Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to undertake a two-day visit to Israel from February 25 to 26, according to sources familiar with the development. The programme for the trip is currently being finalised, but officials indicate that the visit will include high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the already robust India–Israel partnership. During the visit, Modi is likely to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where discussions are expected to focus on key bilateral an

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held talks with United States Ambassador to India Sergio Gor in New Delhi, days ahead of his scheduled visit to Washington, D.C., for a high-level engagement on critical minerals. The meeting focused on multiple aspects of the India-US relationship, reflecting the breadth and depth of cooperation between the two countries across strategic, economic and defence domains. Following the meeting, Jaishankar said the discussions covered

The United Arab Emirates has approved significant amendments to its child care framework, allowing foreign residents to foster children of unknown parentage, a move that expands access to a system that was previously restricted to Emirati citizens. The changes, enacted under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, revise provisions of the 2022 law governing child welfare and are aimed at strengthening institutional care while broadening social participation in foster services. The update

Thailand has defended its military’s decision to remove a Hindu statue located along its border with Cambodia, stating that the action was necessary to establish control over a disputed frontier area. The move, which took place on December 25, has sparked criticism and renewed debate over border management and cultural sensitivity in the region. According to Thai authorities, the statue was situated in an area that remains contested between Thailand and Cambodia. Officials said th

China has strongly criticised a recent Pentagon report, calling it irresponsible, misleading, and an attempt to create divisions between Beijing and New Delhi while exaggerating the so-called China threat narrative. Responding sharply, Chinese officials accused the United States of distorting China’s defence policy and interfering in its internal affairs to justify Washington’s continued military dominance. Speaking at a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokes

US President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious plan to revive American naval dominance with the creation of a new class of heavily armed battleships named after himself. The announcement was made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he introduced what he called the Golden Fleet, a sweeping initiative aimed at modernising and expanding the US Navy through large-scale shipbuildi

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to travel to India on December 4 and 5 for the 23rd Annual Summit, marking his first visit since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and India’s Operation Sindoor. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin is expected to place significant emphasis on strengthening defence cooperation, including discussions on a potential new S-400 air defence system contract. The visit comes at a critical time, as both countries reassess the

Russia has reportedly proposed a wide-ranging technology transfer package for its fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter jet, signalling that defence cooperation may take centre stage when President Vladimir Putin visits India next month. The offer comes as New Delhi continues to balance long-standing strategic ties with Moscow while facing Western scrutiny over its neutral stance on the conflict in Ukraine. The proposal, according to officials familiar with the matter, could strengthen India

In 2025, as the Indian Navy launches Exercise Trishul off the coast of Gujarat, history echoes across the Arabian Sea. The large-scale tri-services drill, featuring warships, fighter jets, tanks, and helicopters, is designed to test India’s combat readiness along its south-western frontier. This very coastline holds immense historical significance — it was here, sixty years ago, that the Pakistan Navy attempted a bold attack on the temple town of Dwarka during the Indo-Pak War of 1965, an

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched multiple counter-terrorism operations aimed at neutralising militant threats across the Union Territory. The operations, currently underway in the Rajouri and Udhampur districts, reflect an intensified effort by security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the region amid a recent uptick in infiltration and terror-related incidents. The first major operation began late Tuesday night in the Beeranthub area of Rajouri district

The United States has approved the supply of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Pakistan, marking a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries. The US Department of War announced the inclusion of Pakistan as one of several international buyers under a recently modified arms contract with Raytheon, the American defence manufacturer responsible for producing the missile systems. According to the department’s notification, Raytheon received

India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri concluded a three-day visit to the United States on Thursday, where he led discussions on a broad range of strategic issues including trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit marked a continued deepening of bilateral ties, with both nations reaffirming their shared commitment to shaping a forward-looking partnership suited for the evolving global landscape. During his visit, the foreign secretary engaged in high-level meetin

In a historic move, the Government of India has scheduled a nationwide mock drill for May 7, 2025 the first such exercise since the 1971 Indo-Pak war. In light of rising tensions with Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued urgent directives for states to prepare their civil defence systems. The upcoming drill aims to assess and strengthen the country's readiness in the event of a hostile attack.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today delivered a forward-looking and comprehensive address at the convocation ceremony of the 80th Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) in Wellington. Stressing the importance of modernization, jointness, and preparedness, he urged the armed forces to be technologically empowered and resilient in facing evolving multi-domain threats in the current global security landscape. With 479 officers attending the 80th Staff Course, in

US Vice President JD Vance is set to visit India later this month, marking his second international trip since assuming office. Accompanying him on this visit will be Second Lady Usha Vance, who will visit her ancestral homeland for the first time in her official capacity. This visit follows JD Vance’s recent diplomatic trips to France and Germany, where he attended the Munich Security Conference and made headlines with his sharp critique of European governme

China has announced a 7.2% increase in its defence budget for 2024, raising military spending to $249 billion as the country continues its aggressive modernization efforts amid escalating regional tensions. The budget, which was revealed in a draft report submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) by Premier Li Qiang, underscores China’s strategic focus on military expansion in the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and its border with India. This increase follows China’s

During his two-day visit to India, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that the United States is taking steps to remove long-standing regulatory barriers preventing effective civil nuclear cooperation between India and the US. This move is expected to breathe new life into a landmark deal that has been in the works for over a decade. Sullivan revealed that the US is finalizing steps to enable cooperation between India’s nuclear agencies and US companies. The c

On December 13, 2024, the United States and China signed a bilateral science and technology agreement, revising a 45-year-old pact. However, this new agreement limits research collaboration and narrows the scope of topics allowed for joint study, reflecting heightened concerns over international research security. Governments worldwide, including the U.S., European Union, Canada, and Japan, have introduced stricter measures to safeguard sensitive scientific data from foreign interference, esp

India has officially declared 2025 as the "Year of Defence Reforms" with the goal of modernizing its military and enhancing synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined a nine-point reform plan that includes the creation of integrated theatre commands to improve collaboration and resource utilization among the three services. These reforms will ensure a technologically advanced, combat-ready force capable of operating across multiple domains