The Indian Army successfully conducted “Exercise Teesta Prahar,” a large-scale military drill held at the Teesta Field Firing Range in North Bengal from January 21 to January 31, 2023. The exercise, announced through a post by @trishakticorps on social media platform X, involved a wide array of military formations including Infantry, Artillery, Armoured Corps, Mechanised Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation units, Engineers, and Signals. The drill was marked by seamless coordination and interoperability across these branches.
Exercise #TeestaPrahar at Teesta Field Firing Range showcased synergy across Infantry, Artillery, Armoured, Mechanised Infantry, Special Forces, Aviation, Engineers & Signals.
— Trishakticorps_IA (@trishakticorps) May 15, 2025
Designed to validate operational readiness, the exercise focused on joint operations, technology-driven warfare, rapid troop movement, and high-altitude combat capabilities. One of the key highlights was the Integrated Fire Power Exercise, where assets from the Indian Air Force and Airborne Special Forces operated in tandem within a fully networked environment—underscoring the Army’s modern warfare capabilities.
However, the Teesta Field Firing Range, a strategic site for such operations, has been at the center of environmental debate. In March 2023, the West Bengal government requested the Army to consider relocating the range, citing concerns over wildlife safety. The request followed incidents where four elephants were killed during live-fire drills—raising urgent questions about balancing defense preparedness with environmental protection.
Despite these challenges, “Exercise Teesta Prahar” reaffirmed the Indian Army’s resolve to remain combat-ready. It emphasized the critical need for continuous training and the integration of advanced technologies, even as the armed forces confront the dual imperatives of national security and ecological responsibility.
A high-stakes counter-terrorism operation, codenamed Operation Nader, was launched early Thursday morning in the Nader area of Tral, Awantipora, by joint security forces comprising the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
The operation was initiated based on credible intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of armed terrorists in the region. As security personnel conducted a cordon and search operation, they encountered suspicious movement, following which terrorists opened heavy fire, sparking a fierce gunbattle.
According to initial reports, the operation is still ongoing, with no official confirmation yet on the number of casualties or the identity of the terrorists. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and reinforcements have been deployed to prevent any escape or infiltration.
This development follows a recent surge in militant activity in the Valley, including the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this month. In a separate encounter just days ago in Shopian, Indian forces neutralized three terrorists, including a local commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba/The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF). Multiple AK-series rifles, ammunition, and war-like stores were recovered from the scene.
The Tral area, once a stronghold of Hizbul Mujahideen, was officially declared militant-free in 2020. However, sporadic incidents continue to test the fragile peace in South Kashmir. Security officials suggest that new recruits and infiltrators are attempting to reestablish terror networks in the region.
The Chinar Corps, headquartered in Srinagar, remains at the forefront of the Indian Army’s counter-insurgency grid in Jammu and Kashmir. Amid rising tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) and ongoing militant activity, forces have ramped up surveillance, patrols, and coordinated intelligence-based operations.
The central government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, and today’s operation underscores India’s continued commitment to dismantling militant infrastructure in the Valley.
Further updates on Operation Nader are expected as the situation unfolds.
In a landmark victory for India’s counterinsurgency campaign, security forces have concluded Operation Black Forest, a 21-day operation that eliminated 31 Naxalites, including top commanders, in the dense Karreguttalu Hill (KGH) region along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border. Authorities have hailed the operation as the largest and most successful strike against Naxal forces in the nation’s history.
The neutralized insurgents—who carried a collective bounty of ₹1.72 crore—belonged to a Unified Command of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) Battalion, the Central Regional Committee (CRC), and the Telangana State Committee. The operation dismantled their heavily fortified hideouts in the 60-km-long KGH forest, once deemed impenetrable due to its treacherous terrain and strategic significance.
From April 21 to May 11, the joint forces—comprising over 20,000 personnel from the CoBRA, Special Task Force (STF), District Reserve Guard (DRG), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)—destroyed 214 hideouts and bunkers, recovered 450 IEDs, 818 BGL shells, 899 bundles of detonator cords, and seized 35 automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
In addition, the troops uncovered and dismantled four technical units producing weapons and explosives, and seized over 12,000 kg of rations, medicines, and logistical supplies. Despite extreme conditions, including temperatures exceeding 45°C, no security personnel fatalities were reported. Eighteen troops sustained injuries, mostly due to IED blasts, but all are currently stable and under treatment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, declaring that Karreguttalu Hill, once a bastion of red terror, now proudly flies the Indian tricolor. He reaffirmed the government’s aim to eliminate Naxalism by March 31, 2026, highlighting the operation as a pivotal moment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh and Chhattisgarh DGP Arun Dev Gautam, addressing a joint press conference, confirmed that 28 of the 31 killed insurgents have been identified, including 16 female cadres in uniform. They emphasized that no previous operation has yielded such a vast haul of explosives and weaponry in a single campaign.
This monumental strike follows a consistent downward trend in Naxal activity. Naxal-affected districts have dropped from 126 in 2014 to 18 in 2025, and violent incidents have declined from 1,080 in 2014 to 374 in 2024. In just the first four months of 2025, 197 Naxalites have been neutralized, while 718 have surrendered, building on the 928 surrenders in 2024. Infrastructure boosts, including 320 new security camps and 555 fortified police stations, have bolstered the state’s presence in vulnerable areas.
Operation Black Forest is now seen as a turning point in India’s internal security history, reflecting a coordinated, intelligence-driven, and technology-aided campaign to reclaim red zones. Officials believe that the momentum generated will be crucial in dismantling the last remnants of Naxal infrastructure and achieving a Naxal-free India.
In a bold and calibrated military response, India carried out precision strikes on Pakistani airbases under “Operation Sindoor,” a mission aimed at dismantling terror-linked military infrastructure in Rawalpindi and Rahimyar Khan. The operation was initiated on May 7, 2025, in retaliation to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national.
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the mission was executed without any loss of Indian personnel or equipment, showcasing the efficiency of homegrown surveillance, planning, and strike capabilities. The strikes specifically targeted high-value installations such as radar and missile systems, utilizing long-range indigenous drones and guided munitions.
Operation Sindoor remained within international norms by not crossing the Line of Control (LoC) or international borders, emphasizing a politically calibrated approach. Despite Pakistani attempts to retaliate on May 9 and 10—aimed at Indian airfields and logistical nodes along the western frontier—the Indian Armed Forces successfully repelled these actions, further asserting operational superiority.
The mission underscored significant advancements in India’s defense technology, especially its growing reliance on indigenous systems. The Indian Air Force reportedly evaded and jammed Chinese-origin Pakistani air defense networks, completing the operation in a record 23 minutes. Systems like the Akash air defense missile, Pechora, and OSA-AK platforms were deployed with lethal precision, alongside loitering munitions.
Recovered debris from the Pakistani bases revealed the destruction of hostile technologies, including Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles, Turkish Yiha UAVs, quadcopters, long-range rockets, and commercial drones—highlighting India’s growing edge in electronic and drone warfare.
India’s space and drone ecosystems also played a critical role. ISRO ensured 24×7 satellite monitoring via a constellation of 10 satellites, covering strategic borders and the 7,000-km coastline. The Drone Federation of India (DFI), representing over 550 drone startups, was instrumental in the success, with companies like Alpha Design Technologies, Tata Advanced Systems, Paras Defence, and IG Drones contributing advanced hardware and software.
The operation comes at a time when India’s defense manufacturing sector is witnessing unprecedented growth. Indigenous production touched ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, while defense exports surged to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25—a 34-fold increase since 2013-14. Government initiatives like Make in India, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones, and the iDEX innovation program have played a crucial role in this transformation.
With Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and increasing private sector involvement, India is fast emerging as a global hub for defense innovation and manufacturing.
Operation Sindoor stands as a landmark in India’s journey toward military self-reliance. By integrating satellite intelligence, advanced drones, air defense, and indigenous strike capabilities, the mission signals India’s readiness for future conflicts in a rapidly evolving, tech-dominated warfare landscape. The operation not only achieved tactical objectives but also validated India’s broader strategic vision of becoming a high-tech military power in the 21st century.
In a proud moment for Indian sports and the armed forces, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has been conferred the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army. The announcement was made official by the Ministry of Defence through the Gazette of India, with the honour taking effect from April 16, 2025.
Neeraj, who joined the Indian Army in 2016 as a Naib Subedar, has been associated with the armed forces for nearly a decade. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, being promoted to Subedar in 2021 and later to Subedar Major following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. His achievements earned him several prestigious awards, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Padma Shri, and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
The official notification, dated May 9, 2025, stated,” “In exercise of the powers conferred by Para 31 of the Territorial Army Regulations, 1948, the President is pleased to confer the Honorary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel in Territorial Army on Ex-Sub Maj Neeraj Chopra, PVSM, Padma Shri, VSM, Village & Post Office Khandra, Panipat, Haryana with effect from 16 April, 2025.”
Widely regarded as India’s greatest-ever track and field athlete, Neeraj Chopra made history by winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making him the first Indian athlete to win both gold and silver in individual Olympic events. He is only the second Indian after Abhinav Bindra to clinch an Olympic gold in an individual event.
The 26-year-old javelin ace has achieved every major title in his sport, including:
World Championship Gold (2023)
Asian Games Gold (2018, 2023)
Commonwealth Games Gold (2018)
With this military honour, Neeraj joins the elite list of Indian sportspersons recognised for their contribution to the nation, both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Neeraj is set to begin his 2025 athletics season at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, May 16, marking his first appearance since his silver-medal-winning performance in Paris.
In a dramatic escalation of the decades-long struggle for autonomy, Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch declared Balochistan’s independence from Pakistan on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s turbulent history. The announcement was accompanied by sweeping protests across the province, where thousands of people gathered in solidarity, demanding freedom and an end to decades of alleged state-sponsored oppression.
Mir Yar Baloch, a long-time activist for Baloch rights, stated that the people of Balochistan had delivered a “national verdict” rejecting Pakistani rule. He appealed to the international community — especially India — to recognize Balochistan as a sovereign nation and to support their cause diplomatically and politically. He further called for international pressure on Islamabad to address the region’s long-standing human rights grievances.
The declaration was underscored by powerful imagery of large public gatherings, with demonstrators waving Baloch flags and chanting pro-independence slogans. These protests, among the largest in recent years, reflect widespread frustration in Balochistan — Pakistan’s largest yet most underdeveloped province — over issues ranging from political marginalization to economic exploitation.
Balochistan has been at the center of a simmering separatist conflict for decades. Armed groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) have stepped up operations in recent months, targeting Pakistani security forces and Chinese investments tied to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Gwadar Port — a key hub in the CPEC project — handles a significant portion of Pakistan’s maritime trade, making it a strategic asset and a point of contention between the state and Baloch insurgents.
Mir Yar Baloch also voiced support for India’s claims over Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, urging global powers to press Pakistan on both fronts. He called for the opening of a Balochistan office and embassy in New Delhi, indicating an intent to build formal diplomatic ties with India.
His declaration has cast a spotlight on Pakistan’s human rights record in Balochistan. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch have chronicled enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systemic abuses allegedly committed by Pakistani security agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Frontier Corps (FC). In 2018, the Balochistan National Party (Mengal) submitted a list of over 5,000 missing persons to the federal government — a grim testament to the scale of the crisis.
The geopolitical significance of Balochistan is immense. As the cornerstone of the $60 billion CPEC, the province is vital to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Yet, Baloch separatists view these projects as exploitative, arguing that locals have seen little benefit from the influx of foreign investment. The BLA has targeted high-profile Chinese interests in the past, including the 2019 attacks on the Pearl-Continental Hotel in Gwadar and the Chinese consulate in Karachi.
Islamabad has not yet issued an official response to the independence declaration. However, tensions are expected to escalate, especially given the timing — with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif currently in China for diplomatic engagements. The situation could complicate Pakistan’s standing in ongoing negotiations regarding the future of the CPEC Authority, whose dissolution had been previously approved in principle.
As the world watches the unfolding developments in Balochistan, analysts warn of potential instability in the region unless international actors step in. The question remains whether global powers will prioritize human rights and self-determination or continue to navigate cautiously around Pakistan’s strategic alliances.
The declaration by Mir Yar Baloch marks a watershed moment — one that may redefine the geopolitical contours of South Asia in the coming months.
Akashteer is an advanced, fully indigenous Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Army. It significantly enhances the command, control, and coordination capabilities of India’s air defence network by integrating various sensors, radars, and weapon systems into a unified, automated platform. The system was inducted starting in 2024, with phased deployment ongoing and expected to be completed by 2027.
Background & Need
The development of Akashteer was driven by the increasing complexity of aerial threats facing India, including drones, UAVs, cruise missiles, and supersonic aircraft. Traditional manual air defence control methods were insufficient to counter these fast and evolving threats. There was a critical need for a network-centric system that could integrate multiple sensors and weapon platforms, automate threat detection and engagement, and enable real-time decision-making at all command levels.
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna state-owned defence electronics company under the Ministry of Defence, developed Akashteer. BEL is renowned for producing a range of defence systems, the Atulya Gun System, positioning it as a key player in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
System Description
What is Akashteer?
Akashteer is an automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System designed to coordinate and control air defence assets such as radars, missile systems, and guns. It serves as the digital nerve centre for India’s tactical air defence, providing a real-time, unified air picture to frontline units and higher command echelons.
Core Components
Command Centres: Vehicle-mounted, mobile control centres deployed at corps, division, and brigade levels.
Radars and Sensors: Integration of 3D Tactical Control Radars, Low-Level Lightweight Radars, and sensors from both Army Air Defence and Indian Air Force.
Communication Systems: Secure, redundant data links enabling real-time data sharing even under adverse conditions.
Decision Support System (DSS): AI-assisted modules for target evaluation, threat prioritization, and automated engagement decisions.
Mobility
The system is housed in mobile shelters mounted on vehicles, allowing rapid deployment and adaptability across diverse terrains including high-altitude and border areas. This mobility ensures operational continuity in dynamic battlefield environment.
Key Features
Real-time Surveillance and Tracking: Provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional airspace overview by fusing data from various sensors.
Automated Command and Control: Eliminates manual data entry, enabling instant threat recognition and engagement.
Integrated Communication: Seamless connectivity among multiple air defence units and interoperability with Indian Air Force systems.
Decentralised Engagement Authority: Empowers frontline units to make rapid engagement decisions, reducing response time and risk of fratricide.
Scalable and Modular Architecture: Designed for future upgrades in hardware and software to counter emerging threats.
Stealth Interception Capability: Uses passive sensors and AI to detect and neutralize drones without relying solely on active radar.
Operational Role
Akashteer centralizes command of India’s tactical air defence during conflict, enabling a multi-layered defence strategy. It played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, where it successfully integrated ground-based defence systems to counter Pakistani aerial incursions, effectively neutralizing hostile air threats.
Role in Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Akashteer played a pivotal role in India’s air defence response against a coordinated aerial offensive by Pakistan. Following India’s precision strikes on terror camps and strategic targets inside Pakistan, Pakistan launched waves of drones, missiles, and loitering munitions targeting Indian border areas and civilian locations across northern and western India. Akashteer acted as the digital nerve centre of India’s air defence network, coordinating real-time surveillance, threat evaluation, and interception of these low-level aerial threats in forward combat zones.
The system’s AI-driven command and control capabilities enabled seamless integration of radar inputs, satellite imagery, and ground-based air defence weapons to create a unified, automated combat cloud. This allowed Akashteer to autonomously detect, track, and neutralize hundreds of incoming Pakistani drones and missiles with high kill probability, preventing any hostile aircraft or munitions from breaching Indian airspace. Its ability to manage multi-layered air defence assets, including integration with S-400 and Akash missile systems, ensured a 100% interception rate during the attacks.
Military officials hailed Akashteer’s performance as a “game-changer” that redefined battlefield advantage by combining AI-coordinated drone swarms, satellite reconnaissance, and autonomous decision-making. The system’s success in Operation Sindoor marked a doctrinal shift from reactive defence to proactive retaliation, showcasing India’s technological edge in modern warfare and validating Akashteer as a cornerstone of India’s future-ready air defence architecture
Integration of Akashteer and IACSS
Strategic Importance
Akashteer is a flagship example of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing indigenization in defence technology. It significantly boosts India’s preparedness against modern aerial threats like drones and cruise missiles, while reducing decision-making time in high-intensity conflicts. Its deployment strengthens national security by providing a robust, automated air defence network.
Current Status & Deployment
The first batch of around 100 vehicle-mounted Akashteer Control Centres was delivered by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in 2024. To date, approximately 50% of the total 455 systems have been inducted, with full-scale deployment expected to be completed by 2027. The system is already operational in sensitive commands such as the Northern and Eastern Commands, with ongoing trials and deployments taking place across India’s strategic border areas.
Comparison With Other Similar Systems
Aspect
Akashteer (India)
NATO’s IBCS (USA)
Polyana-D4M1 (Russia)
Indigenous Content
100% indigenous, developed by BEL
Developed by Northrop Grumman and partners
Developed by Almaz-Antey
Mobility
Vehicle-mounted, highly mobile
Modular with some mobile elements
Primarily fixed or semi-mobile
Automation
Fully automated command and control
High automation with network-centric ops
Automated but less decentralized
Sensor Integration
Integrates Army and IAF radars and sensors
Integrates various air defence sensors
Integrates multiple radar and missile systems
Cost & Customization
Cost-effective, terrain-specific tuning
High cost, designed for NATO interoperability
Designed for Russian operational environment
Decentralized Control
Empowers frontline units for engagement
Centralized with some decentralized features
Mostly centralized control
Akashteer’s indigenous development allows cost advantages, customization for Indian terrain, and seamless integration with India’s existing defence infrastructure.
Conclusion
Akashteer marks a significant leap in India’s air defence capabilities, providing a fully automated, integrated, and mobile command and control system tailored for modern aerial threats. Its successful operational deployment, including in real combat scenarios like Operation Sindoor, underscores its strategic value. Looking ahead, Akashteer is poised for further enhancements with AI integration, improved drone warfare countermeasures, and potential export opportunities, solidifying India’s position as a leader in indigenous defence technology.
Akashteer exemplifies the future of India’s air defence-automated, integrated, and indigenously powered.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has suo motu ordered the registration of an FIR against Tribal Affairs Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, a senior BJP leader, for his derogatory remarks against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, a decorated Indian Army officer who played a public role during India’s Operation Sindoor.
Shah stirred massive controversy after referring to Col Qureshi as a “sister of terrorists”, prompting condemnation from across the political spectrum. The court observed that prima facie offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) were evident in his comments, warranting police investigation.
The incident escalated after viral videos showed Shah making inflammatory remarks,“Those who wiped the vermilion off our daughters’ foreheads… we sent their sister to teach them a lesson.”
“Since Modi ji could not remove their clothes, he sent a sister of their community to strip them naked,” Shah was recorded saying.
These remarks were interpreted as communal, misogynistic, and disrespectful to women in uniform, especially in the context of Colonel Qureshi’s role in briefing the media on India’s strong military response following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) condemned the remarks as “extremely unfortunate” and an insult to all women serving the nation. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar called for respect for women in uniform, describing Col Qureshi as a “proud daughter of the nation.”
After intense public backlash, Shah issued a statement of clarification and later apologized, saying,”If my words have hurt society and religion, I am ready to apologise ten times.”
The Congress party was quick to demand his immediate dismissal, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge branding the remarks as shameful and vulgar, and a direct insult to the Indian Armed Forces. Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari filed a formal complaint, asking why the BJP remained silent on such a grave issue.
Umang Singhar, Leader of Opposition in MP, reiterated that army officers have no religion, stating,”If my words have hurt society and religion, I am ready to apologise ten times.”
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi served alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh in the tri-services press team for Operation Sindoor, showcasing India’s unified stance against terrorism.
The FIR marks a rare judicial intervention in a politically sensitive matter, signaling zero tolerance for hate speech, especially against the armed forces and women officers.
In a major step forward for India’s defense capabilities, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully test-fired the ‘Bhargavastra,’ a cutting-edge, homegrown counter-swarm drone system designed to neutralize the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms. The successful trials were conducted on May 13, 2025, at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s journey toward self-reliance in defense technology under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The test firing saw three successful trials, which included two single-rocket launches and a third involving a two-rocket salvo, demonstrating the system’s impressive performance in neutralizing large-scale drone attacks. All rockets met the required launch parameters, confirming the ‘Bhargavastra’ system’s operational reliability and effectiveness in countering advanced aerial threats.
A key feature of the ‘Bhargavastra’ system is its low-cost, hard-kill capability, which employs unguided micro-rockets to destroy drones within a lethal radius of 20 meters, at distances of up to 2.5 kilometers. Additionally, its advanced radar, with a detection range of 6 to 10 kilometers, can identify even micro-drones with low radar cross-sections (LRCS). The system is equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite, ensuring high-precision tracking and identification of drone targets.
What truly distinguishes the ‘Bhargavastra’ from other counter-drone systems is its multi-layered defense approach. The system operates as the first layer of defense with unguided rockets, followed by a guided micro-missile layer for precise targeting of more challenging threats. The system’s modular design allows it to integrate additional soft-kill capabilities, such as electronic jamming and spoofing, enabling operators to disable drones without physical destruction.
#WATCH | A new low-cost Counter Drone System in Hard Kill mode 'Bhargavastra', has been designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), signifying a substantial leap in countering the escalating threat of drone swarms. The micro rockets used in this… pic.twitter.com/qM4FWtEF43
Moreover, the ‘Bhargavastra’ is adaptable for deployment across a variety of terrains, including high-altitude regions above 5,000 meters, making it suitable for India’s diverse operational environments. The system’s Command-and-Control Centre incorporates state-of-the-art C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technology, enabling comprehensive situational awareness and seamless integration into India’s existing network-centric warfare infrastructure.
With its open-source architecture and cost-effectiveness, the ‘Bhargavastra’ positions India as a global leader in counter-drone technology, especially with its swarm-neutralization capabilities. SDAL claims that no other country has yet developed a domestically produced counter-drone system of this caliber.
The successful test firing of the ‘Bhargavastra’ highlights India’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its air defense systems in the face of evolving security threats posed by the proliferation of drones worldwide. As a fully indigenous solution, the system further reduces India’s reliance on foreign defense imports, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) policy and the defense reforms under the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, which prioritize domestic manufacturing.
This achievement represents a major milestone in India’s defense sector, reaffirming the country’s technological expertise and capability in providing robust, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to modern security challenges. The ‘Bhargavastra’ system’s success not only enhances India’s air defense infrastructure but also underscores the country’s growing influence on the global stage in defense technology.
In a sharp escalation of diplomatic hostilities, Pakistan has expelled a staff member of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, declaring them persona non grata for allegedly engaging in activities incompatible with their diplomatic status. The move comes in direct retaliation to India’s expulsion of a Pakistani diplomat from New Delhi earlier the same day.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the Indian official has been given 24 hours to leave the country. The Indian Charge d’Affaires in Islamabad was summoned and handed a formal diplomatic demarche, echoing the tone and language used in India’s earlier announcement—highlighting the tit-for-tat nature of the latest diplomatic standoff.
The incident stems from a chain of events that began on May 11, when two individuals were arrested in Malerkotla, Punjab, for allegedly participating in an espionage network linked to a Pakistani official posted at the High Commission in New Delhi. On May 13, India responded by expelling the Pakistani staffer, accusing them of involvement in spying activities and giving them 24 hours to leave.
Pakistan’s retaliatory expulsion is widely seen as an effort to maintain diplomatic parity, a recurring theme in the rocky relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The expulsions come amid heightened tensions following the April 23 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. In its aftermath, India took a series of unprecedented steps, including suspending the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari land border crossing. Pakistan responded by closing its airspace to Indian flights and issuing strong warnings over the water-sharing agreement, declaring any tampering with it would be considered an act of war.
Such diplomatic expulsions are not new in India-Pakistan relations. A similar standoff occurred in 2020 when India expelled two Pakistani High Commission officials on charges of espionage, triggering a diplomatic protest from Islamabad. Both nations continue to cite the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which grants host countries the right to declare diplomats persona non grata without explanation.
Reactions to the current spat have been mixed. While some foreign policy analysts call Pakistan’s response routine and predictable, others see it as symptomatic of a deeper, worsening mistrust. The situation is further exacerbated by frequent ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the long-standing conflict over Kashmir.
With the number of Pakistani diplomatic staff in New Delhi now reduced to 30 and a similar reduction expected for India in Islamabad, the scope for meaningful diplomatic engagement appears limited. The international community, including bodies like the United Nations and the World Bank—guardians of key treaties like the Indus Waters Treaty—may be compelled to intervene if tensions continue to spiral.
