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Adani Secures $1 Billion from Global Investors for Mumbai Airport Expansion

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Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises and India’s largest private airport operator, has successfully raised USD 1 billion to support the expansion and modernization of Mumbai International Airport Ltd. (MIAL). The funding, structured through a mix of USD 750 million in notes maturing in July 2029 and an option for an additional USD 250 million, will refinance existing debt and fuel future capital expenditure plans.

This transaction is the first-ever investment-grade rated private bond issuance in India’s airport infrastructure sector. It underscores growing international confidence in India’s infrastructure story and the strength of Adani’s airport operating platform. The deal was led by Apollo-managed funds, with notable participation from institutional investors including BlackRock-managed funds and Standard Chartered.

The notes, backed by MIAL’s stable asset base and reliable cash flow, are expected to receive a BBB-/stable rating. According to AAHL, the financing framework provides the flexibility needed to push forward with key development and capacity enhancement initiatives at Mumbai’s key aviation hub.

In addition to modernisation, digitisation, and capacity upgrades, the funding is expected to advance MIAL’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2029, aligning with broader global sustainability trends.

“This successful issuance validates the strength of the Adani Airports’ operating platform, the robust fundamentals of Mumbai International Airport, and our commitment to sustainable infrastructure development,” said Arun Bansal, CEO of Adani Airports Holdings Ltd.

Legal counsel for MIAL was provided by Allen & Overy, Shearman & Sterling, and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, while Milbank LLP and Khaitan & Co. represented the investors. The deal follows AAHL’s earlier $750 million fundraising from global banks and further cements Adani’s ability to tap international capital markets to support infrastructure growth in India.

Air Force Chief AP Singh Meets Hellenic Air Force Leadership to Boost Defence Cooperation

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In a notable advancement of India’s international defence partnerships, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh arrived in Greece on June 23, 2025, for an official visit aimed at deepening bilateral military cooperation. He was received with ceremonial honors by Lieutenant General (P) Dimosthenis Grigoriadis, Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, in a gesture underscoring the strategic importance of the Indo-Greek relationship.

During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Singh was briefed on the structure, mission, and operational capabilities of the Hellenic Air Force. Discussions between the two military chiefs centered on intensifying collaboration in the domains of operations and training. This engagement builds on the momentum created by recent joint air exercises, including “Iniochos 23,” the upcoming “Iniochos 25,” and the multilateral exercise “Tarang Shakti 24,” all of which have contributed to stronger interoperability and strategic synergy.

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The visit featured the exchange of commemorative plaques and a ceremonial guard of honor, highlighting the growing respect and camaraderie between the two forces. Air Chief Marshal Singh is also scheduled to visit key installations, including Hellenic Air Force Combat Wings and the Hellenic Air Force Academy at Dekelia Air Base in Tatoi.

This high-level engagement follows the 2024 signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement between India and Greece, which institutionalized mechanisms for joint exercises, officer exchanges, and knowledge sharing. Since the agreement’s implementation, joint training hours have risen by 15%, according to defence ministry figures.

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Strategic analysts view the strengthening Indo-Greek defence ties as a response to regional tensions, particularly those involving Turkey. Recent satellite imagery has indicated damage to key Turkish airbases, suggesting shifting alignments in the Eastern Mediterranean—a dynamic in which India’s presence is increasingly viewed as a stabilizing force.

The Indo-Greek partnership is expected to broaden into intelligence sharing, joint technological development, and innovation in air combat systems, reflecting India’s expanding role as a global defence partner in a complex and evolving geopolitical landscape.

India Pushes for Renegotiation of Ganga Water Treaty with Bangladesh

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In a significant diplomatic shift, the Indian government has formally pressed Bangladesh for a review of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, signaling a demand for more water to support the country’s developmental and industrial needs. The treaty, originally signed on December 12, 1996, is set to expire next year, and India is advocating for a new agreement with a shorter tenure of 10 to 15 years to allow for greater flexibility in future negotiations.

The push comes in the wake of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. Indian officials view the Ganga treaty’s extension in a new strategic light, particularly after diplomatic tensions surged across the region. “Before Pahalgam, we were inclined to extend the treaty for another 30 years, but the situation changed drastically afterward,” a senior official from the Ministry of External Affairs said.

India’s primary concern revolves around the Farakka Barrage, where the current water-sharing formula provides 35,000 cusecs of water alternately to India and Bangladesh for 10-day periods during the lean season (March 11 to May 11). India now seeks an additional 30,000–35,000 cusecs during this critical time frame to meet growing demands, especially for irrigation, port maintenance, and power generation.

Internal discussions indicate that the Farakka Barrage was originally intended to divert 40,000 cusecs of water to the Kolkata Port (now Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port). Officials say the 1996 arrangement has compromised the port’s functioning due to slope failure, bed erosion, and heavy siltation. Moreover, the NTPC plant in the region has reportedly faced periodic water shortages.

The Union government’s renewed stand has the backing of the West Bengal government, which is a direct beneficiary of increased water flow. Bihar has also voiced the need for additional Ganga water to support both irrigation and drinking water infrastructure.

India’s diplomatic outreach to Bangladesh in early May included conveying these concerns during a routine bilateral water-sharing dialogue. However, relations have been strained since the 2024 coup in Bangladesh, which has complicated ongoing diplomatic efforts and heightened India’s security calculus.

Indian officials argue that as the upper riparian state, it is time for India’s interests to be prioritized. “How long can we continue to show generosity to support our neighbour when they don’t value our contribution?” an official remarked, citing past grievances from the West Bengal government.

With the treaty up for renewal in 2026, negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming months, potentially setting the tone for a new phase in India-Bangladesh water diplomacy.

IAF Deploys C-17 Aircraft to Rescue Indians from Jordan and Egypt

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In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a large-scale evacuation mission to rescue over 160 Indian nationals stranded in Jordan and Egypt, amid intensifying instability in West Asia. The mission, executed in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, highlights India’s resolve to protect its citizens and assist allied nations during international emergencies.

Using its C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, the IAF has demonstrated strategic airlift capability under high-pressure conditions. The aircraft, capable of transporting over 100 troops or large cargo loads, proved vital as commercial air travel options were disrupted by widespread airspace closures in the region. Images released show evacuees onboard, supported by IAF crews trained in rapid deployment and humanitarian assistance.

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This operation follows the precedent set by Operation Sindhu in 2023, when India successfully evacuated citizens from Israel during the conflict with Hamas. However, the current mission goes a step further by extending support to foreign nationals as well, indicating a strategic evolution in India’s foreign policy posture. According to recent analysis from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, such moves signal India’s increasing willingness to assume a leadership role in international crisis response, particularly in the Middle East.

With the situation on the ground volatile and evolving, the IAF remains on high operational alert. Multiple sorties are planned over the coming days to ensure no citizen is left behind. Officials stress that real-time intelligence and diplomatic coordination are guiding every stage of the mission, reflecting a shift toward precision-led, globally responsible evacuation protocols.

India’s latest effort reinforces its image as a dependable global responder and underscores its capability to project soft power through decisive action, particularly when the safety of its diaspora and global partners is at stake.

Red Shield Division Commander Visits Sainik School Imphal, Lauds Cadet Achievements and Regional Progress

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Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Red Shield Division paid a special visit to Sainik School Imphal, commemorating a landmark occasion that reflects both the institution’s enduring legacy and its growing role in shaping future military leaders. Nestled amid the remote and often restive hills of Manipur, the school has remained a beacon of discipline, patriotism, and resilience since its founding.

A key highlight of the visit was the celebration of six alumni who were recently commissioned as officers in the Indian Army, reaffirming the school’s contribution to national service over the past 60 years. With more than 600 officers produced to date, Sainik School Imphal continues to defy odds posed by decades of regional insurgency and limited access to resources, emerging as one of the Northeast’s leading training grounds for military aspirants.

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The event also spotlighted an inspiring feat achieved by four cadets—two of them girls—who completed a challenging expedition to Everest Base Camp. The cadets trekked 112 kilometers over extreme terrain, ascending to 5,364 meters. This achievement underscores the mental and physical toughness fostered at the institution. Studies such as those published in the Journal of Mountain Medicine in 2023 emphasize the cognitive and physiological benefits of high-altitude training for adolescents, supporting such initiatives in youth development.

In a major boost to the school’s training environment, the Lt Gen Pendharkar inaugurated new, state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to better equip students for the rigors of military life. The enhancements address longstanding infrastructure deficits commonly faced by rural institutions in India, particularly in the Northeast.

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The visit also recalled the legacy of the Red Shield Division’s contributions to regional development, including Operation Rainbow in 2005—a civil-military outreach program that stabilized insurgency-hit areas through education and humanitarian assistance. By continuing this tradition, the Indian Army remains an important pillar of support in areas like Manipur, often underserved due to geographical and socio-political complexities.

Lt Gen Pendharkar’s visit, filled with symbolic and tangible outcomes, reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering local potential and strengthening ties with the civilian population. As Manipur navigates its path through socio-political transitions, institutions like Sainik School Imphal stand at the frontline of hope, discipline, and national integration.

Northern Army Commander Reviews Air Defence Readiness of Whiteknight Brigade

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Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, conducted a high-level review of the Whiteknight Air Defence Brigade to evaluate its preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges along India’s volatile northern borders. The visit comes amid heightened alertness following recent cross-border drone incursions and the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.

During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma commended the unit for its swift and calibrated role in Operation Sindoor—a precision operation that dealt a strategic blow to terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control. This operation underscored the operational synergy between India’s air defence and intelligence networks, with advanced platforms like the S-400 Triumf and Akash surface-to-air missile systems playing a key role in deterring aerial threats and neutralizing hostile drones.

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The Whiteknight Corps, headquartered in Nagrota since 1972, has been instrumental in India’s counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma’s inspection covered a wide array of activities, including hands-on assessments of the latest air defence assets, electronic warfare modules, and readiness drills. The commander, who previously served as the Director General of Information Warfare, also held discussions with troops and unit commanders on integrating psychological operations and cyber capabilities into air defence frameworks.

The operational review conducted on June 20 validated the brigade’s high state of alertness, adaptability, and technological proficiency. The brigade’s layered defence setup, supported by mobile radar units, interceptor batteries, and real-time coordination with central command structures, was particularly lauded for its deterrence value in high-conflict zones.

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In addition to his assessment of military preparedness, Lt Gen Sharma engaged with local veterans and their families as part of the Indian Army’s continuing outreach under the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare. The Whiteknight formation remains a key player in ensuring both border security and veteran engagement in this strategically vital theatre.

Lt Gen Sharma’s visit reaffirmed the Indian Army’s commitment to modernizing its force posture in northern India. His emphasis on multi-domain integration—ranging from kinetic firepower to information warfare—signals a doctrinal shift in how India plans to counter hybrid threats in the future. The Whiteknight Air Defence Brigade, with its proven track record and renewed focus, stands as a critical shield in India’s defensive architecture.

OTA Cadets Engage with Advanced Military Tech at MCEME Secunderabad

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In a significant step toward strengthening the technological acumen of future military leaders, a group of 45 officer cadets from the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, undertook a field visit to the prestigious Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME) in Secunderabad. The visit aimed to expose the cadets to the critical role of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) in sustaining the Indian Army’s combat readiness through advanced technical innovation, maintenance, and engineering support.

As the Indian Army increasingly transitions into a technology-intensive force, such initiatives are becoming essential in shaping a new generation of officers who are as proficient in battlefield tactics as they are in understanding and managing complex defence systems. The cadets, currently undergoing a rigorous 49-week training programme for Short Service Commission, were introduced to the wide-ranging responsibilities of the EME Corps in the design, development, maintenance, and modernisation of military hardware.

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The visit featured multiple immersive demonstrations and live displays. Among the key highlights were a detailed scaled-down model of a modern military facility showcasing EME’s infrastructure planning capabilities, a functional drone system that illustrated real-time surveillance applications in operations, and a historically significant artillery gun, linking the evolution of military technology with contemporary innovation. These exhibits allowed the cadets to gain a firsthand understanding of how legacy systems are integrated with cutting-edge upgrades to meet the demands of current and future conflicts.

Experienced instructors from MCEME, many of whom are veterans in defence technology and battlefield logistics, conducted interactive sessions with the visiting cadets. These sessions emphasized how the EME Corps has expanded its role beyond traditional maintenance to becoming a strategic pillar in supporting high-tech platforms such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare systems, communication networks, and cyber defence modules. Cadets also learned how the Corps has been instrumental in the integration of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and simulation systems into Indian Army operations—technologies increasingly considered game-changers in modern warfare.

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Established in 1943 during World War II, MCEME has grown into one of the premier technical training institutes of the Indian Army. Over the decades, it has continuously upgraded its curriculum and infrastructure to stay ahead of evolving battlefield needs. Today, the college not only trains Indian Army personnel but also hosts officers from friendly foreign nations, reinforcing India’s soft power and defence diplomacy.

The visit comes at a time when a 2023 Defence Modernisation Study highlighted that approximately 70% of a military force’s operational readiness now hinges on technical support systems. This makes the role of engineers and technical officers pivotal, particularly in hybrid warfare environments where electronic disruption, drone incursions, and AI-enabled decision-making can dictate the course of battle.

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Incorporating this understanding into the training of officer cadets is a strategic move that aligns with the Indian Army’s broader vision of creating a tech-savvy, agile, and adaptive leadership cadre. The cadets engaged in discussions on how leadership must evolve from being merely command-driven to being data-informed and technologically integrated. Many cadets expressed admiration for the scale of innovation at MCEME and recognized the importance of embracing technical knowledge as a core component of their future roles.

The visit was not merely an academic exercise but also a symbol of the Indian Army’s commitment to a future-ready force. The lessons learned by the cadets will likely influence their approach to leadership and operational decision-making as they transition into active duty. It also reinforced the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative, which emphasizes infrastructural, doctrinal, and human capital transformation to meet the challenges of an increasingly volatile and complex security environment.

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As India aspires to become a leading global military power, initiatives like these, blending tradition with technology, are shaping a new generation of officers equipped to lead in both conventional and unconventional theatres of war. The event concluded with a group photograph and a commemorative address by senior MCEME faculty, urging the cadets to become lifelong learners and innovators in service of the nation.

Israeli Airstrikes Target IRGC, Internal Security Command Centers in Tehran

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Israeli Air Force jets launched precision strikes on several high-value military command centers belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Internal Security Forces in Tehran, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed. These attacks were coordinated with intelligence from the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate and mark a major escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Iran.

The targeted sites included the headquarters of the Basij, a powerful paramilitary wing of the IRGC known for enforcing Islamic law and internal surveillance, as well as the Alborz Corps, which is responsible for maintaining regime stability across the Tehran District. In addition, the Intelligence and General Security Police—both integral to Iran’s internal security apparatus—were struck during the operation.

According to the IDF, these command centers play a vital role in enabling the Iranian regime to maintain military and internal control. The airstrikes dealt a significant blow to Tehran’s ability to project power domestically and regionally, the Israeli military stated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following the strikes, stating that Israel is nearing its strategic objectives in Iran. He emphasized that the operation seeks to neutralize two existential threats: Iran’s nuclear weapons program and its growing arsenal of ballistic missiles.

“We are very, very close to completing them,” Netanyahu said, referencing the goals of the operation. He added that Israel had inflicted “very serious damage” to Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility and claimed that more than half of Iran’s ballistic missile launchers had been destroyed in the past ten days.

The Israeli offensive follows the United States’ Operation Midnight Hammer, which involved airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities. Netanyahu said he had shared Israel’s concerns with U.S. President Donald Trump, who he claimed understood the necessity of Israel’s actions.

The Prime Minister further suggested that Iran’s military and financial support to Hamas and Hezbollah is central to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that weakening Tehran would contribute directly to Israel’s campaign against Hamas. He reiterated that the war in Gaza could end immediately if Hamas surrendered and released all remaining hostages.

The situation remains volatile, with the potential for wider regional escalation as Iran weighs its response. Israel’s actions mark one of the most direct attacks on Iranian soil targeting military infrastructure, further straining already fragile regional dynamics.

DRDO Offers 28 Indigenous Weapon Systems for Emergency Military Procurement

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has presented a comprehensive list of 28 indigenously developed weapon systems for emergency procurement by the Indian armed forces. The decision is aimed at accelerating military readiness amid heightened security challenges, including those posed by ongoing operations such as Operation Sindoor.

The emergency procurement process, designed to bypass traditional acquisition timelines, enables delivery of critical systems within 3 to 6 months. This approach supports the government’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which emphasizes rapid indigenization and self-reliance in the defence sector.

The offered systems span a wide range of capabilities, including advanced missile systems, combat vehicles, electronic warfare tools, and unmanned platforms. DRDO’s portfolio includes established systems like the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Prithvi and Astra missiles, Nag and HELINA anti-tank systems, and UAVs such as Rustom. These technologies are either in active service or in various stages of deployment and mass production.

Of particular note is the Very Short Range Air Defence System – Next Generation (VSHORADS-NG), which is poised to replace the ageing Russian-origin Igla-1M. The man-portable air defence system features state-of-the-art infrared homing technology, a 6-kilometre engagement range, and is built for use in high-altitude and adverse weather conditions. The Indian Army has already begun procuring this system as part of its modernization efforts.

The DRDO’s emergency offerings come at a time when the Indian military is expected to make quick acquisitions worth around ₹40,000 crore to meet immediate requirements under Operation Sindoor. These procurements are being managed jointly by all three services and defence finance officials to ensure transparent, efficient execution.

This initiative reinforces India’s strategic aim to reduce dependency on foreign defence imports and empower its domestic defence industry. By equipping the armed forces with high-performance indigenous systems on an expedited timeline, India is enhancing both its operational edge and technological sovereignty.

Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth Commends High Training Standards and Engages with Veteran Community in Pune

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Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, conducted a key visit to the headquarters of the Maharashtra Gujarat & Goa Area to assess the Indian Army’s operational preparedness and oversee welfare initiatives for veterans.

The senior commander expressed satisfaction with the high levels of training and capacity building achieved in the region, calling it a testament to the Army’s growing combat efficiency. His remarks align with a 2023 Centre for Land Warfare Studies report noting a 15% rise in operational readiness across commands since 2020.

During the visit, Lt Gen Seth inaugurated a newly established Section Hospital and an Integrated Veterans Complex, aimed at enhancing medical support for both serving personnel and ex-servicemen. These developments follow a Ministry of Defence report from 2024 that recorded a 20% rise in defence healthcare investments, addressing gaps identified in previous parliamentary reviews.

A key component of the visit was his interaction with the Veteran Community, including war widows (Veer Naris) and ex-servicemen. The engagement underscores the Indian Army’s longstanding focus on veteran welfare, which global defence observers have described as distinctive among major armed forces.

The visit is part of the Indian Army’s ongoing “Decade of Transformation” drive, which focuses on infrastructure modernization, welfare integration, and enhanced operational capability. General Seth’s review reaffirms the Army’s twin commitment to national security and the continued well-being of its veterans, reflecting broader national goals of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

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