India's defence exports soared to a record ₹23,622 crore (approx. $2.76 billion) in FY 2024–25, marking a 12.04% increase from the previous year. Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) significantly boosted their exports by 42.85% to ₹8,389 crore, while the private sector contributed ₹15,233 crore. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted this achievement and reiterated the target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. India exported a wide range of defence items to approximately 80 countries, reflecting its growing role in the global defence market. Policy reforms, including streamlined licensing and simplified export procedures, have bolstered this growth. Click here to read...
INS Tarkash, a frontline frigate of the Indian Navy under the Western Naval Command, intercepted a vessel carrying over 2,500 kg of narcotics in the Western Indian Ocean, highlighting its strong commitment to maritime security.
Deployed since January 2025 for Maritime Security Operations, INS Tarkash is supporting Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) under the Bahrain-based Combined Maritime Forces. The ship is participating in Operation Anzac Tiger alongside multinational forces.
On 31 March 2025, based on inputs from Indian Navy P8I aircraft, INS Tarkash tracked and intercepted a suspect Dhow. Assisted by its onboard helicopter and the Maritime Operations Centre in Mumbai, the ship's boarding team and Marine Commandos searched the vessel, uncovering 2,386 kg of hashish and 121 kg of heroin.
The operation reflects the Indian Navy’s vigilance and effectiveness in countering maritime crime and supporting regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region. Click here to read...
The Army Commanders’ Conference, a key biannual event, was held in New Delhi from 1–4 April 2025, where senior Army leadership reviewed security scenarios, border situations, organisational reforms, and the integration of advanced technologies. A major highlight was Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s address on the third day, where he praised the Army's role in national security, disaster response, and development. He emphasised the need for preparedness in light of evolving global threats, including hybrid warfare and cyber conflicts.
The Defence Minister lauded the Army’s operational readiness, efforts along the Northern and Western borders, and synergy with CAPFs in Jammu & Kashmir. He also appreciated the role of the Border Roads Organisation in enhancing border infrastructure and acknowledged the Army's contributions to military diplomacy.
Highlighting the importance of indigenisation and technological advancement, he encouraged deeper engagement with industry and academia. He reiterated the government's commitment to welfare of veterans and families of fallen soldiers, and stressed continued deliberations on defence reforms, infrastructure, and modernisation to keep the Army future-ready. Click here to read...
To bolster coastal security, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) deploys 18–20 ships, 30–35 patrol crafts, and 10–12 aircraft daily for surveillance, including in Offshore Development Areas and around island territories. Monitoring is further enhanced through the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN), Remote Operating Stations, and Centres.
Over the past decade, ICG has conducted over 3 lakh boarding operations, 153 security exercises, 451 coastal operations, 458 drills, and 3,645 joint patrol sorties. These efforts have led to the seizure of 179 boats and arrest of 1,683 individuals involved in illegal activities such as poaching, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration.
Funds of ₹12,201 crore have been utilized for acquiring ships and aircraft, while ₹1,583.8 crore has been spent on the CSN. Coastal Security SOPs have been issued to clarify roles and ensure coordinated responses among coastal states and union territories.
ICG engages regularly with coastal communities via interaction programmes and has established a toll-free helpline (1554) for emergencies. Fishermen watch groups aid in reporting suspicious activities. ICG also provides training to its personnel and marine police to enhance operational readiness. This was shared by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in the Lok Sabha. Click here to read...
DRDO and the Indian Army successfully conducted four flight-tests of the Army variant of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) on April 3 and 4, 2025, from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The trials involved intercepting high-speed aerial targets at varying ranges and altitudes, all of which were successfully neutralised, confirming the missile system’s operational effectiveness.
The tests, conducted under real operational conditions by the Army’s Eastern and Southern Commands with DRDO support, validated the system’s performance through data from radars and electro-optical sensors. These trials mark a major step toward the deployment of MRSAM systems in two Army regiments.
Jointly developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, the MRSAM system includes multifunction radar, a command post, and mobile launchers. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams, highlighting the achievement as a significant milestone in strengthening India’s air defence capabilities. Click here to read...
The 14th edition of the India-Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA 2025 was held from 28 March to 2 April 2025. The exercise featured complex manoeuvres, simulated combat operations, and coordinated drills aimed at boosting interoperability and addressing shared maritime threats.
The exercise enhanced joint operational capabilities, facilitated the exchange of best practices, and deepened mutual understanding of naval doctrines. It reinforced both nations’ commitment to maritime security, global peace, and regional stability.
INDRA has been a key element of India-Russia defence cooperation since 2003, reflecting the strategic importance both nations place on collaborative maritime operations. Click here to read...
On April 5, 2025, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh flagged off INS Sunayna as part of the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR mission from Karwar, Karnataka. Marking the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and National Maritime Day, the mission includes 44 naval personnel from nine friendly Indian Ocean nations. It aims to promote regional maritime cooperation, security, and shared prosperity.
Addressing partner nations, the Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to a rule-based maritime order and highlighted the Navy’s role in ensuring free navigation, anti-piracy operations, and collective security in the region. He also noted the transition from SAGAR to the broader MAHASAGAR vision.
INS Sunayna will visit ports in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles, conducting joint training and operations to enhance interoperability. The mission symbolizes India’s leadership in regional maritime collaboration.
Additionally, Shri Singh inaugurated ₹2,000 crore worth of infrastructure under Project Seabird, including ship berthing, armament wharfs, and residential units, all built using mostly indigenous resources. These facilities will boost naval readiness on the West Coast and contribute to local economic growth and the vision of AatmanirbharBharat. Click here to read...
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh reviewed the Indian Navy’s maritime security posture, operational readiness, and strategic outlook during the first phase of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Karwar, Karnataka, on April 5. Joined by senior defence officials, he engaged with Naval Commanders on key issues including modernisation, strategic planning, and security challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Commending the Navy’s innovation and commitment, he stressed the need for adaptability amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, reaffirming India's role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. Emphasising a rules-based maritime order under UNCLOS, he called for proactive planning and constant preparedness.
Highlighting the government’s strong support, Shri Singh noted unprecedented progress in naval modernisation over the past decade. Declaring 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms', he urged both top-down and ground-level reform efforts for meaningful transformation.
The conference, a biannual apex-level forum, underlines India’s status as a key maritime security partner. Click here to read...
To strengthen maritime ties, Indian Navy warship INS Sahyadri arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of its Indian Ocean Region deployment. The visit highlights regional cooperation and shared commitment to maritime security and environmental protection.
During the port call, naval personnel from both countries will participate in professional exchanges and joint activities to boost operational synergy.
This visit reflects the enduring India-Sri Lanka partnership and aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and MAHASAGAR initiatives, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s role in promoting regional stability and naval diplomacy. Click here to read...
The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,385.36 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru for the procurement and integration of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suites on Mi-17 V5 helicopters of the Indian Air Force. The deal, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, was signed on April 07, 2025, in New Delhi.
The advanced EW Suites will enhance the helicopters' survivability in hostile environments. Most components will be sourced from Indian manufacturers, including MSMEs, promoting indigenous industry and aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. Click here to read...
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh met with UAE Crown Prince and Defence Minister Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in New Delhi on April 8, 2025. They reviewed the current defence cooperation, including military exercises and training exchanges, and agreed to scale it up in line with growing trade and strategic ties between India and the UAE.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of deepening collaboration through training exchanges and strengthening Coast Guard cooperation via a formal MoU. They highlighted the need to expand defence industry partnerships, including joint ventures, co-production, and participation in defence expos, aligning with the Make-in-India and Make-in-Emirates initiatives.
Raksha Mantri affirmed India’s commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the UAE, aiming to enhance collaboration in defence, innovation, and regional peace. The defence ties are built on a foundation of longstanding cultural and economic relations, reinforced by MoUs signed in 2003 and 2017. Click here to read...
Phase 2 of the First Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 began on April 7 at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, following Phase 1 held in Karwar on April 5.
In his opening address, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the Navy's combat preparedness, enhanced operational availability, and joint service coordination. He emphasized innovation, technological integration, and regional engagement through exercises and missions like Operation Brahma and IOS SAGAR, urging focus on seven areas: combat efficiency, capacity development, logistics, innovation, workforce, agility, and inter-agency synergy.
Key publications on naval operations, aviation, space vision, and personnel welfare were released. Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri discussed the Navy’s role in diplomacy and international affairs, while Shri Amitabh Kant highlighted its strategic significance in IOR and global geopolitics.
The conference addressed a range of issues including maritime security, cyber readiness, infrastructure, and human resource development in the context of emerging geostrategic challenges. Click here to read...
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted release trials of the indigenously developed Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from a Su-30 MKI aircraft between April 8–10, 2025. The 1,000 kg bomb achieved a range of nearly 100 km with high accuracy during tests conducted against land targets on an island.
Developed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment, and Integrated Test Range, the trials validated multiple warhead configurations and successful weapon integration.
The project was supported by Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, and MSMEs, with certification inputs from the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, IAF, and industry partners, stating that LRGB ‘Gaurav’ significantly boosts the Armed Forces' capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also congratulated the team on the successful trials. Click here to read...
The fourth edition of bilateral tri-service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) amphibious Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025 between India and the United States culminated at Kakinada, on 11 Apr 25.
Conducted from 01 to 11 Apr 25, the exercise provided invaluable training in HADR operations and familiarised participants with each other’s capabilities, techniques, and procedures. Notably, Ex Tiger Triumph was first held in 2019, with the primary aim of strengthening operational synergies, facilitated by logistics exchange under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and towards integrating emerging technologies between the two militaries.
The harbour phase of the exercise was conducted from 01 to 07 Apr 25 at Visakhapatnam. The phase commenced with an opening ceremony attended by Mr. Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d'Affaires, US Embassy, and Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Eastern Naval Command. Activities during this phase included Pre-Sail Conferences, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) on key technologies including medical, drone, and space. The harbour phase also included cross-deck visits, ship boarding drills and friendly sports fixtures. Click here to read...
The Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 was inaugurated on April 13 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, marking a major milestone in India-Africa maritime cooperation. The event was attended by Tanzania’s Defence Minister Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, India’s Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, along with other military leaders.
Dr. Tax emphasized collective action against maritime threats and called for lasting security frameworks through collaboration and innovation. Shri Sanjay Seth echoed this sentiment, referencing India's MAHASAGAR vision and calling AIKEYME a platform for enduring partnerships.
The Indian Navy participated with INS Chennai, INS Kesari, and Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR. Multinational crews from several Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) also took part.
AIKEYME, meaning ‘Unity’ in Sanskrit, is a six-day exercise involving Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, India, and Tanzania. The exercise includes a harbour phase focused on joint training and a sea phase aimed at enhancing maritime security and regional cooperation. Click here to read...
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Rome, Italy from April 14–15, 2025, to strengthen India-Italy defence ties. He met with Italian Defence Minister Mr. Guido Crosetto, holding fruitful discussions on enhancing strategic cooperation.
Shri Singh co-chaired the 11th India-Italy Joint Defence Committee meeting with Ms. Luisa Riccardi, Italy’s Secretary General of Defence. The talks covered maritime cooperation, information sharing, and regional security, including developments in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.
He emphasised India’s focus on defence technology and armament production, highlighting policy reforms supporting domestic innovation and industrial growth. At the India-Italy Defence Industry Roundtable, he outlined India’s transformation into a more transparent and business-friendly defence ecosystem.
An MoU was signed between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Italian Federation for Aerospace, Defence and Security (AIAD) to boost industry collaboration. Shri Singh was accompanied by senior Ministry of Defence officials and a delegation from SIDM to promote stronger B2B ties.
Addressing the Press, the Senator of Borno South Senatorial District— Ali Ndume informed that in 252 attacks in last 6 months, from November 2024 to April 2025, Boko Haram terrorists killed 100 soldiers and 280 civilians, totalling 380 casualties. Ndume emphasised that the military needed multi-billion-naira equipment to tackle the terrorists. “Military needed MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles that would cost about $1billion each,” said Ndume. Click here to read...
On 12 April, at least eight people were killed and 21 injured in an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosion allegedly planted by Boko Haram at a highway linking Maiduguri and Damboa local government areas with the southern part of Borno State, Nigeria. “It is unfortunate this is happening now. We haven’t witnessed an IED attack for over a year,” said Borno State governor— Babagana Zulum. Click here to read...
In an interview with FRANCE24, on 11 April, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation said that “terrorist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are on their last legs and recently formed Lakurawa group would soon be ‘crushed’.” Click here to read...
On 04 April, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against Faizul Hussain, a top Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) leader, for promoting terror group’s ideology and inciting youth to carry out its anti-Bharat agenda. The NIA has filed its chargesheet against Faizul Hussain under Sections 34, 120B, 153A, and 153B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 13(1) and 18 of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] before the NIA Special Court in Poonamallee, Chennai (Tamil Nadu). He is the 07th accused to be charged in the case RC-02/2024/NIA/CHE (Hameed Hussain HuT case). Faizul Hussain, the “Nakib/Emir” (head) of HuT in Tamil Nadu, was arrested on 08th October 2024 for radicalising Muslim youth and propagating HuT's violent agenda to establish an Islamic Caliphate in Bharat. Click here to read...
On 08 April, Home Minister Amit Shah concluded his 3-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and said that terror ecosystem had been crippled in J&K. “Due to the sustained and coordinated efforts of the Modi government, the entire terror ecosystem nurtured by elements inimical to our country in J&K has been crippled. The Modi government is working with an unwavering resolve towards building a developed J&K. The tireless efforts of PM Narendra Modi are ushering in a new era of prosperity for every citizen through development and welfare initiatives,” said Home Minister Shah. Click here to read...
On 05 April, 86 Maoists, including 20 women, from Bijapur and Sukma districts in Chhattisgarh, surrendered before Telangana police in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The development occurred while Home Minister Amit Shah was visiting Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district for a tribal cultural event. During the visit, he requested Maoists to surrender their weapons and integrate into society. This brings the total number of Maoists who have surrendered to the police in Bhadradri Kothagudem and Mulugu this year to 224. Click here to read...
On 05 April, 11 Maoists of Galikonda Area Committee surrendered to the police, citing disillusionment with the Maoist ideology and inspiration from government-led development programme. The surrendered Maoists were identified as i) Vanthala Bhaskar Rao (24), ii) Tambeli Subba Rao (33), iii) Korra Krishna (20), iv) Gemmili Pentayya (40), v) Korra Kamesh (27), vi) Jartha Ramesh (42), vii) Naina Gopal Rao (32), viii) Koda Bonjababu (63), ix) Killo Buddudu (28), x) Korra Chinnarao (50)—all from GK Veedhi mandal—and xi) Pangi Satti Babu (25) from Koyyuru mandal. “All 11 Maoists had been involved in various offenses and had 39 criminal cases registered against them. Their surrender to the police department’s community outreach programmes—Spoorti, Prerna, Nirman, Saral, and Sankalpam—which provided tribal youth with employment,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar. Click here to read...
On 10 April, following the extradition to Bharat, the NIA took custody of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Tahawwur Rana on the orders of the Special Court in New Delhi. As per orders, Rana will remain in NIA custody for 18 days. The extradition finally came through after Rana’s various litigations and appeals, including an emergency application before the U.S. Supreme Court, were rejected. With the coordinated efforts of Bharat’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), along with the relevant authorities in the U.S., the surrender warrant for the wanted terrorist (Rana) was eventually secured and the extradition was carried out.
Rana is accused of conspiring with David Coleman Headley aka Daood Gilani, and other operatives of designated terrorist organisations Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) along with other Pakistan-based co-conspirators, to carry out the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. A total of 166 persons were killed and over 238 injured in multiple attacks. Click here to read...Click here to read...
On 09 April, a pro-Islamic State (IS) group released an English-language booklet that discusses the applications and potential risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The document highlighted major AI technologies, including natural processing tools like OpenAI’s GPT-3, Google’s BERT, and IBM Watson, which can be used to create chatbots, virtual assistants, content, and perform sentiment analysis. Click here to read...
Claiming that terrorist Tahawwur Rana is no longer a Pakistani national, Pakistan distanced itself from Rana following his extradition to Bharat. “Tahawwur Rana has not renewed his Pakistani documents in the last two decades. His Canadian nationality is very clear,” read an official statement from Pakistan Foreign Office. Rana has close ties to Pakistan’s military and intelligence services, which is why Pakistan denies it. Rana is thought to have strong connections to both the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate and the Pakistan Army, making him an insider. In the past, Bharat has insisted that elements headquartered in Pakistan helped plan the 26/11 incident. Click here to read...