India and the Philippines are poised to significantly expand their defence and strategic partnership as Manila expresses growing interest in acquiring more military equipment from India. The move reflects a deepening bilateral relationship marked by increasing trust, shared maritime concerns, and broad-based cooperation.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a high-profile summit that is expected to result in several key agreements across defence, development, and trade. At the centre of the talks is the Philippines’ expanding defence engagement with India, particularly in light of the ongoing delivery of BrahMos cruise missile systems, a joint India-Russia product already being inducted into the Philippine military.

Philippine Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner praised the quality and affordability of Indian defence hardware and confirmed that two additional BrahMos systems are scheduled for delivery in the coming years. These acquisitions are part of Manila’s broader strategy to strengthen its defence posture in the West Philippine Sea, where tensions with China remain high.

India, which continues to face its own border challenges with China, has been a vocal advocate for regional stability and the upholding of international rulings, including the 2016 arbitral tribunal decision that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

In a significant operational development, India is expected to participate in a joint maritime patrol with the Philippines in the South China Sea this week. This marks a step forward in practical security cooperation and reflects both nations’ commitment to defending rules-based maritime order.

India has also extended a concessional Line of Credit to the Philippines for defence procurement, including possible naval assets, while expanding joint training and maritime security exercises. These developments are aimed at institutionalising defence cooperation and enhancing regional deterrence.

Beyond the defence realm, India is engaged in developmental partnerships through six ongoing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the Philippines, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, disaster risk reduction, and livelihood support. These initiatives are part of a February 2023 Memorandum of Understanding and underline India’s role as a responsive development partner.

The Marcos-Modi summit is also expected to yield six agreements in areas such as science and technology, law, and culture, further broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation.

On the economic front, India and the Philippines have witnessed rising trade, with bilateral volumes crossing the $3 billion mark for the first time during 2022–2023. Talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement are underway, aimed at deepening economic linkages and providing a buffer against global trade uncertainties, including U.S.-imposed tariffs on both Indian and Philippine goods.

Both New Delhi and Manila are carefully balancing their ties with Washington and Beijing while enhancing cooperation with each other. As both nations seek to avoid becoming entangled in major power rivalries, their convergence on issues like maritime security and economic resilience provides a strong foundation for future engagement.

The India-Philippines partnership now stands at a strategic inflection point—defined by expanding defence cooperation, practical developmental support, and a shared commitment to Indo-Pacific peace and stability.

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed criminal defamation proceedings against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi but pulled him up over his controversial remarks on the Indian Army made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in December 2022. The court observed that “a true Indian will not say all this” and questioned Gandhi’s choice of forum and tone while commenting on matters of national security.

A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih expressed disapproval of Gandhi’s statements, including claims that the Chinese Army had captured 2,000 square kilometres of Indian territory, killed 20 soldiers, and thrashed Indian jawans in Arunachal Pradesh. The remarks were made during a press interaction on December 9, 2022, in reference to the Yangtse sector clash in Arunachal.

The court was hearing Gandhi’s challenge to a May 29 order by the Allahabad High Court, which had refused to quash a trial court’s February 11 summons in the defamation case. The complainant, Uday Shankar Srivastava, a retired Border Roads Organisation director, alleged that Gandhi’s statements were not only factually incorrect but also demoralising for the armed forces and damaging to national unity.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Gandhi, argued that the Congress leader was exercising his right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a) and that such remarks were intended to push for greater media scrutiny of sensitive border issues. The court, however, pointed out that such statements should ideally be made in Parliament, not via media or social platforms.

“Why do you say this in the media? Were you there? How do you know these details?” the bench asked, while also agreeing to examine legal issues regarding whether Gandhi was denied a hearing by the lower court, and whether the complainant qualifies as an “aggrieved person” under defamation laws.

Senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the complainant, opposed the stay and supported the trial court’s decision. The Supreme Court said it would hear the matter in detail after three weeks.

The case continues to draw attention due to its implications on the balance between free speech and responsible public discourse by elected representatives on matters related to the armed forces and national security.

As per reports by NDTV:

A disturbing incident unfolded in Nagpur on Sunday evening when an army officer on leave allegedly drove his car under the influence of alcohol and hit at least 25 to 30 people. The vehicle eventually overturned and fell into a roadside drain, triggering public outrage.

Also Read: Indian Army Fact Check: Viral Claim About Drunk Army Officer Hitting 30 People in Nagpur Is False

The accused has been identified as Harshpal Mahadev Waghmare, a 40-year-old officer serving in the Indian Army in Assam. He was in Maharashtra on a four-day leave at the time of the incident.

According to officials, Waghmare was driving recklessly from Durga Chowk to Hamlapuri in the Nagardhan area around 8:30 pm when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. In a matter of seconds, the speeding car struck multiple people before crashing and toppling into a drain.

Eyewitnesses said that many of the injured were bystanders and local residents who were on the roadside when the car ploughed through the area. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.

Following the accident, a large group of enraged locals pulled Waghmare out of the vehicle and physically assaulted him. Videos from the scene show him with blood on his face, attempting to shield himself from the mob.

Police from the Ramtek station arrived at the scene and intervened. Waghmare was taken into custody and then transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have confirmed that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident. Police are likely to press charges related to rash driving, endangering public life, and driving under the influence.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s second astronaut to travel to space, has expressed his readiness to contribute to the Gaganyaan mission using insights gained from his recent Axiom-4 flight. He returned after spending 21 days in space, including 18 days on the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone for India’s presence in human space exploration.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with his Axiom-4 crewmates Commander Peggy Whitson, Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla called the experience both transformative and invaluable. He described the journey as intense and said it condensed a year’s worth of learning into just three weeks.

He recalled the emotional moment after landing when he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a powerful reminder of India’s long-awaited return to space after 41 years. He said the mission symbolized a second beginning for India in space, one where the country is ready to take a leading role in future space exploration.

The astronaut highlighted that training for the Axiom-4 mission began in August 2024. Despite rigorous simulations, real conditions in space brought their own challenges, particularly adapting to microgravity. He explained that while disorienting at first, he adjusted quickly and was soon able to carry out the full range of experiments and activities aboard the ISS.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla also shared details about his physical recovery after reentry. He mentioned experiencing difficulty walking immediately after the mission but regained strength and balance within a few days with help from rehabilitation exercises. He now feels physically normal and mentally prepared for future missions.

He expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force, ISRO, NASA, SpaceX, and the Government of India for making the mission possible. He emphasized that the real work begins now, as he is ready to apply his firsthand knowledge to help shape India’s first indigenous human spaceflight.

“This is just the beginning of India’s future in human space exploration,” said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, as he reaffirmed his commitment to support the Gaganyaan program in every way possible.

The TEJAS MK-2, India’s much-anticipated Medium Weight Fighter, is emerging as a showcase of indigenous aerospace innovation. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) along with DRDO and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the MK-2 is designed to replace ageing IAF fighters such as the Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29.

With its prototype rollout expected by the end of 2025 and induction planned by 2029, the TEJAS MK-2 aims to feature over 90% indigenous content in later production phases. A major highlight of the aircraft is its integration of Indian-designed technologies that significantly reduce dependence on foreign systems while enhancing combat capability and flexibility.

Here are six key Made-in-India technologies going into the TEJAS MK-2:

1. Uttam AESA Radar
   Developed by DRDO’s LRDE, this radar provides multi-target tracking, electronic warfare support, and BVR engagement capability. It represents a major step towards radar self-reliance and is currently undergoing flight trials.
2. Indigenous Mission Computer
   Jointly developed by HAL and DRDO, the open-architecture mission computer integrates navigation, weapon control, and sensor fusion, enabling software upgrades without foreign assistance.
3. Electronic Warfare Suite
   Designed by DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment, the EW suite offers radar warning, jamming, and countermeasure deployment to enhance survivability in hostile airspace.
4. Fly-by-Wire Flight Control System
   The Indian-developed quadruplex fly-by-wire system improves combat manoeuvrability, handling at high angles of attack, and flight safety through redundant controls.
5. Cockpit Display Systems
   HAL and BEL have built multifunction wide-area cockpit displays, forming a modern glass cockpit that improves pilot situational awareness and supports helmet-mounted systems.
6. Indigenous Weapons Integration
   The MK-2 is configured to carry Indian weapons like Astra BVR missiles, SAAW, and laser-guided bombs, ensuring an entirely indigenous offensive loadout.

With a powerful GE F414 engine in its early production and plans to adopt an Indian Kaveri variant in future, the TEJAS MK-2 stands as a bold leap in India’s defence self-reliance journey. These technologies are not just upgrades—they represent India’s growing capability to design, build, and field cutting-edge combat aircraft systems independently.

A serious incident unfolded at the Srinagar airport on Friday when a senior Army officer allegedly assaulted four SpiceJet ground staff members after being asked to pay for excess cabin baggage. The violent episode occurred at the boarding gate of flight SG-386 bound for Delhi, leaving multiple employees hospitalized with grievous injuries.

According to a statement by a SpiceJet spokesperson, the officer was carrying 16 kilograms of cabin baggage—more than double the permissible limit of 7 kilograms. When politely informed about the excess and asked to pay the additional charges, the passenger reportedly refused and attempted to forcibly enter the aerobridge without completing the boarding process, in violation of aviation security protocols.

He was escorted back to the boarding gate by a CISF official. However, upon returning, the situation escalated rapidly. The officer allegedly began physically assaulting four SpiceJet employees using punches, kicks, and even a queue stand. One staff member collapsed unconscious after repeated blows, but the passenger continued to assault him. Another employee, who bent down to assist the unconscious colleague, received a forceful kick to the jaw and suffered bleeding from the nose and mouth.

The injured staff were immediately taken to a hospital and are currently under medical treatment. One suffered a spinal fracture, while others sustained jaw and facial injuries.

SpiceJet has filed an FIR with local police and has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, urging strict action against the officer. The airline has also initiated procedures to place the individual on India’s no-fly list, in accordance with civil aviation norms. CCTV footage of the incident has been retrieved from airport authorities and handed over to the police as part of the ongoing investigation.