On the eve of the New Year, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a meeting with Ministry of Defence Secretaries to review progress on ongoing schemes, projects, and reforms, declaring 2025 as the "Year of Reforms." The initiative aims to transform the Armed Forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force for multi-domain operations, with a focus on enhancing jointness, integrating Cyber and Space domains, and advancing emerging technologies like AI and robotics.
Reforms will streamline acquisition procedures, foster public-private partnerships, and promote collaboration within the defence ecosystem. Additionally, India aims to position itself as a credible defence exporter and ensure veterans' welfare. The goal is to modernize the military, strengthen national security, and instill pride in India's indigenous capabilities while learning from global best practices. Click here to read… [2]
The French Carrier Strike Group, led by the nuclear-powered FNSCharles de Gaulle, visited India from 3-9 January 2025, with port calls in Goa and Kochi. In Goa, the French group conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, along with professional exchanges, cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and social engagements.
While the French Carrier Strike Group was in Goa, French naval ships FSForbin and FSAlsace visited Kochi. Their visit included professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and SMEEs, with the French Commanding Officers meeting the senior leadership of the Southern Naval Command. These engagements were part of efforts to strengthen India-France naval ties and reaffirm their commitment to collaborative growth in the maritime domain. Click here to read… [3]
INSTushil completed its inaugural port visit to Dakar, Senegal. During the three-day stay, Captain Peter Varghese met with Rear Admiral Abdou Sene, Chief of Staff of the Senegalese Navy, to discuss naval cooperation and maritime security. The visit featured a Subject Matter Expert Exchange, a demonstration of the Indian Navy's NISHAR-MITRA terminal, and a joint Yoga session with the Yoga Association of Senegal. The ship also hosted around 150 visitors from the Indian diaspora and local community, highlighting the Indian Navy's growing presence in the region.
INSTushil concluded the visit by undertaking a Passage Exercise with the Senegalese naval vessel PHMNiani upon departure. This visit highlights the importance of cooperative efforts in promoting regional security and marks a significant step in enhancing interoperability between the two navies. Click here to read… [4]
On January 8, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Maldives Defence Minister Mr. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi, reviewing various aspects of defence and security cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. Raksha Mantri assured India’s support for enhancing the Maldives' defence capabilities, while Minister Maumoon thanked India for its historical role as the ‘First Responder’ and its assistance in infrastructure and personnel training. India also handed over defence equipment and stores to the Maldives at their request.
Minister Maumoon is on his first official visit to India. It has provided an opportunity to further deepen the bilateral defence & security ties for the mutual benefit of the two countries and the Indian Ocean Region. Click here to read… [5]
Field evaluation trials of the indigenously-developed Nag Mk 2, a third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile, were successfully conducted at Pokhran Field Range. Over three trials, the missile hit all targets at both maximum and minimum ranges, confirming its firing capabilities.
The Nag Missile Carrier Version-2 was also evaluated, completing the weapon system's readiness for induction into the Indian Army. Click here to read… [6]
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called for greater global cohesiveness in light of the current security challenges and geopolitical tensions. Speaking at the Ambassadors' Round-Table ahead of Aero India 2025 on January 10, 2025, he emphasized the need for collective action by like-minded nations to ensure global peace, prosperity, and shared benefits from economic growth and technological advancements.
Shri Rajnath Singh described Aero India as a platform where nations forge bonds beyond boundaries, fostering strategic partnerships in the aerospace and defence sectors. He highlighted the event’s role in showcasing products, technology, and opportunities for joint development, co-production, and business growth. Emphasizing India’s large defence industrial ecosystem, he noted the country’s commitment to enhancing capabilities and attracting foreign investment.
During the Round-Table, Ambassadors and High Commissioners were briefed on the event and invited to attend by the Raksha Mantri, with senior leaders from India’s defence forces and government also in attendance. Click here to read… [7]
On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated three naval combatants – INSSurat,INS Nilgiri, and INSVaghsheer – in Mumbai, celebrating India's maritime history and its emergence as a major maritime power. He emphasized India's commitment to regional security, highlighting its role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean and its efforts in ensuring freedom of navigation, protecting trade routes, and combating terrorism. Modi praised the expansion of the Make in India initiative, noting the addition of 33 ships and seven submarines, most built in Indian shipyards, and highlighted the economic impact of the defence sector, including job creation in the MSME sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's progress towards becoming the world's third-largest economy, emphasizing growth in manufacturing, exports, and the need for new ships. He praised the port-led development model, job creation, and India's focus on remote islands and underwater exploration, citing the Samudrayaan project. Modi also announced the approval of the Rs 75,000 crore Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra. During the commissioning, the Prime Minister received a Guard of Honour and marked their formal commissioning. The event was attended by key dignitaries from the government and industry.
The commissioning of the three warships marks a significant step in India's defence and maritime security capabilities. INSSurat, a P15B Guided Missile Destroyer, is one of the largest and most advanced destroyers with 75% indigenous content. INSNilgiri, the first P17A Stealth Frigate, features advanced survivability and stealth. INSVaghsheer, the final P75 Scorpene submarine, showcases India's growing submarine construction expertise in collaboration with France. Click here to read… [8]
On 07 January, Nigerian security forces eliminated 34 Islamist terrorists in a gunfight in Sabon Gari village in Borno State, Nigeria. The terrorists belonged to the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Nigeria has been grappling with a 16-year-long Islamist insurgency in its north-east driven primarily by Boko Haram and its ISWAP that has led to huge human and economic losses, including mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis.
Six soldiers were killed in the action while an improvised explosive device (IED) injured the vigilante commander. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also carried out air-strikes on the fleeing insurgents, resulting in further casualties in addition to the 34 killed in the gun battle, military spokesman Major-General Edward Buba. Click here to read… [9]
In an attack on 12 January, Boko Haram terrorists killed at least 40 farmers of Dumba community in Borno State. “The attack Sunday was suspected to have been carried out by extremists from the Boko Haram group and its breakaway faction that is loyal to the Islamic State group in Borno’s Dumba community,” said Borno State Governer Babagana Umara Zulum. Click here to read… [10]
In its statement, the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) threatened to target Pakistan army’s commercial interests, specific businesses, in response to airstrikes carried out by Pakistan security forces in December 2023 in Afghanistan. Reportedly, the terror group— TTP listed several entities, including the National Logistics Cell, the Frontier Works Organisation,Fauji Fertiliser Company, and military-operated housing authorities across Pakistan, a commercial bank, and various other organisations.
According to the data compiled by Islamabad-based think-tank— Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), 2,526 people were killed in TTP-initiated attacks, including nearly 700 security personnel, over 900 civilians, and approximately 900 militants. These figures mark the highest death toll since 2016 when 2,432 fatalities were recorded. Click here to read… [11]
The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group abducted 16 government employees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This incident has heightened concerns about the security situation in the region, reflecting the persistent threat posed by the TTP. The kidnapping, which took place on 09 January, underscores the group’s ongoing campaign to destabilise the area through acts of terror and intimidation.
The group of civilian hostages were employees of a mining project related to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in the militancy-hit Lakki Marwat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. “People were commuting to work on a minibus when they were attacked and taken hostage at gunpoint. The terrorists then set the vehicle on the fire before leaving with captives,” said area police officer Mohammad Ijaz. Click here to read… [12]
In counterterrorism (CT) operations carried out on 13 January, Pakistan’s security forces killed eight TTP terrorists in Tank and Tirah valley districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Click here to read… [13]
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 10 January, filed a chargesheet against 09th accused— Vikram Kumaraka Chota Usman, in “Bengaluru LeT Prison Radicalisation” case. The case pertains to the seizure of arms and ammunition and digital devices from the accused who had conspired to execute terror activities in Bengaluru, Karnataka. According to the chargesheet, in May 2023, Vikram collected a parcel containing walkie-talkie devices and hand-grenades from Ambala (Haryana) and delivered it to another accused based in Bengaluru. Click here to read… [14]
On 03 January, the NIA filed a chargesheet against Syed Saleem Jahangir Andrabiaka Saleem Andrabi for his alleged involvement in 2020 narco-terrorism case relating to seizure of 17 kgs of heroin along with cash in J&K. Syed Andrabi has been charged under relevant sections of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (BNS)/Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860, and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] 1967, in the third supplementary chargesheet filed by NIA before the Special Court in Jammu. The accused, a resident of district Kupwara, was arrested in July 2024 after evading arrest for the last four years. Click here to read… [15]
On 04 January, the NIA arrested a key Maoist— Baccha Singhaka Baccha Babu Singh in “Jharkhand CPI (Maoist) Conspiracy” case. NIA found during the probe that Bachha Singh was the Secretary ofMajdoor Sanghatan Samiti (MSS) and was actively associated with the proscribed terrorist organisation— CPI (Maoist) and its top leaders. He was involved in collection of money to promote the outfit’s ideology and strengthen its activities in Jharkhand and other places. Click here to read… [16]
On 06 January, eight jawans attained Veergati in Kutru in Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh when Maoists carried out an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack to blow up their vehicle. The eight security personnel belonged to the District Reserve Guard (DRG). The driver of the vehicle was also killed in same incident. Click here to read… [17]
On 07 January, the NIA filed a chargesheet against Rizwan Aliaka Sami Ali, an Islamic State (IS) operative, in the “Delhi-Padgha IS terror module” case. is the 21st ISIS operative to be charge-sheeted in the case relating to a conspiracy of recruitment and radicalisation of vulnerable youth into the IS ideology and fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The accused has been charged with sharing digital files related to IED fabrication with other accused. Besides carrying out several acts preparatory to unleashing of terrorist attacks, he was involved in raising funds to further the IS agenda to spread violence in Bharat, as per NIA investigations. The accused had also taken ‘bayath’ (pledge of allegiance) from another arrested accused, Shahnawaz Alam, a habitual offender in many previous terror cases controlled by handler Saquib Abdul Hamid Nachan, a self-styledAmir-e-Hind for IS in Bharat. Click here to read… [18]
On 06 January, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-Amritsar’s president— Simranjit Singh Mann said that “if Amritpal Singh’s party support Khalistan issue, then his party stand with them. If their party does not support Khalistan, then it too will soon end like other parties and the Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar has always supported Khalistan and will continue to do so.” Click here to read… [19]
Citing documents filed by Canada’s Department of Justice, theANI news agency, four accused arrested in connection with Nijjar’s murder case appeared to be no longer in custody. In May 2023, Canadian police arrested and charged i) Karanpreet Singh (28), ii) Kamalpreet Singh (22), iii) Karan Brar (22) and iv) Amandeep Singh (22)- in connection with the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in which Justin Trudeau had alleged the involvement of Bharat. All four have been granted bail as per the documents filed by the Department of Justice in Canada. Click here to read… [20]
In a significant operation, Assam Police’s Special Task Force (STF) arrested two Fake Indian Currency Note (FICN) trafficker and seized ₹11.31 lakh in ₹500 denomination, from Ganeshguri area, Guwahati in Assam. The STF seized 2,236 notes of ₹500 denomination and three mobile phones and ₹400 in cash during the raid. The arrested individuals have been identified as Ruful Amin (22) and Jakir Hussain (30). Amin is from Islampur, Laluk, Lakhimpur district, and Hussain belongs to Saru-Dampur, Hajo, Kamrup district in Assam. Click here to read… [21]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2025/january/29
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089184
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090373
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2090966
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091162
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2092585
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2091817
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2093018
[9] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerian-troops-repel-boko-haram-ambush-borno-kill-34-insurgents-2025-01-08/
[10] https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-massacre-boho-haram-3579523f5f1b978ea7d32b4374c8e036
[11] https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/pak-taliban-says-will-hit-pakistan-army-where-it-hurts-its-business-empire-125010700988_1.html
[12] https://www.voanews.com/a/militants-kidnap-government-employees-in-northwest-pakistan/7930878.html
[13] https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-security-militants-killed-northwest-5427b509e8bfba5d91f34906247b96bc
[14] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1886_1_PR10012025.pdf
[15] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1878_1_PR030120254.pdf
[16] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1879_1_PR04012025.pdf
[17] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/2-jawans-killed-after-maoists-blow-up-security-vehicle-in-chhattisgarh-7411144
[18] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1883_1_PR07012025.pdf
[19] https://www.babushahi.com/full-news.php?id=197343
[20] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/all-4-accused-in-hardeep-singh-nijjar-murder-case-granted-bail-by-canada-court-101736409301262.html
[21] https://www.pratidintime.com/top-stories/guwahati-stf-seizes-rs-1131-lakh-in-fake-currency-two-arrested-8618319
[22] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (01-15 January 2025)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2025/january/29
[23] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (01-15 January 2025)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2025/january/29&via=Azure Power
[24] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2025/january/29
[25] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Anurag-Bisen
[26] https://www.vifindia.org/author/anurag-sharma