VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (1-15 February 2025)

The Union Budget for FY 2025-26 allocated ₹6.81 lakh crore to the Ministry of Defense, marking a 9.53% increase from the previous year and representing 13.45% of the total Union Budget. Key allocations include ₹1.8 lakh crore (26.43%) for capital outlay, and ₹3.12 lakh crore (45.76%) for operational readiness and personnel expenses. Defense pensions received ₹1.61 lakh crore, while ₹26,817 crore was allocated to DRDO for R&D. The Indian Coast Guard saw a 43% rise in capital budget for advanced equipment, and Border Roads Organization received ₹7,146.5 crore for strategic infrastructure projects.

The budget emphasizes modernization, integration of AI/cyber technologies, and reforms to streamline procurement, alongside enhanced healthcare and welfare for veterans under OROP revisions.Click here to read…

Algerian Military Visit Boosts India Relations

General Saïd Chanegriha, Algeria's Chief of Staff and Minister Delegate for National Defense, visited India from February 6-12, 2025. He attended Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, interacted with Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and participated in the Defense Ministers’ Conclave on the theme ‘BRIDGE.’

In New Delhi, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, received a Guard of Honor, and met Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan and Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. He also visited key Indian military institutions, including the Defense Image Processing and Analysis Centre, National Defense Academy, and INS Hansa. He toured defense and aerospace establishments like BrahMos Aerospace, Goa Shipyard, BEL, L&T Defense, and Bharat Forge. His visit aimed to strengthen military collaboration and deepen historical ties between India and Algeria.Click here to read…

Bhutan’s Military Chief Visits India

Lieutenant General Batoo Tshering, Chief Operations Officer of the Royal Bhutan Army, visited India from February 1-6, 2025, strengthening bilateral military ties and exploring collaboration opportunities. He toured the Officers Training Academy in Gaya, Buddhist landmarks, and key military sites in New Delhi and Kolkata.

In New Delhi, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, received a Guard of Honor, and met Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and senior officials to discuss Bhutan’s military modernization, training, and defense technology cooperation. At NSG Manesar, joint training in special operations was explored.

In Kolkata, he visited Vijay Smarak and Eastern Command Headquarters to discuss training and disaster relief cooperation. The visit reinforced defense ties and advanced key military initiatives.Click here to read…

India and Spain Hold 5th Joint Defense Meeting

The 5th Joint Working Group meeting between India and Spain's Ministry of Defense took place in New Delhi on February 6, 2025. Co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad and Brigadier General Paulino Garcia Diego, the meeting reviewed ongoing defense cooperation and discussed plans for joint activities, particularly in the maritime domain. Both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in defense, focusing on technology and armament production.

The C295 Project with Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, India's first Make-in-India defense aircraft project, has fostered greater collaboration between Indian and Spanish companies, encouraging further partnerships in the aerospace sector.Click here to read…

Defense Ministers Review India-US Collaboration

On February 6, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated Mr. Pete Hegseth in their first telephonic conversation after his confirmation as US Secretary of Defense. The two reviewed the broad India-US defense cooperation across land, air, maritime, and space domains, appreciated the expansion of their bilateral defense partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties.

The two Ministers agreed to collaborate on technology, defense industrial supply chain integration, interoperability, logistics, information sharing, and joint military exercises. They also emphasized supporting defense innovation involving governments, start-ups, businesses, and academic institutions. India and the US agreed to draft a comprehensive defense cooperation framework for the 2025-2035 period.Click here to read…

INS Tushil Arrives in Seychelles

INS Tushil arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, on February 7, 2025, for an operational turnaround during its maiden passage around the West coast of Africa. The ship was warmly welcomed by officials from the High Commission of India and the Indian Navy. During the visit, Captain Peter Varghese hosted Shri Kartik Pande, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, and Maj Gen Michael Rosette, Chief of Defense Forces, Seychelles. A demonstration of the NISHAR—MITRA Terminal was also held. The visit of INS Tushil aims to further strengthen the relationship between the two Indian Ocean Region nations.Click here to read…

AERO India 2025

The Indian Navy, championing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, showcased its advancements at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru from February 10-14, including over 60 indigenously built warships and naval aviation platforms. A key highlight was the release of the vision document ‘Aatmanirbhar Indian Naval Aviation – Technological Roadmap 2047.’ The event featured static displays of naval aircraft like MiG-29K, Kamov 31, and MH-60R helicopters, as well as the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (Navy).

The India Pavilion displayed indigenous innovations such as advanced missiles, air-droppable systems, and a model of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter. A seminar on February 12 focused on achieving self-reliance in naval aviation by 2047 through collaboration with academia, industry, and DRDO.Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri Meets Fiji, South Sudan Ministers

Ahead of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met with Fiji’s Defense Minister Pio Tikoduadua and South Sudan’s Defense Minister Lt Gen Chol Thon J Balok in Bengaluru on February 9, 2025. With Fiji, discussions focused on strengthening maritime security, naval capacity building, and training cooperation, agreeing to institutionalize the India-Fiji Joint Working Group on Defense Cooperation. With South Sudan, both sides agreed to expedite a defense MoU, enhance training exchanges, and expand ties through industry partnerships, with South Sudan acknowledging India’s role in the UN Mission in South Sudan.Click here to read…

Indian Navy Vists Singapore

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron (INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera) visited Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from February 6-9, 2025. The visit included discussions on training collaboration, a wreath-laying ceremony at Kranji War Memorial, and friendly sports fixtures between Indian and Singapore Navy trainees. Indian Naval Trainees toured key maritime centers and the RSN Museum to enhance maritime security knowledge. Community outreach included ship tours for schoolchildren and a lunch at Sree Narayana Old Age Home.

The visit concluded with a reception aboard the 1TS ships, attended by ambassadors, RSN officers and trainees, diplomats, and Indian diaspora members. The successful visit highlighted the strong maritime partnership between India and Singapore.Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri Meets Algerian, Tanzania and Zambia Ministers

On the sidelines of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025. In his meeting with Tanzania's Defense Minister, both leaders discussed cross-border terrorism and bilateral defense cooperation. They also welcomed the co-hosting of the inaugural Africa-India Maritime Exercise in April 2025.

The meeting with Algeria's Minister Delegate and Chief of Staff of the People's National Army further boosted defense engagement in various fields. They discussed the possibility of signing Terms of Reference for a Joint Commission in the Military Field. In his meeting with Zambia's Defense Minister, both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation. They also agreed to finalize the Terms of Reference for establishing a Joint Defense Cooperation Committee.Click here to read…

Raksha Rajya Mantri Holds Talks at Aero India

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth held bilateral meetings during the 15th Aero India in Bengaluru on February 10, 2025. With Italy's Under Secretary of State for defense, Matteo Perego Di Cremnago, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defense ties and India's growing indigenous manufacturing capabilities. In talks with UK Minister Lord Vernon Coaker, both sides emphasized cooperation in the Indo-Pacific for freedom of navigation and a rules-based order. With Lesotho's Minister Limpho Tau, discussions explored opportunities to expand defense exports and collaboration.Click here to read…

3rd Edition of CYCLONE Kicks Off

The 3rd edition of Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE between India and Egypt began on February 10, 2025, at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan, and will run until February 23. With 25 personnel from each side, the exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability, joint planning, and exchanging special operations tactics, including advanced skills and drills. Held annually, alternating between the two nations, it aims to strengthen military ties.

The exercise will conclude with a 48-hour validation exercise to rehearse counter-terrorism tactics in desert/semi-desert terrain. It will also feature a display of indigenous military equipment and an overview of India's defense manufacturing for the Egyptian side. Exercise CYCLONE will allow both sides to share best practices in tactical operations and foster camaraderie between their soldiers.Click here to read…

INS Sujata and ICGS Veera Visit Cambodia

The First Training Squadron (INS Sujata and ICGS Veera) arrived at Sihanoukville Port, Cambodia, on February 14, 2025, for a visit until February 17 as part of their Southeast Asia deployment. The visit includes professional exchanges, cross-training, sports fixtures, a PASSEX with the Royal Cambodian Navy, and the handover of a Small Arms Simulator to the Royal Cambodian Army. It strengthens India-Cambodia maritime ties, emphasizing defense cooperation and regional stability under India's 'Act East' policy. Cambodia previously participated in Ex-MILAN 24 in February 2024.Click here to read…

Defense Secretary Holds Bilateral Talks at Aero India

On February 11, 2025, Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held bilateral meetings during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru with defense officials from Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Mongolia, Nepal, Mauritius, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The discussions focused on strengthening defense ties, reviewing ongoing collaborations, and exploring opportunities for defense industrial partnerships. He also met France’s Lt Gen Gael Diaz de Tuesta to discuss joint defense projects and industrial cooperation. These meetings aimed to bolster India’s global defense engagement and promote partnerships in line with India’sAatmanirbhar Bharatvision.Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri Holds Key Defense Talks

On the margins of Aero India 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral meetings with various defense ministers. India signed MoUs on defense cooperation with Zimbabwe and Ethiopia to strengthen bilateral ties. With Zimbabwe, discussions focused on training, capacity building, military medicine, and defense industry collaboration. With Ethiopia, the focus was on military training, peacekeeping, capacity building, and enhancing defense industry cooperation, highlighting India’s private sector.

India held meetings with the Defence Ministers of Yemen, Gambia, and Gabon to enhance bilateral defense ties. With Yemen, discussions focused on military training and capacity building for its Armed Forces. The Gambia emphasized cooperation in capacity building, capability enhancement, and defense industry collaboration. With Gabon, talks centered on training, capability enhancement, and exploring defense industry partnerships.Click here to read…

HQ IDS at AERO India

At Aero India 2025, HQ Integrated Defence Staff, showcased strong military diplomacy through bilateral discussions, industry engagements, and defense capability assessments. Key interactions included talks with Lt Gen Augustine S Malanit of the Philippines to deepen military cooperation and explore defense procurement opportunities, and with Israel’s Elbit Systems. Lt Gen Mathew also assessed advanced military systems and aircraft, highlighting India’s commitment to defense modernization and strengthening strategic partnerships.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan and Lt Gen DS Rana held strategic discussions at Aero India 2025 to strengthen defense ties and promote self-reliance. Vice Admiral Vatsayan engaged with leaders from Lesotho, Belarus, Japan, Italy, and France on defense exports, military cooperation, technology transfer, and manufacturing under Make in India, emphasizing startups and MSMEs. Lt Gen Rana focused on joint training with Maldives, enhanced military ties with Germany, and reviewed advanced defense technologies.Click here to read…

International Terrorism

Africa

Somalia: government warned businesses and individuals against financing terrorism.

On 08 February, Somalian government issued strict warning to businesses and individuals that pay extortion money to al-Shabaab, stating that law would be brought against entities who pay money to al-Qa’ida or its allies. “Do not let your wealth destroy your life because security forces are prepared to act against anyone attempting to collaborate with these groups. Any business found to have paid or collaborated with al-Shabaab in any way would face legal action, including having their government-issued trading permits revoked,” said Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail at a joint conference along with Minister of Religious Affairs Mukhtar Ali Robow.Click here to read…

Pakistan

U.S. warned its citizens of potential terror attacks at key mosques in Islamabad.

On 12 February, the United States (U.S.) issued an advisory for its citizens to stay clear of a popular mosque in Pakistan’s Islamabad due to potential terrorist attacks. Following the emergence of a social media video featuring a terror operative at the city’s Faisal Mosque, a major tourist destination, the U.S. embassy in Islamabad issued the warning. The brief video showed the individual displaying a hand-drawn pamphlet featuring the flag of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which the United Nations (UN) has listed as a global terrorist organisation.Click here to read…

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

LeT and JeM held rally in Rawalakot in PoK.

On 07 February, the Pakistan-based terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) held a rally in Rawalakot, PoK, showcasing their operational skills and Pakistan's support of these organisations. The rally took placed at the Shaheed Sabir Stadium, and it was marked by themes of ‘Kashmir Solidarity’ and ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ (referring to Hamas’s terror activities in Gaza).

A social activist from Kashmir Valley— Tasleema Akhter strongly criticised hypocrisy of Pakistan. Tasleema called Kashmir Solidarity Day declared by Pakistan as a “façade” used to divert attention from its active sponsorship of terrorism and destabilisation efforts in the region.Click here to read…

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

Two army personnel attained Veergati in an IED blast near LoC in Akhnoor sector.

On 11 February, in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor Sector of Jammu and Kashmir, two army personnel, including an officer, attained Veergati (fell in the battle). In an X Post, the White Knight Corps stated that “suspected Improvised Explosive Device blast reported in Laleali in Akhnoor Sector during a fence patrol reportedly resulting in two fatalities. Own troops are dominating the area and search operations are underway. White Knight Corps salutes and pays tribute to the supreme sacrifice of two gallant soldiers.”Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

NIA arrested four OGWs in “Chhattisgarh Arms Recovery” case.

On 04 February, the NIA arrested four Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)— i) Anish KhanakaAjju Khan, ii) Anil Kumar Netam, iii) Jaysing Hidko, and iv) Raghuveer, of the CPI (Maoist) organisation in a “Chhattisgarh Arms Recovery” case. The case pertains to the recovery of arms from cadres of Kuyemari Area Committee from Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. The OGWs had been involved in harbouring other members of the proscribed group and in providing logistic support to them.Click here to read…

Security forces killed 31 Maoists, including a key leader, in Chhattisgarh.

On 09 February, security forces eliminated 31 Maoists of the West Bastar Division (WBD) in the National Park area in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. The WBD is a sub-zonal military formation of Maoists. “The Secretary or DVSM (Divisional Committee member) of the WBD— Hunga Karma, a key leader among 31 Maoists, was carrying a reward of ₹8 lakh on his arrest and has masterminded several terror attacks on security forces and killed villagers in the past two decades,” said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Bastar Range— P. Sundarraj.Click here to read…

19 Maoists from Chhattisgarh surrendered before Telangana police.

On 13 February, 19 Maoists, including 15 of the Revolutionary People’s Committee (RPCs) from Chhattisgarh surrendered before Telangana police in Bhadrachalam temple town in Telengana. The implementation of a campaign called ‘Operation Cheyutha’ by the district police in areas affected by left-wing extremism (LWE) led to the mass surrender of Maoists from the south Bastar division.Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K region)

NIA arrested two terror operatives in “Tamil Nadu Hizb ut-Tahrir” case.

On 03 Febrauary, the NIA arrested two operatives— Kabeer Ahmad Aliyar and Bava Bahrudeen in connection with “Tamil Nadu Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT)” case. The duo had conspired with others to propagate the HuT ideologies by conducting secretBayaans. They were also involved in organising an exhibition to showcase the military might of Islamic nations that would be invited (Nussrah) to overthrow the Bharatiya government, established by law, by waging violent jihad and war.

As per NIA investigations, both operatives were influenced by extremist, radical and fundamental ideology of HuT, an international pan-Islamist and fundamentalist organisation which is working to re-establish Islamic caliphate and enforce the constitution written by the outfit’s founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani.Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

Pro-Khalistan flag was ‘put-up’ with a slogan at Punjab CM’s village.

According to news report, unidentified people put-up a pro-Khalistan flag and inscribed a slogan on a government building at Satauj village, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s native place, in Sangrur. “Police had received an alleged video of the incident, which is being verified by the police,” said Sangrur’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sartaj Singh Chahal.Click here to read…

Organised Crime

FICN: NIA Special Court sentenced two FICN traffickers to seven years imprisonment in “Purnea FICN” case.

On 12 February, the NIA Special Court, Bihar, sentenced two Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) traffickers— Mohammad Mumtaz and Mohammad Baitullah, to seven years imprisonment and fine in a case related to FICN smuggling involving Bangladeshi and Nepalese nationals. The Special Court convicted the traffickers under sections 489B, 489C, 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 16 & 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A]. The case pertains to the seizure of FICN having total face value of ₹1,90,500, in denominations of ₹2000 and ₹500, from Mohammad Mumtaz atSarkari Bus Stand, Purnea, Bihar, on 03 December 2019.Click here to read…