India, Indonesia strengthen defence ties; BrahMos deal tops Modi-Subianto meeting

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's support for Bhutan's defence readiness during discussions with Lt Gen. Batoo Tshering, emphasizing the importance of enhancing bilateral defence cooperation for regional peace and prosperity. The visit also included a review of the Doklam situation, underscoring the commitment to maintaining stability in the region. The discussions focused on military hardware, assets, and strategies to strengthen Bhutan's defence capabilities. Full Article

India signed a contract with Russia on Tuesday to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles for the Indian Navy's submarine fleet, enhancing its combat capabilities. The agreement was finalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, as announced by the Defence Ministry. This strategic move aims to strengthen India's naval defense and security measures. Full Article

A high-powered committee led by Uttarakhand's Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, retired IPS officer BK Sinha, and Jammu and Kashmir’s SSP Dushyant Sharma has implemented strict measures to maintain the integrity of the games. Chairperson of the GTCC, Sunaina Kumari, expressed shock over officials' involvement in selection trials and vowed to address irregularities. Indian Olympic Association President P.T Usha supported the GTCC's decision to overhaul the competition framework, focusing on key areas like technical officials' replacements...

The US Navy successfully tested the Helios laser weapon developed by Lockheed Martin from the USS Preble against a drone, showcasing its ability to neutralize unmanned aerial vehicles, fast-attack craft, and missiles using a 60 kW high-energy laser. This innovative technology provides a significant boost to the Navy's defense capabilities, enhancing its ability to counter potential threats efficiently and effectively. Full Article

Prime Minister Narendra Modi referenced Bruce Riedel's book 'JFK’s Forgotten Crisis: Tibet, The CIA, And The Sino-Indian War' during his Lok Sabha speech, highlighting how Jawaharlal Nehru sought U.S. assistance in the Sino-Indian War. Modi encouraged reading the book, emphasizing the importance of India's foreign policy decisions in the past. The book details Nehru's visit to the U.S., where JFK found him unresponsive, indicating a strained relationship between the two leaders. Full Article

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal believes it is too early to worry about the potential impact of punitive tariffs on imports from India as imposed by US President Donald Trump, citing a strong historical relationship between the two countries. He also mentions India's alignment with the US on issues like illegal immigration and highlights the disparity in formal trade numbers, pointing out the significant financial contributions made by Indian students in the US. Goyal emphasizes that...