Defence

1. Raksha Mantri’s Meet with the US Director of National Intelligence
2. India-Australia 9th Defence Policy Talks
3. Director General Defence Intelligence Agency’s Visit to Australia
4. Rakshi Mantri’s Meet with Netherlands Defence Minister
5. ICG Visits Madagascar
6. Strengthening NZ-India Naval Ties
7. VARUNA 2025
8. New Zealand PM Visits INS Surat
9. ADMM-Plus Counter-Terrorism Cooperation 14th Meeting
10. India-Italy MCG Meeting 13th Edition
11. Indian Army Assists Myanmar Earthquake Victims
12. Operation Brahma: India’s First Responder Role

International Terrorism

Europe

1. The Netherlands: Authorities arrested a man for alleged Bitcoin terrorism financing.
2. Spain: the Civil Guard arrested three operatives linked to Islamist terrorism.

Pakistan

1. PM leads high-level meeting to strengthen national narrative against terrorism.

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

1. NIA searched multiple locations in Jammu pertains with infiltration of LeT & JeM terrorists.
2. Security forces eliminated three terrorists in a gunfight in Kathua.
3. “Terrorism in J&K cannot be ended without support of people”: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
4. Police raided multiple locations in connection with JeI investigations.

Left-Wing Extremism

1. Nine Maoists, including six women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
2. In Chhattisgarh, security forces eliminated 113 Maoists in 80 days.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

1. NIA filed chargesheet against four BKI operatives in “Chandigarh Grenade attack” case.

Organised Crime

1. Human-Trafficking: NIA arrested key operative in human trafficking to the U.S. via Donkey Route.
2. FICN: NIA Special Court sentenced three operatives in Visakhapatnam Fake Currency case.

Defence

Raksha Mantri’s Meet with the US Director of National Intelligence

On March 17, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met with the Director of National Intelligence of the United States, Ms. Tulsi Gabbard, in New Delhi. The meeting reaffirmed the strengthening India-US bilateral defence partnership. The leaders reviewed progress in military exercises, strategic cooperation, defence industrial supply chains, and information-sharing, particularly in the maritime domain. They discussed opportunities for collaboration in advanced defence innovation and niche technologies, aligning with their shared strategic goals. They also focused on enhancing interoperability and strengthening the integration of defence industrial supply chains to boost resilience and innovation. Click here to read...

India-Australia 9th Defence Policy Talks

The ninth edition of the India-Australia Defence Policy Talks took place in New Delhi on March 17, 2025. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, and the Australian side was headed by Mr. Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary of the International Policy Division, Department of Defence.

The India-Australia Defence Policy Talks focused on key cooperation areas such as maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, industry collaboration, science and technology, and joint exercises, including deployments from each other’s territories. Both sides discussed priorities for the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia in 2025. They explored defence industry collaboration and agreed to accelerate cooperation in defence science and technology. Additionally, they committed to deepening interoperability across maritime, land, and air domains, including with multilateral partners. The Australian delegation visited the Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai, and the Australian co-chair met the Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on March 18, 2025. Click here to read...

Director General Defence Intelligence Agency’s Visit to Australia

Lt General DS Rana, Director General of Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA), visited Australia from March 19-21, 2025. During the visit, he met with senior Australian Defence officials. Discussions focused on intelligence-sharing, regional security cooperation, and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. During his visit, DG DIA Lt General DS Rana toured the Headquarters Joint Operations Command to understand Australia's operational framework and joint command structures. He also met with the Director of the Australian Geospatial Organisation and engaged with the Lowy Institute on strategic defence and security issues. DG DIA laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial and attended the Last Post Ceremony, paying tribute to fallen soldiers. Click here to read...

Rakshi Mantri’s Meet with Netherlands Defence Minister

On March 18, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met with the Defence Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Ruben Brekelmans, in New Delhi. They discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in defence, security, information exchanges, the Indo-Pacific, and emerging technologies. The ministers explored collaboration in shipbuilding, equipment, and space sectors, focusing on complementary skills and technology. They also discussed working together in Artificial Intelligence and related technologies, as well as connecting defence technology research institutes and organizations. Click here to read...

ICG Visits Madagascar

On March 18, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Saksham made a port call at Antsiranana, Madagascar, as part of its overseas deployment to friendly countries in the Indian Ocean Region. During the visit, the crew of ICGS Saksham engaged with the Madagascar Coast Guard in joint training sessions and knowledge exchange programs focused on Maritime. The schedule included cross-deck training, cultural engagements, and friendly sporting events, strengthening the camaraderie between the two maritime forces.

ICG personnel conducted specialized training on Marine MPR, focusing on handling oil spills, chemical spills, and marine pollution incidents to enhance Madagascar’s preparedness for environmental emergencies. Additionally, 10 NCC cadets and 10 Assam Rifles personnel onboard the ship participated in beach clean-up drives and awareness programs in collaboration with local youth organizations as part of the 'Puneet Sagar Abhiyan,' reinforcing the importance of marine conservation. Click here to read...

Strengthening NZ-India Naval Ties

RAdm Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), visited India from March 16 to 21, 2025. The visit began on March 17 with RAdm Golding attending the Raisina Dialogue. On March 18, he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial to honour India’s fallen heroes, followed by a ceremonial Guard of Honour and a bilateral meeting with Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS. Discussions focused on enhancing naval ties, joint training, and maritime cooperation. RAdm Golding also interacted with senior defence leadership, reaffirming New Zealand’s commitment to regional security. RAdm Garin Golding also visited Mumbai, where he interacted with personnel of the Western Naval Command, toured the indigenous destroyer INS Surat, and explored avenues for future collaboration in ship maintenance and technology. On March 20, a significant highlight was the reception onboard HMNZS Te Kaha, hosted by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, further strengthening India-New Zealand maritime relations. Click here to read...

VARUNA 2025

The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA took place from March 19 to 22, 2025, strengthening the maritime partnership between India and France. This year's exercises featured complex manoeuvers across sub-surface, surface, and air domains, with joint participation from the aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.

VARUNA 2025 featured advanced air defence drills to refine tactical capabilities. Anti-submarine warfare exercises enhanced underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations showcased synchronized manoeuvers by the Indian and French fleets. Maritime patrol aircraft boosted situational awareness, and replenishment-at-sea exercises strengthened logistical cooperation. Click here to read...

New Zealand PM Visits INS Surat

On March 20, 2025, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Christopher Luxon, and RAdm Garin Golding, Chief of Navy, RNZN, visited INS Surat at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. They were welcomed by V Adm Sanjay J Singh, FOC-in-C, Western Naval Command. The dignitaries received a detailed briefing on the warship’s design, technologies, and capabilities.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand's visit coincided with the Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha's visit, and Cmde Rodger Ward, Commander of Combined Task Force 150, also visited HQWNC. During the visit, the CN-RNZN called on V Adm Sanjay J Singh, WNC, to discuss strategic naval engagements and received a briefing on the command's role. He also visited the Heritage Hall at ND, Mumbai, and met with the Admiral Superintendent of Dockyard about technical support for HMNZS Te Kaha's upcoming visit in April 2025. The CN-RNZN laid a wreath at the Gaurav Stambh to honour personnel who made supreme sacrifices.

Several activities were planned to enhance cooperation, including Cross-Deck visits, sports fixtures, and social events. Before departure, the ship conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with the Indian Navy to strengthen operational coordination and demonstrate shared maritime collaboration. Click here to read...

ADMM-Plus Counter-Terrorism Cooperation 14th Meeting

The 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) was held in New Delhi from March 19 to 20, 2025, with delegations from ASEAN countries and ADMM-Plus members. Co-chairs India and Malaysia presented the work plan for the 2024-2027 cycle, announcing a Table-Top Exercise in Malaysia in 2026 and a Field Training Exercise in India in 2027. The two-day meeting focused on developing a comprehensive strategy to address terrorism and extremism, sharing on-ground experiences of ASEAN countries and dialogue partners' defence forces.

During the inaugural session, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh delivered the keynote address, emphasizing terrorism as an evolving, cross-border threat. He highlighted India’s efforts, including the adoption of the Delhi Declaration during its 2022 UNSC Counter-Terrorism Committee chairmanship. Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, senior Ministry of Defence and Indian Army officials, and Heads of Delegations from participating countries shared views on counter-terrorism best practices. Delegates also visited Agra as part of a cultural tour. Click here to read...

India-Italy MCG Meeting 13th Edition

The 13th India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) meeting took place in Rome, Italy, from March 20-21, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff IDC (A), from India and the Deputy Head of the Strategic Direction and Military Cooperation Division of the Italian Defence General Staff.

The MCG meeting focused on expanding bilateral military cooperation through enhanced exchange programs, capability development, and stronger collaboration between the Indian and Italian armed forces. The meeting reviewed ongoing defence engagements and explored ways to optimize future interactions, reinforcing the MCG's role in fostering military-to-military ties and strategic collaboration. Click here to read...

Indian Army Assists Myanmar Earthquake Victims

In response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, the Indian Army launched 'Operation Brahma,' deploying a 118-member medical task force from the Shatrujeet Brigade. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Jagneet Gill, the team, equipped with medical supplies, provided urgent humanitarian assistance. The Airborne Angels Task Force, trained for advanced medical and surgical care in disaster zones, took off to Myanmar to assist.

As part of 'Operation Brahma,' the Indian Army set up a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre to provide immediate care to those injured in the Myanmar earthquake. The facility handled trauma cases, emergency surgeries, and essential medical services to support the strained local healthcare system. The deployment, coordinated with the Ministry of External Affairs and Myanmar authorities, demonstrated India’s commitment to being a first responder in regional crises. Click here to read...

Operation Brahma: India’s First Responder Role

In response to the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, the Government of India launched Operation Brahma to assist Myanmar. Under the direction of the MEA, HADR efforts were coordinated with the Indian Army, Air Force, and NDRF. Indian Navy ships Satpura and Savitri sailed for Yangon on March 29, 2025, followed by ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command on March 30, 2025. These ships carried approximately 52 tons of relief material, including food, medicines, water, and clothing. The Indian Navy reinforced India's commitment to being the 'First Responder' in the region. Click here to read...

International Terrorism

Europe

The Netherlands: Authorities arrested a man for alleged Bitcoin terrorism financing.

On 27 March, Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) arrested a man (32-year-old) on suspicion of financing terrorism through Bitcoin transactions and violating the Dutch Sanctions Act. Officials searched suspect’s residence, seized mobile devices and other digital storage devices as the part of ongoing investigation. The investigation began after the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) received a report from a cryptocurrency exchange about unusual transactions. The report indicated that in 2020, the suspect sent Bitcoin to wallet addresses suspected of being linked to terrorist organisations. Click here to read...

Spain: the Civil Guard arrested three operatives linked to Islamist terrorism.

Under the directives of the Central Court of Instruction and the Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court, agents of the Civil Guard arrested three operatives for the alleged involvement of terrorism in the provinces of Salamanca, Burgos, and Huelva. The detainees, who were part of a group initially constituted in the province of Salamanca, were aligned with the ideology of the global jihadist movement and had obtained through multiple channels material for self-indoctrination and self-training. According to the Civil Guard, an “amalgam of content in various formats from jihadist sheiks, al-Qa’ida, Islamic State (Daesh) and terrorist organisations of Palestinian origin has also been detected.” Click here to read...

Pakistan

PM leads high-level meeting to strengthen national narrative against terrorism.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired an important meeting attended by federal and provincial leadership to address the ongoing terrorism threat in the country. Held at the Prime Minister’s House, the meeting included representatives from all provinces, along with military and civilian leaders. The primary focus of the meeting was to identify the perpetrators responsible for the Jaffar Express attack and to ensure that comprehensive efforts are made to present their actions to the international community. Additionally, the participants agreed to counter anti-national campaigns on both traditional and digital media platforms effectively. A significant decision made during the session was to strengthen the national narrative under the National Action Plan (NAP). The National Narrative Committee has been tasked with developing a more robust and proactive narrative to counter terrorism and extremism. Click here to read...

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA searched multiple locations in Jammu pertains with infiltration of LeT & JeM terrorists.

On 19 March, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out multiple searches at the homes of Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) in Jammu. The searches were in connection with The Resistance Front (TRF) and People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF) terror off-shoots of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) respectively. A total of 12 locations in Jammu district of the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir were searched today as part of the operation, and several incriminatory materials linking the terrorists with OGWs were seized. NIA teams are examining the material to unravel the terror conspiracy. Click here to read...

Security forces eliminated three terrorists in a gunfight in Kathua.

As the ongoing counter-terrorism operation resumed for fifth day, on 27 March, security forces killed three terrorists in a gunfight in forested area in Juthana, Kathua district. Three J&K police personnel attained Veergati (fell in the battle) in the operation. Click here to read...

“Terrorism in J&K cannot be ended without support of people”: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

On 24 March, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that “though security is directly not our responsibility, I am repeatedly saying that militancy cannot be finished without the support of the people. The elected government is making attempts and is supporting the Lt Governor to keep the situation under control and maintain peace.” On 23 March, security forces had an exchange of fire with terrorists hiding in the forests area in Kathua. Security forces have deployed drones and sniffer dogs to track down the five Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Saniyal area, but they have not been sighted so far. Click here to read...

Police raided multiple locations in connection with JeI investigations.

Kulgam Police, on 25 March, carried out search operations in Sopat, Devsar, and Zangalpora areas of Kulgam district. The raids pertain to the ongoing investigations related to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). Jamaat-e-Islami was banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] in February 2019, following intelligence reports linking it to terror funding and extremist ideology. Click here to read...

Left-Wing Extremism

Nine Maoists, including six women, surrendered in Chhattisgarh.

On 26 March, nine Maoists, including six women, surrendered in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh. Maoists were carrying collective reward of ₹26 lakh on their heads. “They turned themselves in before senior police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials here citing disappointment with the hollow and inhuman Maoist ideology and growing differences within the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist)”, said Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan. Click here to read...

In Chhattisgarh, security forces eliminated 113 Maoists in 80 days.

In two separate operations, on 20 March, security forces eliminated at least 30 Maoists in Bijapur and Kanker districts of Bastar division. According to official data, 113 Maoists have been killed in 80 days by security forces in Chhattisgarh and 91 of 113 Maoists in Bijapur. In 2024, 287 Maoists were killed in Bastar division. Click here to read...

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

NIA filed chargesheet against four BKI operatives in “Chandigarh Grenade attack” case.

On 23 March, the NIA has filed chargesheet against four Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terrorists, including Harwinder Singh Sandhu aka Rinda and U.S.-based Harpreet Singh aka Happy Passia, for their involvement in 2024 Chandigarh Grenade attack case. Rinda and Happy were the primary handlers and conspirators behind the attack. They had provided logistical support, terror funds, weapons, and ammunition to on-ground operatives in Chandigarh for executing the grenade attack. The attack was intended to target a retired officer of Punjab Police, who the assailants believed to be the occupant of the house. Click here to read...

Organised Crime

Human-Trafficking: NIA arrested key operative in human trafficking to the U.S. via Donkey Route.

The NIA, on 30 March 2025, arrested a key human trafficker— Gagandeep Singh aka Goldie, resident of Tilak Nagar, New Delhi, involved in illegally sending human trafficking victim to the United States (U.S.), who was deported back to Bharat in earlier March 2025. The victim, hailing from Tarn Taran district of Punjab, was sent to the U.S. via the infamous “donkey route” in December 2024. The victim paid ₹45 lakh to the agent for the illegal immigration. The NIA investigations revealed that Goldie, who did not possess any licence/legal permit/registration for sending persons abroad, had used the donkey route and sent the victim to U.S. via Spain, Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Donkers/associates of Goldie had even beaten up and exploited the victim, besides snatching the USD he was carrying, during the challenging transit, revealed the investigation report. Click here to read...

FICN: NIA Special Court sentenced three operatives in Visakhapatnam Fake Currency case.

The NIA special court, Andhra Pradesh, sentenced three operatives— i) Firoj Saikh, ii) Tajamul Saikh, and iii) Enamul Haque, to rigorous imprisonment in fake currency case. The court announced a total of 7 years of RI in the 2018 case relating to seizure of fake Indian currency notes (FICNs) worth ₹10,20,000. The seizure was made from two accused, i) Mohammad Mahaboob Baig aka Azhar Baig and ii) Syed Imran, who were travelling on the Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express. Their interrogation had revealed the involvement of Firoj Saikh, Tajamul Saikh, and Enamul Haque. NIA investigations revealed all five accused to be involved in a large-scale racket of smuggling FICNs. Mohammad Mahaboob Baig and Syed Imran were convicted earlier, on 26 June 2019, and sentenced to 10 years of RI for their role in the conspiracy. Click here to read...