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Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA Following Conflict with Israel, US

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has officially signed into law a bill suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s state media announced on Wednesday. The move marks one of the most significant escalations in Iran’s nuclear standoff with international powers, following a recent flare-up of military conflict involving Israel and the United States.

The bill, which passed overwhelmingly in Iran’s Parliament with 221 votes in favor and one abstention, was approved by the country’s constitutional watchdog before reaching the president’s desk. With the president’s signature, the legislation has now come into full effect, suspending Iran’s cooperation with the UN’s nuclear monitoring agency.

According to state broadcaster Press TV and news agencies Mehr and Tasnim, the decision is directly linked to the recent 12-day military conflict that erupted after Israel carried out strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites on June 13. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets, prompting the United States to strike key Iranian nuclear installations at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. A US-mediated ceasefire brought the fighting to a halt on June 24.

Iran has accused the IAEA of failing to respond or condemn the attacks on its nuclear facilities during the conflict. Iranian officials argue that the agency’s silence undermined its credibility and impartiality, triggering the move to cut off cooperation. The suspension raises serious questions about the future of international oversight over Iran’s nuclear activities and could further strain diplomatic efforts in the region.

The IAEA’s access to Iranian sites and its ability to verify the peaceful nature of Tehran’s nuclear program are now in jeopardy, heightening concerns among global powers about unchecked nuclear development in an already volatile region.

Paras Anti Drone Technologies to Supply Advanced Counter-UAV Systems to France’s CERBAIR

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Paras Anti Drone Technologies, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies, announced a major export deal on Tuesday to supply advanced counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems to French firm CERBAIR. The agreement, valued at Rs 22 crore, involves the delivery of up to 30 CHIMERA 200 systems—man-portable RF detection and neutralisation devices built to counter rogue drones and drone swarms.

The CHIMERA 200 system is a field-proven, upgradeable counter-UAS platform offering wideband detection and neutralisation capabilities. It supports omnidirectional and directional operations across the 400 MHz to 6 GHz frequency spectrum, with up to five simultaneous bands. The system is capable of identifying threats such as drones, remote controls, and take-off locations with precision and speed, making it well-suited for modern UAV threats.

The deal strengthens India’s growing reputation as a global exporter of high-end defence technologies. Paras Anti Drone Technologies highlighted that the agreement aligns with India’s Make-in-India initiative and its goal of reaching USD 5 billion in annual defence exports by 2025.

Ashutosh Baheti, CEO of Paras Anti Drone Technologies, called the partnership a testament to India’s rising status as a trusted provider of cutting-edge anti-drone solutions. He emphasized the company’s commitment to meeting international standards with field-tested and scalable systems.

CERBAIR President Lucas Le Bell, in a letter of intent to Paras, noted rising demand for such systems in Europe amid increasing drone threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He highlighted the importance of boosting neutralisation power output and agility to counter advanced drone technologies in real-time scenarios.

The CHIMERA 200, already deployed across critical infrastructure in India, is expected to serve a key role in Europe’s evolving security landscape. The partnership is set to unlock further export opportunities and expand cooperation through 2026 and beyond.

Amit Mahajan, Director at Paras Defence and Space Technologies Ltd, stated that India has moved beyond licensed manufacturing to emerge as a global hub for designing and exporting reliable, cost-effective defence technologies.

India Urges U.S. to Fast-Track GE F404 Engine Deliveries for Tejas Fighter Jets

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India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to expedite the delayed delivery of GE F404-IN20 engines, which power the Tejas Mk-1 and Mk-1A variants of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft. The request was made during a bilateral meeting on Tuesday, as reported by The Print.

The delivery of the engines, delayed by over two years, has become a significant obstacle in meeting production timelines for the Tejas jets, developed jointly by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Singh underscored the urgency, stating that the engine delivery is a critical issue and must be resolved on a priority basis.

The GE F404-IN20 engine, manufactured by General Electric, is integral to India’s plans to modernize its air force under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The lightweight, single-engine Tejas fighter has been positioned as a key component of India’s drive toward self-reliance in defense production.

Production setbacks have affected HAL’s ability to deliver the 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets ordered under a ₹48,000 crore contract signed in 2021, with further orders likely to follow. The Indian Air Force, seeking to replace its aging fleet, views the timely induction of Tejas aircraft as crucial to strengthening its operational capabilities amid growing regional security threats.

Russia to Supply India with Upgraded Akula-Class Submarine Armed with 1,500 km Kalibr Missiles

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In a significant step toward enhancing India’s naval firepower, Russia is set to deliver a leased Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine to the Indian Navy by 2028, according ti a report by jounralist Sandeep Unnithan for ChakranewZ. The submarine, part of a $3 billion intergovernmental deal signed in 2019, was originally scheduled for delivery in 2025 but has been delayed due to logistical and technical challenges.

The vessel, expected to succeed the now-retired INS Chakra—which was leased from Russia between 2012 and 2022—will bolster India’s underwater warfare capabilities at a time when strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific is intensifying. The upgraded submarine will now be equipped with the advanced 3M14K Kalibr (SS-N-30A) cruise missile, offering a dramatic improvement in strike range from the previously planned 500–600 km variant to a range of 1,500–2,000 km.

The inclusion of the 3M14K missile variant, part of the export-oriented Club missile family, significantly enhances the submarine’s ability to conduct long-range precision strikes from underwater, targeting both land and sea-based threats with greater lethality. This aligns with India’s broader push to modernize its naval arsenal and sustain a credible regional deterrence posture.

Akula-class submarines are among the most advanced nuclear attack submarines globally, known for their stealth, speed, and versatility. Armed with torpedoes and cruise missiles, they are built for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, and deep strike missions. The new platform will complement India’s current underwater fleet, which includes conventional Scorpene-class submarines and two indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, including the INS Arihant.

While the report did not cite specific causes for the delay, it notes that such postponements often stem from technical challenges, global supply chain disruptions, or geopolitical constraints. Russia’s ongoing defense production demands and international military commitments may also have contributed to the revised delivery timeline.

The acquisition is viewed as a critical element of India’s maritime strategy in response to China’s expanding naval footprint and assertiveness across the Indo-Pacific region.

General Upendra Dwivedi Visits Bhutan’s Gyalsung Academy, Backs Vision for Youth Empowerment

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Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Gyalsung Academy in Jamtsholing, a flagship national service training initiative launched by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The program, which began in 2019, aims to train over 13,000 Bhutanese youth annually by blending military training with practical skills such as coding, agriculture, and life management.

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The academy began its first training cycle in September 2024 and has been supported with a $10 million aid package from India. During his tour, General Dwivedi received a comprehensive briefing on the program’s goals and infrastructure and commended its holistic approach to nation-building and youth empowerment. He called it a transformative model aligned with the Fifth King’s vision for a strong and self-reliant Bhutan.

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The visit comes amid deepening India-Bhutan cooperation on security and training, particularly in light of growing regional challenges. China’s expanding presence along Bhutan’s borders since 2020 has driven greater military coordination between the two Himalayan neighbors. India continues to play a key role through its 2,000-strong Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), which supports training of the Royal Bhutan Army.

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General Dwivedi’s remarks also emphasized the importance of collaborative regional development, echoing sentiments from the February 2025 bilateral talks held in Kolkata, where both countries discussed integrating advanced technologies into joint military training.

His ongoing four-day official visit began on July 1 and includes high-level engagements. On his arrival, General Dwivedi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Tashichhodzong and had an audience with the King and Queen of Bhutan, further reaffirming the historic and strategic ties between India and Bhutan.

Quad Slams Pahalgam Terror Attack, Raises Alarm Over China’s Indo-Pacific Moves

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The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, strongly condemned the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam and voiced serious concerns over China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific during a Foreign Ministers meeting held in Washington.

In a joint statement, the Quad called the Pahalgam attack—which killed 26 people—a “reprehensible act of terrorism,” and urged that the perpetrators, organizers, and financiers be brought to justice without delay. “The Quad unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism,” the statement read.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the summit, emphasized India’s right to self-defense and called on Quad partners to understand the strategic imperatives driving its counterterrorism posture.

The statement also highlighted increasing concern over China’s aggressive military maneuvers in the South and East China Seas. The Quad cited “dangerous and provocative actions,” including the use of water cannons, ramming tactics by Chinese maritime militia, and obstruction of navigation rights, which pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. Japan and Australia have reportedly faced growing military pressure from Beijing, with live-fire naval exercises near Australian waters earlier this year alarming regional security observers.

The Quad also touched on broader regional issues, including the civil conflict in Myanmar and security threats posed by North Korea. To streamline coordination, the group announced a renewed focus on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, critical and emerging technologies, economic prosperity, and humanitarian assistance.

Among the initiatives unveiled was the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative aimed at securing supply chains for vital resources. A new joint training exercise focused on enhancing shared airlift and logistics capacity will be conducted later this year. Plans were also announced for the “Quad Ports of the Future Partnership,” scheduled to launch in Mumbai in the coming months.

With India set to host the Quad Leaders Summit later this year, momentum is building around deeper strategic cooperation and a collective response to regional threats.

Al-Qaeda-Linked Group Claims Deadly Attack on Mali Army Near Senegal Border

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An al-Qaeda-affiliated group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), has claimed responsibility for a coordinated attack on multiple Malian army positions, including one in Diboli near the Senegal border. The incident marks a significant escalation of extremist violence into western Mali, a region that has largely remained unaffected until now.

According to a statement by the Malian military, the attack occurred near the border town of Diboli, which serves as a crucial trade and import gateway from Dakar, Senegal. The assault is seen as particularly alarming given the area’s historical stability and its economic importance.

Colonel Majo Souleymane Dembélé, spokesperson for the Malian army, stated on national television that security forces “neutralized” 80 attackers during the confrontation. However, no information was provided on casualties among the soldiers.

Experts are expressing concern over the expansion of violence. “The border region to Senegal is a major gateway for trade and imports from Dakar ports to Mali that had been relatively stable for years,” said Ulf Laessing, head of the Sahel program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. “This will also worry border communities in Senegal.”

Mali has been battling extremist insurgencies for over a decade, involving groups linked to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The security crisis has deepened since a series of military coups that led to the expulsion of French forces and the arrival of Russian mercenaries. Despite these shifts, attacks have intensified across Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso, with JNIM strengthening its foothold in both countries.

Lt Gen Pawan Chadha Visits Nashik Artillery Centre, Inaugurates Modern Rehab and Training Facilities

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Lieutenant General Pawan Chadha, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding Maharashtra and Gujarat Area, conducted a strategic visit to the Artillery Centre in Nashik, where he reviewed several infrastructure and training advancements aimed at boosting operational readiness and troop welfare.

During the visit, Lt Gen Chadha inaugurated a newly built Rehabilitation & Fitness Centre exclusively for Agniveer trainees. The facility, designed to manage and prevent long-term sports-related injuries, comes in response to a Army health report that flagged recovery-related challenges affecting up to 15% of new recruits. The centre is expected to play a critical role in enhancing physical resilience and ensuring sustained combat fitness.

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The General also inspected cutting-edge simulator-based training setups that have significantly modernised artillery instruction. According to a Journal of Defense Studies report, such simulators have led to a 30% improvement in combat efficiency among trained troops. Lt Gen Chadha interacted with instructors on-site and praised their role in integrating technology with traditional training methods.

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The tour reflects the Indian Army’s broader vision under Southern Command to adopt innovation and sustainable practices. The push mirrors national trends, including the recent inauguration of India’s first geothermal net-zero military building in Jhansi, demonstrating a balanced focus on ecology and efficiency.

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Military officials based in Nashik welcomed the upgrades, noting that these developments will further cement the Artillery Centre’s status as one of Asia’s premier training establishments. The Centre’s location near the Deolali Cantonment Board and the Combat Army Aviation Training School adds strategic value to the ongoing transformations.

Western Air and Northern Army Commanders Hold Strategic Meeting to Boost Joint Operations

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In a key development to enhance inter-service coordination, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, and Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, held a high-level strategic meeting today. The discussions centered on strengthening joint force application in a multi-domain operational environment, particularly in the western sector, which remains highly sensitive due to its proximity to both the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

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This engagement signifies a progressive move toward closer collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, echoing the shifting nature of modern warfare. Both commands have historically played vital roles in defending national interests, especially during conflicts like the 1999 Kargil War. The Western Air Command, established in 1963 after the Sino-Indian conflict, and the Northern Command, re-raised in 1972, continue to be at the forefront of India’s defense architecture.

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Appointed earlier this year, Air Marshal Mishra and Lt Gen Sharma underlined the urgency of achieving greater interoperability between services. Their meeting aligns with the Indian military’s broader doctrinal emphasis on integrated theatre commands and network-centric warfare, which includes cyber and space domains. Analysts highlight that such coordination could raise operational effectiveness by up to 35% in high-threat scenarios, referencing global benchmarks in joint military operations.

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The dialogue reflects India’s determination to evolve its defense posture in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics, ensuring greater synergy across air and ground forces in regions of strategic importance.

DRDO’s DEAL Successfully Conducts Field Trials of SDR Manpack and CTCS in Uttarakhand

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The Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL), a DRDO lab based in Dehradun, has successfully completed field trials of two advanced indigenous communication systems — the Software Defined Radio (SDR) Manpack and the Compact Transhorizon Communication System (CTCS). The trials were carried out in the challenging terrain of Joshimath in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other key user agencies.

The field evaluation involved active participation from officers representing various security and paramilitary forces, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Border Security Force (BSF), Assam Rifles, Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and other allied agencies.

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The trials were designed to rigorously assess system performance in diverse terrain and operational environments. Key parameters as defined in the Qualitative Requirements (QRs) and Technical Documents (TDs) were verified in real-world conditions. Both the SDR Manpack and CTCS demonstrated robust and reliable functionality, successfully meeting user-defined operational benchmarks.

This milestone marks a significant step forward in India’s quest for self-reliance in mission-critical communication technology. The successful trials reaffirm DRDO’s commitment to equipping national security forces with state-of-the-art, indigenous communication solutions tailored for demanding operational needs.