ASEAN Envoys Inspect BrahMos Facility As India Highlights Indigenous Defence Capabilities

A delegation of high-ranking diplomats from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries, led by Singapore High Commissioner Simon Wong, conducted a landmark visit to the BrahMos Aerospace head office situated in New Delhi, WION reported.

The official interaction offered the visiting envoys direct insight into the defence production capacities of India, whilst revealing the sophisticated engineering principles that underpin the world-famous BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

Throughout the guided tour, the diplomatic delegation surveyed the expanding defence architecture and advanced engineering expertise of the host nation, employing the BrahMos initiative as a primary lens to appreciate the conceptualisation, manufacture, and deployment of prominent indigenous military hardware.

High Commissioner Wong characterised the visit as a thoroughly illuminating demonstration, expressing sincere gratitude to the event organisers for their warm hospitality, whilst also acknowledging the Philippine Embassy for its pivotal coordination in facilitating the event.

This strategic engagement underlines a growing interest across Southeast Asian nations regarding the Indian defence landscape, particularly its local military systems, technological developments, and manufacturing prowess.

The system features two-stage propulsion, utilising a solid-propellant booster to achieve supersonic velocity before transitioning to a liquid ramjet engine, enabling sustained cruise speeds of Mach 2.8 to Mach 3.0 across sea-skimming trajectories.

The multi-platform cruise missile system can be deployed from land-based mobile launchers, naval surface ships, attack submarines, and modified Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, making it an exceptionally flexible precision-strike weapon.

This high-level ASEAN visit follows a crucial historical milestone in Southeast Asian defence procurement, namely the landmark $375 million export contract (valued at approximately ₹3,100 crore) signed with the Philippines in January 2022 for three batteries of the shore-based anti-ship variant.

The initial delivery of these advanced anti-ship missile systems to the Philippine Marine Corps was completed in early 2024, proving India's capacity to execute complex international defence orders and supply agreements.

Interest amongst other Southeast Asian nations has continued to accelerate, with countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia conducting initial evaluation talks regarding potential purchases of maritime and coastal defence variants.

To support these international order pipelines and domestic military procurement, manufacturing and integration processes are being scaled up at key operational nodes, including facilities in Hyderabad and an upcoming modern assembly unit situated in Lucknow.

The domestic defence sector has witnessed significant momentum driven by government initiatives aimed at fostering start-up innovation and self-reliance under national manufacturing policies, supported by substantial budget allocations scaling upwards of ₹1,00,000 crore for capital acquisition of domestic equipment.

Strategic industrial clusters located in key aerospace nodes like Bangalore continue to supply high-precision components, sub-systems, and advanced materials vital to missile assembly and testing protocols.

As India systematically expands its industrial presence in regional security markets, deeper engagement with Southeast Asian partners holds the potential to unlock vital avenues for joint technology co-development, strategic defence sales, and collaborative industrial partnerships.

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India’s High-Speed Leap: Jet-Powered Drones Reshape Future Warfare

As modern combat shifts heavily towards high-speed, non-contact strikes, India is rapidly expanding its indigenous capabilities in jet-powered unmanned aerial systems.

The strategic push comes amidst the evolving aerial conflict in Ukraine, where Russian high-speed jet drones, such as the Geran-4 and Geran-5, have severely tested air defence networks with their 500-kilometre-per-hour speeds and eight-kilometre operational ceilings.

Leading this technological shift, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment in Bangalore has successfully developed a 350-kilogramme-class expendable turbojet engine.

This indigenous propulsion unit is tailored for long-range cruise missiles, target drones, and jet-propelled loitering munitions, positioning itself just beneath the 450-kilogramme-class Small Turbofan Engine built for India’s Long-Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.

To put this capability into global context, the United States relies on a similar 400-kilogramme-class engine to power its battle-proven Tomahawk cruise missiles.

This technological landmark aligns with the Indian Army’s recent acquisition of 106 Agniveg jet-powered loitering munitions from a domestic defence manufacturer.

Capable of reaching velocities up to 450 kilometres per hour, the Agniveg flies more than twice as fast as conventional propeller-driven drones like the original Shahed-136.

Engineered with advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technology, the Agniveg boasts a circular error probable of under five metres, delivering precision firepower deep inside enemy territory.

Its superior speed and accuracy allow military commanders to neutralise high-value command centres, radar installations, fuel depots, and logistics hubs without risking manned aircraft or consuming expensive long-range missiles.

Achieving success in this domain requires extraordinary precision engineering and complex metallurgy, capabilities traditionally held by a select group of global powers.

To scale up domestic manufacturing, the Bangalore-based laboratory teamed up with key industry partner Azad Engineering, alongside an emerging ecosystem of private aerospace start-ups including DG Propulsion, Nabhdrishti Aerospace, and Paninian Aerospace.

These concerted national efforts are drastically curtailing India’s dependence on foreign imports for specialized propulsion systems.

While challenges remain in mastering the complex turbofan technology required for heavy combat fighter aircraft, India’s rapid progress in expendable jet engines marks a definitive step towards sovereign air defence readiness.

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Hypersonic Weapons, Quantum Systems And Indigenous Engines Key To India’s Future Warfighting Edge

At the India Today Conclave – South 2026, G. Satheesh Reddy, a member of the National Security Advisory Board and former DRDO chairman, outlined the technologies he believes will determine India's military strength over the coming decade, India Today reported.

He argued that maintaining a decisive edge in future conflicts will require sustained investment in a small number of critical strategic sectors.

According to Reddy, hypersonic weapons stand out as one of the most important capabilities India must pursue. These systems operate within the atmosphere at speeds of roughly six times the speed of sound, dramatically compressing an adversary's reaction time and making interception significantly more challenging.

India has already demonstrated growing competence in advanced missile technologies through programs such as BrahMos and long-range strategic missile development. Reddy indicated that the next major leap will come from mastering hypersonic systems capable of combining speed, manoeuvrability and precision.

He also highlighted quantum technology as a transformational field with implications across multiple military and civilian domains. Quantum communications, computing, sensors, radar systems and electronic warfare capabilities were identified as areas likely to reshape future battlefields.

Reddy noted that advances in quantum science could fundamentally alter how information is processed, transmitted and protected. Future armed forces are expected to rely increasingly on secure communications, enhanced sensing and sophisticated electronic warfare tools, areas where quantum technologies could provide substantial advantages.

Another priority identified by Reddy was advanced manufacturing. He stressed that India must strengthen its position as a global manufacturing power, supported by cutting-edge production methods and the development of advanced materials.

The emphasis reflects a broader national push towards technological self-reliance, particularly in strategically important sectors. Greater domestic manufacturing capability would help reduce external dependencies while supporting defence production, exports and industrial growth.

Propulsion technology was highlighted as another critical area requiring sustained attention. Reddy argued that India must develop advanced indigenous aircraft engines, a field widely regarded as one of the most complex challenges in aerospace engineering.

While India has achieved notable successes in missiles, radars and other strategic systems, advanced jet engine technology remains an area where foreign collaboration and imports continue to play an important role. Developing a fully indigenous high-performance aero-engine would mark a major milestone for the country's aerospace sector.

Expressing confidence in India's progress, Reddy said that the experience gained from developing numerous engine systems would ultimately enable the country to field its own advanced aircraft engine. He stated that he was “100% sure” India would achieve this goal within the next decade.

Taken together, Reddy's vision places hypersonic weapons, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing and indigenous propulsion at the centre of India's long-term strategy for military modernisation. He argued that success in these fields will be essential for ensuring technological superiority and strategic autonomy in future conflicts.

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'From Drones To Missiles: Indian Start-Ups Drive A New Era In Defence Manufacturing' Says Dr G Sateesh Reddy

India’s defence Start-Up ecosystem is undergoing a profound transformation, moving far beyond component supply and emerging as a major force behind the development of advanced military technologies and complete weapon systems.

Speaking at the India Today Conclave – South 2026, G. Satheesh Reddy, Member of the National Security Advisory Board and former DRDO Chairman, described the rise of defence and aerospace Start-Ups as a revolution that is reshaping how India designs, develops and manufactures military capabilities.

According to Reddy, sectors once dominated by established defence organisations and large industrial groups are increasingly being led by young technology companies.

He noted that around 90% of India’s drone sector is now driven by Start-Ups, while cyber security has become almost entirely Start-Up-led.

Indian Start-Ups are also developing satellites, launch vehicles and sophisticated payload technologies, including synthetic aperture radar and hyperspectral imaging systems, reflecting a growing capability in both defence and space-related applications.

The shift extends beyond niche technologies. Reddy said private industry is now manufacturing complete defence platforms and weapon systems, including missiles, bombs, tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery systems.

He revealed that roughly 12 to 13 missile programs are currently being executed by private-sector manufacturers, underscoring the expanding role of industry in areas that were previously the preserve of the public sector.

Reddy highlighted a major change in entrepreneurial thinking. Earlier generations often sought stable employment or operated as ancillary suppliers to large government-owned companies.

Today’s entrepreneurs, however, are increasingly focused on creating original products capable of competing in international markets.

He said several Indian Start-Ups are already developing technologies that are attracting attention from overseas companies and foreign governments, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of India's indigenous innovation ecosystem.

One of the biggest challenges for defence Start-Ups remains the transition from prototype development to serial production.

To bridge this gap, the government has introduced multiple support mechanisms, including the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and DRDO’s Technology Development Fund.

Reddy said iDEX alone has supported more than 620 Start-Ups, while over 700 Start-Ups and industries have collectively received funding through various government-backed schemes.

He added that reforms to defence procurement procedures are helping successful innovators move more quickly from demonstration to acquisition.

Under existing provisions, Start-Ups that successfully complete iDEX or Technology Development Fund challenges gain a clearer pathway into procurement programmes and can secure contracts worth up to ₹300 crore even without an established revenue track record.

India’s wider defence manufacturing base has also expanded substantially.

Reddy said more than 25,000 firms now operate as Tier-1 and Tier-2 suppliers within the defence ecosystem, while over 130 private companies are working alongside DRDO as development-cum-production partners.

This represents a significant departure from the traditional model in which state-owned entities dominated the transition from research and development to manufacturing. The increasing role of private industry has coincided with a sharp rise in indigenous content within military equipment.

Reddy said indigenous content has increased from roughly 30-35% around 15 years ago to approximately 65-70% today, reflecting the success of long-term self-reliance efforts.

He also pointed to growing confidence within the armed forces in domestically developed systems, a factor that has helped accelerate the adoption of indigenous technologies.

The expansion of private industry and Start-Ups is simultaneously strengthening India’s position within global defence supply chains.

Reddy noted that defence exports increased from ₹23,622 crore last year to ₹38,458 crore this year, highlighting the rapid growth of India’s international footprint.

The broader trend aligns with India's ambition to become a major global defence exporter, supported by growing demand for indigenous systems ranging from missiles and drones to radar and electronic warfare technologies.

As Indian defence products gain acceptance overseas, the next challenge will be ensuring that today’s Start-Ups can evolve into large-scale defence technology firms capable of designing, manufacturing and sustaining advanced military systems for both domestic and international customers.

The success of that transition could determine whether India’s current Start-Up boom develops into a lasting strategic industrial advantage and cements the country's emergence as a leading defence manufacturing power.

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India And South Korea Reaffirm Ties To Enhance Joint Defence Production And Logistics

India and South Korea have reaffirmed their close and growing defence ties to advance bilateral cooperation in defence production and logistics, announced PIB.

This mutual commitment was reinforced during the 10th India–Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation held in New Delhi.

The co-chairs for the meeting were Dinesh Mahur, Additional Secretary for Defence Production in India’s Ministry of Defence, and Kim Il Dong, Vice Minister of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration of South Korea. Both sides reviewed current bilateral engagement and explored strategic avenues to further strengthen and expand their defence industrial partnerships.

The summit served as a crucial platform for exchanging views on deep industrial cooperation, encouraging joint manufacturing initiatives, and facilitating smoother logistics support between the two armed forces.

Leading defence enterprises from both nations participated actively in the discussions. The Indian delegation included major industry players such as Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Earth Movers Limited, while South Korea was represented by aerospace and technology leaders including Hanwha Aerospace, Korean Air, Hanwha Systems, Korea Aerospace Industries, and DS Navcours.

On the sidelines of the proceedings, Vice Minister Kim Il Dong held a high-level bilateral interaction with India’s Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth. During their discussion, both leaders reiterated a shared commitment to deepening collaboration across defence production lines and supply chain logistics.

The high-level gathering was also attended by Seong Ho Lee, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, and Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade, Joint Secretary for Naval Systems in the Department of Defence Production, alongside several senior civilian and military officials from both countries.

This landmark tenth meeting underscored the expanding strategic convergence between New Delhi and Seoul, cementing their joint resolve to co-develop advanced defence technologies, enhance military readiness, and build resilient defence supply chains across the Indo-Pacific region.

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India's First Edge AI Mission: TakeMe2Space Prepares Custom Compute Platform For SpaceX Flight

Indian space Start-Up TakeMe2Space is set to deploy what it characterises as the nation's inaugural orbital computing spacecraft aboard a SpaceX rocket on 1 October, India Today reported.

The launch represents a shift towards executing data processing directly within space, bypassing the customary necessity of sending massive volumes of raw telemetry back to Earth.

The 14-kilogram spacecraft, dubbed MOI-1A, is designated to ride into orbit as part of the Transporter-18 rideshare mission managed by SpaceX.

The hardware features an integrated Nvidia Orin NX processing unit that delivers up to 117 trillion operations per second (TOPS) in computational performance.

TakeMe2Space founder and chief executive officer Ronak Samantray confirmed that 23 clients have already enrolled for the flight. These partners include geographic information system enterprises, educational facilities, and commercial entities operating across precision agriculture, mining, supply-chain logistics, and insurance sectors, alongside United States space analytics firm Little Place Labs.

In contrast to classical Earth-observation platforms that downlink extensive unparsed datasets to ground infrastructure for offline evaluation, MOI-1A enables clients to upload bespoke artificial intelligence models straight to the orbiting hardware.

As the spacecraft passes above specific geographical areas, it performs real-time edge processing and transmits only the finalized analytics to ground teams, eliminating the requirement to stream complete telemetry down to Earth stations.

Samantray highlighted that the financial savings achieved by avoiding massive raw data downlinks fully offset the premium pricing associated with running computational tasks in space.

Constructed as a 6U CubeSat measuring 226.3 x 100 x 366 millimetres, the payload integrates 2 terabytes of onboard storage, a nine-band multispectral imaging system, and a maximum power envelope of 120 watts.

The upcoming deployment follows a technology demonstration mission conducted in late 2024 that validated basic application uploading, in-orbit artificial intelligence inferencing, and downloading generated outputs. A subsequent iteration, the MOI-1 satellite, was lost following a third-stage launch vehicle failure.

Looking beyond this flight, the firm aims to deploy larger networked satellite constellations from 2027 onwards to scale total compute capacity while reducing operational expenditure per transaction.

The enterprise also intends to introduce orbital cold storage solutions tailored for critical data, serving financial institutions and defence organisations seeking secure backup infrastructure off-planet.

TakeMe2Space engineers and manufactures the vast majority of its satellite subsystems in-house within India, whilst importing specialized silicon microchips, solar photovoltaic cells, and thruster propulsion systems from external suppliers.

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Former Pakistan Army SSG Commando Hashim Moosa Identified As LeT Operative Killed In Budgam Encounter

Security forces have identified the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed during Operation KORAG in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district as Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, a former Pakistan Army Havildar with an extensive background in special operations, counter-insurgency warfare and VIP protection duties.

According to security sources, Asif was born on 7 March 1980 and joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 under service number PA-3106947. He later rose to the rank of Havildar before retiring from military service in 2023.

His military career reportedly took a significant turn in 2005 when he was inducted into the Pakistan Army's elite Special Services Group (SSG). He subsequently served with the 4 Commando "Yalgar" Battalion, one of the country's specialist special operations formations.

From 2006 onwards, he was deployed in Balochistan, where he allegedly participated in approximately 10 counter-insurgency operations against Baloch separatist groups. Sources claim he was credited with 13 personal kills during those deployments.

Between 2006 and 2009, Asif was also attached to the VVIP security detail of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, highlighting the level of trust and specialised training he had received during his military career.

Documents examined by security agencies, including a Pakistani Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) issued on 12 September 2020, reportedly helped establish his identity and military background.

Officials stated that his service record reflected experience in counter-insurgency operations, United Nations deployments, VVIP security assignments and advanced weapons training.

Indian security agencies believe that following his retirement from the Pakistan Army in 2023, Asif was integrated into Lashkar-e-Taiba's operational structure and subsequently infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir.

His death was confirmed by the Army's Srinagar-based Chinar Corps after troops recovered his body along with war-like stores during a search operation in the Palmaidan area of Budgam district.

The operation began after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of terrorists in the Yousmarg region. Security forces launched a joint search mission, during which troops observed suspicious movement.

When challenged, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the encounter, Hashim Moosa was neutralised. Search operations in the area continued afterwards to determine whether additional terrorists remained present.

Hashim Moosa had emerged as one of the most wanted foreign terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Security agencies had linked him to a series of attacks across the Union Territory and viewed him as a highly trained operative because of his special forces background.

He was also among the key suspects in the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists, one of the deadliest civilian attacks in Kashmir in recent years.

Following that attack, Jammu and Kashmir Police announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to the arrest of Pakistani nationals and LeT operatives Adil Hussain Thoker, Ali Bhai and Hashim Moosa.

Investigators had long suspected that Moosa's specialised military training enabled him to conduct complex operations and survive prolonged counter-terrorism manhunts in difficult terrain.

The National Investigation Agency's 1,597-page chargesheet in the Pahalgam attack case named seven accused and detailed the alleged involvement of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF), both designated terrorist organisations.

The chargesheet also named Pakistani handler Sajid Jatt and described what investigators characterised as a broader cross-border conspiracy to plan, facilitate and execute the attack.

The elimination of Hashim Moosa is therefore being viewed as a significant operational success for Indian security forces, not only because of his alleged role in the Pahalgam massacre but also because of the rare combination of conventional military, special forces and terrorist experience he is believed to have possessed.

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'Make In India' At 12: Defence Production Soars To ₹1.78 Lakh Crore As Exports Reach Record Highs

Twelve years after the launch of the 'Make In India' initiative, India's defence industrial base has undergone a dramatic transformation, evolving from a largely import-dependent sector into a significantly larger domestic manufacturing ecosystem, Business Today reported.

Indigenous defence production has increased from ₹43,746 crore in 2013-14 to a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26, representing almost a fourfold expansion. The growth reflects sustained efforts to strengthen self-reliance, expand domestic manufacturing capacity and increase private-sector participation in defence production.

The rise in production has been accompanied by a remarkable surge in exports. Indian defence exports climbed from just ₹686 crore in 2013-14 to ₹38,424 crore in 2025-26, transforming the country from a predominantly import-oriented market into an increasingly important supplier of military equipment to overseas customers.

Today, Indian-made defence systems are being exported to more than 80 countries, highlighting the growing international acceptance of indigenous platforms and military technologies.

The expansion has been visible across multiple sectors of the armed forces. India now produces a broad range of advanced military equipment, including combat aircraft, warships, missiles, artillery systems, helicopters and armoured vehicles.

Among the most prominent indigenous platforms are the Tejas light combat aircraft, the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, the Akash surface-to-air missile system, the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Arjun main battle tank and the Prachand light combat helicopter.

The broader defence ecosystem has also matured considerably. Policy reforms, indigenisation drives, procurement changes and greater involvement of private industry have expanded the number of companies participating in defence manufacturing, while encouraging domestic development of critical military technologies.

Private-sector participation has become increasingly significant, accounting for roughly 24% of total defence production in 2025-26, with output valued at around ₹42,000 crore. This marks the highest private-sector contribution recorded so far.

Despite the progress, important challenges remain. India continues to rely on foreign suppliers for several high-end technologies that are crucial to modern weapon systems.

These include certain aircraft and naval propulsion technologies, advanced engines, specialised sensors, electronic components and other critical subsystems that remain difficult to develop domestically at scale.

As a result, although India's indigenous manufacturing capabilities have expanded substantially, the country continues to rank among the world's major arms importers, particularly for some of the most technologically sophisticated military platforms and equipment.

The past 12 years have therefore delivered a substantial increase in production capacity, exports and indigenous capability. However, achieving full strategic self-reliance will depend on India's ability to master critical technologies that still lie beyond its domestic industrial base.

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Indian Crude Sourcing Shifts Towards Gulf Producers As Russian Volumes Cool

India pivots towards middle-east energy supplies whilst retaining Russian crude partnerships

Indian refiners have stepped up purchases of Middle Eastern crude oil whilst curbing imports from Russia, according to industry statistics compiled by data intelligence firm Kpler, OilPrice reported.

The calibration of energy sourcing does not signal an intention by New Delhi to halt Russian oil imports completely, even as the United States threatens punitive tariffs of up to 100%.

Inflow figures reveal that Middle Eastern suppliers delivered an average of 3 million barrels daily to Indian ports this month. In contrast, shipments of Russian crude declined to a daily average of 1.75 million barrels.

The volume imported from Middle Eastern nations represents a return to levels last seen prior to the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the daily average for Russian crude marks a notable reduction from August, when deliveries stood at 2.1 million barrels per day, defying earlier Kpler projections that had placed September imports at 1.9 million barrels daily.

Despite this downward trend, Indian processing facilities are not preparing to abandon Russian energy purchases altogether. Moscow retains its position as the largest single supplier of crude oil to India, even with its reduced market share recorded in September.

Aggregate Indian crude imports reached 5.3 million barrels per day during the month, reflecting an increase of 600,000 barrels per day compared to August and a rise of 700,000 barrels daily relative to the corresponding period last year.

Analytical insights from Kpler expert Sumit Ritolia emphasise that Russian crude remains an integral pillar of India’s overall import basket. The firm does not interpret the recent dip in volume as an indicator that New Delhi is turning away from Russian supplies permanently.

India currently ranks as the second-largest global importer of Russian crude oil, trailing only China. In recent months, energy shipments from Russia have accounted for nearly half of all crude purchases made by Indian refiners.

As one of the primary buyers of Russian energy, India faces the prospect of import duties reaching 100% on its merchandise entering the United States under Washington's latest sanctions framework. These potential tariff measures threaten to strain bilateral economic relations at a time when negotiators from New Delhi and Washington have been engaged in month-long discussions to finalise a trade agreement.

India remains the second-largest importer of Russian crude globally after China, with Russian shipments previously constituting almost half of total domestic purchases.

However, continued trade with Moscow exposes Indian exports to potential 100% American tariffs under newly enacted sanctions laws. This trade friction threatens to disrupt ongoing bilateral negotiations intended to establish a long-term trade agreement between New Delhi and Washington.

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EAM Jaishankar, Guterres Discuss Shielding Global South From Fallout of West Asia And Ukraine Conflicts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Tuesday, with discussions focusing on the growing impact of ongoing international conflicts on developing nations and the wider Global South.

Following the meeting, Jaishankar said both sides exchanged views on current conflicts and the urgent need to reduce their economic and humanitarian consequences, particularly for countries that are not directly involved in the disputes but continue to bear the costs.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the high-level United Nations General Assembly week, where global leaders have been increasingly concerned about the knock-on effects of conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine on food, energy and financial security.

Recent reports from the UN Secretary-General's office indicated that the discussions also covered multilateralism, India-UN cooperation and broader geopolitical developments, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The meeting followed Jaishankar's warning at an Asia Society event in New York that global supply disruptions could trigger a serious food crisis in the months ahead.

According to the External Affairs Minister, ongoing conflicts are already affecting grain exports, fertiliser availability, energy markets and international capital flows, creating mounting pressure on developing economies.

He highlighted signs of significant fertiliser shortages and cautioned that major grain-exporting nations could face growing difficulties in moving shipments through vital Black Sea routes.

Jaishankar warned that these disruptions could develop into a major global food crisis, with poorer nations likely to suffer the greatest consequences.

He also expressed concern over decisions affecting oil supplies, arguing that higher energy prices could undermine macroeconomic stability at a time when many countries are already facing economic uncertainty.

The Minister noted that geopolitical instability often pushes investment capital towards perceived safe-haven markets, reducing financial flows into emerging and developing economies.

Stressing the importance of responsible policymaking, he urged governments to consider the wider international consequences of their decisions rather than focusing solely on national interests.

During India's address to the United Nations General Assembly on 26 September, Jaishankar had similarly drawn attention to the unequal burden imposed by global conflicts.

He argued that countries geographically distant from conflict zones are nevertheless paying a heavy economic price despite having little influence over events on the ground.

Referring to the conflict in the Gulf region, he said the latest escalation was worsening an already difficult international environment and reiterated India's concern over continuing hostilities.

Jaishankar strongly criticised attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers operating through international waterways, describing such actions as unacceptable and harmful to global trade and energy security.

India called on all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted movement of commerce and energy supplies.

On the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar reaffirmed India's support for efforts aimed at reducing instability and improving food and energy security. He also reiterated New Delhi's long-standing position that a durable peace requires a two-state solution.

Addressing the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Minister repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's view that endless war must eventually give way to peace. He stated that India continues to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives designed to bring the conflict to an end.

The meeting with Guterres comes as the UN and several international agencies continue to warn that conflict-driven disruptions to shipping routes, agricultural exports, fertiliser supplies and energy markets could disproportionately affect developing countries, reinforcing India's longstanding advocacy for greater attention to Global South concerns within global policymaking forums.

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'No External Party Has Any Locus Standi': India Slams Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir Remarks At UNGA

India has issued a sharp rebuke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he referenced Jammu and Kashmir during his speech at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Ministry of External Affairs, through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, described the remarks as unwarranted and emphasised that Kashmir is an internal matter concerning India's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Jaiswal stated categorically that no external party has any locus standi on the issue, underlining New Delhi's consistent position that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

Erdogan, in his address, called for all South Asian disputes, including Kashmir, to be resolved through dialogue within the framework of the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.

His comments come against the backdrop of the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed on August 7 by Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which commits the three nations to mutual defence in the event of an armed attack on any one of them.

The trilateral pact, finalised after nearly a year of negotiations, was signed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Erdogan and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Mecca.

While the agreement strengthens collective deterrence, it stops short of specifying exact military obligations, leaving room for interpretation on how each country would respond in a crisis.

To institutionalise cooperation, the three nations announced on August 31 the creation of a Secretariat based in Saudi Arabia, to be led initially by a Pakistani Secretary General for three years.

The pact also envisions enhanced defence industry collaboration, joint technology development and production, aiming to bolster the military capabilities and operational cohesion of the three armed forces.

India, meanwhile, reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir remains an inalienable part of its territory and invoked the 1972 Shimla Agreement, under which India and Pakistan committed to resolving all bilateral issues peacefully and without third-party mediation.

Indian officials also stressed that dialogue cannot proceed alongside terrorism, citing a history of cross-border attacks—including Kargil, the 26/11 Mumbai strikes, Pathankot, Pulwama and Pahalgam—as evidence that Pakistan must first dismantle terrorist infrastructure before meaningful talks can resume.

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MEA Keeps 4,500+ Indian Seafarers In Persian Gulf Under Close Watch Amid Rising Maritime Threats

New Delhi has put more than 4,500 Indian seafarers working in the Persian Gulf under close watch as maritime threats in the region escalate, with the Ministry of External Affairs confirming that 163 of them are aboard 12 cargo ships currently transiting the Gulf.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said six of these vessels are India-flagged commercial ships, while the other six are foreign-flagged cargo carriers transporting goods to India, all operating west of the Strait of Hormuz.

Beyond these 12 ships, thousands of other Indian nationals are employed on a wide range of commercial vessels plying the wider Persian Gulf area, making the safety of Indian crews a high-priority consular and security concern.

The Ministry of Shipping is tracking the movement of these vessels in real time, coordinating with Indian embassies, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the welfare of the crews and to intervene swiftly if required.

Jaiswal stressed that New Delhi remains fully committed to protecting its seafaring community abroad, with round-the-clock monitoring and contingency support mechanisms in place for any emergency.

The advisory comes amid a sharp rise in attacks on merchant shipping across key global chokepoints, including the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the Black Sea, where commercial vessels and their crews have been repeatedly targeted in recent months.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar flagged the issue at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, condemning assaults on commercial shipping as "completely unacceptable" and confirming that Indian seafarers have been among those killed.

"New challenges in the maritime domain have added to longstanding ones on land," Jaishankar said, citing attacks from the Gulf to the Red Sea and Black Sea that have claimed Indian lives along with those of other nationalities.

In response, India has teamed up with Liberia and 23 other countries to form the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers, a coalition aimed at rallying global opinion and action to protect civilian shipping.

Jaishankar underlined that strict adherence to international law must be central to any effort to secure sea lanes, calling for immediate restraint and de-escalation to safeguard crews and keep energy and trade flows uninterrupted.

Officials have pointed out that more than 15 Indian seafarers have been killed and four remain missing in West Asia and the Black Sea since February, with specific cases such as the killing of an Indian chief officer on MV OMORFI on 18 July and the deaths of four Indians on MV GOLDEN LEO off Odessa cited at the UN.

With India a major supplier of maritime manpower and Liberia home to the largest ship registry by tonnage, the new grouping seeks to bring together ship-owning nations, flag states and seafarer-source countries to address what has become a systemic threat to global commerce and human life at sea.

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Iranian Dhow Carrying ₹3,000 Crore Drug Haul Intercepted Off Lakshadweep; Five Pakistanis Detained, Haji Salim Network Exposed

In a major blow to an international narcotics trafficking network, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), working alongside the Indian Coast Guard and central intelligence agencies, seized approximately 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine from an Iranian dhow intercepted in Indian waters west of Lakshadweep. Reports indicate the consignment has an estimated international market value of more than ₹3,000 crore.

The operation stemmed from intelligence received on 10 September indicating that a large shipment of methamphetamine and heroin was being prepared for smuggling into India via the Arabian Sea.

Investigators found that the narcotics were allegedly being transported aboard an Iranian vessel named Azad, which was expected to rendezvous with a Tamil Nadu-based boat in waters spanning the Mumbai-Kochi-Lakshadweep maritime corridor.

According to Gujarat Police, the shipment was allegedly organised by wanted drug smuggler Haji Salim and his associates, who planned to dispatch the consignment from Iran within a period of 15 to 20 days.

The drugs were reportedly intended to be transferred at sea before being landed along the Tamil Nadu coastline.

From there, the consignment was allegedly to be broken into smaller loads and distributed through multiple transport channels before reaching a Nigerian national based in Punjab.

Investigators believe part of the payment for the narcotics had already been made through hawala channels, with the remaining amount scheduled to be transferred after successful delivery.

The probe also uncovered information suggesting that a Nigerian national, acting through an intermediary, participated in a meeting in Ahmedabad where an order for roughly 500 kg of heroin and methamphetamine was allegedly placed.

Following the intelligence breakthrough, Gujarat ATS coordinated with Indian Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi and formed a joint operational team in Kochi.

Under the supervision of ATS Superintendent of Police K Siddharth, officers worked alongside senior Coast Guard personnel to track suspicious maritime activity across the region.

Using sea and aerial surveillance assets, authorities monitored suspected vessels before identifying the target dhow on 25 September.

The Coast Guard subsequently intercepted the vessel in Indian territorial waters west of Lakshadweep after a sustained tracking effort.

ATS and Coast Guard personnel boarded and searched the dhow before escorting it under armed guard to Mumbai for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Five Pakistani nationals were detained aboard the vessel.

They were identified as Mohammad Yakub Balochi, Shakirullah, Faridullah, Ahmed Khan and Wahidullah Khan, all reportedly residents of Peshawar, Pakistan. The seizure included approximately 400 kg of methamphetamine and 126 kg of heroin, bringing the total quantity recovered to around 526 kg.

Preliminary questioning revealed that the dhow had departed from Konarak in Iran.

Investigators further allege that the narcotics were transferred onto the vessel from another boat originating in Gwadar, Pakistan, before the journey towards Indian waters.

Authorities also disclosed that the vessel's tandel was expected to use a Starlink satellite communications device during the smuggling operation, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by transnational trafficking networks.

The seizure reflects a broader trend in which international narcotics syndicates attempt to exploit maritime routes in the Arabian Sea to move drugs towards the Indian coastline.

Security agencies have intensified monitoring of these sea lanes in recent years, with maritime interdictions becoming a key element of India's counter-narcotics strategy.

A case is being registered by Gujarat ATS, while further interrogation and investigation are under way to identify the wider network of handlers, financiers and intended recipients linked to the consignment.

Officials described the operation as a significant example of coordinated maritime surveillance and inter-agency cooperation aimed at disrupting international drug trafficking networks before narcotics can reach the mainland.

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US Completes Iraq Troop Withdrawal, Closing Chapter On 12-Year Anti-ISIS Mission

The United States is set to complete the withdrawal of its remaining troops from Iraq on 30 September, bringing to an end a 12-year military deployment that began in 2014 as part of the campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS).

This marks the second full withdrawal of American forces from Iraq and concludes the military component of Operation Inherent Resolve.

The departure follows an agreement negotiated between Baghdad and Washington in 2024 under the Biden administration. The Trump administration subsequently continued implementation of the plan, maintaining the agreed deadline of 30 September 2026.

American troops had previously left Iraq in 2011 after an eight-year deployment that followed the 2003 invasion. However, they returned in 2014 after ISIS captured vast areas of Iraq and Syria, threatening Baghdad and exposing major weaknesses in Iraqi security forces.

The US-led coalition played a central role in helping Iraqi and Kurdish forces roll back ISIS. While the militant group lost its territorial caliphate and was militarily defeated by 2019, coalition forces remained to provide training, intelligence and operational support aimed at preventing a resurgence of extremist networks.

Over recent months, US forces steadily consolidated their positions in northern Iraq, particularly around Erbil, reducing their footprint ahead of the final departure. By the final days of the mission, only a small contingent remained in the Kurdish region.

The withdrawal takes place against a significantly altered regional backdrop. Tensions stemming from the US-Iran conflict have heightened concerns about security dynamics in Iraq, a country that maintains deep political, cultural and military links with Tehran. Iranian-backed Shiite militias continue to wield substantial influence inside Iraq despite government efforts to strengthen state authority.

According to reports, the remaining American personnel and coalition elements are relocating to Jordan. From there, the coalition's anti-ISIS mission will continue, with military planners maintaining the ability to strike extremist threats and protect US interests across the region. Coalition headquarters for ongoing operations have also shifted to Jordan.

Roughly 1,500 US and coalition personnel remained in Iraq shortly before the final withdrawal, a sharp reduction from the approximately 2,500 American troops stationed in the country in recent years and far below the levels seen during the height of earlier military operations.

The Iraqi government has portrayed the departure as a major milestone in restoring national sovereignty. Baghdad is commemorating the occasion with four "Sovereignty Days", underscoring the symbolic importance of ending the foreign military mission.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has directly linked the withdrawal to broader efforts aimed at consolidating state authority. His government is seeking to bring all weapons under state control and has identified the disarmament of armed factions as a key objective, with discussions continuing after the deadline for militia disarmament was extended to June 2027.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, al-Zaidi stated that Iraq was working to ensure that the state becomes the ultimate authority in decisions concerning peace and war. The government views the departure of coalition forces as an opportunity to strengthen Iraqi institutions and reinforce national decision-making.

The withdrawal has nevertheless generated mixed reactions. Iran-backed groups have celebrated the move as a strategic victory, while some Iraqi and Kurdish officials have expressed concerns that the absence of US forces could create security gaps and embolden militant actors. Analysts also warn that remnants of ISIS remain active as sleeper cells and could seek to exploit any reduction in security pressure.

For Washington, the end of the Iraq mission represents the closing of a major chapter in a military engagement that began with the 2003 invasion, resumed in 2014 to combat ISIS, and ultimately evolved into a long-term security partnership.

For Iraq, it marks the beginning of a new phase in which national forces will assume full responsibility for safeguarding the country's security and stability.

ANI

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Pakistan Turns To Fresh Borrowing As Public Debt Climbs To Record Levels

Pakistan is preparing to increase borrowing during fiscal year 2026-27 as the government seeks to finance its budget deficit amid a sharp rise in public debt over recent years.

Under the Ministry of Finance's Annual Borrowing Plan 2027, Islamabad intends to borrow approximately PKR 6.86 trillion during the current fiscal year to support government spending and cover the fiscal gap.

The borrowing program comes as Pakistan's total public debt has expanded significantly. According to official figures, public debt reached PKR 86.7 trillion at the end of June 2026, compared with PKR 49.3 trillion in June 2022.

The debt stock comprises both domestic and external liabilities, underscoring the growing burden on the country's finances despite ongoing fiscal reforms and international support programmes.

To manage its debt profile more effectively, the government plans to reduce its dependence on short-term Treasury Bills and place greater emphasis on medium- and long-term funding instruments.

Authorities are expected to increase the issuance of Pakistan Investment Bonds and other longer-duration securities in an effort to lower refinancing risks and extend debt maturities.

The Finance Ministry is also seeking to attract a broader range of investors. Planned measures include promoting zero-coupon bonds, National Savings Schemes and other government-backed securities to both institutional and retail investors.

For external financing, Pakistan intends to continue relying on multilateral lenders while simultaneously seeking greater access to international capital markets.

The government is targeting the mobilisation of more than $2 billion through Eurobond or international sukuk issuances during the fiscal year, subject to market conditions.

Islamabad also plans to refinance selected foreign commercial bank loans and encourage overseas Pakistanis to invest through instruments such as Naya Pakistan Certificates.

Officials intend to maintain engagement with international credit-rating agencies while pursuing debt-management measures including debt buybacks and debt exchanges.

Additional details from the government's borrowing framework indicate a broader strategy aimed at improving the maturity structure of public debt and reducing dependence on short-term financing, which has historically exposed the country to refinancing pressures.

Pakistan's rapidly rising debt burden reflects the persistent fiscal challenges facing the government. While the revised borrowing strategy is designed to strengthen debt management and diversify funding sources, continued reliance on domestic and external financing highlights the pressure on Islamabad to balance fiscal sustainability with expenditure requirements.

The latest plan demonstrates that debt management will remain one of the most significant economic challenges confronting Pakistan as it seeks to maintain financial stability, secure external funding and support economic growth in the years ahead.

ANI

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