India Reiterates Need For China’s Upstream Project Details As Both Sides Discuss LAC Stability

India and China convened the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on Thursday.

The Indian delegation was led by Sujit Ghosh, Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Chinese side was headed by Hou Yanqi, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was followed by an official release from the MEA on Friday.

Both sides engaged in frank discussions and reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control. They underlined that maintaining peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.

The MEA emphasised that both sides agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military channels, including the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed mechanisms, to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the LAC.

As a follow-up to the outcomes of the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ talks held last year, the two sides held detailed exchanges on boundary delimitation, border management, mechanism-building and trans-border cooperation.

The Indian side specifically reiterated the need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers and stressed the importance of sharing technical details regarding upstream projects. 

This emphasis reflects India’s longstanding concerns about China’s upstream hydropower and water diversion projects, which have implications for downstream flows into India’s northeastern states.

The MEA release highlighted that India pressed for transparency in China’s upstream projects, noting that technical details are vital for building trust and ensuring that water-related cooperation does not become a source of friction.

The Indian side has consistently sought greater clarity on China’s activities along trans-border rivers, particularly the Brahmaputra, where large-scale dam construction has raised concerns about ecological and strategic impacts.

The meeting followed the 35th WMCC held in Beijing in May, where both sides described the discussions as constructive and forward-looking. At that time, both delegations expressed satisfaction with progress in maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border, noting that this stability has enabled the gradual normalisation of bilateral relations. The continuation of dialogue in New Delhi underscores the commitment of both countries to sustain engagement despite unresolved issues.

Last year in August, during the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed on the need to approach the boundary question from the perspective of the overall bilateral relationship.

They sought a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework for settlement in accordance with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. The talks also produced agreements to establish an Expert Group under the WMCC to explore early progress in boundary delimitation, set up a Working Group to improve border management, create additional General Level Mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors, and continue using diplomatic and military channels to address border-related issues.

The MEA reiterated that both sides remain committed to maintaining communication through established mechanisms to ensure stability and prevent misunderstandings along the LAC.

The emphasis on dialogue, transparency and mechanism-building reflects a cautious but deliberate effort to stabilise ties, even as strategic mistrust persists. The Indian insistence on upstream project details highlights the intersection of water security and geopolitics, an increasingly important dimension of bilateral relations.

ANI

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Astrobase Unveils India’s First 80‑Ton ' Everest' FFSC Rocket Engine

Astrobase Space Technologies has unveiled Everest, India’s first fully integrated full‑flow staged combustion (FFSC) rocket engine.

The 800 Kilonewtons-class methalox engine, designed and manufactured in Bangalore, marks a historic leap for India’s private space sector and places the country among a select group of nations capable of advancing this highly complex propulsion technology.

Astrobase introduced Everest on 7 August 2026, confirming it as India’s first fully integrated FFSC engine. The engine is rated at 800 kilonewtons of thrust, equivalent to lifting 80 tonnes in vacuum conditions. It runs on liquid oxygen and liquid methane, a propellant combination known as methalox, which burns cleaner than kerosene and is better suited for reusable launch vehicles.

The FFSC cycle is regarded as one of the most advanced rocket engine architectures. In this design, both fuel and oxidiser are channelled through separate pre-burners before entering the main combustion chamber.

This process ensures that all propellants are fully gasified, enabling extreme chamber pressures exceeding 300 bar, higher efficiency, and reduced stress on components. The result is an engine capable of multiple reuses, longer lifespan, and higher performance compared to conventional staged combustion systems.

Astrobase has already achieved several milestones leading up to this unveiling. A sub‑scale hot‑fire test was conducted in September 2025, followed by high‑speed turbopump trials in January 2026.

The 'Everest' engine involves extraordinary convergence of complex technologies & engineering

The company now plans a full‑scale hot‑fire test later this year at its 21.5‑acre propulsion test facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.

This site is capable of handling thrust levels up to 200 tonnes, making it one of the most advanced private test facilities in India.

The engine’s design incorporates throttle capability, allowing thrust modulation between 50% and 110%. This is critical for controlled landings and reusability.

Astrobase intends to cluster multiple Everest engines on a medium‑lift rocket to launch satellites into low Earth orbit, with plans to recover the first stage for reuse.

The company also aims to manufacture up to 50 engines annually, with a target of hot‑firing one engine per week once facilities are fully operational.

Astrobase’s infrastructure includes a 46,000‑square‑foot assembly and integration facility in Bengaluru, equipped with India’s largest industrial metal 3D printer. This enables rapid production of intricate core components, reducing costs and accelerating development cycles.

The company was founded in 2024 by Devakumar Thammisetty, a former ISRO propulsion engineer, and Neeraj Khandelwal, co‑founder of CoinDCX.

The unveiling of Everest positions India as only the fourth country after the Soviet Union, the United States, and China to develop an FFSC engine. Globally, only SpaceX’s Raptor has successfully flown using this architecture. If Astrobase’s upcoming tests succeed, India will join an elite club of nations mastering one of the most technically demanding propulsion systems ever built.

This achievement comes just weeks after Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram‑1 became India’s first privately developed orbital rocket to reach space on 18 July 2026.

Together, these milestones highlight the rapid growth of India’s private space industry, which is increasingly contributing to national ambitions of building a $44 billion space economy by 2034.

Everest is not just a technology demonstrator but part of a broader program to establish indigenous high‑thrust propulsion systems. Astrobase has received support from IN‑SPACe’s Technology Adoption Fund, ensuring financial and regulatory backing tied to technical milestones.

The company is also working towards launch‑on‑demand capability, aiming to deliver dedicated missions within 15 days of urgent national requirements.

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India’s Rafale Expansion: Dassault Maps Partnerships With TATA, L&T, Mahindra And HAL

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation has formally proposed a partnership with the TATA Group to establish a final assembly line for Rafale fighter jets in India, The Print reported.

This would mark the first time the Rafale is assembled outside France, a significant milestone in Indo-French defence cooperation.

The French government’s technical and commercial submission, linked to India’s plan to acquire 114 Rafale fighters, outlines a detailed industrial partnership roadmap. Four major French and European defence companies are mapped to Indian counterparts under this plan.

Missile manufacturer MBDA is expected to partner with Larsen & Toubro. Electronics and avionics giant Thales will collaborate with the Mahindra Group. Engine maker Safran will work with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The partnership with HAL is particularly significant as it will extend beyond Rafale production to include work on India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program.

The proposed partnerships were submitted as part of France’s response to India’s Letter of Request under the government-to-government procurement process. India received the French proposal on 29 July and is currently examining its details. Sources indicate that most of India’s key requirements have been addressed, though the proposal remains under evaluation.

Officials have stated that the major requirements have been met. If no major clarifications are required, the process will move to cost and contract negotiations. The aim is to conclude negotiations and sign the contract for the 114 fighters before the end of the current financial year.

If finalised, the Indian Air Force will have ordered a total of 150 Rafales—36 already in service and another 114 under the new contract.

Alongside the 26 Rafale M fighters contracted for the Indian Navy, India’s total Rafale fleet on order will rise to 176 aircraft.

The costs proposed by France fall within the Defence Acquisition Council-cleared proposal worth ₹3.25 lakh crore. This aligns with India’s budgetary framework for the acquisition.

The indigenisation roadmap is a key element of the proposal. As reported earlier, the IAF has sought a minimum of 40 percent indigenous content for Rafale F4 fighters manufactured in India, rising to 60 percent in the final production batch.

The French proposal includes a detailed plan to achieve these targets through manufacturing partnerships, technology transfer, and local sourcing.

Dassault has also proposed establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility in India. Over the aircraft’s lifecycle, this could increase effective domestic value addition to nearly 80 percent. Such a facility would significantly enhance India’s self-reliance in sustaining advanced fighter aircraft.

India had decided in April 2025 to pursue the acquisition of 114 Rafales under a government-to-government arrangement. The IAF formally initiated the proposal in the second half of 2025, leading to detailed discussions between New Delhi and Paris. The current submission represents the culmination of those negotiations.

The industrial partnerships with TATA, L&T, Mahindra, and HAL are designed to ensure broad participation of Indian industry in the Rafale project. They also align with India’s long-term vision of building a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem.

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The Message: Agni‑IV Missile Test Reaffirms India’s Operational Readiness And Strategic Deterrence

India’s tenth test of the Agni‑IV ballistic missile, conducted on 6 August 2026 by the Strategic Forces Command, was less about new technology and more about signalling operational readiness, credibility, and deterrence stability.

The trial reaffirmed India’s ability to maintain a survivable, mobile, and reliable nuclear delivery system amid intensifying Asian missile competition.

India’s Strategic Forces Command carried out its sixth user trial of the Agni‑IV missile, underscoring that this was not a developmental exercise but a demonstration of combat readiness.

User trials differ fundamentally from developmental launches because they validate whether operational units can reliably deploy and fire the missile under established procedures.

This distinction is crucial for deterrence credibility, as repeated operational success years after induction signals that the system remains dependable and available for use.

The Agni‑IV has a range of approximately 4,000 kilometres, covering territory from Turkey to nearly all of China. Yet the test highlighted that survivability matters as much as range. The missile is road‑mobile, launched from transporter‑erector‑launchers, and can be dispersed or concealed across wide areas.

In an era of persistent satellite and drone surveillance, mobility complicates adversary counterforce planning and strengthens India’s second‑strike capability, which is central to its nuclear posture.

The missile continues to play a pivotal role in India’s deterrence equation with China. From deployment zones in eastern and north-eastern India, Agni‑IV can hold at risk large portions of mainland China while also covering Pakistan.

This positions it as a middle‑tier system between shorter‑range missiles and longer‑range platforms such as Agni‑V, thereby enhancing flexibility and resilience in India’s layered deterrence architecture.

Technologically, Agni‑IV represents a bridge between earlier systems and newer capabilities. It introduced composite rocket motors, advanced inertial navigation, micro‑navigation systems, and modern avionics, which later became building blocks for Agni‑V and Agni Prime.

Its Ring Laser Gyro‑based Inertial Navigation System allows precise targeting within 100 metres even after travelling thousands of kilometres. The missile is a two‑stage, solid‑fuelled, surface‑to‑surface weapon, about 20 metres long, weighing nearly 17 tonnes, and capable of carrying payloads of 800–1,000 kilograms.

The test also conveyed an institutional message. Deterrence depends not only on hardware but also on organisational reliability.

The Strategic Forces Command, the operational core of India’s Nuclear Command Authority, demonstrated continuity in command systems, maintenance procedures, communications, and crew proficiency. Such institutional validation is strategically more valuable than novelty, as it ensures that systems remain functional and credible over time.

Importantly, the launch signalled stability rather than escalation. India has not altered its nuclear doctrine, which continues to emphasise credible minimum deterrence and No‑First‑Use. The test did not reveal new deployment postures but instead confirmed that existing capabilities remain effective. 

Strategic signalling often involves demonstrating that systems continue to work exactly as intended, reinforcing deterrence without provoking instability.

The Agni‑IV therefore remains more than a missile test. It is a reaffirmation of India’s road‑mobile, nuclear‑capable force with substantial reach, proven technology, and established operational procedures. 

It underlines the survivability of the land‑based leg of India’s deterrent and highlights the continuing importance of a system that, while overshadowed by Agni‑V, remains central to India’s strategic balance. The successful trial demonstrated that India’s deterrent is not merely being built but is actively maintained, exercised, and kept ready.

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BrahMos Now Steals All The Glory, But Drones and Smart Weapons Will Shape India’s Defence Export

India’s defence export story has long been dominated by the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a symbol of technological achievement and strategic clout, NDTV reported.

Yet the next chapter may be defined not by one marquee system but by a diverse portfolio of drones, loitering munitions, precision weapons, electronics and autonomous systems that reflect the changing nature of modern warfare.

India’s defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore in FY26, a sharp rise of 62.66 per cent from ₹23,622 crore the previous year. The country now exports to more than 80 nations, with the number of exporters increasing from 128 to 145. These figures are impressive, but the real story lies in what India is selling.

The wars of recent years have shifted demand away from traditional platforms like fighter jets and tanks towards drones, electronic warfare, precision-guided systems and air-defence technologies. Militaries are seeking weapons that travel farther, strike more accurately, operate autonomously and cost less.

India’s industry is adapting to this shift. One example is KAL, a long-range one-way attack drone developed by Noida-based IG Defence. Capable of travelling up to 1,000 km, staying airborne for 7–8 hours and carrying a 50-kg payload, KAL is being positioned for international export opportunities pending government approval.

The global market for such systems has changed dramatically, with cheap drones proving that militaries need not rely solely on multi-million-dollar missiles to threaten distant targets. IG Defence’s founder Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya believes the future battlefield will be defined by autonomous, long-range precision strike capabilities, and his company is betting that friendly nations will want affordable, indigenous systems deployable at short notice.

KAL is only one part of India’s emerging export basket. Drones, counter-UAS systems, radars, artillery, air-defence systems, ammunition, protective equipment and aircraft components are all being marketed abroad. Pinaka rocket systems and ATAGS artillery have already found overseas buyers, while Akash air-defence systems and Swathi weapon-locating radars are also part of the push.

The Philippines has acquired BrahMos, Armenia has bought Pinaka and artillery systems, and other countries are purchasing Dornier aircraft, helicopters, fast interceptor boats, torpedoes and aerospace components. The point is clear: BrahMos may have opened the door, but a much wider range of Indian technologies is now stepping through.

Another dimension of this story lies in the intelligence inside the weapons. Ammunic Systems, led by CEO Priyanka Singhal, argues that India’s export potential should not be viewed only through finished platforms. Electronics such as fuses, guidance systems, sensors and precision modules determine how effectively a weapon performs.

Ammunic has worked with India’s armed forces and DRDO to develop advanced munitions and electronic fuses. DRDO, in collaboration with IIT-Madras and Munitions India, is also converting conventional artillery shells into precision-guided munitions.

This suggests that India’s export future may involve selling critical subsystems and technologies rather than entire platforms, tapping into a potentially larger market. As Singhal notes, India is no longer just assembling hardware but building the intelligence layer that makes weapons smarter.

India has set its sights on ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029–30, a target the Defence Secretary has described as easily achievable.

Achieving it will require more than headline platforms; it will demand a broad ecosystem of companies supplying missiles, rockets, guns, drones, electronics, sensors, ammunition, components and subsystems.

Government data shows that private firms contributed ₹17,353 crore of exports in FY26, while defence PSUs accounted for ₹21,071 crore. This balance highlights the growing role of private industry in India’s defence export ambitions.

The trajectory is clear. India’s defence exports are diversifying beyond BrahMos into a wide spectrum of systems and technologies that reflect the evolving demands of modern warfare.

From long-range drones to precision electronics, the country is positioning itself not just as a supplier of platforms but as a builder of the intelligence that drives them. This marks a decisive shift in India’s role as a defence exporter, with the potential to reshape its global footprint in the years ahead.

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India Declares FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 An Internal Matter Amid US Criticism

The Ministry of External Affairs has firmly dismissed criticism from a US lawmaker regarding India’s proposed amendments to its foreign funding law. At a bi-weekly media briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that legislative matters are strictly internal affairs, determined solely by the Indian Parliament.

He underscored that many countries, including the United States, have their own frameworks regulating foreign monetary inflows, making India’s approach neither unusual nor unprecedented.

Jaiswal stated that the issue raised had been noted, but reiterated that decisions on India’s legislation remain within the sovereign domain of Parliament.

He pointed out that international jurisdictions also impose restrictions on foreign financing, thereby reinforcing India’s right to regulate such matters in accordance with its national interest.

The remarks came in response to objections raised by US Congressman Riley Moore, who criticised the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Moore argued that the provisions could allow the government to assume control of churches and philanthropic institutions, warning that such measures might strain bilateral ties between India and the United States.

He further claimed that the bill represented a direct attack on Christians, despite their long historical presence in India since the arrival of St Thomas the Apostle on the Malabar Coast.

Moore’s comments, shared on social media, highlighted concerns that the amendments would permit government takeovers of religious charities. He cautioned that if the bill proceeded in its current form, it would become a significant point of contention in India–US relations.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish a Designated Authority responsible for managing foreign contributions and assets acquired through such funds in cases where an organisation’s FCRA registration is cancelled, surrendered, or lapses.

Importantly, the bill stipulates that if the assets include a place of worship, the authority must ensure that its religious character is preserved.

The amendment also proposes reducing the maximum penalty for violations of the Act from five years’ imprisonment to one year, signalling a shift towards lighter punitive measures while expanding regulatory oversight.

The FCRA framework governs the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds across NGOs, charitable organisations, academic institutions, religious trusts, and related bodies.

According to Ministry of Home Affairs data, 13,520 entities received foreign contributions amounting to ₹55,741 Crores between 2019 and 2022.

As of 15 July 2026, official records show 14,449 active registrations, 22,498 cancelled, and 15,212 expired, illustrating the extensive reach of the law and the scale of foreign funding in India.

The MEA’s response underscores India’s position that the regulation of foreign contributions is a sovereign matter, aligning with practices followed in other countries. While international criticism has surfaced, New Delhi has made clear that its legislative prerogatives remain firmly within domestic jurisdiction.

ANI

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NavIC Revival Gains Momentum As NVS-03 Readies For Launch With Three More Satellites Planned

NavIC’s revival has moved a step closer with space minister Jitendra Singh confirming in the Lok Sabha that NVS-03 is ready for launch, with three more satellites to follow in order to restore the constellation to its full strength.

The minister stated that NVS-03 has incorporated all corrective measures arising from the NVS-02 anomaly in 2025. That mission had failed to reach its intended orbit due to a propulsion system malfunction, but the lessons learned were successfully implemented and tested in CMS-03.

These improvements will now be applied to subsequent satellites, including those in the NavIC series carrying bi-propellant systems.

Singh explained that NVS-03 will be followed by NVS-04 and NVS-05, with one additional satellite planned thereafter to complete the seven-satellite base layer constellation.

This will restore India’s Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, known as NavIC, to full operational capability. However, he did not specify the timeline for these launches, leaving the schedule open-ended.

At present, only IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1L, and NVS-01 are capable of providing navigation services. For NavIC to deliver effective standalone positioning services, at least four satellites with operational atomic clocks are required. With only three functional spacecraft, the system is no longer able to provide independent navigation, though timing services remain available.

The failure of NVS-02 in 2025 was a significant setback, as it was intended to replace ageing first-generation satellites that had suffered atomic clock failures. The corrective measures introduced since then have been validated, giving ISRO confidence that the upcoming launches will succeed in restoring the constellation.

NavIC, designed to provide Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services across India and up to 1,500 kilometres beyond its borders, is strategically important.

It reduces reliance on foreign systems such as GPS and Galileo, and supports critical applications in defence, disaster management, transport, and secure communications. Civilian uses include real-time train tracking, maritime safety, and integration into mobile handsets.

The restoration of the constellation is therefore vital for India’s long-term technological and strategic autonomy. With NVS-03 ready for launch and three more satellites planned, the government is signalling its determination to bring NavIC back to full strength and ensure that India regains its indigenous navigation capability.

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A Young Uttarakhand Tech Innovator Tests Electric Flying Car Prototype

A young innovator from Uttarakhand’s Almora district has achieved a remarkable milestone in India’s pursuit of advanced mobility, India Today reported.

Ravi Tamta, hailing from Kaflikhan village near Jageshwar Dham, has successfully test-flown the prototype of his electric personal flying vehicle, the HAPIDA SKYNeX, . 

Developed through his start-up, Hapida Sky Private Limited, the achievement signals years of dedicated research and development finally taking shape in the skies.

The prototype flight marks the first major breakthrough for the project, moving the vision of personal air mobility closer to reality. Unlike conventional flying machines that rely on aviation fuel or experimental ethanol-based propulsion systems, the SKYNeX is designed as a fully electric vehicle. 

This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative, producing zero tailpipe emissions and aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints.

Ravi Tamta has emphasised that the project aims to make safe, affordable, and sustainable personal air transportation accessible in India. The demonstration highlights the growing capabilities of Indian start-ups in developing advanced mobility technologies, while also putting the spotlight on Uttarakhand’s emerging innovation ecosystem.

The state’s challenging Himalayan terrain provides an ideal testing ground for aerial mobility solutions that can overcome the limitations of road connectivity.

Experts believe that if developed further, electric personal flying vehicles could have applications far beyond urban transport.

They could enhance connectivity in remote Himalayan villages, support disaster relief and emergency response during landslides and floods, and provide faster access to isolated regions where road infrastructure is limited. The technology also holds potential to boost tourism by offering new modes of travel across the state’s mountainous landscapes.

The successful prototype flight represents years of perseverance and innovation by Ravi Tamta and his team.

While the vehicle remains in the prototype stage and requires further trials and regulatory approvals before commercial deployment, the demonstration is a clear signal of India’s growing ambitions in advanced air mobility.

It reflects a broader trend of homegrown innovators pushing boundaries in aerospace and transport technologies, positioning India as a contender in the global race for personal flying vehicles.

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Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth Becomes IAF’s First Woman ‘Top Gun’ Fighter Combat Pilot

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force to successfully complete the Fighter Combat Leader course at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment in Gwalior.

This distinction places her among the elite cadre of combat tacticians within the service, marking another breakthrough for women in military aviation.

The Fighter Combat Leader course is a 20‑week advanced combat training program regarded as one of the most demanding in the IAF.

It is reserved for a select group of fighter pilots who demonstrate exceptional skill and leadership potential. Successful completion qualifies them to lead complex air combat missions and ensures their role as frontline tacticians in operational scenarios.

TACDE, the IAF’s premier fighter tactics institution, is often compared to the United States Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, popularly known as “Top Gun.” It trains personnel in advanced combat tactics, mission planning, air‑to‑air and air‑to‑ground operations, and leadership in high‑intensity combat environments. Its instructors are drawn from the most experienced fighter pilots and controllers, making it the pinnacle of operational combat training in the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth hails from Darbhanga in Bihar and is an engineering graduate. She was commissioned into the IAF in June 2016 as part of the country’s first batch of women fighter pilots, alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. Since then, she has consistently broken barriers and set new precedents for women in combat aviation.

In 2019, she became the first Indian woman cleared to undertake daytime fighter combat missions. She initially flew the MiG‑21 Bison before transitioning to the Su‑30 MKI, one of the IAF’s frontline multirole fighters.

Her career has been marked by several historic firsts, including becoming the first woman fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day Parade in 2021 and later flying in the Republic Day flypast in 2024.

Her latest achievement underscores the growing role of women in the combat stream of the Indian Air Force. It highlights their increasing presence in advanced operational and leadership positions, reinforcing the message that merit and excellence remain the defining criteria for advancement in military aviation.

Squadron Leader Kanth’s success is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of the evolving ethos of the IAF, which continues to expand opportunities for women in its ranks.

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GEE Ltd Secures NPCIL Approval To Join India’s Nuclear Power Supply Chain

GEE Ltd (formerly General Electrodes and Equipment Limited) has secured approval from NPCIL to enter India’s nuclear power supply chain, a milestone that positions the company among a select group of certified domestic suppliers.

This clearance comes as India targets a massive nuclear capacity expansion to 22.5 GW by 2031 and 100 GW by 2047, ensuring long-term opportunities for specialised suppliers.

GEE Ltd, a manufacturer of welding consumables and welding solutions, announced on Thursday that it has received approval from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. This enables the company to participate in India’s highly regulated nuclear power sector, which demands strict adherence to technical, quality, and safety standards.

The approval is strategically significant as it strengthens GEE’s role in India’s specialised nuclear power value chain. It aligns with the company’s broader strategy of expanding its footprint across high-value industrial sectors, including defence and heavy engineering.

By meeting NPCIL’s stringent requirements, GEE has effectively overcome a major barrier to entry, reducing exposure to low-cost competition and securing a place in a niche market with high entry thresholds.

India’s nuclear expansion plan is ambitious. The government aims to increase nuclear capacity from the current 8.8 GW to 22.5 GW by 2031, and further to 100 GW by 2047. This trajectory creates a long-term growth pipeline for certified suppliers like GEE, who will benefit from recurring demand for specialised consumables and engineering solutions. Nuclear projects typically involve large capital investments, milestone-based payments, and multi-year execution cycles, providing suppliers with predictable revenue visibility.

The company highlighted that its entry into the nuclear supply chain will allow it to support critical applications by supplying specialised welding consumables and engineering solutions. These are essential for reactor construction, maintenance, and safety-critical systems. Umesh Agrawal, Joint Managing Director of GEE Ltd, described the approval as an important milestone in the company’s growth journey. He emphasised that it reflects GEE’s commitment to quality, reliability, and manufacturing excellence.

Financially, the approval is expected to open new revenue streams. While it does not immediately translate into orders, it qualifies GEE to bid for nuclear projects, which are known for their long execution timelines and high-value contracts.

Recent financial reports indicate that GEE has already achieved strong growth, with Q1 FY27 revenue rising nearly 30% year-on-year to ₹102.86 crore and profit after tax surging significantly. This momentum, combined with entry into the nuclear sector, positions the company for sustained expansion.

Market reaction has been positive. Shares of GEE Ltd jumped nearly 5% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s ability to leverage this approval for long-term growth. 

Analysts note that the move represents a deliberate transition from commodity manufacturing to specialised, high-margin industrial applications, solidifying GEE’s competitive advantage.

The approval also complements India’s broader clean energy transition strategy. As nuclear power is a critical component of India’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen energy security, suppliers like GEE will play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and safety of nuclear infrastructure.

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L&T Drone Division Projects Threefold Revenue Growth Over Five Years

Larsen and Toubro has projected a significant expansion in its drone and unmanned aerial systems business, with expectations that revenue from this unit will triple over the next five years, Reuters reported.

The company is preparing to increase capital expenditure to support this growth, focusing on boosting production capacity in line with India’s rapidly expanding UAV market.

The Precision Engineering and Systems division, which houses the drone operations, currently contributes about 3% to L&T’s overall revenue. For the financial year ending 31 March 2026, L&T reported revenue from operations of ₹3,004 Crores, equivalent to $30.04 billion.

The company believes that its drone business can scale up considerably, moving from a primarily domestic focus to establishing a stronger global presence.

Arun Ramchandani, head of the Precision Engineering and Systems unit, stated at an event in Bengaluru that L&T has been building locally but now intends to go global.

At the same event, the company showcased two indigenously developed products, the “Vedh MK-1” and “Chanakya,” underlining its commitment to strengthening India’s defence technology ecosystem.

The global drone market is forecast to more than double, rising from $33.9 billion in 2025 to $79.1 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.89%, according to IMARC Group. L&T aims to capture a share of this growth by expanding its production capabilities, particularly through new electronics manufacturing facilities designed to meet its own requirements.

Ramchandani emphasised that the company’s focus on drones is aligned with the rapid growth of India’s UAV market, which is projected to reach $3.2 billion by 2030. This expansion is expected to be driven by government initiatives supporting indigenous defence manufacturing and technological innovation.

Jambunathan, who heads the unmanned aerial systems and aeronautics business within the Precision Engineering and Systems division, confirmed that L&T is preparing to deliver 100 new “Teer” drones to the Indian Air Force.

Production is already underway, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the operational needs of India’s armed forces while simultaneously positioning itself as a global player in defence technology.

The company’s strategy highlights a dual focus: strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities while also seeking to establish a competitive presence in the international drone market. This approach underscores L&T’s ambition to transform its drone division into a major revenue driver within the next five years.

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South Africa Recalls High Commissioner To India Amid Zuma And Gupta Controversy

The South African Government has recalled its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, for further consultations following reports of his association with former president Jacob Zuma and Indian-origin businessman Ajay Gupta.

The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola during a press conference in Pretoria, where he confirmed that Sooklal had been summoned back to headquarters.

Lamola explained that the government was working on a new framework to regulate protocol and diplomatic support provided to former presidents and deputy presidents during international travel. He stated that recommendations had already been submitted to Parliament and the presidency for consideration.

The proposed framework includes a mandatory disclosure mechanism requiring former leaders to provide full details of their travel purposes, programs, activities, sources of funding, principal hosts, key engagements, and the capacity in which they will be travelling.

The minister emphasised that the mechanism was designed to assess reputational, political, diplomatic, and security risks. He stressed that the move was intended to prevent situations where former leaders might be perceived as representing South Africa’s foreign policy without authorisation from the sitting president. Lamola underlined that only the current head of state is mandated to represent the country’s foreign policy.

Anil Sooklal, who is of Indian origin, has previously served as South Africa’s G20 sherpa and BRICS sherpa before being appointed as High Commissioner to India. His recall follows questions raised over his engagements with Zuma and Ajay Gupta during Zuma’s visit to Haridwar in June.

During this visit, Zuma and Sooklal met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir. Swami Kailashanand Giri told the media that Ajay Gupta, a disciple and member of the ashram family, was a friend of Zuma.

The Gupta family has long been at the centre of South Africa’s state capture investigations. Allegations surfaced that they exploited their close relationship with Zuma to influence government decisions and secure lucrative state contracts. The Gupta brothers fled South Africa in 2018 after a judicial commission began probing widespread corruption and undue influence during Zuma’s presidency.

The recall of Sooklal highlights Pretoria’s sensitivity to reputational risks associated with former leaders and controversial figures. It also underscores the government’s determination to establish stricter controls over diplomatic engagements involving past presidents and deputy presidents.

The new framework, once adopted, is expected to bring greater transparency and accountability to such interactions, ensuring that South Africa’s foreign policy remains firmly under the authority of the sitting president.

ANI

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Baloch Activist Aomar Karim Condemns Pakistan’s Kashmir Narrative And Media Censorship

Baloch political and human rights activist Aomar Karim has strongly criticised Pakistan’s use of the Kashmir issue in international forums, arguing that Islamabad is attempting to divert global attention from its own human rights record through diplomatic campaigns.

His remarks came in response to an event organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in France on August 5 to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, which he described as a “shameful and hollow” exercise designed to deflect scrutiny.

During the Paris event, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy. She emphasised that Islamabad would continue diplomatic efforts to mobilise international support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.

Karim, however, countered that Pakistan’s invocation of the Kashmir issue is a deliberate attempt to obscure the deaths of civilians in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including incidents in Rawalakot.

Karim highlighted that Kashmiri activists held protests outside the Pakistani High Commission in London on the same day, underscoring the growing discontent among communities in PoJK. He further noted that recent elections in the region witnessed widespread public boycott, reflecting deep mistrust of the political process under Pakistani administration.

Raising concerns over press freedom, Karim accused Pakistan’s military establishment of exercising strict control over domestic media. He argued that independent reporting from sensitive regions is severely restricted, citing Al Jazeera English’s coverage of the elections, which pointed to low voter participation.

He also referred to new regulations requiring journalists to obtain official permission before reporting from areas outside designated cities, a measure he said was intended to suppress dissent.

Karim drew parallels with Balochistan, where he claimed authorities enforce a media blackout to prevent international scrutiny of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations. He stressed that the same tactics of censorship and intimidation are being applied across multiple regions to silence voices of resistance.

He also referred to the case of Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Dr Mahrang Baloch, who was detained in March 2025 and later convicted by an anti-terrorism court in Quetta in June 2026.

The conviction was linked to the death of a Frontier Corps soldier during protests in Gwadar in 2024. Karim argued that Pakistan’s military establishment exerts significant influence over the judicial process, undermining the independence of courts and perpetuating injustice against activists.

Karim’s statement reflects a broader critique of Pakistan’s strategy of using the Kashmir narrative as a diplomatic shield while ignoring widespread abuses within its own territories. His remarks underline the growing frustration among Baloch and Kashmiri activists who accuse Islamabad of hypocrisy in its international campaigns.

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South Africa’s India Envoy Anil Sooklal Asked Not Recalled

South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, has not been recalled but has instead been asked to attend a meeting with Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), for consultations and clarifications.

The matter concerns his presence at a religious event in Haridwar attended by former President Jacob Zuma and Indian-origin businessman Ajay Gupta.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that Sooklal will meet Dangor to provide clarifications regarding the event. They emphasised that he remains South Africa’s envoy to India and has not been recalled. This clarification followed earlier remarks by Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, who had stated that Sooklal was recalled for further consultations.

Lamola explained that the government is reviewing the framework governing protocol and diplomatic support extended to former presidents and deputy presidents during international travel. He confirmed that recommendations have been submitted to Parliament and the presidency to establish a new framework.

This framework would include mandatory disclosure requirements for former leaders seeking diplomatic assistance, covering details such as the purpose of travel, programs, activities, sources of funding, hosts, key engagements, and the capacity in which they travel.

The minister stressed that such measures are necessary to assess reputational, political, diplomatic, and security risks. He noted that this would prevent situations where former presidents appear to represent South Africa’s foreign policy without authorisation from the sitting head of state.

Sooklal, who is of Indian origin, previously served as South Africa’s G20 sherpa and BRICS sherpa before being appointed High Commissioner to India. The controversy arose after his presence during Zuma’s visit to Haridwar in June, where Zuma met Ajay Gupta at Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir. During the visit, Zuma and Sooklal met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri, who described Gupta as a disciple and member of the ashram family, and a friend of Zuma.

The Gupta family has long been at the centre of South Africa’s “state capture” investigations. Allegations claimed they exploited their close relationship with Zuma to influence government decisions and secure lucrative state contracts.

The brothers fled South Africa in 2018 after a judicial commission began probing widespread corruption and undue influence during Zuma’s presidency.

The incident has reignited debate in South Africa about the role of former leaders in international engagements and the need for stricter oversight. It also highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Gupta family’s legacy and their association with Zuma, which continues to cast a shadow over South Africa’s political and diplomatic landscape.

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Mossad Chief Removes Officials Over Failed Iran Regime‑Change Plan

Two senior officials of Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad have been removed following their involvement in developing a failed regime‑change strategy targeting Iran, according to Israeli media reports.

The dismissals were carried out by Mossad Director Roman Gofman as part of a broader organisational restructuring within the agency.

One of the officials had been serving as head of Mossad’s intelligence directorate since December, while the other was leading the agency’s Iran division. Both were reportedly key architects of a written operational plan that sought to undermine Iran’s Islamic Republic by supporting minority groups and encouraging mass protests against the government.

The plan was discussed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while attempting to persuade US President Donald Trump to launch military action against Iran in February. Security sources cited by Channel 12 said the two officials had longstanding disagreements with Gofman, but their departures were described as mutual and part of a wider restructuring. Both are expected to continue serving in other roles within Mossad.

Reports indicated that the Mossad strategy involved Israeli strikes on positions of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps near the border with Iraq, particularly in Iranian Kurdistan.

The strikes were intended to create opportunities for Kurdish fighters to enter Iran and advance towards Kurdish‑majority areas in the northwest. The expectation was that thousands of young Kurds would join armed groups, potentially expanding the movement into a broader uprising reaching Tehran.

The strategy also aimed to encourage a larger protest movement that could weaken the Iranian government. Remarkably, the plan reportedly included the possibility of installing former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the country’s leader.

The New York Times reported that Israel had undertaken a multi‑year effort to establish contact with Ahmadinejad, including an alleged meeting with then‑Mossad chief David Barnea at an academic conference in Hungary.

During the recent conflict, Israel and the United States carried out extensive strikes against Iranian security infrastructure, including regime targets, military facilities, missile systems, police stations and Basij positions in north-western Iran. However, diplomatic pressure from Turkey and concerns among Kurdish groups themselves contributed to Washington abandoning the reported plan.

The broader objective of the strategy was not only to weaken Iran’s military capabilities but also to reduce threats linked to Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

A New York Times report in April quoted US officials as saying that some members of the Trump administration supported the belief that Iran’s leadership could be removed and its military significantly weakened. Yet senior officials later dismissed Netanyahu’s prediction of regime change as “farcical” and “bulls***,” underscoring the divisions within Washington over the feasibility of such an operation.

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