SOURCE: PTI

Senior American diplomat Richard Verma will embark on a six-day official visit to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives next week to strengthen the US’ bilateral ties with the key Indo-Pacific partners and reaffirm its enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region.

Mr Verma, the US’ Indian-American Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, the second senior post in the State Department, will travel to the three countries from February 18-23. “Shortly following the two-year anniversary of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy, his trip will reaffirm the United States’ enduring commitment to a free, open, secure, and prosperous region,” a media release said on Friday.

SOURCE: PTI

 French journalist Vanessa Dougnac on Saturday left India saying she cannot afford to wait for the outcome of the legal process set in motion in the wake of a notice issued to her by the government regarding cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India card.

“Today, I am leaving India, the country where I came 25 years ago as a student, and where I have worked for 23 years as a journalist. The place where I married, raised my son, and which I call my home,” Dougnac, the South Asia Correspondent for French publications La Croix and Le Point, Swiss newspaper Le Temps and Belgian daily Le Soir, said in a statement.

SOURCE: ANI

The Border Security Force (BSF) caught a Pakistani national near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab’s Gurdaspur, the BSF said on Saturday. According to officials, the Pakistani national crossed the international border and ventured into Indian territory near Thakurpur village.

This was observed by the forward-deployed BSF troops stationed along the border. ‘On 16th February 2024, forward-deployed BSF troops apprehended one Pakistani national near the border fence as he crossed the International Boundary and entered into Indian territory near Village Thakurpur in Gurdaspur district,’ BSF said in a post on X.

SOURCE: PTI

The NIA has filed a charge sheet in a special court in Tamil Nadu against one more accused — a production executive in the local film industry — in a case related to the revival of the LTTE in Sri Lanka and India.

Lingam A alias Adilingam is the 14th accused to be charge-sheeted in the case registered in 2022 in which 16 people have been arraigned as accused so far, the anti-terror federal agency said. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) said Adilingam has been charged with conspiring and acting to revive the proscribed terror organisation through illegal trade in narcotic drugs and arms.

SOURCE: AFI WITH IDRW.ORG

Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia, representing India in Argentina, recently met with Brigadier Mayor Fernando Luis Mengo, Chief of the Argentine Air Force. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for strengthening cooperation between the Indian Air Force and its Argentine counterpart.

The discussions focused on forging a deeper strategic partnership between the two air forces. This could encompass areas like joint exercises, training programs, and knowledge sharing. Ambassador Bhatia expressed India’s commitment to supporting Argentina’s defense modernization efforts.

SOURCE: AFI WITH IDRW.ORG

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster its aerial refueling capabilities with the recent approval by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the procurement of new Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA). This marks the third major acquisition of FRAs since 2006-2007, highlighting the critical role these airborne fuel stations play in extending the reach and operational flexibility of fighter jets.

The IAF’s reliance on air refueling began in 2003 with the induction of the IL-78, a modified Russian cargo aircraft. While these six IL-78s served extensively, concerns about their serviceability prompted the search for replacements.

SOURCE: AFI

Aiming to strengthen ties and boost defense cooperation, India showcased its military technology and equipment to the Philippines at a recent seminar in Manila. The event saw 18 Indian companies present diverse offerings ranging from aircraft and drones to artificial intelligence solutions, targeting the Philippines’ ongoing modernization program.

Indian Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran highlighted the similarities between the two nations, both facing resource constraints for defense while prioritizing development. He positioned India as a “good option” due to its cutting-edge technology and competitive prices, citing the successful BrahMos cruise missile deal as an example.

SOURCE: AFI

Excitement is electrifying the air in Maharashtra as the state prepares to host its first-ever mega MSME Defence Expo, scheduled from February 24th to 26th at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Center (PIECC). As Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted, “Work is in full progress! The anticipation is palpable…”

This landmark event promises to be a grand showcase of Maharashtra’s industrial prowess and unwavering commitment to innovation in the defense sector. Inspired by the visionary leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the “Father of the Indian Navy,” the Expo goes beyond mere exhibition. It embodies a rich heritage woven with a future-oriented vision of progress and collaboration.

SOURCE: REUTERS

Atul Jhunjhunwala, an exporter in the Indian eastern city of Kolkata, is tearing his hair out, having just lost another order due to the Red Sea crisis that has jacked up his shipping costs and times. “Last week, I lost a big order to a Polish competitor who does not need to pay increased freight rates,” said Jhunjhunwala, head of Binayak Hi Tech Engineering which ships about 700 containers of machinery tools, industrial castings, and railway shed materials per year.

Turkish exporters were also benefiting at the expense of Indian companies, he said, adding that he has also sent some orders on to buyers at a loss after absorbing increased costs.

SOURCE: PTI

The defence ministry on Friday cleared procurement of military hardware worth ? 84,560 crore including multi-mission maritime aircraft to boost overall combat capabilities of the armed forces.

The procurement proposals were cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The proposals cleared by the DAC include new generation anti-tank mines, air defence tactical control radar, heavy weight torpedoes, medium range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft, flight refueller aircraft and software defined radios.

SOURCE: PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday discussed bilateral cooperation as well as global and regional issues with his British counterpart David Cameron on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference here in Germany.

Mr Jaishankar is here to attend the 60th edition of the prestigious Munich Security Conference, which calls itself the world’s leading forum for debate on international security. The Indian minister will participate in a panel discussion on ‘Growing the Pie: Seizing Shared Opportunities,’ which will also be addressed by German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday.

SOURCE: AFI

Following the Galwan clash, the Indian Army has incorporated various indigenous martial arts into its regular training regimen, bolstering soldier preparedness and close-quarter combat abilities. This unique initiative goes beyond physical exercise, drawing on the rich heritage of Indian martial arts for practical combat applications.

A unit of the Punjab Regiment deployed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Kibithu, eastern Arunachal Pradesh, recently showcased their martial arts prowess to visiting journalists. This demonstration served as a testament to the effectiveness of integrating traditional combat forms into modern military training.