India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in Qingdao, China, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting scheduled for June 26. The visit holds diplomatic significance as it marks the first high-level engagement between India and China since the landmark October 2024 border agreement that helped de-escalate tensions after the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

Singh’s agenda at the SCO summit includes promoting India’s strategic outlook on regional peace and stability, reinforcing the need for joint action against terrorism, and calling for enhanced cooperation in trade, economic development, and connectivity among SCO member states.

The SCO, founded in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, has since expanded to include India and Pakistan. It serves as a multilateral platform aimed at countering Western geopolitical influence in the Eurasian region. The group has held several joint military exercises under the “Peace Mission” framework, most notably the 2007 edition involving more than 4,000 troops.

Singh is also expected to engage in bilateral talks with his counterparts from China and Russia to discuss evolving security dynamics in Asia, including concerns over terrorism, energy security, and military posturing in the Indo-Pacific. These discussions come at a time when India continues to carefully balance its strategic autonomy amid growing global polarization.

Despite recent agreements to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India remains cautious about China’s long-term intentions. Singh’s presence in Qingdao highlights India’s desire to use diplomatic channels like the SCO to protect its interests while encouraging greater multilateral cooperation.

As the SCO continues to expand its influence in regional security affairs, the outcome of this year’s defence ministers’ summit could shape the trajectory of strategic engagement among key Eurasian powers, particularly in the wake of ongoing conflicts and power realignments.

The Indian Army’s Western Command concluded a two-day Field Formation Commanders’ conclave at its headquarters in Chandimandir, focusing on critical lessons learned from Operation Sindoor and shaping future warfare capabilities. The event, chaired by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, PVSM, AVSM, Army Commander of the Western Command, brought together senior military leaders to assess operational readiness and chart out strategic advancements in technology and doctrine.

A key highlight of the conclave was the emphasis on indigenous drone development and the weaponization of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), seen as a pivotal tool in modern battlefield scenarios. This follows the success and tactical insights gained from Operation Sindoor, a recent operation that underscored the value of aerial surveillance and precision strike capabilities.

Deliberations also covered counter-drone strategies, integrated battlefield awareness, and the evolving role of autonomous systems. The discussions reinforced the importance of technology-driven military evolution, with leaders stressing the need to stay ahead of adversaries in asymmetric and high-tech warfare environments.

Lieutenant General Katiyar praised the participants for their commitment and honored several officers and innovators whose contributions have strengthened operational capabilities. He emphasized that continuous innovation and adaptability are essential to maintaining tactical superiority.

The conclave reflects the Indian Army’s broader modernization roadmap, which includes initiatives in artificial intelligence, robotics, and electronic warfare. These efforts aim to ensure technological self-reliance and strengthen India’s posture amid changing regional and global security dynamics.

As militaries worldwide shift toward future-oriented combat doctrines, the Western Command’s proactive engagement in such strategic reviews positions the Indian Army as a forward-looking force committed to operational excellence and national security.

A UK F-35B fighter jet that diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to adverse weather conditions is currently undergoing repairs after developing an engineering issue on the ground.

According to an official spokesperson from the British High Commission, the aircraft could not return to its carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, because of weather constraints and was diverted to ensure the pilot’s safety. The F-35B landed safely at the airport but has since experienced a technical fault that requires intervention from a UK-based engineering team.

Engineers aboard HMS Prince of Wales assessed the jet, but further diagnostics concluded that specialist equipment and technical expertise from the UK would be necessary to repair the aircraft. There is no current estimate for when the repair will be completed.

To avoid any disruption to airport operations, the fighter jet will be moved to a space within the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility once the required equipment and team arrive in India.

British officials have acknowledged the assistance provided by Indian authorities throughout the incident. “We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support,” said a spokesperson from the British High Commission.

Sources confirmed that the UK has coordinated closely with the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The British High Commission underscored that the safe landing, logistical arrangements, and ongoing security support are a testament to the strong military cooperation between the UK and India.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has made history as the first Indian in 40 years to travel to space, piloting the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as part of the international Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The spacecraft lifted off at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday after multiple delays, marking a landmark moment for India’s space journey since Rakesh Sharma’s mission aboard Salyut-7 in 1984. Shukla’s flight symbolizes not only a return of Indian presence to space but also reflects the growing global collaboration in crewed space exploration.

Shukla, born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is one of four astronauts selected for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. A decorated combat leader and test pilot in the Indian Air Force, he has logged over 2,000 flying hours across a range of aircraft including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

Joining Shukla on the Axiom-4 mission are mission commander and veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu. The mission is notable for marking the return of Poland and Hungary to human spaceflight alongside India.

Ahead of the mission, Shukla expressed hope that his journey would ignite scientific curiosity among Indian youth. “These are moments that tell you you’re part of something much bigger than yourself,” he said in a pre-launch video. “If this story, my story, can inspire even one life, it would be a huge success for me.”

Shukla’s selection for the mission came just a week before the team arrived at Axiom’s training facility. “I was extremely happy. This was my opportunity to actually fly to space,” he added.

As India awaits its first indigenous human spaceflight under ISRO’s Gaganyaan project, Shukla’s journey with Axiom Space stands as a powerful milestone, reinforcing India’s rising status in the domain of human spaceflight.

Reliance Defence Limited has clinched a major ₹600 crore export order from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, a leading German defense manufacturer, marking a significant milestone in India’s private defense manufacturing sector.

The order follows the recently announced strategic partnership between Reliance Defence, a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure Limited, and Rheinmetall. The deal is among the largest in the high-tech ammunition segment and is expected to significantly enhance India’s defense export footprint.

Calling the agreement a defining moment, Anil Ambani, Founder Chairman of Reliance Group, said, “The strategic partnership with Rheinmetall brings cutting-edge capabilities to India and positions Reliance Defence as a global supplier in the high-precision munitions domain. This collaboration reinforces our mission to support India’s defense needs and establish the country as a reliable participant in the global defense supply chain.”

Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to India’s defense sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “This partnership demonstrates Rheinmetall’s strong belief in India’s potential and its role as a strategic defense partner,” he said.

The collaboration aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing and accelerate the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” by building export-ready capabilities in munitions and other critical military technologies.

Reliance Defence is now aiming to position itself among the top three defense exporters in India, further contributing to the country’s growing presence in the global defense landscape.

The 107 Regular Course of the Indian Military Academy (IMA) celebrated 25 years of commissioned service to the nation on Tuesday, marking a milestone of steadfast dedication, leadership, and sacrifice.

The silver jubilee celebration began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in Delhi, where officers paid heartfelt homage to 11 brave coursemates who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The tribute underscored their courage and selflessness, remembered with reverence by fellow officers and their families.

An officer present at the ceremony said, “Their courage, dedication, and selflessness were remembered with reverence and pride by their coursemates and families.”

The commemorative events continued with a banquet that brought together both serving and retired officers from the 107 Regular Course. The gathering offered a moment of reflection on shared experiences and reaffirmed their commitment to the Indian Army’s values of duty, honour, and service to the motherland.

Commissioned on June 24, 2000, the 107 Regular Course has played a crucial role in shaping the operational and leadership framework of the Indian Army. Its officers have served with distinction across various arms and services in diverse and challenging operational environments.

The event served as a fitting tribute to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and the unwavering devotion of the officers to the nation over the past quarter century.

Kamalpreet Singh, a native of Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Nagar in Kapurthala, Punjab, has been commissioned as a Flying Officer (Aeronautical Engineer) in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). His achievement marks a proud continuation of his family’s legacy of military service and has been widely celebrated in his hometown.

A former student of Central and Army Schools in Kapurthala, Kamalpreet completed his engineering from DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology (DAVIET), Jalandhar. He began his professional journey at the Goindwal Power Plant in Punjab before migrating to Australia on a work permit in 2017. After seven years working as an engineer, he attained Australian permanent residency and citizenship.

He recently completed the Initial Officer Course at the Officer Training School in Sale, Victoria, qualifying for an officer’s commission in the Royal Australian Air Force. Speaking to the media, Kamalpreet said his commission was a matter of immense pride, stating, “This commission continues the proud tradition of military service in our family. I am honoured to serve and contribute to the safety and security of my adopted country.”

His father, Sewa Singh, and other family members expressed immense pride, recalling Kamalpreet’s childhood fascination with military life. The family has a long tradition of service, with Kamalpreet’s father and great-grandfather having served in the Indian Army. His elder brother, Sarabjit Singh, is currently serving in the New South Wales Police Force in Australia.

Kamalpreet’s commissioning has received widespread recognition in Kapurthala, with local residents, friends, and well-wishers lauding his dedication and perseverance. His story reflects the growing contribution and recognition of Indian-origin professionals in global defence services, particularly in roles demanding exceptional technical and leadership skills.