. He was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army. The COAS also promoted cultural exchanges, delivered a lecture at the Nepal Army Command and Staff College, and interacted with veterans at an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to veterans’ welfare and invited the Nepali COAS to India for further cooperation.
This visit, marked by comprehensive discussions and mutual respect, has reinforced the strong partnership between the Indian and Nepali Armies. The outcomes of the visit are expected to usher in a new era of collaboration, with a greater focus on defence cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional security. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
On November 25, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) seized approximately 5,500 kg of methamphetamine and a portable Inmarsat satellite phone from the Myanmarese fishing boat Soe Wai Yan Htoo in the Andaman Seas. The ICG Dornier aircraft detected the suspicious vessel during a reconnaissance sortie, prompting the deployment of a Fast Patrol Vessel from Sri Vijaya Puram.
The boat was intercepted eight nautical miles off Barren Island on November 24, 2024. Six Myanmarese crew members were apprehended, and the vessel was escorted to Sri Vijaya Puram for further investigation. This operation marks the largest drug haul in ICG's history, underscoring its commitment to protecting Indian waters. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
The third edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Tanzania took place in Goa on 26th November 2024. During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of areas of cooperation and also explored new areas to further expand bilateral defence cooperation.
The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, included senior Ministry of Defence officials and Armed Forces representatives. The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania also participated. The Tanzanian delegation, led by Land Forces Commander Maj Gen Fadhil Omary Nondo, visited Goa Shipyard Ltd to witness India’s shipbuilding and port development capabilities. They also visited INS Hansa and the National Institute of Hydrography in Goa. India and Tanzania enjoy strong, friendly relations, supported by capacity building and partnership development. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
The fourth meeting of the Working Group on Military Cooperation under the India – Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC), concluded successfully in Moscow Russia. The meeting marked a significant milestone in advancing the long-standing Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
The meeting was co-chaired by India's Chief of Integrated Defence Staff and the Deputy Chief of the Russian Armed Forces' Main Operational Directorate. The Working Group highlighted the need for continued knowledge-sharing and collaboration in strategic areas and agreed to expand joint exercises to strengthen operational synergy. It also assessed current military engagements and identified new areas for cooperation to tackle evolving security challenges, reinforcing India-Russia defence ties. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
President Smt Droupadi Murmu visited the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington, Tamil Nadu, on November 28, 2024. She praised the DSSC for its significant role in training Armed Forces leaders and officers from friendly countries and civil services. The President also appreciated the growing presence of women officers commanding units across all three services, calling it inspiring for young girls.
The President highlighted India’s rising global stature, especially in defence, with a focus on indigenisation and self-reliance to strengthen the Armed Forces. She emphasized India’s progress as a major defence manufacturing hub and a trusted defence partner and exporter. Addressing the fast-changing geopolitical landscape, she stressed the need for preparedness to tackle challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism, requiring cutting-edge technologies and research.
The President interacted with 38 Student Officers, including those from friendly countries, at DSSC and praised their role in strengthening bilateral ties with India. She wished them a successful stay. The President also laid a wreath at the War Memorial and met Ex-servicemen and Veer Naris, honouring their sacrifices. Accompanied by Tamil Nadu Minister Shri Siva V Meyyanathan and DSSC Commandant Lt Gen Virendra Vats, she appreciated the training at DSSC, particularly the focus on improving joint Manship among Indian Armed Forces officers. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
A Statement of Intent (SoI) on cooperation for the design and development of electric propulsion systems for the Indian Navy was signed between India and the UK on November 28, 2024, in Portsmouth.
This agreement, part of the third Joint Working Group Meeting on Electric Propulsion, aims to foster collaboration in co-designing, co-creating, and co-producing electric propulsion systems for future naval ships. The Landing Platform Docks, to be built at an Indian shipyard, will feature full electric propulsion. The SoI was signed by Shri Rajeev Prakash, Joint Secretary (Naval Systems), and Rear Admiral Steve McCarthy of the UK MoD. Press Release:Press Information Bureau
Following information from the Sri Lankan Navy about possible narcotics smuggling by Sri Lankan fishing vessels in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy quickly launched a coordinated operation to intercept the boats. Extensive surveillance was carried out using Indian Naval Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft, with support from the Information Fusion Centre, Gurugram. An Indian Naval ship was also deployed to assist in the operation.
Based on continuous inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy and aerial surveillance, the Indian Navy identified two boats involved in narcotics smuggling. In a coordinated operation, the Indian Navy boarded the boats on 24-25 November 2024, seizing around 500 kg of Crystal Meth. The boats, crew, and seized narcotics are being handed over to Sri Lankan authorities for further action. This operation highlights the strong partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional security in the Indian Ocean Region. Press Release:Press Information Bureau
The 13th edition of the Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024) between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces concluded on 30th November 2024 at Devlali, Maharashtra. The three-day exercise, held from 28th to 30th November, saw participation from 182 personnel of the Singapore Artillery and 114 personnel from the Indian Army's Regiment of Artillery.
XAW-2024 aimed to enhance mutual understanding of drills and procedures for joint operations under the UN Charter. The exercise demonstrated joint firepower planning, the use of new-generation equipment, and cooperation between the Indian and Singapore Artillery. The Dignitaries present praised the troops for their professionalism. The exercise involved joint preparation, coordination, and a shared understanding of each other’s procedures, with both sides using advanced technologies and exchanging best practices. It also helped Singapore Armed Forces troops refine their firepower planning skills. Press Release: Press Information Bureau
According to the statement released by the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), Kenya and Ethiopia will closely collaborate in the fight against al-Qa’ida affiliated terror group—al-Shabaab amid transition in Somalia. Ethiopia and Somalia are in a diplomatic fallout after the former inked an agreement with Somaliland over access to the Red Sea, a move dubbed by Mogadishu as ‘an infringement of our territorial integrity and sovereignty’.
With the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) expected to have lean numbers of military personnel, Kenya and Ethiopia are contemplating retreating to their respective borders to keep Al-Shabaab at bay. There are concerns over the preparedness of the Somali National Army to tackle the Al-Shabaab menace. Click here to read...
On 19 November, more than a dozen soldiers were killed in multiple attacks carried out by Boko Haram on a military base in Borno State. The terrorists attacked the base in the remote town of Kareto in the Mobbar Local Government Area with improvised explosives and shot at it from different directions. Heavy shooting was heard from the base as troops engaged Boko Haram terrorists in a gun battle. According to news reports, the terrorists returned hours later to resume their attack, with some civilians also hit by bullets. Click here to read...
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 27 November, successfully secured the extradition of fugitive Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist— Salman Khan from Rwanda. The arrest was made in a joint operation with the assistance of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Interpol, and NCB. The case pertains to the ‘Bengaluru prisons terror conspiracy’. Salman’s extradition followed a Red Corner Notice (RCN) by Interpol after the NIA Special Court, Bengaluru, had issued a Non-Bailable Warrant against him. Based on RCN, Salman was arrested in Kigali, Rwanda, and NIA was informed about the arrest, eventually leading to Salman’s extradition and return to Bharat. Click here to read...
The NIA, on 21 November, conducted searches at several locations in five districts of J&K in connection with the case of infiltration by terrorists and recent attacks on security forces. The NIA carried out searches at eight locations in Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts of J&K. The search led to the seizure of various materials that highlighted connections between terrorists and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) and hybrid terrorists. Click here to read...
On 26 November, security forces— J&K police and CRPF carried out raids at 17 locations in the general area of Malhar, Bani, and upper reaches of Billawar, Haria Chack, Spral Pain, and Chack Wajir Lahbju and unearthed illicit activity of OGWs. Three foreign terrorists affiliated with the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit were killed in two different operations with security forces in the upper reaches of Kathua district and its fringe area with Basantgarh in Udhampur district, causing a serious setback to terror groups who have stepped up their activities in the district this year. Click here to read...
On 26 November, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Court, Lucknow, sentenced two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) operatives— i) Shahnavaz Ahmed Teli and ii) Aqib Ahmed Malik, to seven years imprisonment for their alleged involvement in radicalisation and recruitment for the terror group. The ATS arrested the duo on 22 February 2019 from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and seized three pistols, 30 cartridges, magazines, and two grenades from their possession. The duo was gathering equipment and funds for JeM. “Shahnavaz was an expert in bomb-making while Aqib was a technical expert in ammunition,” said an ATS official. Click here to read...
As security forces intensified anti-Naxalite operations, there was a drop in Maoist casualties. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data, since 01 January 2024, the total fatalities among Maoists have counted 257, while 861 Maoists have been arrested and 789 of them surrendered. According to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Bastar Range, Sundarraj P., at least 14 of the key CPI (Maoist) leaders have so far been eliminated in intelligence-based operations. Click here to read...
On 22 November, security forces eliminated 10 Maoists in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. Earlier on 03 October, 38 Maoists were killed in a gunfight. The Maoists' fatality count to 207 for this year. Maoists’ South Bastar division ‘military in-charge’, Madkam Masa, who carried a bounty of ₹8 lakh, was eliminated. Five other cadres were identified as divisional ‘small action team’ commander Lakhma Madvi, who had a ₹5 lakh bounty, platoon 4 member Doodhi Hungi, and cadres Madkam Jitu, Madkam Kosi and Kovasi Kesa, who carried bounties of ₹2 lahks each. Click here to read...
On 22 November, after 10 Maoists were eliminated by security forces in Sukma district, the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh— Arun Sao, said that with the efforts of the security forces, Bastar would be Maoist-Free very soon. “The security forces have one more achievement in Sukma. I want to thank the personnel from the security forces. After we formed the government, security forces conducted several operations even in tough terrains. By the effort of security forces, Bastar will be Maoist-free very soon, peace will be restored there, and the region will come into the developmental path,” said Dy CM Sao.
“Since last week, we have been getting information that there is a movement of a group of Maoists. We planned a joint operation. Today morning (22 November), an encounter took place, and we succeeded in eliminating 10 Maoists. We have also recovered AK-47s, SLR Rifles and other weapons,” said DIG South Bastar, Kamlochan Kashyap. Click here to read...
On 21 November, Maoists killed two tribal men— U Ramesh (Panchayat Secretary) and his brother Arjun (a farmer), of the remote Penugolu village in Wazeedu Mandal in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district of Telangana. According to a news report, a total of six CPI Maoists entered Penugolu village. The Maoists were divided into two groups; upon reaching Ramesh and Arjun’s houses, they were dragged out while their family members pleaded that they would leave the village. However, the victims were stabbed to death with knives and axes in front of family members. A letter released by CPI (Maoist) Venkatapuram-Wazeedu Area Committee Secretary Shantha was left at the spot claiming responsibility for the killing. Click here to read...
On 27 November, the NIA Special Court, Mumbai, sentenced three Bangladeshis to five years imprisonment for providing logistic support to Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) terrorists in Pune. Terrorists— i) Mohammed Habibur Rehman Habib, ii) Hannan Anwar Hussain Khan, and iii) Mohammad Azarali Subhanallah have been convicted and sentenced to 5 years in jail, along with ₹2,000 each as fine under relevant Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 [formerly known as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860] and Foreigners Act, 1946. Click here to read...