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india's equity markets had one of their strongest weeks in years roaring back to life following a pause in tariff hikes by the us government now the nifty50 surged over 4.4% its best weekly performance since early 2021 while the sensex climbed nearly 1,700 points propelled by a rally in banking and consumer stocks cooling inflation data positive monsoon forecasts and robust foreign inflows further supported the rally in mumbai with broader participation across sectors investor optimism surged amid expectations of a more accommodative stance from the reserve bank of india.

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Elon Musk to visit India this year after talks with PM Modi

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a nationwide alert over a sharp rise in online travel scams, especially targeting Char Dham pilgrims. Fraudsters are luring devotees with fake helicopter and hotel bookings. The government urges travelers to stay cautious and report any fraud immediately to help curb this growing threat.

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As the Naval Commanders&rsquo; Conference 2025, held at Karwar, Karnataka, and New Delhi, drew to a close, it became evident that India&rsquo;s naval diplomacy has matured into a cornerstone of national strategy. Not merely a theatre of defence readiness, the Indian Navy is now central to India&rsquo;s emergence as a regional anchor in the Indo-Pacific. This is a story not of muscularity, but of maritime mentorship &mdash; a quiet rise powered by credibility, compassion, and strategic coherence.
<h2>A Compass for the Indian Ocean Community</h2>
India&rsquo;s transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) reflects more than a semantic shift. It signals a recalibrated strategic and maritime outlook that positions India as a preferred security partner and responsible first responder, while reaffirming the Indian Ocean as a cooperative &mdash; not contested &mdash; zone.
<h2>Legacy of sea power in Indian thought</h2>
The relevance of maritime power in India&rsquo;s geopolitical posture is neither recent nor accidental. In the mid-20th century, historian and strategist KM Panikkar framed India&rsquo;s destiny through a maritime lens, asserting that &ldquo;the vital importance of sea power has been ignored in Indian political thought for too long.&rdquo; His concept of the Indian Ocean Strategic Arc envisioned the region not merely as a transit zone but as a space of civilisational convergence and strategic contest.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indian-army-accelerates-electronic-warfare-modernisation-with-sambhav-samyukta-himashakti-and-ai-8958693">Indian Army accelerates electronic warfare modernisation with SAMBHAV, Samyukta, Himashakti, and AI</a> Centuries earlier, the Chola naval expeditions in the Bay of Bengal reflected a confident assertion of mercantile outreach and strategic influence. Their reach extended as far as modern-day Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula, showcasing India&rsquo;s ancient maritime ambition and naval sophistication. Today, India&rsquo;s maritime strategy reclaims that legacy &mdash; combining history with contemporary relevance. This resurgence also parallels the intellectual resurgence of Panikkar&rsquo;s maritime realism, which is now echoed in India&rsquo;s strategic doctrines, particularly in recognising the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a decisive theatre in 21st-century geopolitics.
<h2>Infrastructure to influence: Karwar as the keystone</h2>
The Karwar leg of the 2025 Commanders&rsquo; Conference symbolised this maritime confidence. With nine new piers and key operational facilities commissioned under Project Seabird, Karwar has evolved from a base into a western seaboard fulcrum. The expanded infrastructure strengthens India&rsquo;s capacity for sea control, multi-mission deployments, and logistics sustainability in the Arabian Sea. The ceremonial flag-off of INS Sunayna as IOS SAGAR was not merely a gesture of visibility. As the vessel embarked with personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs), it became a mobile institution of collaborative learning &mdash; a floating classroom, a diplomatic mission, and a symbol of maritime solidarity.
<h2>AIKEYME 2025: Unity in practice</h2>
At Dar es Salaam, INS Sunayna hosted Indian and African sailors during the inaugural AIKEYME 2025 exercise. Co-hosted with the Tanzanian Navy, the exercise included maritime domain awareness drills, joint EEZ surveillance, and coordinated sea operations. Its message was clear: unity without uniformity. AIKEYME builds upon the principles articulated in the Gandhinagar Declaration (2022), promoting practical maritime cooperation between India and Africa. In contrast to China&rsquo;s infrastructure-led maritime outreach, India&rsquo;s model emphasises co-ownership, skill-sharing, and operational interoperability. From hydrographic assistance to MDA tools, India offers maritime capacity-building rooted in trust, not transaction. As echoed in an African proverb quoted during the event: &ldquo;If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.&rdquo;
<h2>Operation Brahma: Strategic empathy as soft power</h2>
India&rsquo;s commitment as a maritime first responder was reaffirmed during Operation Brahma, launched in response to the devastating March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Indian Navy ships delivered over 440 tonnes of relief supplies, including medical kits and sanitation equipment, showcasing the seamless synergy of humanitarian response and strategic outreach. From the 2004 Tsunami to the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake and now to Yangon, India&rsquo;s naval HADR tradition is rooted in responsiveness without rhetoric, delivering impact with quiet resolve. This mode of humanitarian diplomacy reflects strategic empathy &mdash; a nuanced understanding that influence in the Indo-Pacific is better earned through presence and partnership than through prescription. It also aligns with India&rsquo;s Neighbourhood First policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategic frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
<h2>Tiger Triumph: Indo-Pacific interoperability</h2>
In the Bay of Bengal, Tiger Triumph 2025 marked the fourth tri-service HADR-focussed exercise between India and the United States. From joint air drops to slithering ops and a Combined Coordination Centre at Kakinada, the exercise reinforced India&rsquo;s growing interoperability with key global partners. Unlike kinetic war-gaming drills, Tiger Triumph is framed around non-traditional security threats, particularly humanitarian disasters. This aligns with India&rsquo;s cooperative security model &mdash; one that enhances credibility, fosters trust, and diffuses regional anxieties. The exercise is also a signal of maritime readiness with restraint, a subtle yet potent hallmark of India&rsquo;s maturing naval posture.
<h2>Naval Commanders&rsquo; Conference: A strategic reset</h2>
The second phase of the conference in New Delhi broadened the strategic horizon. The unveiling of the Indian Navy Space Vision, Operational Data Framework, and the veterans&rsquo; compendium &ldquo;Navy for Life and Beyond&rdquo; reflects a force investing not just in platforms, but in ecosystem readiness. Digitalisation of operational workflows, leveraging space-based ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), and expanded HR planning illustrate a Navy aligning itself with new domains of warfare and technological sovereignty. Engagements with CDS, Service Chiefs, the Foreign Secretary, and G20 Sherpa highlighted the convergence between maritime action and national strategy. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised the fluid geopolitical order, while Amitabh Kant recognised the Navy&rsquo;s role in economic security and global standing. This is relevant, especially in safeguarding trade corridors, energy routes, and undersea cables.
<h2>MAHASAGAR: The strategic horizon ahead</h2>
The path to MAHASAGAR is paved with cooperative intent and pragmatic planning. India&rsquo;s maritime future will hinge on institutionalised India-Africa naval dialogues and joint exercises with ASEAN, IOR, and BIMSTEC member states. Blue economy collaborations and eco-port development will be on the anvil, as will strategic maritime fellowship schemes for developing nation scholars. One would see an expanded role for the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) as a dialogue-led maritime security platform.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-india-must-act-now-the-escalating-security-risks-from-bangladesh-8957667">Why India Must Act Now? The Escalating Security Risks from Bangladesh</a>
BIMSTEC, often seen as an underleveraged framework, presents enormous potential for regional maritime synergy. With a shared bay, BIMSTEC nations can co-develop maritime domain awareness architecture, crisis response protocols, and marine biodiversity initiatives under a shared governance rubric. As John J. Mearsheimer noted during the Rising Bharat Summit 2024, India remains an &ldquo;aspiring great power&rdquo; with the moral legitimacy and democratic character to stabilise the Indo-Pacific. This admiration, echoed across strategic capitals, highlights the Navy&rsquo;s rising profile &mdash; welcomed with aspiration, not apprehension.
<h2>Building sinews to synergy</h2>
In a world where maritime zones are increasingly contested, India chooses connectivity over coercion. The Navy is the sinew of Indian foreign policy &mdash; linking vision to vessel, doctrine to diplomacy. From Karwar to Dar es Salaam, from Yangon to Kakinada, India&rsquo;s maritime presence is anchored in trust. Sea lines are becoming lifelines, transforming India from a continental power with maritime interests into a maritime power with continental depth. As the Indian Ocean reawakens in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Navy is no longer just a sentinel. It is the strategic sculptor of a more inclusive, resilient, and synergistic seascape.
(Commodore (Dr.) Johnson Odakkal is a maritime scholar, strategic affairs analyst, and Indian Navy veteran. He serves as Faculty of Global Politics and Theory of Knowledge at Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai, and Adjunct Faculty of Maritime and Strategic Studies at Naval War College, Goa.)
&nbsp;
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinions & Blogs | India News: In a world where maritime zones are increasingly contested, India chooses connectivity over coercion. The Navy is the sinew of Indian foreign policy — linking vision to vessel, doctrine to diplomacy.

As the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025, held at Karwar, Karnataka, and New Delhi, drew to a close, it became evident that India’s naval diplomacy has matured into a cornerstone of national strategy. Not merely a theatre of defence readiness, the Indian Navy is now central to India’s emergence as a regional anchor in the Indo-Pacific. This is a story not of muscularity, but of maritime mentorship — a quiet rise powered by credibility, compassion, and strategic coherence. A Compass for the Indian Ocean Community India’s transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) reflects more than a semantic shift. It signals a recalibrated strategic and maritime outlook that positions India as a preferred security partner and responsible first responder, while reaffirming the Indian Ocean as a cooperative — not contested — zone. Legacy of sea power in Indian thought The relevance of maritime power in India’s geopolitical posture is neither recent nor accidental. In the mid-20th century, historian and strategist KM Panikkar framed India’s destiny through a maritime lens, asserting that “the vital importance of sea power has been ignored in Indian political thought for too long.” His concept of the Indian Ocean Strategic Arc envisioned the region not merely as a transit zone but as a space of civilisational convergence and strategic contest. Also Read | Indian Army accelerates electronic warfare modernisation with SAMBHAV, Samyukta, Himashakti, and AI Centuries earlier, the Chola naval expeditions in the Bay of Bengal reflected a confident assertion of mercantile outreach and strategic influence. Their reach extended as far as modern-day Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula, showcasing India’s ancient maritime ambition and naval sophistication. Today, India’s maritime strategy reclaims that legacy — combining history with contemporary relevance. This resurgence also parallels the intellectual resurgence of Panikkar’s maritime realism, which is now echoed in India’s strategic doctrines, particularly in recognising the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as a decisive theatre in 21st-century geopolitics. Infrastructure to influence: Karwar as the keystone The Karwar leg of the 2025 Commanders’ Conference symbolised this maritime confidence. With nine new piers and key operational facilities commissioned under Project Seabird, Karwar has evolved from a base into a western seaboard fulcrum. The expanded infrastructure strengthens India’s capacity for sea control, multi-mission deployments, and logistics sustainability in the Arabian Sea. The ceremonial flag-off of INS Sunayna as IOS SAGAR was not merely a gesture of visibility. As the vessel embarked with personnel from nine Friendly Foreign Nations (FFNs), it became a mobile institution of collaborative learning — a floating classroom, a diplomatic mission, and a symbol of maritime solidarity. AIKEYME 2025: Unity in practice At Dar es Salaam, INS Sunayna hosted Indian and African sailors during the inaugural AIKEYME 2025 exercise. Co-hosted with the Tanzanian Navy, the exercise included maritime domain awareness drills, joint EEZ surveillance, and coordinated sea operations. Its message was clear: unity without uniformity. AIKEYME builds upon the principles articulated in the Gandhinagar Declaration (2022), promoting practical maritime cooperation between India and Africa. In contrast to China’s infrastructure-led maritime outreach, India’s model emphasises co-ownership, skill-sharing, and operational interoperability. From hydrographic assistance to MDA tools, India offers maritime capacity-building rooted in trust, not transaction. As echoed in an African proverb quoted during the event: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” Operation Brahma: Strategic empathy as soft power India’s commitment as a maritime first responder was reaffirmed during Operation Brahma, launched in response to the devastating March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Indian Navy ships delivered over 440 tonnes of relief supplies, including medical kits and sanitation equipment, showcasing the seamless synergy of humanitarian response and strategic outreach. From the 2004 Tsunami to the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake and now to Yangon, India’s naval HADR tradition is rooted in responsiveness without rhetoric, delivering impact with quiet resolve. This mode of humanitarian diplomacy reflects strategic empathy — a nuanced understanding that influence in the Indo-Pacific is better earned through presence and partnership than through prescription. It also aligns with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and broader Indo-Pacific strategic frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Tiger Triumph: Indo-Pacific interoperability In the Bay of Bengal, Tiger Triumph 2025 marked the fourth tri-service HADR-focussed exercise between India and the United States. From joint air drops to slithering ops and a Combined Coordination Centre at Kakinada, the exercise reinforced India’s growing interoperability with key global partners. Unlike kinetic war-gaming drills, Tiger Triumph is framed around non-traditional security threats, particularly humanitarian disasters. This aligns with India’s cooperative security model — one that enhances credibility, fosters trust, and diffuses regional anxieties. The exercise is also a signal of maritime readiness with restraint, a subtle yet potent hallmark of India’s maturing naval posture. Naval Commanders’ Conference: A strategic reset The second phase of the conference in New Delhi broadened the strategic horizon. The unveiling of the Indian Navy Space Vision, Operational Data Framework, and the veterans’ compendium “Navy for Life and Beyond” reflects a force investing not just in platforms, but in ecosystem readiness. Digitalisation of operational workflows, leveraging space-based ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance), and expanded HR planning illustrate a Navy aligning itself with new domains of warfare and technological sovereignty. Engagements with CDS, Service Chiefs, the Foreign Secretary, and G20 Sherpa highlighted the convergence between maritime action and national strategy. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasised the fluid geopolitical order, while Amitabh Kant recognised the Navy’s role in economic security and global standing. This is relevant, especially in safeguarding trade corridors, energy routes, and undersea cables. MAHASAGAR: The strategic horizon ahead The path to MAHASAGAR is paved with cooperative intent and pragmatic planning. India’s maritime future will hinge on institutionalised India-Africa naval dialogues and joint exercises with ASEAN, IOR, and BIMSTEC member states. Blue economy collaborations and eco-port development will be on the anvil, as will strategic maritime fellowship schemes for developing nation scholars. One would see an expanded role for the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) as a dialogue-led maritime security platform. Also Read | Why India Must Act Now? The Escalating Security Risks from Bangladesh BIMSTEC, often seen as an underleveraged framework, presents enormous potential for regional maritime synergy. With a shared bay, BIMSTEC nations can co-develop maritime domain awareness architecture, crisis response protocols, and marine biodiversity initiatives under a shared governance rubric. As John J. Mearsheimer noted during the Rising Bharat Summit 2024, India remains an “aspiring great power” with the moral legitimacy and democratic character to stabilise the Indo-Pacific. This admiration, echoed across strategic capitals, highlights the Navy’s rising profile — welcomed with aspiration, not apprehension. Building sinews to synergy In a world where maritime zones are increasingly contested, India chooses connectivity over coercion. The Navy is the sinew of Indian foreign policy — linking vision to vessel, doctrine to diplomacy. From Karwar to Dar es Salaam, from Yangon to Kakinada, India’s maritime presence is anchored in trust. Sea lines are becoming lifelines, transforming India from a continental power with maritime interests into a maritime power with continental depth. As the Indian Ocean reawakens in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Navy is no longer just a sentinel. It is the strategic sculptor of a more inclusive, resilient, and synergistic seascape. (Commodore (Dr.) Johnson Odakkal is a maritime scholar, strategic affairs analyst, and Indian Navy veteran. He serves as Faculty of Global Politics and Theory of Knowledge at Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai, and Adjunct Faculty of Maritime and Strategic Studies at Naval War College, Goa.) (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Sea lines of strategic synergy: India’s Navy and the rise of MAHASAGAR diplomacy

The Indian Army is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance its operational capabilities by integrating cutting-edge technologies. modernisation and technological infusion are central to the Indian Army's capability development roadmap. This transformation aims to create a technologically advanced, self-reliant force capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern warfare. The focus is on adopting disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced materials to prepare for future high-tech combat environments.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-to-make-laws-in-uae-country-passes-new-regulatory-intelligence-system-powered-by-artificial-intelligence-8972072">AI to make laws in UAE? Country passes new regulatory intelligence system 'powered by artificial intelligence'</a>
<h2>AI and Machine Learning: Revolutionising Battlefield Operations</h2>
The Indian Army is making substantial strides in incorporating AI and ML into its operational framework. These technologies are crucial for enhancing battlefield awareness, decision-making, and autonomous systems. The establishment of the Indian Army AI Incubation Centre in Bengaluru, in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), underscores the commitment to advancing AI capabilities. Currently, more than 50 AI projects are actively under development, indicating the depth of investment in this field. These initiatives are pivotal in transforming the Indian Army into a tech-centric force ready to tackle future warfare challenges.
<h2>Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Enhancing Force Agility</h2>
Robotics and autonomous systems are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Army's agility and mobility. These technologies offer solutions for unmanned surveillance, precision strikes, and logistical support, thereby reducing risks to personnel and increasing operational efficiency. The Army is actively investing in drone technology, border surveillance, and satellite-based systems to augment its reconnaissance and combat capabilities. Swarm drones, capable of delivering coordinated and decisive actions, are being inducted, marking a significant step towards incorporating advanced robotic systems.
<h2>Quantum Computing: Securing Future Communications</h2>
Quantum computing is another critical area of focus for the Indian Army. This technology promises to revolutionise secure communications, data processing, and strategic planning. As part of the "Decade of Transformation," the Army is establishing 16 specialised technology clusters to explore emerging technologies, including quantum computing. These clusters will serve as hubs for research and development, ensuring that the Indian Army remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Collaborations with institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru are further boosting the development of quantum computing applications for defence.
<h2>Advanced Materials: Strengthening Soldier Systems</h2>
The development and integration of advanced materials are crucial for enhancing soldier systems, and ensuring improved survivability, mobility, and lethality. These materials are being utilised to create lighter, stronger, and more protective gear for soldiers, as well as to develop more efficient and durable military equipment. The focus on advanced materials is part of a broader strategy to modernise infantry systems, making them smarter and more capable in diverse operational environments.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uae-seeks-ai-chips-access-amid-restrictions-8978568">UAE Seeks AI Chips Access Amid Restrictions</a>
<h2>Indigenous Defence Production: Aatmanirbharta</h2>
In line with the national vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), the Indian Army is actively promoting Indigenous defence production. By collaborating with domestic industry and academia, the Army is fostering a robust ecosystem for research, design, development, and production. Initiatives such as the Army Design Bureau (ADB) have been instrumental in engaging with industry and academia to drive innovation and technology transfer. The ADB has mapped over 1700 industries, 200 academic institutions, and 50 R&amp;D organisations to create synergy and avoid duplication of effort.
The "Decade of Transformation" includes establishing technology clusters and Indian Army Cells at premier institutions like IITs to incubate defence-focused start-ups and drive indigenous innovation. These efforts have led to significant contributions in AI, robotics, and electric vehicles, with over 30 defence start-ups incubated.
<h2>Strategic Vision: Decade of Transformation</h2>
The Indian Army's "Decade of Transformation" (2023-2032) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernising the force. This transformative vision focuses on creating a technologically proficient and self-reliant Army capable of addressing evolving security challenges. The transformation is structured across five foundational pillars: Jointness &amp; Integration, Force Restructuring, Modernisation &amp; Technology Infusion, Streamlined Systems &amp; Processes, and Advanced Human Resource Management.
By the end of this decade, the Indian Army aims to achieve enhanced operational agility, increased self-reliance in defence production, and improved operational capability across challenging terrains. The emphasis on technology absorption, indigenous production, and strategic collaborations will ensure that the Indian Army remains a formidable and future-ready force.
Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The focus is on adopting disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced materials. WORLD

The Indian Army is undergoing a significant transformation to enhance its operational capabilities by integrating cutting-edge technologies. modernisation and technological infusion are central to the Indian Army's capability development roadmap. This transformation aims to create a technologically advanced, self-reliant force capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern warfare. The focus is on adopting disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), robotics, autonomous systems, and advanced materials to prepare for future high-tech combat environments. Also read: AI to make laws in UAE? Country passes new regulatory intelligence system 'powered by artificial intelligence' AI and Machine Learning: Revolutionising Battlefield Operations The Indian Army is making substantial strides in incorporating AI and ML into its operational framework. These technologies are crucial for enhancing battlefield awareness, decision-making, and autonomous systems. The establishment of the Indian Army AI Incubation Centre in Bengaluru, in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), underscores the commitment to advancing AI capabilities. Currently, more than 50 AI projects are actively under development, indicating the depth of investment in this field. These initiatives are pivotal in transforming the Indian Army into a tech-centric force ready to tackle future warfare challenges. Robotics and Autonomous Systems: Enhancing Force Agility Robotics and autonomous systems are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the Indian Army's agility and mobility. These technologies offer solutions for unmanned surveillance, precision strikes, and logistical support, thereby reducing risks to personnel and increasing operational efficiency. The Army is actively investing in drone technology, border surveillance, and satellite-based systems to augment its reconnaissance and combat capabilities. Swarm drones, capable of delivering coordinated and decisive actions, are being inducted, marking a significant step towards incorporating advanced robotic systems. Quantum Computing: Securing Future Communications Quantum computing is another critical area of focus for the Indian Army. This technology promises to revolutionise secure communications, data processing, and strategic planning. As part of the "Decade of Transformation," the Army is establishing 16 specialised technology clusters to explore emerging technologies, including quantum computing. These clusters will serve as hubs for research and development, ensuring that the Indian Army remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Collaborations with institutions like IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, and IISc Bengaluru are further boosting the development of quantum computing applications for defence. Advanced Materials: Strengthening Soldier Systems The development and integration of advanced materials are crucial for enhancing soldier systems, and ensuring improved survivability, mobility, and lethality. These materials are being utilised to create lighter, stronger, and more protective gear for soldiers, as well as to develop more efficient and durable military equipment. The focus on advanced materials is part of a broader strategy to modernise infantry systems, making them smarter and more capable in diverse operational environments. WATCH | UAE Seeks AI Chips Access Amid Restrictions Indigenous Defence Production: Aatmanirbharta In line with the national vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance), the Indian Army is actively promoting Indigenous defence production. By collaborating with domestic industry and academia, the Army is fostering a robust ecosystem for research, design, development, and production. Initiatives such as the Army Design Bureau (ADB) have been instrumental in engaging with industry and academia to drive innovation and technology transfer. The ADB has mapped over 1700 industries, 200 academic institutions, and 50 R&D organisations to create synergy and avoid duplication of effort. The "Decade of Transformation" includes establishing technology clusters and Indian Army Cells at premier institutions like IITs to incubate defence-focused start-ups and drive indigenous innovation. These efforts have led to significant contributions in AI, robotics, and electric vehicles, with over 30 defence start-ups incubated. Strategic Vision: Decade of Transformation The Indian Army's "Decade of Transformation" (2023-2032) is a comprehensive initiative aimed at modernising the force. This transformative vision focuses on creating a technologically proficient and self-reliant Army capable of addressing evolving security challenges. The transformation is structured across five foundational pillars: Jointness & Integration, Force Restructuring, Modernisation & Technology Infusion, Streamlined Systems & Processes, and Advanced Human Resource Management. By the end of this decade, the Indian Army aims to achieve enhanced operational agility, increased self-reliance in defence production, and improved operational capability across challenging terrains. The emphasis on technology absorption, indigenous production, and strategic collaborations will ensure that the Indian Army remains a formidable and future-ready force. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Tech absorption in Indian Army: AI, robotics, quantum computing and advanced materials

India has issued a strict statement on the murder of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hindu-leader-kidnapped-and-killed-in-bangladesh-as-attack-on-minorities-continues-8977747" rel="dofollow">Hindu leader in Bangladesh</a>, stating that the interim government of the neighbouring country should remember its "responsibility of protecting all minorities, including Hindus." India has condemned the incident and said that it follows "a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities under the interim government. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its statement, said that "the perpetrators of previous such events roam with impunity."
A Hindu leader identified as Bhabesh Chandra was kidnapped and brutally assaulted to death in Dinajpur's Biral upazila on Thursday (Apr 19). The man was as the Vice-President of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, local media reported. The officials at Biral Police Station said that police are working to identify and arrest the suspects involved, and preparations are underway to file a case.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m9nym0ei-z35iebb8-x0s1obh9">
We have noted with distress the abduction and brutal killing of Shri Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu minority leader in Bangladesh. This killing follows a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities under the interim government even as the perpetrators of previous such&hellip;
&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1913500679303569705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-seeks-apology-from-pakistan-for-1971-atrocities-wants-islamabad-to-pay-43-bn-unpaid-dues-8974505" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangladesh seeks apology from Pakistan for 1971 atrocities, wants Islamabad to pay $4.3 bn unpaid dues</a>
Postmortem of Roy was completed earlier today, Indian news agency ANI reported. "It is not yet known what the postmortem report contains," Abdus Sabur, officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station, told ANI over the phone. "We will take action after getting the postmortem report," he said, adding that no formal case has been filed by the family. "We are busy with our father's funeral. That's why no case has been filed," Bhavesh's son, Sapan Roy, told ANI
After the ouster of the Awami League government's Sheikh Hasina, there have been several incidents of attacks on the minority communities all over the country, particularly on the Hindu community. A report of the Dhaka-based human rights organisation, Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), highlighted that there are reports of a total of 147 incidents of vandalisation of houses, temples, and business establishments of the Hindu community across Bangladesh. Some 408 households were vandalised in these incidents, including 36 cases of arson. Besides, there have been reports of 113 incidents of vandalising business establishments owned by the minority community, 32 incidents of attack on temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of vandalising idols in 92 temples.
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-indian-in-times-influential-leaders-list-trump-bangladeshs-yunus-syrias-al-sharra-mentioned-full-list-here-8971155" target="_blank" rel="noopener">No Indian in TIME's influential leaders list: Trump, B'desh's Yunus, Syria's al-Sharra mentioned; FULL list here</a>
<h2>India's concern for safety of minorities in Bangladesh</h2>
Bangladesh has largely been unstable after Muhammad Yunus took over the government in August last year, with protests rocking the country. India has time and again raised concerns against the atrocities of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his first meeting with Yunus earlier this month.
"We have conveyed our concerns regarding the treatment of minorities and the kind of violence that has happened against them. We have been raising this in several of our conversations, including our meeting in Bangkok, that this violence and atrocities against minorities cannot simply be wished away or dismissed as political reasons or media agitations. We hope that the Bangladesh government will take strong action against those responsible for these atrocities," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing after&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-bangladeshs-muhammad-yunus-on-bimstec-summit-sidelines-8924239" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">PM Modi met Yunus.</a>
Previously, after Yunus came to power,&nbsp;India said that the PM reiterated his call for the safety and security of the "Hindus and all other minority communities" in Bangladesh.&nbsp;
Read More |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-pm-modi-yunus-meet-turn-the-tide-for-india-bangladesh-relations-in-post-hasina-era-what-analysts-say-8934952" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Can PM Modi-Yunus meet turn the tide for India-Bangladesh relations in post Hasina-era? What analysts say</a>
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South Asia | World: India has issued a strict statement on the murder of a Hindu leader in Bangladesh, stating that Bangladeshi government should protect all minorities

India has issued a strict statement on the murder of a Hindu leader in Bangladesh, stating that the interim government of the neighbouring country should remember its "responsibility of protecting all minorities, including Hindus." India has condemned the incident and said that it follows "a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities under the interim government. The Ministry of External Affairs, in its statement, said that "the perpetrators of previous such events roam with impunity." A Hindu leader identified as Bhabesh Chandra was kidnapped and brutally assaulted to death in Dinajpur's Biral upazila on Thursday (Apr 19). The man was as the Vice-President of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, local media reported. The officials at Biral Police Station said that police are working to identify and arrest the suspects involved, and preparations are underway to file a case. We have noted with distress the abduction and brutal killing of Shri Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu minority leader in Bangladesh. This killing follows a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities under the interim government even as the perpetrators of previous such… — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 19, 2025 Read More | Bangladesh seeks apology from Pakistan for 1971 atrocities, wants Islamabad to pay $4.3 bn unpaid dues Postmortem of Roy was completed earlier today, Indian news agency ANI reported. "It is not yet known what the postmortem report contains," Abdus Sabur, officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station, told ANI over the phone. "We will take action after getting the postmortem report," he said, adding that no formal case has been filed by the family. "We are busy with our father's funeral. That's why no case has been filed," Bhavesh's son, Sapan Roy, told ANI After the ouster of the Awami League government's Sheikh Hasina, there have been several incidents of attacks on the minority communities all over the country, particularly on the Hindu community. A report of the Dhaka-based human rights organisation, Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), highlighted that there are reports of a total of 147 incidents of vandalisation of houses, temples, and business establishments of the Hindu community across Bangladesh. Some 408 households were vandalised in these incidents, including 36 cases of arson. Besides, there have been reports of 113 incidents of vandalising business establishments owned by the minority community, 32 incidents of attack on temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of vandalising idols in 92 temples. Read More | No Indian in TIME's influential leaders list: Trump, B'desh's Yunus, Syria's al-Sharra mentioned; FULL list here India's concern for safety of minorities in Bangladesh Bangladesh has largely been unstable after Muhammad Yunus took over the government in August last year, with protests rocking the country. India has time and again raised concerns against the atrocities of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his first meeting with Yunus earlier this month. "We have conveyed our concerns regarding the treatment of minorities and the kind of violence that has happened against them. We have been raising this in several of our conversations, including our meeting in Bangkok, that this violence and atrocities against minorities cannot simply be wished away or dismissed as political reasons or media agitations. We hope that the Bangladesh government will take strong action against those responsible for these atrocities," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing after PM Modi met Yunus. Previously, after Yunus came to power, India said that the PM reiterated his call for the safety and security of the "Hindus and all other minority communities" in Bangladesh. Read More | Can PM Modi-Yunus meet turn the tide for India-Bangladesh relations in post Hasina-era? What analysts say

India issues stern statement on Hindu leader's murder in Bangladesh: 'Protect all minorities...without excuses'

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the second Indian to travel to space. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, he will fly to the International Space Station in May, marking India’s return to space after 41 years. Shukla, an Indian Air Force fighter pilot, is ready to represent India on this historic mission.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to fly to ISS in May

Indian stocks markets staged a strong recovery in the past week. India is one of the first major markets in the world to reverse losses from trump's "Liberation day" announcements. What does that signal for the future of indian stocks?

Spotlight On Indian Stock Market Rally

4 Dead, Dozens Feared Trapped As 4-storey Building Collapses In Delhi

In a pretty scathing criticism the Indian vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar has issued a sharp rebuke to the judiciary saying that India cannot have a situation where the court directs the president. Now Dhankhar's criticism comes in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling that sets a 3-month timeline for the president to decide on bills referred by the governors of the states. Watch in for more details!

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Condemns Supreme Court's Deadline To President

In the first foreign secretary-level talks in 15 years, Bangladesh has raised long-standing issues with Pakistan, including a formal apology for the 1971 war atrocities and a demand for $452 billion in compensation. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus emphasized the need to overcome historical hurdles as both countries explore a way forward.

Bangladesh demands apology and reparations from Pakistan

India: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar takes on SC over deadline on president to decide on bills

India's diamond exports have taken a sharp dive. After years of strong growth, the country is now facing its biggest setback in nearly two decades. Exports of cut and polished diamonds have fallen drastically. . . Hitting a low of 13. 3 billion dollars in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

India sees worst export numbers in nearly two decades

In a major breakthrough, US authorities have detained Happy Passia, a fugitive wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 17 serious cases, including those under UAPA. With alleged links to ISI and Babbar Khalsa International, Passia had a ₹5 lakh bounty on his head. Watch this report to know more!

NIA’s most wanted Happy Passia detained in US over terror links

Indian diamond exports plunge 16% in FY25

The American Capital Market Company Fitch ratings has cut India's GDP growth projection for the financial year 26 by 10 basis points to 6.4 percent. Citing rising global trade tensions... Particularly new tariffs from the US. The revised estimate comes weeks after Fitch's optimistic March forecast...

India’s FY26 GDP cut to 6.4% by Fitch Ratings

Domestic airfares in India surged by 43 percent last year from 2019 levels, marking a notable spike in air ticket prices. That is according to a study by Airports Council International (ACI). But what is fast becoming a point of contention is airline passengers being burdened with large amounts of additional fees tallied to advertised flight costs.

Indian airfares saw a 43% surge last year

US President JD Vance will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 21, the first day of his four-day India visit. This marks Vance’s first official trip to India since taking office.

India moves to avoid US tariffs

Piracy is growing tremendously in the Indian Ocean region, where 46% of world trade passes through. While a multi-nation cooperation to ensure safe transit is in place, countries feel the need to strengthen it. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, the Vice Admiral of the EU's key anti-piracy mission proposed an exercise with the Indian Navy. Watch in for more details!

EU and India launch joint anti-piracy drill in Indian Ocean

#Gravitas | Recent remarks made by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir regarding Kashmir being Islamabad's "jugular vein" has been slammed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, asserting that Kashmir is an integral Union Territory of India.

India slams Pakistan Army Chief's Kashmir claims

French Defence Minister S&eacute;bastien Lecornu is expected to travel to India in the first week of May to finalize the key Rafale M deal that was given a go-ahead by the Indian government earlier this month.&nbsp;
The Rs 63,000 crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale M for the Indian Navy is a government-to-government deal, and will further firm up India, and France's defence ties. The deal, once concluded during defence minister Lecornu's visit, will be formally sealed after years of negotiations.&nbsp;
The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seater Rafale trainers. The Rafales M fighter jets replace the Indian Navy's MiG 29K fleet, &amp; enhance naval air power in the Indian Ocean region that has seen increased volatility.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-26-decoding-indias-rafale-m-magic-number-8945826">Why 26? Decoding India&rsquo;s Rafale-M Magic Number</a>
These jets will operate from India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
In July 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) paving the way for negotiations.&nbsp;
The deal builds on India&rsquo;s prior purchase of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force in 2016 as France emerged as India's key defence partner.&nbsp;
India, and France defence relationship has grown by leaps and bounds since the strategic partnership was established in 1998. Not only France has emerged as an important arms supplier to India, but it has also been supporting the "Make In India" initiative including cooperating on the development of next-generation jet engines.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-clears-biggest-ever-fighter-jet-deal-26-rafale-marine-jets-for-navy-approved-8943122">India clears biggest-ever fighter jet deal, 26 Rafale Marine jets for Navy approved</a>
Both hold regular military exercises, Varuna for Naval exercises, Shakti for army exercises, and Garuda for Air Exercises. Earlier this year, during PM Modi's France visit, the Indian side had proposed exporting its Pinaka rocket launcher to the country.

The Rafales M fighter jets replace the Indian Navy's MiG 29K fleet, & enhance naval air power in the Indian Ocean region that has seen increased volatility. India news

French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu is expected to travel to India in the first week of May to finalize the key Rafale M deal that was given a go-ahead by the Indian government earlier this month. The Rs 63,000 crore deal for procuring 26 Rafale M for the Indian Navy is a government-to-government deal, and will further firm up India, and France's defence ties. The deal, once concluded during defence minister Lecornu's visit, will be formally sealed after years of negotiations. The deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seater Rafale trainers. The Rafales M fighter jets replace the Indian Navy's MiG 29K fleet, & enhance naval air power in the Indian Ocean region that has seen increased volatility. Also read: Why 26? Decoding India’s Rafale-M Magic Number These jets will operate from India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. In July 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) paving the way for negotiations. The deal builds on India’s prior purchase of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force in 2016 as France emerged as India's key defence partner. India, and France defence relationship has grown by leaps and bounds since the strategic partnership was established in 1998. Not only France has emerged as an important arms supplier to India, but it has also been supporting the "Make In India" initiative including cooperating on the development of next-generation jet engines. Also read: India clears biggest-ever fighter jet deal, 26 Rafale Marine jets for Navy approved Both hold regular military exercises, Varuna for Naval exercises, Shakti for army exercises, and Garuda for Air Exercises. Earlier this year, during PM Modi's France visit, the Indian side had proposed exporting its Pinaka rocket launcher to the country.

French Defense Minister Lecornu to visit India in May to seal Rafale-M deal

The Supreme Court of India is hearing a batch of petitions challenging key provisions of the newly enacted Waqf law. While petitioners argue the law violates fundamental rights, the Centre maintains it's focused on property administration. The top court is now weighing an interim stay on controversial clauses. Watch this report to know more!

Supreme Court Bars Non-Muslim Appointments To Waqf Bodies

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