Saturday, August 2, 2025
30.7 C
Delhi
Home Blog

No Formal Discussions Held Yet: Centre on U.S. F-35 Jets Query in Lok Sabha

0

The Government of India has officially confirmed that no formal discussions have taken place with the United States regarding the procurement of F-35 fifth-generation fighter jets. This clarification came in response to a parliamentary query raised in the Lok Sabha.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh made the statement in reply to a question by Congress MP Balwant Baswant Wankhade. The minister stated that despite references in the India-US joint statement after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington in February 2025—where potential review of US policy on transferring advanced platforms like the F-35 was mentioned—no concrete negotiations or proposals have emerged.

The statement aligns with recent reports from international media, including Bloomberg, which suggested that India has not actively pursued any immediate defensive procurements from the US, especially the F-35 stealth fighters.

Instead, India appears to be recalibrating its economic and diplomatic response to the recent 25% tariff hike imposed by the US on Indian exports. The tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump and effective from August 1, 2025, have reportedly surprised Indian officials. Rather than retaliate, India is exploring options to boost imports from the US—such as natural gas, communication technology, and gold—to stabilise trade relations.

The Centre’s stance on the F-35 reflects its broader emphasis on self-reliance in defence under the “Make in India” campaign. During his Washington visit, Prime Minister Modi reportedly communicated India’s preference for joint development initiatives over direct purchases of platforms like the F-35A stealth jet, which President Trump had strongly pitched.

Defence analysts view India’s rejection of the F-35 offer as a strategic decision rooted in long-term sovereignty, despite limitations in indigenous defence manufacturing and operational challenges in platforms like the TEJAS fighter program. India is also reportedly evaluating alternatives like Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation jets and exploring deeper defence cooperation with countries such as France.

Recent tensions in India-US relations have been further strained by President Trump’s critical comments on India’s trade policies and strategic ties with Russia. His social media posts dismissing India and Russia as “dead economies” have sparked diplomatic discomfort, even as formal communication between the two nations continues, including US engagement in de-escalation talks after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Amidst growing trade frictions and shifting geopolitical priorities, the Indian government remains committed to a non-escalatory, diplomatically balanced approach—keeping defence co-development, economic diplomacy, and indigenous capability enhancement at the centre of its strategic policy.

Operation Akhal: Three Terrorists Killed in Kulgam Forest Encounter

0

Three terrorists have been neutralised by security forces in a fierce encounter during Operation Akhal in the Akhal forest area of Devsar locality in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district. The joint operation was carried out by the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police based on credible intelligence inputs.

The encounter began on Friday evening when security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the dense forest following reports of terrorist movement. The operation escalated into a gunfight after terrorists opened fire on the troops. One of the slain terrorists has been identified as Haris Nazir, a resident of Pulwama and a Category-C militant affiliated with Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Officials stated that intermittent gunfire continued through the night, with a particularly intense firefight reported around 4 am on Saturday. The terrain and darkness delayed retrieval operations, but the area remains under a tight cordon. It is suspected that 2–3 foreign terrorists may still be hiding in the area, and the operation remains active with further search and engagement underway.

This encounter is part of a broader counter-terror crackdown dubbed Operation Mahadev, under which security forces earlier this week eliminated three Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists involved in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed in Parliament that one of the neutralised militants, Suleiman, was the mastermind behind that attack.

Recent days have seen a spike in counter-terror activity across Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces foiled an infiltration attempt in Poonch’s Kalsian-Gulpur area just days before the Kulgam encounter, killing two infiltrators trying to cross the Line of Control.

In a separate incident, Indian Army Agniveer Lalit Kumar died in a landmine explosion on July 25 while patrolling the Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch. While July has seen fewer incidents compared to the spring months, the number of encounters and militant casualties has risen from June.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out terrorism in the region. Officials assure that the joint forces will continue their efforts to secure the area and ensure the safety of civilians as Operation Akhal continues in the Kulgam forests.

Russia’s Oreshnik Hypersonic Missile Enters Service, to Be Deployed in Belarus by Year-End

0

President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Russia’s latest hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, has officially entered military service and will be deployed in Belarus by the end of 2025. The announcement signals a significant escalation in Moscow’s confrontation with NATO, particularly over the war in Ukraine.

Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Valaam Island near St. Petersburg, Putin said that deployment sites in Belarus had already been selected. “Preparatory work is ongoing, and most likely we will be done with it before the year’s end,” he stated. “The first series of Oreshniks and their systems have been produced and entered military service.”

The Oreshnik missile, named after the Russian word for hazelnut tree, reportedly made its combat debut in November when Russia launched it at a missile production facility in Dnipro, Ukraine. Russian military officials claim the missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and travel at speeds up to Mach 10, allowing it to bypass most Western missile defense systems.

Putin emphasized the missile’s destructive potential, saying that “its multiple warheads that plunge to a target at speeds up to Mach 10 are immune to being intercepted.” He added that “the use of several of them in one conventional strike could be as devastating as a nuclear attack.”

The Russian president also issued a stern warning to NATO countries supplying long-range weapons to Ukraine, suggesting that Moscow could use Oreshnik missiles in retaliation beyond Ukrainian territory.

“If Kyiv uses NATO-supplied missiles to strike Russia, we could respond using systems like Oreshnik, even beyond Ukraine,” Putin warned.

Belarus, which shares a 673-mile border with Ukraine, has become increasingly militarized since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Putin and Lukashenko signed a security pact that placed Belarus under Russia’s nuclear umbrella, allowing for the stationing of Russian tactical nuclear weapons within Belarusian territory.

President Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for over three decades, has become one of Moscow’s closest allies. In December, he claimed that Belarus already hosts “several dozen” Russian nuclear weapons. With the upcoming deployment of Oreshnik missiles, Belarus is set to become a crucial forward operating base in Russia’s strategic calculus against the West.

Raj Kumar Arora Assumes Charge as New Controller General of Defence Accounts

0

Raj Kumar Arora, a 1990-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has officially assumed charge as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). The appointment marks a significant step in the administration of defence finances, with Shri Arora bringing vast experience in financial policy, auditing, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and personnel management.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Shri Arora has held several key positions in the Government of India. These include serving as Additional Secretary in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Finance Manager (Air) in the Acquisition Wing of the Ministry of Defence, and Director in the Ministry of Finance. He has also served as Integrated Financial Advisor (IFA) in various Commands and field offices under the Defence Accounts Department.

In addition, Shri Arora played a crucial role in the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) as Member (Finance), contributing significantly to financial oversight and modernization efforts in India’s defence production ecosystem.

The Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) is the apex post in the Defence Accounts Department, which plays a vital role in the financial management of India’s Armed Forces. As CGDA, Shri Arora will be responsible for overseeing defence expenditure, audits, and financial advisory functions across the Ministry of Defence.

With his proven track record in financial governance and administrative leadership, Shri Raj Kumar Arora’s appointment is expected to strengthen fiscal discipline, transparency, and efficiency within the defence financial ecosystem.

Meet Vice Admiral Manish Chadha: The New Commandant of Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

0

In a prestigious change of guard, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha, AVSM, VSM, has officially taken charge as the new Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, succeeding Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair, AVSM, NM. The ceremonial handover marked a significant transition at Asia’s largest naval training institution.

Press Release

Who Is Vice Admiral Manish Chadha?

A highly decorated naval officer with over three decades of service, Vice Admiral Chadha is a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist, trained at the National Defense University, USA, and the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. He is an alumnus of the 78th NDA course and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1991.

Vice Admiral Chadha

Highlights of His Naval Career

Ship Commands and Operational Expertise

  • ICGS-05: Early command in Coast Guard operations.
  • INS Veer & INS Kirpan: Commanded missile corvettes, demonstrating tactical acumen.
  • INS Mysore (D60): Led a frontline guided missile destroyer.
  • INS Talwar (F40): Served as Executive Officer.

Strategic Staff Roles

  • Director, Project Amber & Rukmani: Spearheaded naval communication upgrades.
  • Naval Attaché to Russia: Enhanced Indo-Russian naval cooperation.
  • Director, International Fleet Review 2016: Orchestrated one of India’s grandest naval displays.
Vice Admiral Chadha at INA

Leadership at Flag Rank

Flag Officer Commanding Gujarat & Maharashtra Naval Areas

  • FOGNA (2021–2022): Oversaw operations in Gujarat and Union Territories.
  • FOMA (2023–2025): Led Maharashtra Naval Area, including Mumbai-based naval assets.

Personnel & HR Development

  • Served twice at Naval HQ as Assistant Chief of Personnel:
    • Admin & Civilian Personnel
    • Human Resource Development – directly aligning with his new INA role.
Vice Admiral Chadha With Fellow Officer

Awards and Decorations

  • Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) – 2025
  • Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) – 2017
    These awards reflect his outstanding contributions to India’s maritime strength.

About the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala

  • Located in Kerala’s Kannur district, spread over 2,452 acres, with 7 km of beachfront.
  • Commissioned in 2009, inaugurated by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
  • Trains officers for the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies.
  • Awarded the President’s Colour in 2019, the highest military honour for an institution.

Legacy of Predecessor – Vice Admiral C.R. Praveen Nair

Vice Admiral Praveen Nair served as INA Commandant from August 2024 to July 2025. His tenure was marked by infrastructure upgrades, curriculum innovation, and international outreach. He now serves as Controller Personnel Services (CPS) at Naval HQ.

Vice Admiral Chadha Taking Over

Vision Under Vice Admiral Manish Chadha

Focus Areas:

  • Modernized Naval Education: Integrating electronic warfare and digital technologies.
  • International Collaboration: Strengthening training ties with foreign naval forces.
  • Leadership Training: Elevating INA’s role as a global center for naval excellence.

Conclusion

With his vast operational experience, strategic insight, and HR leadership, Vice Admiral Manish Chadha is well-positioned to steer the Indian Naval Academy into a new era. His appointment signals continuity, modernization, and global outreach in India’s naval education and officer development programs.

Lt Gen RC Tiwari Reviews Readiness and Drone Capabilities in Manipur

0

Lieutenant General RC Tiwari, Commander of the Eastern Command, conducted a detailed assessment of the operational preparedness of Indian Army and Assam Rifles units in Manipur, with a special focus on the integration of drone technology into field operations.

Lt Gen RC Tiwari Reviewing Operational Preparedness in Manipur

The visit, which covered the Chandel district and Andro, highlighted the Indian Army’s strategic emphasis on technology-driven surveillance and counter-insurgency. In Chandel, Lt Gen Tiwari inspected the Drone Training Node and reviewed the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in enhancing real-time intelligence and border security. The node has recently supported successful operations, including the apprehension of two militants near the Indo-Myanmar border on June 20.

Lt Gen Tiwari Reviewing Preparedness 1

In Andro, Lt Gen Tiwari interacted with troops and appreciated their high morale and professionalism. He reiterated the importance of continued vigilance and innovation in addressing security challenges in Manipur, which has witnessed persistent ethnic violence since May 2023, leading to over 200 deaths and large-scale displacement.

The Army’s focus on drones reflects a broader shift in global military operations. A RAND Corporation study indicated that UAV use led to a 40% increase in efficiency during tactical missions. Indian defense experts believe such capabilities are vital along sensitive regions like the Myanmar border.

Lt Gen Tiwari with Other Officers

Lt Gen Tiwari’s review reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to modernization and maintaining peace in the Northeast, especially as the region remains a cornerstone of India’s strategic interests.

Terrorist Killed in Ongoing Anti-Terror Operation ‘Akhal’ in J&K’s Kulgam

0

A terrorist was killed in an ongoing anti-terror operation ‘Akhal’ by security forces in the Akhal area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday. The operation, which began on Friday evening, entered its second day as security personnel continued combing operations in the dense forest area.

According to the Army’s Chinar Corps, intermittent and intense firefights took place through the night. “Alert troops responded with calibrated fire and tightened the noose while maintaining contact. One terrorist has been neutralised by the security forces so far. Operation continues,” the Army said in a statement posted on X.

The encounter began after a joint team of the Army, J&K Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), and the CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

This is the third major encounter in Jammu and Kashmir this week. A total of six terrorists have been killed in the recent operations, including the three involved in the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

Security forces remain on high alert across south Kashmir as anti-terror operations continue in multiple districts to root out infiltrating and hiding militants. The identity and affiliation of the terrorist killed in the Kulgam encounter are yet to be officially confirmed.

Further updates are awaited as the operation remains active.

IPS Sonali Mishra Takes Charge as First Woman Director General of Railway Protection Force

0

In a landmark development for India’s security forces, Ms. Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). With this appointment, she becomes the first woman to head the central armed police force in its 143-year history.

Also Read: Meet IPS Sonali Mishra: First Woman to Be Appointed as Director General of the Railway Protection Force

Her appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and will continue until her superannuation on October 31, 2026. Ms. Mishra brings with her over three decades of service across key policing roles, both in India and abroad.

Prior to assuming charge of the RPF, she served as Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh, along with the additional responsibilities of ADG at the Police Training & Research Institute and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy in Bhopal. She has also held key roles in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Border Security Force (BSF), and has international peacekeeping experience with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.

IPS Sonali Mishra Getting Congratulated 1

Recognized for her commitment to excellence, she has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

The Railway Protection Force, functioning under the Ministry of Railways, is tasked with safeguarding railway property, ensuring passenger security, and preventing crime across India’s vast railway network. With a sanctioned strength of over 74,000 personnel, the RPF operates across thousands of stations and trains daily.

Under Ms. Mishra’s leadership, the Force is expected to focus on modernization through the adoption of advanced technology, improved coordination in crime prevention, and stronger measures against human trafficking and crimes targeting vulnerable passengers.

On taking charge, Ms. Mishra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed her commitment to the RPF’s motto “Yasho Labhasva,” which translates to “Attain Honour.” She emphasized her dedication to the values of vigilance, courage, and public service.

The RPF welcomed its new Director General with optimism, looking ahead to a new era of reform, innovation, and inclusive leadership under her guidance.

US Restricts Official Visits to Karachi Hotels Amid Security Threat

0

The United States has temporarily restricted visits by its government personnel to luxury hotels in Karachi following a reported security threat. The advisory was issued by the U.S. State Department after the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi received credible information indicating a possible threat aimed at high-end hotels in the city.

According to the security alert, the consulate has advised all official U.S. personnel to refrain from visiting these hotels until further notice. The nature of the threat has not been publicly disclosed, but the measure underscores heightened concerns over the safety of American nationals in the region.

The alert also advised American citizens in Karachi to avoid crowded places, maintain a low profile, and exercise increased caution, especially in areas popular among tourists and Westerners, including markets, restaurants, and shopping malls.

The State Department already maintains a travel advisory for Pakistan, urging U.S. citizens to reconsider travel due to the ongoing threat of terrorism and potential for armed conflict. The recent development in Karachi adds to growing security challenges in the region, especially as Pakistan continues to deal with political instability and sporadic militant violence.

US Deploys Nuclear Submarines After Trump’s Warning to Medvedev Over ‘Highly Provocative’ Remarks

0

US President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to undisclosed strategic locations following a fierce exchange with Dmitry Medvedev, former President of Russia and current Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.

Trump’s response came after Medvedev posted a statement on Telegram mocking the US and making indirect references to Cold War-era nuclear strategy. Calling Medvedev’s remarks “highly provocative,” Trump said, “I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that.”

In his post on X, Trump further warned, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.”

Trump Tweet

The verbal clash was triggered when Trump referred to Medvedev as the “failed former President of Russia” and dismissed India’s trade relations with Russia while announcing new tariffs and penalty charges against New Delhi. “They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump said, claiming that India imposed some of the highest tariffs in the world.

Reacting to Trump’s criticism, Medvedev wrote, “If a few words from the former president of Russia can provoke such a jittery reaction from the mighty President of the United States, then Russia must be completely in the right.” Taking a dig at Trump’s remarks about “dead economies,” Medvedev sarcastically invoked Russia’s Cold War-era “Dead Hand” nuclear retaliation system.

The back-and-forth has raised alarm among international observers, given the nuclear undertones and Trump’s direct military orders. The US Department of Defense has not disclosed the exact deployment location of the submarines, but the move is being closely watched amid rising global geopolitical uncertainty.