S-500 And Su-57 On The Table: What India's Next Russia Mega-Deal Could Deliver

S‑500 Prometheus missile defence system

India’s defence talks with Russia are intensifying, with the S‑500 Prometheus missile defence system and the Su‑57 stealth fighter now firmly on the table, Times of India reported.

These deals could reshape India’s air defence and combat aviation posture, but they also raise questions about co‑production, technology transfer, and Washington’s unease.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the SCO Summit has centred on two marquee defence platforms.

The S‑500 and Su‑57 are being pitched as part of the countries’ Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with discussions expected to formally begin during the summit.

The S‑500 proposal comes after the battlefield validation of the S‑400 system. During Operation Sindoor, the S‑400 reportedly performed well in tracking and neutralising aerial threats, integrating seamlessly into India’s air defence network.

This success has prompted New Delhi to look ahead to the next generation. Unlike the S‑400, which provides theatre‑level protection out to 400 kilometres against aircraft, drones and cruise missiles, the S‑500 is designed to supplement rather than replace it. Its focus is on intercepting ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons.

The Prometheus system is capable of intercepting targets at altitudes of 180 to 200 kilometres, reaching into near‑space just below the Karman Line. It employs 77N6‑N and 77N6‑N1 hit‑to‑kill interceptors. Importantly, the S‑500 is being pitched not as a straightforward purchase but as a co‑production arrangement between Indian industry and Russian partners.

This would align with India’s push for self‑reliance in defence manufacturing. Russia has been pitching the S‑500 to India since 2021, with former Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov suggesting India could be the first foreign recipient.

On the Su‑57 front, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has described the aircraft as among the best in the world, confirming it was discussed during talks.

Russian officials have floated the possibility of licensed production in India and integration of Indian‑origin weapons systems, including continued cooperation on projects like BrahMos. This would allow India to adapt the aircraft to its own operational requirements.

The Indian Air Force is currently facing a severe aircraft shortfall, with squadron strength at a six‑decade low. Meanwhile, China is rapidly expanding its fleet of fifth‑generation fighters and testing sixth‑generation aircraft, further complicating India’s defensive posture.

India’s indigenous fifth‑generation fighter, the AMCA, is not expected to enter service before 2035, leaving a capability gap that the Su‑57 could potentially bridge.

However, the Indo‑Russian Summit held last December made no mention of the S‑500 or Su‑57 in its joint statement, as critical technical, logistical and financial issues remained unresolved.

Washington’s discomfort with India’s procurement of Russian arms also casts a shadow over these deals, with potential implications for India’s broader strategic partnerships.

Beyond these headline systems, broader defence cooperation is being discussed. This includes expanded logistics arrangements involving reciprocal access to military bases, and a potential upgrade program for India’s Sukhoi Su‑30MKI fleet. Upgrades would cover radars, avionics and weapons systems, extending the jets’ operational lifespan and enhancing lethality.

The coming BRICS Summit in India, where President Putin is scheduled to visit, may provide further clarity.

For New Delhi, the decision will hinge on balancing immediate capability needs with long‑term self‑reliance, while managing geopolitical pressures from Washington.

Agencies

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India’s GaN Avengers Aim To Transform Semiconductor Future

Agnit Semiconductors has emerged from the Indian Institute of Science’s Innovation Centre in Bangalore as the country’s first Gallium Nitride-based semiconductor company.

Founded by six scientists with over 120 research papers to their credit, the Start-Up is determined to rebrand India’s semiconductor industry by moving beyond traditional silicon.

Their vision is to build a globally relevant product within five years, specialising in the design and manufacturing of GaN-powered semiconductors.

The lab at IISc is equipped with advanced devices including a thermal chamber, semiconductor characterisation equipment and electrical test instruments.

This infrastructure reflects years of research and experimentation that have now begun to yield tangible results. Agnit’s founders believe India is not far behind in GaN technology and, with the right incentives and policies, can catch up with global leaders.

Countries such as China, the US, Germany and Taiwan are already established players in GaN semiconductors.

However, India’s National Semiconductor Mission 2.0, with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crores, provides a strong foundation for competition. Hareesh Chandrasekar, Agnit’s CEO, emphasises that government support must go beyond policy to include acting as customers for indigenous technology.

The team, dubbed the “magnificent seven,” includes five professors and two PhD scholars. Their expertise spans semiconductor device physics, photonics, fabrication processes and wide bandgap materials. Chandrasekar himself worked nearly a decade in the US as a silicon chip designer before returning to India to focus on GaN.

His co-founder Digbijoy Neelim Nath specialises in GaN transistors for power switching and radiofrequency applications. Other members include Madhusudan Atre, a theoretical physicist with decades of experience, Mayank Shrivastava from IIT-Bombay, Shankar Kumar Selvaraja from Ghent University, and Srinivasan Raghavan with deep expertise in fabrication. Muralidharan Rangarajan, a pioneer in materials sciences, was also a co-founder before his passing in 2024.

Their collaboration is marked by animated discussions and interdisciplinary synergy. Agnit’s journey began in 2015 with a proposal to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology for a greenfield GaN foundry. In 2017, approvals were granted for a ₹3,000-crore facility to produce GaN chips, complementing IISc’s Centre for Nano Sciences and Engineering.

Gallium Nitride is a wide-bandgap semiconductor capable of operating at higher voltages, temperatures and frequencies than silicon.

Its advantages include reduced energy losses, lower heat generation and resilience under high electric fields. Applications range from fast chargers and electric vehicles to 5G systems and radars.

Defence remains the most strategic sector, with GaN enabling more efficient radars and communication systems. Agnit has already run five pilot projects for government and private strategic customers, with two products designed and manufactured in India.

These are intended for radars, jammers and radios, with hopes of scaling into commercial production.

India remains heavily dependent on imported semiconductors, with 90–95 per cent of requirements sourced from countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.

NITI Aayog’s Trade Watch report highlights the need for deeper integration into global value chains and a shift towards higher value-added activities. Chandrasekar argues that India need not be fully self-reliant but should focus on strategic areas where it can achieve world-class standards.

The founders stress that technology must prove itself beyond the lab by meeting customer demands for quality, timelines and scalability. Agnit’s mission is to answer these challenges and position India firmly on the global GaN map.

Agencies

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Foreign Counter-Drone Technology Enters India As Armed Forces Pursue Kinetic Interceptors

Foreign-origin counter-drone technology is entering India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem at a crucial juncture.

The armed forces are actively developing requirements for systems capable of physically intercepting hostile unmanned aerial vehicles. This development highlights the growing urgency of kinetic solutions in the face of evolving aerial threats.

According to disclosures made in filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, US-based Powerus has granted Paras Defence & Space Technologies exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialise its Guardian interceptor family in India.

The agreement has been executed through Powerus subsidiary Tandem Defence LLC. Paras Defence will hold exclusive rights to manufacture and commercialise Guardian interceptor products in India in return for a licence fee and a share of net profits from domestic sales.

The arrangement does not mean that the Guardian interceptor has been selected by the Indian military. Any induction into service would remain subject to the government’s standard evaluation and procurement processes. The significance of the agreement lies in its timing, coinciding with the Indian military’s parallel efforts to define requirements for high-speed kinetic systems to counter drones.

In February, the Indian Army issued a request for information for up to forty-five drone interception systems and fifty drone catcher systems. These are intended for deployment across plains, deserts, and high-altitude areas.

The systems are required to counter low-radar-cross-section drones through kinetic means, including direct impact or proximity detonation. This reflects the Army’s recognition of the need for scalable solutions against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.

Earlier this month, the Army also issued a GeM tender for the development of an AI-enabled high-speed interceptor UAV for counter-drone operations.

At the same time, the Indian Air Force has sought indigenous solutions capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising hostile drones. These parallel initiatives underscore the armed forces’ determination to build layered defence capabilities against unmanned aerial systems.

Powerus has described Guardian‑1 and the upgraded Guardian‑2 as low-cost, high-speed counter-drone interceptor platforms. They are designed to defeat hostile unmanned aerial threats at scale.

The company has stated that the technology originated through a partnership formed to commercialise autonomous defence technologies developed in Ukraine and owned by G1 Exploration.

This adds an international dimension to the technology’s lineage, linking it to battlefield innovations tested in conflict zones.

For India, the immediate significance of the Paras‑Powerus agreement is industrial rather than operational. The deal creates a pathway for local manufacturing and commercialisation of a foreign-origin counter-drone system

 This industrial foothold comes at a time when the Army and Air Force are pursuing scalable kinetic solutions to meet evolving drone threats. It also aligns with India’s broader defence modernisation program, which seeks to combine indigenous innovation with selective foreign collaboration.

IANS

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PM Modi, President Xi And President Putin Signal Diplomatic Thaw With Rare Handshake At SCO Summit In Kyrgyzstan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared a rare three-way handshake at the SCO Summit in Bishkek, signalling cautious diplomatic engagement amid ongoing India-China tensions and deepening India-Russia ties.

The moment comes just ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where Xi is expected to attend, further highlighting India’s central role in multilateral diplomacy.

The handshake took place at Bishkek’s Yrys Ordo Congress Hall during the traditional family photograph of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. Cameras captured Modi and Xi exchanging a brief handshake, joined by Putin, in what observers described as a symbolic gesture of personal diplomacy between India and China.

The interaction follows Modi’s invitation to Xi in 2025 to attend the BRICS Summit hosted by India later this month. Xi expressed gratitude for the invitation and pledged China’s support to India’s BRICS Presidency, underscoring Beijing’s recognition of India’s leadership role in the grouping.

Chinese journalist Zhao Yunfei of CGTN commented that both India and China should leverage multilateral platforms such as the SCO and BRICS to strengthen engagement and pursue common interests. He emphasised that as neighbouring countries, India and China must resolve differences while working towards regional prosperity. Zhao added that BRICS, representing emerging economies of the Global South, offers a vital platform for economic cooperation.

The SCO Summit marks 25 years of the organisation and has brought together leaders from 10 member states, 15 partner countries, and two observer nations. Modi, Xi, and Putin were joined by leaders from Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Mongolia, and others in the expanded “SCO Plus” format.

India and China recently agreed to enhance border management measures. On 26 August, both sides reached consensus on eight points during the 25th round of Special Representatives’ Talks in Beijing. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the discussions. Agreements included two new meeting points for the Senior Highest Military Commander mechanism and additional military hotlines in the Eastern and Middle Sectors.

These developments are seen as steps towards stabilising relations after years of mistrust following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The handshake in Bishkek, therefore, carries symbolic weight, reflecting cautious optimism in India-China ties.

Meanwhile, Modi also held substantive discussions with Putin on bilateral relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, and energy security. Modi reiterated India’s call for peace, stating that “every day spent on war pushes humanity backwards” and urging an end to prolonged conflict.

The SCO Summit theme, “Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity,” reflects the grouping’s focus on collective security and economic cooperation.

PM Modi highlighted India’s priorities of connectivity, opportunity, and combating terrorism without double standards.

The upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September will provide another opportunity for Modi, Xi, and Putin to engage. Xi’s expected participation will be closely watched as India seeks to balance ties with both China and Russia while deepening its partnerships with the US and Europe.

ANI

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Kepler Aerospace Secures ₹66 Crores To Build Autonomous Swarm Satellites For Defence Surveillance

Kepler Aerospace has secured ₹66.4 crores in seed funding, one of the largest early-stage investments in Indian space-tech, to deploy its first six autonomous swarm satellites for military surveillance.

This marks a major leap in India’s defence space infrastructure, with the satellites expected to cut intelligence turnaround times from weeks to mere hours.

Kepler Aerospace, a Bangalore-based space infrastructure and mission operations Start-Up, has raised ₹66.4 crores in a seed round led by Blue Ashva Capital, with Finvolve and India Accelerator co-leading. This is the company’s first external funding since its founding in 2018, and it stands among the largest seed rounds in India’s space-tech sector.

The funds will be used to launch Kepler’s first six satellites, designed to operate as an autonomous swarm. These satellites can task each other in orbit without human intervention, a capability that will significantly enhance India’s defence surveillance. The funding will also support scaling of Kepler’s satellite-hardware and ground-infrastructure businesses.

Kepler was founded by chief executive Navneet Singh and chief strategy officer Kiran Sharma. Singh worked on India’s nanosatellite program at ISRO, while Sharma contributed to a lunar nano-rover project at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Their combined expertise has shaped Kepler’s vision of building sovereign space capabilities.

The company already holds two prime contracts under the government’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme, backed by about ₹33.2 crores in grants awarded two years ago. These contracts focus on building swarming satellite constellations for India’s defence establishment.

Singh confirmed that Kepler has cleared the preliminary design review and mission design review for the satellites, with a critical design review targeted for January. The company is in discussions with multiple global and domestic launch providers, aiming for a first launch in December 2027.

The satellites, meant for the Defence Space Agency, will carry electronic-warfare, electro-optical, and thermal sensors. Singh explained that they can autonomously detect targets such as ships or mobile air-defence systems and cue other satellites in the cluster to image and track them, without waiting for ground station instructions.

This could reduce intelligence delivery times from India’s current turnaround of about six weeks to just a few hours. Singh contrasted this with China’s satellite network, which can refresh surveillance of India’s northern border areas every eight minutes, thanks to its larger fleet.

Kepler’s older businesses, including satellite components such as a sub-10-gram onboard GPS system, satellite communication hardware, military avionics, and “mission operations as a service” through a network of over 70 ground stations, contributed about 90% of its ₹8.3 crores revenue last year.

Its newer satellite-intelligence business made up the rest. Singh expects intelligence services to grow to 60–70% of revenue within three years, once all six satellites are operational by mid-2028.

The company’s client base includes ISRO, L&T, Bellatrix Aerospace, and Take Me To Space for satellite hardware, as well as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment for avionics.

Notably, Kepler provides the communication system on the Abhyas target drone.

Kepler plans to add about 40 employees over the next 12–24 months and is moving into a new integration and mission-control facility in Bangalore’s Whitefield area. This expansion will strengthen its engineering and operational capacity.

The funding round underscores investor confidence in Kepler’s autonomous swarming satellite architecture. Satya Bansal of Blue Ashva Capital described it as a sovereign capability that collapses the intelligence cycle from days to minutes, fundamentally changing how nations can perceive and respond to threats.

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Javelin Co-Production MoU: A 'Major Step Forward' For India–US Defence Ties, Says US Envoy

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Javelin Joint Venture, comprising Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, and TATA Advanced Systems Limited for the co-production of Javelin All-Up-Round missiles in India.

He described the agreement as a major step forward for the US-India defence partnership, highlighting that it would create new opportunities for American companies, strengthen the US defence-industrial base, and enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities.

The announcement was made on social media, where Gor emphasised the strategic importance of the collaboration. Lockheed Martin India had earlier confirmed the signing of the MoU with TATA Advanced Systems Limited, noting that the partnership would focus on co-producing the Javelin All-Up-Round missile domestically.

The MoU outlines plans for a dedicated final assembly and integration facility in India, alongside component manufacturing capabilities to meet future production requirements.

TATA Advanced Systems Limited was selected as the prime partner after an evaluation of multiple firms based on technical expertise and industrial capacity.

The initiative is expected to reinforce regional stability across the Indo-Pacific by ensuring resilient supply chains and expanding India’s defence industrial ecosystem.

Under the arrangement, sub-assembly kits will be manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s Troy facility in Alabama, while guidance electronics units will be produced at Raytheon’s Tucson facility in Arizona. 

These components will then be shipped to India for final assembly and integration. This model will sustain jobs in the United States while simultaneously creating high-tech employment opportunities in India.

Rich Liccion, vice president of the Javelin Joint Venture and program director for Lockheed Martin Javelin, stated that partnering with TATA Advanced Systems Limited to establish a final assembly and integration facility in India was a pivotal step in ensuring supply chain resilience for the Javelin system. 

He added that the collaboration would expand India’s high-tech manufacturing capabilities and strengthen security architecture across the Indo-Pacific, enabling partner nations to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

The initiative is expected to localise final assembly operations, expand domestic manufacturing knowledge, and support global supply chain resilience amid rising demand for the Javelin system. It also allows the US government to achieve economic order quantities, thereby generating cost savings across programs supporting joint venture production.

Jenna Hunt Frazier, president of the Javelin Joint Venture and program director at Raytheon, said the agreement with TATA Advanced Systems Limited would strengthen the global supply chain for Javelin. She noted that it would support faster fielding of the weapon system and sustained readiness for partner nations.

TATA Advanced Systems Limited officials emphasised that the partnership would reinforce interoperability and align with broader Indo-Pacific defence collaboration goals.

Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TATA Advanced Systems Limited, expressed satisfaction at partnering with the Javelin Joint Venture, noting that the initiative would bring critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defence industrial ecosystem.

He added that local assembly of the Javelin All-Up-Round would enhance operational readiness and ensure timely access to proven, combat-ready capability for the Indian Armed Forces.

The Javelin system, jointly developed by Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida, has already seen extensive production.

To date, the joint venture has manufactured over 55,000 Javelin missiles and more than 12,000 reusable Command Launch Units. The system has gained global recognition for its battlefield effectiveness, particularly in recent conflicts, and is widely operated by the US military and allied forces.

The co-production agreement with TATA Advanced Systems Limited marks a significant milestone in the long-standing defence cooperation between India and the United States.

It not only strengthens India’s defence industrial base but also ensures that both nations benefit from shared expertise, resilient supply chains, and enhanced operational readiness. The initiative is expected to contribute to India’s broader goal of defence self-reliance while deepening strategic ties with Washington.

ANI

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India Joins Elite Navies As INS Nipun Boosts Submarine Rescue Capabilities

INS Nipun, the second indigenously built Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Monday.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who emphasised that the vessel would position India as the preferred submarine rescue partner for friendly navies in the Indian Ocean Region.

The state-of-the-art platform was designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited. It has been purpose-built for deep-sea diving, salvage, underwater intervention and complex submarine rescue operations.

Measuring 119 metres in length, the ship is equipped with a specialised diving complex capable of supporting saturation, air and heliox diving up to depths of 300 metres.

The vessel incorporates rapid response submarine rescue capability. It is fitted with dynamic positioning systems and Remotely Operated Vehicles for deep-water inspection and intervention.

Alongside her sister ship INS Nistar, INS Nipun significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s specialist capabilities in diving, underwater intervention, salvage and submarine rescue.

Admiral Swaminathan, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, highlighted the critical importance of maintaining vigilance across global maritime highways. He noted the ongoing geopolitical instability in West Asia and stressed that combat readiness remains the foremost responsibility of the Navy. He remarked that the maritime environment is becoming increasingly contested, with evolving threat perceptions demanding constant adaptation.

The Navy Chief underlined that the Western Naval Command continues to safeguard India’s strategic sea lines of communication.

He explained that with West Asia in turmoil, maritime highways under threat, and regional nations rearming rapidly, the addition of INS Nipun’s capabilities would enable the Command to operate effectively above, on and beneath the waves.

INS Nipun has been specifically designed to embark and deploy the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel.

This capability elevates India into an elite group of nations capable of executing complex underwater rescue missions. It also positions India as a preferred submarine rescue partner for friendly navies across the Indian Ocean Region.

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, stated that with more than 75 per cent indigenous content, the vessel stands as a testimony to India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

He added that the commissioning strengthens the Navy’s capabilities on both seaboards, enabling operations in one of the most challenging and unforgiving environments on Earth – deep-sea diving.

INS Nipun is the second of two Diving Support Vessels ordered by the Indian Navy. In the coming months, the Navy is also set to commission three additional vessels, including a shallow water craft, a warship and a multi-purpose vessel.

These inductions will further expand India’s maritime capabilities and reinforce its position as a regional leader in underwater operations and submarine rescue.

Agencies

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PM Modi, 20 Heads of State Ink Landmark Bishkek Declaration; Calls For United Front Against Terrorism At SCO Summit In Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the declaration at the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek alongside other heads of member states. The signing marked a collective commitment by the leadership of the bloc to advance cooperation on pressing regional and global issues.

Earlier, in his address to the summit, PM Modi strongly emphasised the need to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism. He highlighted financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens as critical elements that must be eliminated.

He asserted that there can be no double standards in the fight against terrorism and warned that countries using terrorism as an instrument of policy must be sent a strong message that it cannot be treated as a strategic asset.

The Prime Minister described terrorism as a grave challenge to humanity and cautioned against limiting the fight to an action-reaction mindset. He reiterated that peace and security remain the first pillar of India’s vision for the SCO, alongside connectivity and opportunity.

He linked the aspiration for a peaceful Eurasia to stability in Afghanistan, noting India’s ongoing contributions to development and humanitarian assistance for the Afghan people.

On the crisis in West Asia, PM Modi underlined that conflict in one region inevitably impacts energy security, maritime trade and global supply chains. He stressed that countries of the Global South bear the maximum burden of such disruptions.

He reaffirmed India’s position that solutions to tensions and wars cannot be found on the battlefield but only through dialogue and diplomacy.

The Prime Minister also flagged drug trafficking as a serious threat to youth and regional security. He called for stronger cooperation through SCO mechanisms dealing with organised crime, narcotics, information security and other security threats. He urged that these mechanisms be made effective mediums for practical coordination and timely action.

PM Modi emphasised that the benefits of SCO cooperation must reach people directly. He placed people-to-people ties at the centre of this cooperation, describing them as the greatest capital.

He said the true measure of success would be in creating opportunities for youth, opening new markets for entrepreneurs, improving farmers’ access to technology and enhancing the lives of citizens. He described this as the real meaning of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity.

The summit was hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who served as chairman. Alongside PM Modi, the gathering included Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon. The SCO Summit brought together 10 member states, 15 partner countries and two observer nations, Afghanistan and Mongolia, to advance dialogue and cooperation.

The 26th Leadership Summit marked a significant moment in the organisation’s history as it continues to shape Eurasian security, connectivity and opportunity in its twenty-fifth year of existence.

ANI

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Bishkek Shuttle: EAM Jaishankar Holds Bilateral Blitz With Five SCO Counterparts

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with counterparts from several countries on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The meetings were aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation and reviewing regional developments.

He held a significant engagement with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a Politburo member. Jaishankar noted on X that it was good to meet Wang Yi in Bishkek. This meeting followed their extensive discussions in Manila in July, where they addressed bilateral relations, border stability and wider regional and global issues.

The External Affairs Minister also interacted briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He described these as quick catch-ups on the sidelines of the summit.

This came after his wide-ranging conversation with Lavrov in Moscow last week, which covered bilateral cooperation, regional hotspots, global challenges and multilateral issues. His meeting with Araghchi in May in New Delhi had focused on West Asia and bilateral matters of mutual interest.

Jaishankar shared a photograph of his meeting with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov in Bishkek, where the two leaders exchanged a warm hug. He expressed his pleasure at meeting Saidov again.

This encounter followed Saidov’s three-day visit to New Delhi last month, during which both ministers undertook a detailed review of their strategic partnership. Their discussions had focused on energy, infrastructure, trade, defence, education and culture, alongside key regional challenges and multilateral cooperation.

He also held talks with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin. Jaishankar described this as a good discussion on the sidelines of the summit. The meeting added to India’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with Central Asian nations, reinforcing cooperation in security, connectivity and cultural exchanges.

The Bishkek summit itself marked the 26th gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a forum that has increasingly become central to discussions on regional stability, counterterrorism, energy security and multilateral collaboration. India’s active participation underlined its commitment to deepening ties with member states and addressing pressing challenges in Eurasia and beyond.

ANI

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Fly91 Set To Boost Fleet With 20 Major ATR Turboprop Order

Fly91 is close to finalising an order for at least 20 ATR turboprops, a move that would significantly expand its fleet and reinforce India’s regional connectivity ambitions under the government’s subsidised program.

This comes as the airline has already leased new ATR 72‑600 aircraft and is steadily building its presence across tier‑2 and tier‑3 cities.

Indian regional airline Fly91 is reportedly in advanced discussions to place an order for at least 20 turboprop aircraft from Franco‑Italian manufacturer ATR.

According to three sources familiar with the matter, this would mark a major expansion of the carrier’s fleet and a strong bet on India’s growing regional aviation market. ATR itself declined to comment, while Fly91 did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation.

The deal would align with India’s regional connectivity program, which aims to bring dozens of smaller cities into the national air network through subsidies and infrastructure support.

However, several regional carriers have struggled to build sustainable businesses under this scheme, making Fly91’s expansion plans particularly ambitious. The airline’s strategy appears to be focused on measured growth, leveraging turboprops that are well‑suited for short‑haul routes and secondary airports.

Fly91 has already taken delivery of ATR 72‑600 aircraft through leasing agreements with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise and TrueNoord.

These aircraft have expanded its fleet to six units as of early 2026, with operations connecting Goa’s Manohar International Airport to destinations such as Solapur, Jalgaon, Agatti, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and emerging centres like Sindhudurg. The ATR 72‑600 has become the cornerstone of Fly91’s fleet strategy, offering fuel efficiency, short‑field performance, and lower operating costs that make it ideal for underserved regional routes.

The airline has also announced plans to expand services to Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Nanded, Hubballi, and Dabolim, reinforcing its commitment to tier‑2 and tier‑3 connectivity.

With a stated goal of operating 30 aircraft by 2029, Fly91’s potential order of 20 ATR turboprops would accelerate this trajectory and position it as one of India’s leading pure‑play regional carriers.

Industry observers note that Fly91’s growth reflects broader trends in Indian aviation. Passenger demand is expanding beyond metropolitan hubs, and improved airport infrastructure is creating opportunities for smaller, more efficient aircraft.

The ATR 72‑600, with seating for around 70 passengers and proven economics, is particularly well‑suited to this environment. Leasing and potential direct orders also demonstrate Fly91’s balanced approach to capital efficiency and fleet expansion.

The timing of this possible order is significant. India’s civil aviation sector is projected to require thousands of new aircraft over the next decade, with regional connectivity forming a critical part of this expansion.

Fly91’s move to secure a large turboprop fleet could help it capture market share in a segment where other carriers have struggled, while also supporting government objectives of affordable air travel for smaller cities.

Reuters

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Sitharaman Meets UK Chancellor Healey In Asheville As India-UK Economic Ties Deepen

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with UK Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey on Monday on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meetings in Asheville, United States.

The meeting took place during the high-level gathering that brings together finance ministers and central bank governors from the world’s major economies to deliberate on pressing global economic challenges.

The Ministry of Finance shared details of the meeting in a post on X, noting that Sitharaman and Healey had a brief but significant interaction.

The dialogue comes at a time when India and the United Kingdom are working to strengthen their economic and financial engagement, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, financial services, and broader global economic issues.

Healey, who assumed office earlier this year, has been keen to expand Britain’s financial cooperation with India, especially in the context of ongoing free trade agreement negotiations.

Sitharaman’s visit to Asheville forms part of her wider tour of the United States, which includes participation in the G20 FMCBG meetings hosted by the US Treasury. The Asheville summit is focused on global growth, sovereign debt restructuring, supply chain resilience, and market-led innovation.

The discussions are taking place against the backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions in Europe and West Asia, with finance leaders emphasising the need for balanced growth and resilient supply chains.

Earlier on Monday, Sitharaman also met William Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 3M, on the sidelines of the G20 meetings. Their discussions centred on deepening the multinational company’s engagement with India, highlighting the country’s evolution beyond a large consumer base into a vital platform for advanced manufacturing, technology, and innovation.

The talks also touched upon institutional priorities such as data security and the optimal utilisation of India’s domestic talent pool within enterprise ecosystems. Brown acknowledged the availability of India’s deep talent base and praised policy measures that have enabled smoother operations for global enterprises.

The Ministry of Finance noted that the engagement with 3M formed part of Sitharaman’s broader schedule during her participation in the G20 and associated meetings in Asheville.

India has been positioning itself as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation, with policy frameworks encouraging Start-Up growth, AI-driven skilling programs, and infrastructure modernisation under initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti. These measures have been designed to enhance competitiveness and attract global investment.

Sitharaman’s arrival in the United States was marked by a welcome at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in South Carolina by India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

Her engagements in Asheville are part of a broader outreach effort that includes bilateral meetings with global leaders and corporate executives, reinforcing India’s position as a key player in shaping international economic discourse.

The meeting with Healey underscores the growing importance of India-UK cooperation in navigating global economic uncertainties. Both nations remain committed to enhancing resilience and expanding collaboration across financial and trade sectors.

The interaction adds momentum to their partnership at a time when global economic stability remains a central concern, with India’s strong macroeconomic leadership and Britain’s financial expertise offering complementary strengths.

ANI

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Global Leaders Unite In Bishkek As SCO Summit Marks 25 Years of Cooperation

The 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit formally commenced in Bishkek as heads of state gathered at the Yrys Ordo Congress Hall.

The traditional group photograph was taken, marking the ceremonial start of the high-level gathering. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen briefly exchanging words with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the session.

A roundtable discussion was convened at the same venue, led by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, who is hosting the summit and serving as its chairman. The dialogue involved leaders of the member countries, reflecting the cooperative spirit of the organisation.

Alongside Prime Minister Modi, the summit saw the participation of President Xi Jinping of China, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan. Their presence underscored the strategic weight of the SCO in Eurasian affairs.

The SCO Summit brings together 10 member states, 15 partner countries and two observer nations, Afghanistan and Mongolia. This year’s gathering is particularly significant as it coincides with the organisation’s 25th anniversary. The expanded “SCO Plus” format has also been introduced, widening participation to leaders from associated countries.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation represents nearly 25 per cent of global GDP. Its member states are committed to fostering long-term relations of good-neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation. The guiding principles are rooted in universally recognised norms of international law, ensuring a framework of stability and trust.

The summit’s objectives include strengthening mutual trust, promoting multilateral interaction, maintaining peace and security, addressing new challenges and threats, and encouraging effective cooperation across diverse spheres. Economic growth, social development and cultural exchanges remain central to the agenda.

Prime Minister Modi’s participation highlights India’s priorities within the SCO, particularly in the areas of security, connectivity and opportunity. India has been a full member since 2017, and Modi is expected to articulate India’s vision for a secure and cooperative Eurasian region during his address.

The expanded format has drawn leaders from beyond the core membership. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe are among those attending. Their presence reflects the growing influence of the SCO as a platform for dialogue and collaboration.

The summit is poised to deliberate on pressing regional and global issues, ranging from security and terrorism to economic integration and cultural cooperation. The inclusion of diverse partners underlines the SCO’s ambition to shape a multipolar world order anchored in cooperation and mutual respect.

ANI

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Strategic Churn And Evolving Threats Highlighted By Navy Chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan

Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has emphasised that India is living through a period of significant strategic churn, with maritime contestation intensifying and threat perceptions constantly evolving.

His remarks came during the commissioning of INS Nipun in Mumbai, a vessel that greatly enhances India’s underwater rescue and deep-sea diving capabilities.

Admiral Swaminathan noted that the maritime environment is becoming increasingly contested, particularly amid the crisis in West Asia. He explained that threat perceptions are not static but continuously morph into new forms of challenge and complexity. This requires India to remain vigilant and prepared for unforeseen developments.

The commissioning of INS Nipun marks a major milestone for the Indian Navy. The vessel is the second Diving Support Vessel of the Nistar-class, indigenously built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.

It measures 119.4 metres in length and has a displacement capacity of 10,500 tons. The ship is equipped to support diving operations up to 300 metres and is capable of rapid submarine rescue, a critical capability where preparedness allows little margin for delay.

INS Nipun is also designed to undertake disaster relief and humanitarian operations, reflecting the Navy’s role beyond combat missions. The vessel incorporates advanced systems such as saturation diving equipment, dynamic positioning systems, diving compression chambers, remotely operated vehicles, and self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats. These features enable it to operate in one of the world’s most demanding and mysterious environments.

Admiral Swaminathan highlighted that the induction of INS Nipun strengthens the Western Naval Command’s ability to operate above, on, and beneath the waves.

He stressed that combat readiness remains the Navy’s foremost responsibility, and while the exact nature of future threats cannot always be predicted, India must build robust capabilities to tackle them effectively wherever they arise.

He further explained that INS Nipun’s ability to embark and operate the Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel significantly enhances India’s capacity to respond to distressed submarines, whether domestic or belonging to partner navies.

This capability positions India as a potential preferred submarine rescue partner in the region, reinforcing its role in regional security and cooperation.

The name ‘Nipun’, derived from Sanskrit, signifies one who is adept and capable. The vessel embodies this meaning by combining specialised capabilities possessed by only a handful of navies worldwide.

Its commissioning underscores India’s commitment to indigenisation, technological advancement, and readiness in the face of evolving maritime challenges.

Admiral Swaminathan’s remarks reflect a broader strategic reality: instability in West Asia, rearmament across regions, and threats to global maritime highways are reshaping the security environment.

India’s naval modernisation, exemplified by INS Nipun, is a direct response to this churn, ensuring preparedness for both conventional and humanitarian missions.

PTI

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PM Modi Calls For SCO To Move From Vision To Outcomes Through Security, Connectivity And Opportunity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, presenting India’s vision for the bloc through three foundational pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity.

He emphasised that the time has come to move beyond abstract ideas and towards concrete outcomes, urging member states to transform the SCO’s 25-year foundation of dialogue into tangible results.

He underlined that in an era of global uncertainty and instability, shared geography must be converted into shared opportunities.

PM Modi stressed that cooperation should bring positive changes to the lives of ordinary citizens, not remain confined to government-level initiatives.

He called for collective action against terrorism and its financing, while highlighting that connectivity projects must respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for the warm welcome and hospitality extended in Bishkek. He noted the significance of Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day celebrations and the World Nomad Games, describing them as reflections of the region’s rich culture and shared heritage, which he said form a major strength of the SCO family.

Modi linked peace and stability in Afghanistan to the broader goal of a secure Eurasia. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and development support for the Afghan people. On the West Asia crisis, he warned that conflicts have far-reaching consequences, affecting energy security, maritime trade, and global supply chains.

He stressed that countries of the Global South bear the greatest burden of such disruptions, reiterating India’s position that solutions must come through Dialogue and Diplomacy rather than battlefields.

He flagged drug trafficking as a grave threat to youth and regional security. Modi welcomed the establishment of SCO Centres to tackle organised crime, information security, and narcotics, urging that they be made effective instruments for coordination and timely action.

On connectivity, he said India supports initiatives that link markets, facilitate trade, and open new paths for development. He called for simplified customs processes, expanded use of digital documentation, and more efficient logistics networks across roads, railways, and air corridors. He stressed that respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity remains the core spirit of the SCO Charter.

Turning to Opportunity, Modi said the benefits of cooperation must directly reach people. He highlighted India’s initiatives such as the SCO Start-Up Forum, Young Authors’ Conclave, and Young Scientists’ Forum, stressing that people-to-people ties should be central to the next 25 years of SCO cooperation.

He explained that success should be measured by how many opportunities are created for youth, how many markets open for entrepreneurs, how much technology benefits farmers, and how much better citizens’ lives become.

He announced that the first session of the SCO Civilizational Dialogue Forum, proposed by India last year, will be hosted in India this year. Quoting Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov, Modi reminded the gathering that people often focus on divisions rather than unity, and urged SCO members to embrace diversity as identity and shared objectives as strength.

He concluded by calling for a collective resolve to move from shared geography to shared opportunities, from vision to outcomes, and from government-driven cooperation to people-driven partnerships.

Modi affirmed India’s readiness to contribute to the SCO’s shared journey with faith and commitment. 

The Ministry of External Affairs later shared highlights of his address on social media, reinforcing the message of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity as the guiding principles of India’s engagement with the SCO.

ANI

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Russia Advances With Lada-Class Submarine Program As Maloyaroslavets Is Laid Down

Russia has formally laid down the Maloyaroslavets, the latest Project 677 Lada-class diesel-electric submarine, at Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.

This marks the sixth hull of the class and demonstrates Moscow’s continued investment in modernising its conventional submarine fleet despite past delays and technical challenges.

Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation held the keel-laying ceremony on 27 August 2026 at Admiralty Shipyards.

The event was attended by senior officials including Nikolay Patrushev, Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, USC Director General Andrey Puchkov, and Rubin Design Bureau Director General Vladimir Dorofeyev.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of submarine modernisation under Russia’s Navy Development Strategy through 2050, which President Vladimir Putin approved in 2025.

Maloyaroslavets is the sixth Project 677 submarine but the fifth serial-production boat, following the prototype Sankt-Peterburg. The updated series began with Kronstadt, delivered in January 2024, and Velikiye Luki, commissioned in December 2025. Two other submarines, Vologda and Yaroslavl, remain under construction.

The new design incorporates lessons learned from the troubled Sankt-Peterburg, which faced propulsion issues and was eventually decommissioned in 2024.

The Lada-class was conceived as the successor to the Soviet-era Project 877 Kilo-class, once dubbed the “black hole” for its stealth. Project 677 features a single-hull configuration, diesel-electric propulsion, greater automation, improved sonar, and reduced acoustic signatures. Russian designers claim the class is quieter and harder to detect than its predecessors, though independent verification is lacking.

Specifications of the Lada-class include a length of about 66.8 metres, a beam of 7.1 metres, a submerged displacement of around 2,700 tons, a maximum submerged speed of 21 knots, a diving depth of 300 metres, and endurance of up to 45 days.

Each submarine carries a crew of 35 sailors. Armaments include torpedoes and Kalibr cruise missiles, enabling both anti-ship and land-attack missions. Russian officials emphasise the versatility of the class, capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, reconnaissance, minelaying, and precision strikes.

The first boat, Sankt-Peterburg, was laid down in 1997 and launched in 2004 but only entered service in 2010 after delays caused by propulsion complications. Despite these setbacks, Russia persisted with the program, seeing the Lada-class as a foundation for its future submarine force. Contracts have been signed for at least two more submarines, with Putin previously stating his intention to build nine in total.

A key question remains whether the Lada-class will incorporate an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system. European navies pioneered AIP, allowing conventional submarines to remain submerged longer without surfacing to recharge batteries.

Such systems have proven highly effective, even enabling European submarines to “sink” US aircraft carriers in exercises. Russia has long claimed to be developing its own AIP system, but it is unclear if it has been successfully integrated into the Lada-class.

The Maloyaroslavets is being built under a modernised Project 677 design, refined through operational experience. Russian sources highlight advanced acoustic protection, innovative sonar coatings that absorb signals rather than reflect them, and high levels of automation. These features are intended to give the submarine a significant edge over foreign counterparts.

Despite nearly three decades of delays, Russia is now turning Project 677 from an experimental design into a production submarine.

The continued investment underscores the importance of conventional submarines in Russia’s naval doctrine, particularly for operations in littoral waters and contested regions.

US analysts caution against dismissing the Lada-class, noting that Russia’s persistence and incremental improvements could yield a capable and stealthy platform in future iterations.

Agencies

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