DRDO Picks Bombardier Global-6500 Jets For IAF's ₹10,000 Cr ISTAR Program

The Indian Air Force stands on the cusp of a transformative upgrade in its intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities. Under a monumental ₹10,000 crore initiative, three Bombardier Global-6500 ultra-long-range business jets will be converted into sophisticated airborne command centres.

Spearheaded by the DRDO, this project exemplifies India's push towards self-reliance in defence technology.

At its core, the ISTAR mission equips these aircraft to serve as elevated nerve centres for military operations. They will monitor enemy movements across vast distances, detect emerging threats, and relay precise targeting data to strike assets. Operating as 'eyes in the sky', these platforms can peer hundreds of kilometres into adversarial territory without breaching borders, providing real-time situational awareness.

The selection of the Bombardier Global 6500 as the base platform reflects meticulous strategic planning by the IAF. This Canadian-manufactured jet, renowned for its luxury in civilian aviation, boasts an unrefuelled range of 6,600 nautical miles—equivalent to roughly 12,200 kilometres. Such endurance enables prolonged patrols along India's expansive borders or rapid deployment to remote theatres of interest.

The aircraft's cavernous cabin, originally crafted for opulent passenger travel, offers generous space for retrofitting advanced military hardware. Engineers will install cutting-edge radar arrays, encrypted communication suites, and ergonomic workstations for mission crews. This layout ensures operators can collaborate seamlessly during missions lasting up to 12 hours or more.

Cruising at altitudes of 51,000 feet, the Global 6500 surpasses most commercial airliners and many fighter jets. This lofty perch grants superior sensor coverage over expansive areas while minimising vulnerability to surface-to-air threats. Modern avionics and proven reliability further translate to lower maintenance demands and enhanced operational availability.

What elevates this endeavour beyond mere platform acquisition is DRDO's commitment to indigenous innovation. The organisation is crafting home-grown systems, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of generating high-resolution terrain maps irrespective of weather or darkness. These radars will penetrate clouds and foliage to reveal hidden infrastructure.

Complementing SAR are electronic intelligence (ELINT) suites designed to intercept and analyse adversarial communications and radar emissions. Real-time moving target indication (MTI) technology will pinpoint vehicular convoys, troop concentrations, and even low-observable assets. This suite of sensors fuses data into a unified battlespace picture, delivered via secure datalinks.

By prioritising 'Make in India' components, the project slashes reliance on foreign vendors. Sensitive technologies remain shielded from espionage risks, while Indian engineers accrue expertise transferable to future programs like advanced drones or sixth-generation fighters. This dual focus on capability and sovereignty marks a pivotal shift in India's defence posture.

Tactically, these ISTAR assets will revolutionise border vigilance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. They can loiter for hours, spotting troop mobilisations, artillery repositioning, or unusual logistics activity far earlier than ground-based observers. Early warnings enable pre-emptive force posturing.

In active conflict, the aircraft's prowess shines brightest. They will furnish fighter squadrons and missile batteries with pinpoint coordinates, boosting first-pass hit rates and curbing collateral damage. Multi-target tracking—from armoured columns to mobile SAM sites—feeds command echelons instantaneously, fostering agile decision cycles.

Crew safety remains paramount; these jets loiter beyond enemy engagement envelopes, relying on stand-off sensors rather than risky overflights. Integration with networked assets like Rafale jets, Apache helicopters, and Heron drones will forge a layered intelligence-strike ecosystem, amplifying the IAF's combat multiplier effect.

Compared to legacy platforms such as the IAF's ageing Gulfstream G-100 or leased Phalcon AWACS, the ISTAR jets herald a quantum leap. Newer sensors discern stealthier, smaller threats; endurance doubles mission timelines; onboard AI-driven processing distils petabytes of data into actionable insights swiftly; and quantum-resistant encryption thwarts jamming attempts.

Technically, the Global 6500 spans 30.4 metres in length with a 28.7-metre wingspan. Twin Rolls-Royce Pearl 15 engines, each delivering 15,125 pounds of thrust, propel it to Mach 0.90—around 950 km/h. Maximum take-off weight hits 48,307 kg, with the militarised interior prioritising consoles over passenger seats for 10-12 operators.

Pressurisation and environmental controls sustain peak human performance on ultra-long sorties. Avionics suites, including fly-by-wire controls and synthetic vision, ease pilot workload amid complex missions. Ground infrastructure—mobile control stations, simulators, and sustainment depots—forms part of the package, ensuring rapid induction.

Critics may scrutinise the ₹10,000 crore outlay for just three aircraft, but this encompasses far more than airframes. Funds cover sensor R&D, systems integration, flight testing, certification, training syllabi, and lifecycle support. Amortised over decades of service, the per-unit cost aligns with global peers like the US E-7 Wedgetail or Swedish GlobalEye.

The IAF's verdict rings affirmative: the Global 6500's off-the-shelf maturity trumps bespoke development timelines, which could span years amid supply chain hurdles. Its kinematics align flawlessly with ISTAR demands, blending speed, altitude, and persistence. Indigenous payloads preserve strategic autonomy without compromising edge.

Looking forward, these platforms will anchor a resilient surveillance architecture amid escalating regional tensions. They synergise with indigenous stalwarts like TEJAS MK-2, Prachand helicopters, and loitering munitions, deterring aggression through persistent overwatch. Export potential for DRDO's sensor stack could further bolster India's defence industrial base.

Global ISTAR Platform Comparisons

Platform	Base Aircraft	Key Radar/Sensors	Range/Endurance	Strengths vs IAF ISTAR
SAAB GlobalEye	Bombardier Global 6000/6500	Erieye ER AESA (550 km), Seaspray 7500E GMTI ​	12,000 km ferry, 11 hrs ​	Similar airframe; IAF gains indigenous SAR/ELINT for sovereignty ​
Boeing E-7 Wedgetail	Boeing 737	360° L-band MESA radar ​	Needs refuelling for parity ​	Bulkier; Global 6500 excels in logistics, altitude (51,000 ft) ​
Raytheon Sentinel R1	Bombardier Global Express	Dual BR700 engines, towed decoys ​	High-altitude stand-off	Precedent for Global platform; IAF adds real-time MTI ​
S. Korea L3Harris	Bombardier Global 6500	Elta EL/W-2085 GaN AESA, 360° low-alt coverage ​	Matches IAF (Mach 0.90) ​	Validates choice; DRDO payloads enhance drone detection

In an era of hybrid threats—spanning cyber incursions to hypersonic salvos—ISTAR elevates India's deterrence credibility. The program embodies astute procurement: leveraging proven hulls, nurturing local tech, and yielding versatile assets. For the IAF, these aerial sentinels promise enduring vigilance over a volatile neighbourhood.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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IAF's SEPECAT JAGUAR Jet Remains An Indispensable Deep Penetration Strike Fighter

The SEPECAT Jaguar, known as Shamsher in Indian Air Force service, remains an indispensable asset despite its age, primarily due to its unmatched deep penetration strike capabilities.

Designed as a low-altitude, supersonic deep penetration fighter-bomber, it excels in terrain-hugging missions, using advanced radar and navigation systems to evade enemy defences while delivering precision strikes deep into hostile territory. This role has proven vital in India's strategic landscape, where no other IAF platform matches its ruggedness for such operations.​

Inducted in 1979, the Jaguar filled a critical gap post-1971 war, with over 160 units produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Its twin-engine design allows operations from semi-prepared airstrips, enhancing survivability in contested environments, while variants like the IS for strikes and IM for maritime roles provide versatility. The aircraft's combat range of around 900 km and speed up to 1,400 kmph make it ideal for rapid, low-level incursions.​

In operational history, Jaguars shone during the 1999 Kargil conflict, dropping laser-guided bombs as a dedicated deep penetration platform. More recently, in the 2019 Balakot strikes, they acted as decoys, drawing Pakistani F-16s away from Mirage-2000s, demonstrating tactical cunning in modern networked warfare. Their nuclear triad role further cements indispensability, capable of delivering strategic payloads with reasonable success rates.​

The Jaguar's enduring relevance stems from ongoing upgrades under the Display Attack Ranging and Inertial Navigation (DARIN) program, initiated in the 1980s. DARIN I retained the original 'chisel' nose but introduced a SAGEM navigation/attack system, combined map/electronic display, head-up display, weapon-aiming computer, and Mil Std 1553B databus. These enhancements proved crucial during the 1999 Kargil War, enabling laser-guided bomb employment.

DARIN-II, from the early 2000s, reshaped the nose with a Thales laser targeting pod. Additions included an Elbit head-up display, inertial navigation/GPS, multifunction cockpit display, Elta EL/L-8222 jammer, Tarang radar warning receivers, countermeasures dispensers, ASRAAM air-to-air missiles, and Textron CBU-105 Sensor Fused Weapons. Maritime strike variants swapped Agave radar and Sea Eagle missiles for Elta EL/M-2032 and AGM-84 Harpoon Block II.

The pinnacle, DARIN III launched in 2008, integrates the Israeli Elta EL/M-2052 AESA radar—making the Jaguar India's first AESA-equipped combat jet.

Led by HAL with TEJAS program insights, it features a glass cockpit with three multifunction displays, EFIS digital display, digital head-up display, and Elbit DASH helmet for ASRAAM cueing via unique over-wing pylons. First flight occurred in 2012, though delays arose from mission computer integration and a now-cancelled Honeywell F125-IN re-engining due to cost.

DARIN-III aims to extend select Jaguars' life to 2035, potentially beyond for upgraded HAL-built airframes. Older British jets will skip full upgrades, leading to two squadrons disbanding soon. As Singh observes, the Jaguar retains strike utility through enhanced electronic warfare, navigation-attack systems, and stand-off weapons, affirming its rugged precision despite nearing 45 years for the eldest examples.

India remains the sole operator of the Anglo-French SEPECAT Jaguar strike aircraft, a Cold War-era design that continues to play a vital role in the IAF. Recent reports reveal that New Delhi has struck a deal with Oman to acquire surplus Jaguars, retired by the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) in 2014. These aircraft will not enter frontline service but will be cannibalised for spare parts to sustain India's fleet.

Spares for the Jaguar have grown increasingly scarce since production ended, with the last Indian-built example rolling off HAL's line in 2008. Britain and France ceased manufacturing far earlier. The IAF now resorts to cannibalisation, turning to international sources like Oman and previously France, which in 2018-19 shipped 31 airframes plus parts, with India covering only transport costs.

India's six Jaguar squadrons each maintain 18-20 aircraft, but attrition is relentless—three losses occurred this year alone. The ex-Omani jets will be dismantled there before shipping to India, easing logistics. IAF historian Angad Singh notes this as a pragmatic fix for a dwindling fighter force plagued by delays in new acquisitions.

Challenges persist, including engine issues and crashes linked to outdated systems, yet strategic necessity prevails without immediate successors like the AMCA ready.

The IAF plans phased retirement from 2027-28 for non-upgraded units, but upgraded squadrons will bridge gaps in ground-attack prowess. Thus, the Jaguar's blend of reliability, adaptability, and proven combat utility ensures its continued relevance in India's arsenal.​

Post-36 Dassault Rafales, India seeks 114 more, initially single-engine but now open to twins like F-15EX, Rafale, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and F-21 (Indian F-16 variant). No decisions have emerged, and indigenous programs like TEJAS proceed slowly. At 70% of authorised strength—a 1960s figure likely to rise—the IAF has little choice but to prolong legacy types.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Raghu Vamsi Group Launches ‘Arrobot ’, Unveils Six Indigenous UAV Defence Products

Raghu Vamsi Group's RV Lakshya

Raghu Vamsi Group has launched ‘Arrobot’, a cutting-edge deep-technology defence brand, and unveiled six indigenous UAV and autonomous defence products developed entirely in India.

This marks the company's bold entry into fully integrated defence platforms. The new product line comprises RV Astra, RV Maya, RV Lakshya, RV Rudra, RV Indra, RV Yodha, and RV Drishti.

These innovations underscore India's transformation from a mere buyer of UAV and propulsion technologies to a nation capable of designing and manufacturing advanced unmanned systems at scale. The launch took place in Hyderabad on 15 December, highlighting the group's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group Founder and Managing Director Vamsi Vikas addressed reporters at the event. He explained that the group initially focused on engine development before expanding into complete product manufacturing under the Arrobot brand. Arrobot operates as a subsidiary dedicated exclusively to defence and aerospace sectors.

This unveiling forms part of the group's ambitious ₹300 crore investment plan, announced in November 2024. Investments have already been deployed by May 2025. Vamsi Vikas revealed plans for a new manufacturing facility near Novatel in Hyderabad, featuring three distinct units.

The facility will include one unit for precision manufacturing targeted at exports, another for assembly and integration of Arrobot products, and a third reserved for future expansion. He emphasised that this site remains separate from a recently inaugurated unit. All products on display were produced in-house at the group's existing factories, which handle composite manufacturing, machining, and hardware integration.

The group recently held a ground breaking ceremony for its sixth facility. This larger site is slated for inauguration in September 2026 and will support growth over the next three years. Meanwhile, the current facility addresses immediate expansion needs.

Raghu Vamsi Group now manages 10 manufacturing facilities worldwide: six in Hyderabad, three in the United Kingdom, and one in the United States. The overseas units were acquired last year, bolstering the group's global footprint.

Total investment in Arrobot is projected at ₹100–150 crore. The forthcoming large facility will demand substantially higher capital expenditure. These commitments reflect the group's aggressive push into high-tech defence production.

The company boasts an order book surpassing ₹1,500 crore for the next three years. It anticipates crossing ₹500 crore in group-level revenue this financial year. Exports account for roughly 50 per cent of revenue, with supplies reaching 10 countries including the US, UK, Germany, Singapore, Poland, and Canada.

Vamsi Vikas noted close collaboration with the Indian government and defence users to supply products to friendly nations. On the launch day, the group signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with defence users, research laboratories, and academic institutions. These partnerships aim to co-develop advanced systems.

Revenue projections from these programs remain undisclosed due to confidentiality requirements from the Ministry of Defence. Such discretion aligns with standard practices in sensitive defence collaborations.

Raghu Vamsi Group employs over 1,000 people across its operations. Arrobot currently has around 150 staff members. The new facility promises to generate more than 2,000 jobs, contributing significantly to local employment in Hyderabad.

Production capacity will differ by product type, with the potential to manufacture over 500 units per month based on order demands. This scalability positions Arrobot to meet growing domestic and international needs in unmanned defence systems.

Overall, the Arrobot launch signals a pivotal moment for India's indigenous defence ecosystem, blending innovation, investment, and international reach to foster technological sovereignty.

Based On UNI Report

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India Eyes Defence Acquisition Revamp: Graded Local Content, Single-Vendor Nominations On Horizon

India's defence procurement framework stands on the brink of a significant transformation, driven by recommendations from a high-level committee tasked with revamping the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 into a more agile DAP 2025.

Formed in June under the Director General (Acquisition) with former bureaucrat Apurva Chandra serving as adviser, the panel aims to expedite military modernisation while embedding the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

The committee has conducted several rounds of deliberations, culminating in an initial draft of proposals that promise to reshape acquisition norms. Central to these changes is a shift away from rigid upfront indigenous content (IC) thresholds, which currently impose demanding requirements across DAP 2020's five categories.

For instance, the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category demands over 50 per cent IC from the outset, while Buy (Indian) requires 50-60 per cent, and other categories like Buy (Global Manufacturer in India) stipulate 50 per cent. Even Buy (Global) sets a 30 per cent bar for Indian vendors. These stringent upfront mandates have often deterred participation.

In response, the panel advocates a graded or phased IC approach, allowing vendors to incrementally build local content over time. Under this model, a vendor bidding for IDDM projects might start with 30 per cent IC in the first year, scaling up to 40 per cent within two to three years, before achieving the full 50 per cent threshold.

This flexible structure seeks to lower entry barriers for domestic firms, affording them breathing space to develop capacities, forge supply chains, and integrate local components without immediate compliance pressures. It aligns procurement speed with long-term self-reliance goals.

A standout recommendation introduces a special single-vendor procurement route exclusively for Indian entities, targeting home-grown innovation and research & development. Tailored for specialised, lower-cost equipment, materials, or technologies of urgent operational need, this route caps procurements at ₹100 crore each.

Such items—think night-vision devices or compact drones—could enter service swiftly, bypassing protracted procedures and delivering critical capabilities to the armed forces without delay. This mechanism prioritises immediacy in addressing battlefield gaps.

Should these systems prove their mettle through field trials and sustained performance over five to six years, they would qualify for fast-track channels enabling larger-scale orders. The overarching aim is to foster timely technology access, drive cost-effective import substitution, and bolster indigenous manufacturing ecosystems.

The proposals extend the definition of indigenous content to encompass Buyer Nominated Equipment (BNE), the sub-systems integrated into existing platforms. This inclusion supports import-substitution drives by recognising upgrades to in-service assets as contributions to local content.

Furthermore, components developed in India but requiring overseas processing before re-importation into new acquisitions would also count towards IC norms. This nuance acknowledges global supply chain realities while incentivising domestic origination.

To combat chronic delays from litigation and vendor disqualifications, the committee urges a robust vendor qualification framework integrated into DAP 2025. This system would pre-screen participants, ensuring only committed, technology-mature manufacturers enter tenders, thereby streamlining processes.

The draft emphasises expanded iDEX-style collaborations and joint ventures to hasten advanced technology maturation. Here, defence production licences would flow to manufacturing partners, empowering indigenous firms rich in technical know-how but short on capital or scale.

Incentives for technology transfer and capability-building in high-priority domains—such as semiconductors, advanced materials, and emerging technologies—round out the recommendations. These steps intend to fortify India's defence industrial base, nurturing a resilient ecosystem for enduring self-reliance.

These reforms signal a pragmatic evolution in procurement policy, balancing expedition with indigenisation. By easing thresholds, fast-tracking innovations, and fortifying vendor ecosystems, DAP 2025 could markedly enhance operational readiness and strategic autonomy in an era of heightened geopolitical pressures.

Based On ET News Report

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AstroBase Develops India's Most Advanced Full-Flow Staged Combustion Rocket Engine

Bangalore based Astrobase, a start-up founded in 2024 by industry veterans and former ISRO engineers, is pioneering next-generation rocket technology with a high-performance methane-fuelled engine.

The company focuses on a full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) cycle, using liquid oxygen (LOX) and methane propellants, which ranks among the most efficient propulsion systems globally. This ambitious design mirrors SpaceX's Raptor engine, routing both fuel and oxidiser through separate pre-burners to minimise thermal stress, enhance reliability, and enable reusability.​

Astrobase achieved a significant milestone with a successful sub-scale hot-fire test in September 2025, validating combustion stability, materials, and flow systems.

This test marked a breakthrough for India's private sector in advanced rocket propulsion, with full-scale engine trials scheduled from 2026.

The Bangalore-based firm has also operationalised a 46,000 sq. ft. assembly factory and India's first private high-thrust LOX-LNG rocket engine test facility, approved earlier in 2025.​

The engine, delivering around 800 kN of thrust, powers a reusable medium-lift launch vehicle with a four-metre diameter booster employing seven engines in a configuration reminiscent of Falcon-9.

This first stage is engineered for recovery and reuse, addressing India's launch bottlenecks for constellation deployments and sovereign missions. Astrobase's infrastructure development, including cold flow testing and stage static fires, positions it for rapid progress toward operational readiness.​

Targeting a maiden orbital launch by 2029, Astrobase embodies India's shift towards commercial spaceflight and self-reliance under initiatives like Make in India.

The team's expertise from ISRO and industry underscores the venture's potential to compete globally, fostering cleaner, high-efficiency launches. As private players like Astrobase advance, they complement national efforts, promising more frequent and cost-effective access to orbit.​

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Sanlayan Group's High-Voltage Power Supply Among Seven DRDO Technologies Transferred To Armed Forces

Sanlayan Group's company Versabyte Data Systems has achieved a significant milestone by transferring its indigenously developed high-voltage power supply to India's Armed Forces.

This handover occurred at DRDO Bhawan in New Delhi last week and formed part of seven technologies transferred under the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Technology Development Fund.

The high-voltage airborne power supply serves as a mission-critical subsystem for active self-protection jammers, both pulse and continuous wave variants. It bolsters aircraft survivability and mission success rates. Developed through close collaboration between DRDO scientists and Versabyte's engineering teams, the system draws on the company's nearly four decades of expertise in rugged, high-reliability power electronics.

This achievement highlights India's progress towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, demonstrating the nation's capacity to produce complex strategic subsystems domestically. All seven innovations under the TDF were designed, engineered, and validated entirely by Indian industry, marking a pivotal step in defence self-reliance.

Public-private partnerships are increasingly propelling India's defence modernisation efforts. The TDF scheme establishes a structured pathway for industry players, start-ups, and MSMEs to engage in advanced research and development alongside DRDO labs. This collaboration matures prototypes into fully deployable systems.

Such partnerships empower a wide array of companies, from agile deep-tech firms like Sanlayan to established original equipment manufacturers like Versabyte. They now produce indigenous sensors, power systems, electronics, propulsion units, and advanced materials—technologies once reliant on foreign imports.

India's growing TDF portfolio embodies a deliberate national strategy to hasten indigenous capabilities in critical areas. The focus lies on diminishing external dependencies and compressing the timeline from laboratory innovation to battlefield deployment.

Deliberations by oversight committees stress the importance of streamlined acquisition processes. These ensure TDF-developed technologies transition swiftly into active service. This approach allows innovators, be they nascent start-ups or veteran defence manufacturers, to synchronise development with operational demands and gear up for large-scale production.

The integration of Versabyte into the Sanlayan Group has markedly enhanced the conglomerate's prowess across the defence electronics value chain. This merger accelerates India's drive for import substitution in vital subsystems.

R Chandra Kumar, CEO of Versabyte, remarked on the occasion: "This recognition reinforces Versabyte's mission to build world-class indigenous power systems for India's most advanced defence platforms. We are proud to support the nation's growing strength in electronic warfare and airborne mission systems."

The formal handover was conducted by Shri R. Chandra Kumar to Air Marshal Awdhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM, DCAS. The event unfolded in the presence of DRDO Chairman Shri Samir V. Kamat and Vice Admiral Vineet McCarthy, AVSM, DCIDS.

Rahul Vamshidhar, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Sanlayan, added context to the Group's recent accolades. Just two months prior, Sanlayan earned the Most Innovative Project Award from DRDO's Electronics & Communication Systems Cluster for its airborne electronic warfare payload solution. This honour was bestowed at Samanvay 2025.

Vamshidhar emphasised the collaborative triumph: "This milestone now reflects what's possible when India's scientists and industry engineers build together. With Versabyte Data Systems now part of the Sanlayan Group, our combined strength is accelerating indigenous defence innovation like never before."

Collectively, Sanlayan and Versabyte are fortifying India's defence manufacturing ecosystem. Their efforts advance critical technologies that heighten operational readiness and strategic autonomy. This synergy exemplifies how industry-DRDO partnerships can propel the nation towards technological sovereignty in electronic warfare and beyond.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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DRDO Chief Samir Kamat Stresses Serious Focus On Defence Exports To Sustain R&D And Production

DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat delivered the keynote address at the 40th Air Chief Marshal PC Lal Memorial Lecture, organised by the Air Force Association.

He emphasised India's progress towards self-reliance in defence technologies, highlighting a fair degree of achievement in missile systems, armoured vehicles, military bridging systems, artillery, guns, ammunition, light combat aircraft, helicopters, ships, submarines, radars, sonars, and torpedoes.

Kamat noted that these advancements stem from capabilities built in system configuration, design, engineering, integration, testing, evaluation, qualification, certification, subsystems development, components, device manufacturing, machine tools, fixtures, and materials for scaled production.​​

He pointed out a critical gap between capability and capacity, stating that while India possesses a solid defence capability pyramid, sustained warfare demands rapid, large-scale production.

In the next two to three years, several key systems are slated for induction, including the long-range land attack missile, long-range anti-ship missile, Akash air defence system, and Astra MK-2 air-to-air missile. These developments align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat, challenging India to lead in defence technologies by 2047.​

Kamat underscored the evolving nature of warfare across land, air, sea, space, cyber, and information domains, urging a significant boost in defence R&D spending. India currently allocates only 0.65 per cent of GDP to R&D, far below competitors' over 2 per cent, with defence R&D comprising just 5.75 per cent of the defence budget compared to the US's more than 10 per cent. He paid tribute to Air Chief Marshal PC Lal, whose leadership during the 1971 war shaped the Indian Air Force.​

A central theme of his address was the necessity of defence exports to sustain R&D and production. Describing defence as a monopolistic business with typically one buyer, Kamat argued that exports must be pursued seriously to maintain momentum, especially as private sector and industry involvement in design and development grows.

The defence ecosystem rests on three pillars—R&D, production, and user integration—with DRDO leading much of the innovation, though academia, MSMEs, PSUs, and private firms are increasingly contributing.​

Kamat expressed optimism about India's export potential, building on recent war-tested equipment and government targets like ₹50,000 crore by 2028-29, with current exports already at ₹23,622 crore. This push comes amid operations like Sindoor, which validated indigenous systems and boosted global interest.

His lecture reinforced the strategic imperative for enhanced investment, exports, and integration to prepare for future conflicts.​

Agencies

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Afghan Health Minister Arrives In India For First Official Visit

The arrival of Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, in India for his first official visit marks a significant moment in the gradual re-engagement between New Delhi and Kabul under the Taliban administration.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) publicly welcomed the visit, signalling India’s intent to maintain and deepen sector-specific cooperation with Afghanistan, with healthcare emerging as a prominent and politically less contentious domain for collaboration.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a post on X, extended a “warm welcome” to Jalali, underscoring that the visit reflects India’s “enduring support for Afghanistan’s healthcare system”.

This language is consistent with India’s long-standing emphasis on humanitarian assistance and development partnership with Afghanistan, even after the political changes in Kabul in August 2021. By framing the engagement around health support, India positions the visit within a humanitarian and developmental narrative rather than a political endorsement.

The Afghan Health Minister’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening institutional linkages between healthcare systems of the two countries. Likely areas of discussion include capacity building of Afghan medical professionals, training programs in Indian medical institutions, supply of essential medicines and vaccines, telemedicine cooperation, and possible Indian support in rehabilitating or upgrading critical health infrastructure in Afghanistan.

Given Afghanistan’s fragile public health indicators and constrained resources since the Taliban takeover, India’s established capabilities in affordable healthcare and pharmaceuticals provide a natural basis for cooperation.

This visit does not occur in isolation; it follows a pattern of increasing official-level interactions between India and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration over the past few months. In October, Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, travelled to India in what was widely watched as a key diplomatic signal. That visit was notable as the first by an Afghan Foreign Minister to India since the Taliban assumed power, and it generated cautious interest among regional observers regarding the trajectory of India–Afghanistan engagement.

Jalali’s health-focused visit forms the humanitarian and social pillar of a broader, multi-dimensional engagement pattern. Health cooperation is likely being viewed by both sides as a relatively low-risk but high-impact sector. For India, the health sector allows it to maintain its role as a key development partner for the Afghan people without making formal political commitments on recognition. For Afghanistan, cooperation with India in healthcare can directly benefit its population, help alleviate shortages of medicines and skilled personnel, and provide visible gains that the authorities in Kabul can showcase domestically.

India has historically played a substantial role in Afghanistan’s development, including in healthcare. Prior to 2021, India offered hundreds of scholarships for Afghan students, including in medicine, and supported hospitals, clinics and health-related capacity building. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines and essential drugs to Afghanistan. While the scale and modality of assistance have evolved post-2021, the underlying framework of India as a provider of affordable healthcare solutions remains intact.

The Afghan public health sector faces acute challenges: limited access to quality care, shortages of medicines and consumables, constraints on international funding flows, and significant human resource pressures with many professionals having left the country. Engagement with India offers potential avenues to address some of these gaps.

Discussions during Jalali’s visit may therefore cover new consignments of medicines, schemes for treatment of Afghan patients in Indian hospitals, mobile or telemedicine initiatives, and arrangements for training Afghan doctors, nurses and paramedics in Indian institutions under government or institutional programmes.

These developments also carry a wider geopolitical resonance. India has long viewed a stable, moderate and connected Afghanistan as essential for regional security and connectivity. After initially adopting a cautious and largely indirect approach following the Taliban takeover, New Delhi appears to be systematically expanding functional engagement in fields such as trade, humanitarian relief and now health. The sequence of visits by the Foreign Minister, the Industry and Commerce Minister, and now the Public Health Minister suggests a calibrated, sector-led approach rather than sudden political normalisation.

From Afghanistan’s perspective, diversifying external partnerships beyond a narrow circle of neighbours and traditional sponsors is strategically useful. India offers a large economy, established pharmaceutical industry, educational infrastructure and a sizable Afghan diaspora. These factors make expanded cooperation attractive, particularly in non-political sectors such as trade, health, education and cultural exchanges. Public statements by Afghan ministers during their India visits have consistently stressed “historical relations” and “bright future”, indicating a desire to revive at least some aspects of the pre-2021 partnership.

The emphasis on people-to-people ties in official Indian statements, including Piyush Goyal’s, fits into India’s broader Afghan policy narrative. It allows India to frame its engagement as being with the Afghan people rather than any particular regime, thereby preserving diplomatic flexibility. Health cooperation is an especially powerful expression of this approach, as it directly touches ordinary citizens and is widely seen as a humanitarian imperative.

Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali’s first official visit to India as Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, welcomed by the Ministry of External Affairs, reinforces a steadily widening track of pragmatic engagement between New Delhi and Kabul. Building on the earlier visits by the Afghan Foreign Minister in October and the Industry and Commerce Minister in November, this trip embeds the health sector alongside economics and diplomacy as a core area of cooperation.

While formal recognition and broader political questions remain unresolved, the pattern of high-level exchanges, public affirmations of a “bright” future for bilateral ties, and targeted cooperation in critical sectors like healthcare and trade collectively point to a deepening, interest-driven relationship anchored in humanitarian and economic priorities.

Based On ANI Report

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Indian Envoy Vinay Mohan Kwatra Discusses AI, Defence, Trade With US Lawmakers

India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has conducted a series of high-level meetings with senior Democratic lawmakers in Washington, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Washington.

These engagements, held over the past weekend, centred on critical areas of mutual interest, including artificial intelligence, defence cooperation, trade, and data security.

In a notable interaction on Saturday, Kwatra engaged in discussions with Congressman Ted Lieu, the Vice Chair of the House Democrats Caucus.

The conversation, described by the envoy as "engaging," covered shared priorities in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, alongside defence and security cooperation.

Trade and investment opportunities also featured prominently, as did people-to-people exchanges, which remain a cornerstone of bilateral ties.

Kwatra expressed optimism about ongoing collaboration, stating in a social media post that he looked forward to advancing these issues of mutual interest.

The previous day, on Friday, Kwatra met with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who chairs the House Black Caucus and is recognised as a steadfast advocate for robust India-US relations.

Their dialogue focused specifically on advancing collaboration in the AI domain, with a strong emphasis on data privacy and security frameworks.

These discussions reflect India's proactive diplomacy in leveraging emerging technologies to bolster strategic partnerships amid global geopolitical shifts.

As a career diplomat, Kwatra brings extensive experience to these talks, having previously served as Foreign Secretary and in key roles within the Ministry of External Affairs.

His engagements align with broader efforts to elevate the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, which has seen significant momentum under successive administrations.

Defence cooperation, a longstanding pillar, encompasses joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and co-production initiatives like the GE F414 engine for indigenous fighter jets.

Recent milestones, such as the iCET framework, further integrate AI and critical technologies into this defence matrix, enhancing interoperability.

Trade relations have also surged, with bilateral merchandise trade exceeding $120 billion in the last fiscal year, driven by supply chain diversification and digital economy pacts.

AI collaboration holds particular promise, given India's vast talent pool and the US's innovation ecosystem, potentially addressing challenges like ethical AI governance and dual-use technologies.

Data privacy emerged as a key focus, mirroring global concerns over regulations such as India's DPDP Act and US frameworks like the American Privacy Rights Act proposals.

Kwatra's meetings with Democratic leaders signal bipartisan support in Congress for closer ties, even as the US navigates its post-election landscape.

These interactions come at a pivotal time, with India positioning itself as a counterweight in the Indo-Pacific amid tensions with China.

People-to-people ties, including educational exchanges and diaspora engagement, continue to underpin trust, with over 4 million Indian-Americans influencing policy.

Kwatra's outreach exemplifies India's multifaceted diplomacy, blending technology, security, and commerce to foster resilient bilateral relations.

Such engagements pave the way for potential legislative support in areas like defence appropriations and tech export controls.

As India advances its self-reliance goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat, partnerships like these accelerate technology transfer and indigenous capabilities.

The envoy's proactive stance bodes well for sustained momentum, ensuring India-US ties remain a stabilising force in international affairs.

Future collaborations could extend to quantum computing, semiconductors, and climate tech, further diversifying the partnership.

These meetings reinforce the trajectory of elevated India-US relations, rooted in shared democratic values and strategic imperatives.

Based On PTI Report

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India Labels Pakistan 'Global Terror Epicentre,' Rejects J&K As 'Dispute'

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvathaneni, issued a robust rebuke against Pakistan during the UN Security Council Open Debate on "Leadership for Peace" in New York on Monday, local time.

This sharp response came amid Pakistan's renewed assertions of an "unresolved dispute" over Jammu and Kashmir, which India categorically rejected.

Ambassador Parvathaneni reaffirmed that the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, constitute an integral and inalienable part of India. He stressed that they "were, are, and will always remain so," dismissing Pakistan's references as unwarranted and obsessive.

Labelling Pakistan the "global epicentre of terror," the envoy accused Islamabad of exploiting the UN platform to advance its divisive agenda against India and its people. As a non-permanent UNSC member, Pakistan's conduct, he argued, undermines its international responsibilities.

India highlighted Pakistan's history of sponsoring terrorism, including three wars waged against New Delhi and thousands of terror attacks over decades. In the past four decades alone, tens of thousands of Indian lives have been lost to such Pakistan-backed violence.

A pivotal example cited was the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists carried out religion-based targeted killings, claiming 26 innocent civilian lives. This incident underscored Islamabad's ongoing support for cross-border terrorism.

In direct response to Pakistan's criticism of the Indus Waters Treaty suspension, India defended its decision to hold the 1960 pact in abeyance. Entered into 65 years ago in good faith, the treaty's spirit has been repeatedly violated by Pakistan's aggressions, according to Parvathaneni.

India announced it will maintain this stance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably ceases all support for cross-border terrorism and other terror forms. This measure reflects New Delhi's firm resolve to protect its security interests.

The ambassador also turned scrutiny on Pakistan's domestic turmoil, mocking its claims to democratic credentials. He pointed to the jailing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the banning of the ruling political party, and a so-called "constitutional coup" via the 27th amendment.

This amendment purportedly grants lifetime immunity to Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Asim Munir, allowing the military to engineer political outcomes. Parvathaneni described this as Pakistan's "unique way" of respecting the people's will.

India vowed to counter Pakistan-sponsored terrorism "in all its forms and manifestations with all its might." This declaration signals unwavering determination amid escalating diplomatic tensions.

Pakistan's representative had reiterated longstanding claims over Jammu and Kashmir as an "unresolved dispute" while decrying the Indus Waters Treaty suspension. India's retort effectively framed these as distractions from Islamabad's terror patronage.

The exchange at the UNSC underscores persistent India-Pakistan friction, particularly over Kashmir and water-sharing rights. It occurs against the backdrop of recent terror incidents and India's strategic recalibrations in bilateral ties.

As a non-permanent UNSC member, Pakistan's platform usage drew particular ire, with India questioning its suitability for peace leadership roles. This episode may influence future multilateral engagements between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Based On ANI Report

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Pakistani Lashkar Terrorist Abdul Rauf Resurfaces: 'Delhi Will Be Made A Bride' He Blurts

A Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, Abdul Rauf, has resurfaced in a video delivering inflammatory threats against India, reigniting scrutiny over Islamabad's handling of terror groups. 

Previously portrayed by the Pakistan Army as an innocent civilian, Rauf's latest appearance exposes the fragility of such claims. His speech, laced with calls for violence, underscores the persistent operational freedom enjoyed by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on Pakistani soil.

Rauf, a close associate of LeT founder Hafiz Saeed and a figure sanctioned by the United States, issued a provocative warning that "Delhi will be made a bride." This phrase, steeped in jihadist rhetoric, implies a violent conquest or destruction of India's capital. The video has drawn sharp attention amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

The context traces back to India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted LeT's Markaz-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke. The precision strike destroyed key infrastructure and eliminated several high-value terrorists. In response, the Pakistan Army hastily labelled Rauf a mere civilian, despite his prominent role in leading funeral prayers for the deceased militants at the site.

Eyewitness accounts and footage from the funeral revealed the presence of Pakistani Army officers, further blurring the lines between state actors and terror networks.

Rauf's re-emergence now dismantles this narrative, portraying him not as a bystander but as an active proponent of jihad. Security experts argue this incident highlights Islamabad's duplicity in shielding LeT operatives.

In his speech, Rauf vehemently rejected claims of declining militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. He asserted that the "war" in the region remains far from over, urging followers to escalate violence. Such statements aim to counter India's narrative of stabilisation post the abrogation of Article 370, signalling LeT's intent to sustain unrest.

Rauf invoked Abdul Rehman Makki, LeT co-founder and brother-in-law of Hafiz Saeed, to reinforce the group's long-standing objective: the capture of Delhi. He chanted extremist slogans promising the city's conquest and explicitly referenced 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'—a doctrinal concept prophesying an Islamic conquest of India. This rhetoric has long served as ideological fuel for cross-border terrorism.

Beyond threats, Rauf boasted about supposed Pakistani military superiority. He dismissed India's Rafale fighter jets, S-400 air defence systems, and advanced drones as ineffective. Claiming India's air force would never dare violate Pakistani airspace, he positioned Pakistan as the sole "true nuclear power" among Islamic nations, weaving a narrative of invincibility to embolden militants.

These assertions ignore verifiable realities, such as India's successful precision strikes and the integration of Rafale jets into its arsenal alongside indigenous platforms like Tejas. The S-400 systems, acquired from Russia, have bolstered India's layered air defence, while drone capabilities have proven decisive in counter-terror operations. Rauf's bravado appears tailored to radicalise recruits rather than reflect strategic facts.

Security analysts interpret the video as irrefutable evidence of LeT's enduring presence in Pakistan. Despite international sanctions and UN designations, the group maintains training camps, propaganda machinery, and financial networks with apparent state acquiescence. Hafiz Saeed himself remains under house arrest in name only, frequently addressing rallies.

This development coincides with heightened India-Pakistan frictions, including recent skirmishes along the Line of Control. LeT's resurgence aligns with broader patterns of proxy warfare, where groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba have historically orchestrated attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai assaults. Rauf's threats could presage renewed attempts at infiltration or sabotage.

India's defence establishment, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), continues to prioritise counter-terror capabilities. Investments in unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and hypersonic technologies aim to deter such provocations. Collaborative ties with Israel and the US further enhance intelligence-sharing on LeT activities.

Pakistan's repeated denials of terror sanctuaries face mounting global pressure, particularly from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which monitors its grey-list status. Incidents like Rauf's speech could complicate Islamabad's bids for removal from the list, as they demonstrate non-compliance with commitments to dismantle terror financing.

For Delhi and other urban centres, such threats necessitate vigilant security protocols. India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) coordinate to track LeT modules, often disrupting plots in their nascent stages. Public advisories emphasise heightened alertness without succumbing to panic.

In the geopolitical arena, Rauf's video serves as a propaganda tool to rally Islamist sentiments across the border. It exploits religious narratives to mask strategic vulnerabilities, including Pakistan's economic strains and military overstretch. India's doctrine of pre-emptive action, as seen in Balakot and Operation Sindoor, remains a credible deterrent.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces the need for sustained international diplomacy to isolate terror sponsors. India's advocacy at forums like the UN and Quad underscores the linkage between cross-border terrorism and regional stability. As LeT adapts its tactics, vigilance must match its persistence to safeguard national security.

Based On India Today Report

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Drone Spotted Over Explosives Manufacturer Solar Industries' Airstrip; Probe Ordered

An unidentified drone was spotted flying over the airstrip of Solar Industries, a prominent Nagpur-based manufacturer of defence-related products, on 9 December 2025.

The incident occurred around 7:15 pm at the company's facility on the Nagpur-Amravati road, approximately 40 km from Nagpur city. Due to darkness, security personnel could only observe blinking lights in the sky, making it impossible to ascertain the drone's size or type.​

Security staff at the Solar Group facility promptly alerted senior officials, who notified the Kondhali police station.

An immediate investigation was launched, with police teams conducting searches in nearby villages such as Malkapur, Shiva, and Sawanga. Authorities explored possibilities like the drone originating from a wedding or private event that strayed into restricted airspace, but no leads emerged despite two days of surveillance.​

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against an unidentified person at Kondhali police station, as confirmed by Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh Poddar.

The probe has escalated due to the site's strategic importance, with the Intelligence Bureau (IB) deploying a team to examine the matter. Heightened security measures, including fortification of the facility, have been implemented amid national security concerns.​

Solar Industries specialises in indigenous defence technologies, producing weaponised drones like hexacopters, military explosives, rocket integration systems, loitering munitions, anti-drone missiles, bombs, and warheads for India's armed forces.

The company's private airstrip supports testing and operations for these sensitive products.

Based On PTI Report

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India Reaffirms Ties Commitment In EAM Jaishankar's Bahrain National Day Greetings

India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has extended warm greetings to Bahrain on its National Day, underscoring New Delhi's steadfast commitment to bolstering bilateral ties.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Jaishankar conveyed his best wishes to Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the government, and the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

He stated: "Warm greetings to FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Government & people of the Kingdom of Bahrain on their National Day. Reaffirm commitment to strengthening our long-standing partnership." This message arrives precisely one month after Jaishankar's telephone conversation with Al Zayani on 16 November.

During that call, the two ministers explored avenues to deepen the multifaceted India-Bahrain relationship. They also exchanged perspectives on pressing regional and global developments. Jaishankar had then posted: "Good to speak with FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain over phone. Discussed ways to further deepen our longstanding multifaceted partnership. Also exchanged views on current regional and global developments."

The rapport between India and Bahrain rests on a foundation of close and friendly relations, nurtured through consistent high-level dialogues. Trade and investment flows have expanded steadily, while cooperation spans critical domains such as energy security, defence collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges.

A notable recent milestone occurred earlier in November when Al Zayani visited India. He co-chaired the Fifth India-Bahrain High Joint Commission alongside Jaishankar, marking a pivotal forum for bilateral review and forward planning.

The commission deliberated on progress towards establishing a Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment. Discussions also advanced the initiation of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), poised to unlock new avenues for economic synergy.

Beyond economics, the two nations issued a robust joint condemnation of terrorism in all its manifestations. They reaffirmed their resolve to counter terrorism, including cross-border variants, highlighting aligned security priorities amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.

This shared stance on security reflects deeper defence ties that have evolved over years. India and Bahrain have pursued joint military exercises and defence dialogues, fostering interoperability and mutual capabilities in the Gulf region.

Energy cooperation forms another pillar, with Bahrain's role as an oil producer complementing India's voracious import needs. Indian firms have invested in Bahrain's energy sector, while reciprocal opportunities in refining and petrochemicals have gained traction.

People-to-people links remain vibrant, bolstered by a large Indian expatriate community in Bahrain—estimated at over 300,000 strong. This diaspora drives remittances, cultural exchanges, and soft power projection for India in the Gulf.

High-level engagements have intensified under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. His 2019 visit to Bahrain, the first by an Indian PM in 17 years, elevated ties to a strategic partnership, with pledges for enhanced counter-terrorism and maritime security cooperation.

The November High Joint Commission built on this momentum, reviewing achievements in health, education, and renewable energy. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the trajectory and outlined ambitious targets for the coming years.

Regionally, India-Bahrain ties gain added salience amid West Asian flux. Bahrain's participation in the Abraham Accords and its hosting of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet align with India's pursuit of a rules-based order and freedom of navigation in the Arabian Sea.

Jaishankar's National Day message thus serves as a timely reaffirmation, signalling continuity amid global uncertainties. It positions India as a reliable partner for Bahrain, especially as Manama navigates economic diversification under its Vision 2030 blueprint.

Prospects for defence collaboration appear particularly promising. Recent talks have touched on potential joint ventures in maritime patrol, cybersecurity, and training exchanges, leveraging India's indigenous defence manufacturing push under 'Make in India'.

Economically, the proposed CEPA could double bilateral trade, currently hovering around $1.5 billion annually, by targeting sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. The Joint Working Group will iron out tariff barriers and investment protections.

Terrorism's condemnation underscores a proactive security architecture. Both nations back multilateral forums like the UN and FATF, while bilateral intelligence-sharing has intensified to pre-empt threats from non-state actors.

As Bahrain marks its National Day—commemorating independence from British protection in 1971 and the ruling Al Khalifa family's ascension in 1783—India's gesture reinforces a partnership forged in mutual respect. This relationship exemplifies India's broader West Asia strategy: pragmatic, multifaceted, and forward-looking.

Looking ahead, sustained momentum could see elevated defence pacts, energy deals, and cultural initiatives. Jaishankar's outreach not only celebrates shared history but charts a course for resilient collaboration in an era of strategic flux.

Based On ANI Report

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PM Modi Leaves Jordan For Ethiopia After Landmark Visit, Farewell From Crown Prince Al Hussein

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed from Jordan for Ethiopia on Tuesday, concluding the first leg of his three-nation tour. Jordan's Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah-II personally bid farewell to the Prime Minister at the airport in Amman, a gesture that underscored the robust bilateral relations between India and Jordan.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted this warm send-off in a post on X, noting that the Crown Prince drove PM Modi to the airport himself. This rare personal touch signified the depth of friendship between the two leaders and their nations.

Prior to his departure, PM Modi visited the Jordan Museum alongside the Crown Prince. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X that the leaders explored ancient links between India and Jordan, embodying the theme of "Vikas bhi Virasat bhi" – development alongside heritage.

HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, Vice-Chair of the Jordan Museum, provided a special tour for the dignitaries. The Crown Prince again demonstrated his hospitality by personally driving PM Modi to the museum, reflecting centuries-old civilisational connections.

During his stay in Jordan, PM Modi addressed the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman, attended by King Abdullah-II and the Crown Prince. He emphasised opportunities for enhanced trade, business, and investment ties across key sectors.

PM Modi spotlighted potential collaborations in digital public infrastructure, fintech, health-tech, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fertilisers, green energy, and sustainable infrastructure. He positioned India and Jordan as prospective trusted partners in global supply chains.

The Prime Minister invited businesses and start-ups from both countries to forge partnerships for mutual growth. This business engagement aimed to bolster economic ties amid evolving geopolitical dynamics.

As PM Modi proceeded to Ethiopia – the second stop and his first official visit to the Land of Origins – members of the Indian diaspora there hailed the trip as "iconic". The two-day state visit promises significant diplomatic advancements.

In Ethiopia, PM Modi will engage in talks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Nobel laureate. He is also scheduled to address a Joint Session of the Ethiopian Parliament, elevating the visit's profile.

The Indian community in Ethiopia expressed optimism about the outcomes. Ramendra Shah noted improvements in healthcare cooperation, including research partnerships with Indian hospitals such as Mahatma Gandhi Hospital.

Shah highlighted an expansion plan for the hospital to add 400 beds and called for financial support from Indian philanthropic organisations. He anticipated that PM Modi's visit would strengthen India-Ethiopia relations, particularly through BRICS frameworks.

In his departure statement from India, PM Modi referenced Addis Ababa as the headquarters of the African Union. He recalled India's role during its 2023 G20 Presidency in securing permanent membership for the African Union in the grouping.

The Prime Minister expressed eagerness for detailed discussions with Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali and interactions with the Indian diaspora in Addis Ababa. These engagements aim to deepen strategic partnerships.

Following Ethiopia, PM Modi will conclude his tour in Oman from 17 to 18 December. This three-nation itinerary – Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman – signals India's proactive outreach in the Middle East and Africa.

The visits come at a time of heightened global focus on South-South cooperation, energy security, and sustainable development. PM Modi's engagements are poised to yield tangible benefits in trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.

The tour exemplifies India's foreign policy of fostering enduring friendships while advancing economic and strategic interests. Observers expect announcements on new initiatives that could reshape regional collaborations.

Based On ANI Report

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'India Has Witnessed Remarkable Growth Under PM Modi': King Abdullah-II At India-Jordan Business Forum

King Abdullah II of Jordan has commended the remarkable economic growth India has achieved under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. Speaking at the India-Jordan Business Forum in Amman on 16 December 2025, the King highlighted India's progress and expressed eagerness to elevate bilateral economic ties.

He stated, "Under the great leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has witnessed great growth and we look forward to working with you all to take our economic partnership to further heights." This praise underscores the strengthening relations between New Delhi and Amman.

The forum, held on Tuesday, aims to bolster bilateral ties through enhanced economic and investment cooperation. King Abdullah welcomed the Indian delegation and identified key collaboration areas, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and agriculture, which promise mutual benefits.

Jordan positions itself as a strategic hub, offering competitive advantages in sectors such as food, fertiliser, pharmaceuticals, textiles, ICT, energy, mining, tourism, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. The King emphasised Jordan's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and its pivotal location bridging regions.

"With Jordan's strategic location and FTAs and India's economic power, advanced industries, we have the potential to build an economic corridor that links South Asia to the Middle East, Africa and Europe," he remarked. He invited Indian partners to utilise Jordan for integrated logistical and processing hubs via IMEEC routes, facilitating exports of agricultural and industrial goods.

King Abdullah described the forum as a "catalyst" for new joint investments, ventures, and knowledge transfer. In his closing words, he urged both nations to forge closer bonds through fresh opportunities, enduring partnerships, and investments.

Earlier that day, Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, a 42nd-generation direct descendant of Prophet Mohammad, personally drove Prime Minister Modi to the Jordan Museum. This gesture formed part of Modi's intensive itinerary during his official visit to Jordan.

Prime Minister Modi's trip to Jordan is the initial leg of a three-nation tour, followed by visits to Ethiopia and Oman. On Tuesday, he posted on X praising the visit's outcomes as a significant step in expanding India-Jordan relations.

He noted that achievements span renewable energy to digital innovation, reflecting the deepening partnership. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, had earlier detailed the visit's deliverables on Monday.

These include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation in New and Renewable Energy, another MoU on Water Resources Management and Development, and a Twinning Agreement between Petra and Ellora. The Cultural Exchange Programme has been renewed for 2025-29, alongside a Letter of Intent for sharing scalable digital solutions to drive digital transformation.

From Jordan, Prime Minister Modi will proceed to Ethiopia at the invitation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, marking his inaugural official visit there. The tour will conclude in Oman, further advancing India's diplomatic engagements.

This forum and Modi's visit signal a proactive push towards multifaceted cooperation, leveraging Jordan's geography and India's industrial prowess to connect vast economic zones. Such initiatives could reshape trade dynamics across continents.

Based On ANI Report

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