Author: Arijit Bose

New Delhi: In a major blow to transnational maritime crime, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully busted an international oil smuggling racket through a meticulously planned sea-air coordinated operation conducted on 05–06 February 2026. The operation led to the interception of three suspect vessels involved in the illegal transfer of oil and oil-based cargo originating from conflict-affected regions. The operation was initiated following the detection of suspicious maritime activity by the Indian Coast Guard’s technology-enabled surveillance systems. A motor tanker operating within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) raised red…

Salalah | The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has successfully completed the first port call of its landmark trans-oceanic expedition Lokayan 26 at Salalah, Oman, on February 5, 2026, marking an important step in strengthening India–Oman maritime ties. The ten-month global voyage aims to showcase India’s maritime heritage while promoting the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family—through naval diplomacy and cultural outreach. During the port visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Sudarshini held interactions with Captain Mohammad Al Ghailani, Southern Naval Area Commander of…

New Delhi | Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Nikolaos-Georgios Dendias, in New Delhi on Monday, reaffirming the growing India–Greece Strategic Partnership built on shared values of peace, stability, freedom, and mutual respect. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between their indigenous defence industries, aligning India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative with Greece’s defence modernisation programme under Agenda 2030. A Joint Declaration of Intent was signed to enhance defence industrial collaboration, marking the beginning of a…

New Delhi | In a major development for India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has shortlisted three industry consortia for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter programme. The AMCA is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the coming decades. According to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the selection was made after evaluating seven industry consortia that participated in the pre-qualification phase. The assessment was based on technical expertise, financial strength, and advanced aerospace manufacturing…

New Delhi | India has handed over 50 military utility vehicles to the Nepal Army, marking another significant step in strengthening long-standing defence ties between the two neighbouring countries. The handover took place near the India–Nepal border in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday. Indian defence authorities described the move as a symbol of mutual trust, cooperation, and enduring military partnership between India and Nepal. While the vehicles were technically transferred at the border, they will be formally presented during a ceremony in Kathmandu by the Indian Ambassador to Nepal.…

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh | The Indian Army’s Combat Leadership Course concluded successfully on February 7 at the Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy, Dhana, near Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing the Army’s push towards preparing junior leaders for modern, technology-driven battlefields. The intensive training programme brought together NCOs from across the Indian Army and placed strong emphasis on counter-drone warfare, adaptive leadership, and decision-making in complex operational environments. The course was designed to address emerging threats and evolving combat scenarios shaped by rapid technological advancements. Emphasis on Future Warfare During the closing ceremony,…