China's Atlas Drone Swarm: India's Unignorable Mobile Battlefield Network

In late March, the People’s Liberation Army unveiled its Atlas drone swarm system, a mobile battlefield platform designed to deploy and coordinate large numbers of drones from a single command point. 

Mounted on vehicles, the system is intended to launch up to 96 drones in a coordinated swarm, with control consolidated under one operator.

Chinese state-linked reporting describes it as a mobile ‘mini-battlefield network’, integrating rapid launch capability, mobility, and multi-role drone functions.

The system reflects a broader shift in modern warfare towards networked, unmanned operations. Built around a Swarm-2 combat vehicle, a command unit, and a support vehicle, Atlas is designed for reconnaissance, electronic disruption, and coordinated strikes.

With launch intervals of under three seconds per drone, it can deploy a full swarm in minutes, underscoring China’s emphasis on high-speed, coordinated unmanned systems in future battlefield concepts.

The Swarm-2 platform can carry and launch up to 48 fixed-wing drones, while a single command vehicle can control up to 96 drones simultaneously in a coordinated swarm. The three seconds launch sequencing between drones allows the full deployment of 96 drones within roughly 300 seconds for reconnaissance or attack missions.

According to PLA-linked demonstrations, the system enables flexible grouping of drones into different operational formations, including coordinated defensive structures and precision strike patterns.

Each drone within the Atlas system can carry different payloads, conduct electro-optical reconnaissance, and relay communications. The system is designed for swarm-level coordination, where drones can adapt formations and execute tasks collectively while retaining individual autonomy.

Comparative references in Chinese defence commentary note that other systems, such as the US DARPA ‘Offset’ program and the “Perdix” micro-drone swarm, have demonstrated large-scale deployments.

China’s own ‘Jiu Tian’ drone mothership concept has also been reported to release 100–150 drones. The Atlas system is distinguished in official descriptions by its emphasis on coordinated control rather than sheer numbers alone.

The system is manufactured by China Electronic Technology Group Corporation, a state-owned defence electronics conglomerate working closely with the PLA. CETC has been central to China’s military-electronics development and operates within the country’s broader civil-military integration strategy. Its fields include communications equipment, computers, electronic equipment, software development, research services, investment and asset management for civil and military applications.

The Atlas drone swarm system has reportedly undergone multiple advanced trials, including a full public-facing demonstration conducted by the PLA in March. This marked one of the first instances in which the system’s integrated launch and control capabilities were shown in a coordinated format. However, there has been no official confirmation from Beijing regarding operational battlefield deployment or a formal export version. Debate around exportability remains open.

Chinese military affairs expert Wang Yunfei told the Global Times the system could greatly expand battlefield use, including saturation attacks on enemy air defences, precision strikes and deep-strike missions. More broadly, the Atlas system fits into China’s doctrine of ‘intelligentised warfare’, outlined in PLA strategic writings and the 14th Five-Year Plan, which envisions future conflicts as increasingly uncrewed, networked, and AI-driven.

This system is emerging as a potential security concern for India and the wider world because of its ability to overwhelm air defences, conduct coordinated electronic disruption, and execute precision strikes at scale. Its mobility and rapid deployment capability make it particularly relevant in contested border regions such as the Line of Actual Control, while globally it signals China’s growing emphasis on unmanned, AI-driven warfare that could alter the balance of modern military operations.

Comparative analysis that situates China’s Atlas drone swarm system against India’s ADC-S and HAL’s CATS Warrior, with a focus on capability, maturity, and strategic implications.

ADC-S (India) 

India’s Air-Dropped Cannisterised Swarm project, steered under the Make-II category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, is designed to provide the Indian Air Force with transport-launched swarm munitions. Each canister houses six to eight drones, capable of speeds between 350–400 km/h and carrying payloads of at least 30 kg. Operational range is around 500 km from release, with precision targeting even in GNSS-denied environments. ADC-S is still in development, but it represents a significant indigenous step towards self-reliance in swarm warfare.

HAL’s CATS Warrior (India) 

The Combat Air Teaming System Warrior is a loyal wingman UCAV designed to operate alongside manned fighters like the TEJAS and AMCA. It features autonomous take-off and landing, low-observable design, and roles spanning strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, decoy operations, and swarm attacks. HAL’s roadmap includes progressively larger UCAV variants, with the first flight expected around 2027. The Warrior is part of a broader ecosystem including ALFA-S swarm drones, Hunter strike drones, and Infinity relay platforms, aimed at enhancing survivability and extending reach in contested airspace.

Feature	Atlas (China)	ADC-S (India)	CATS Warrior (India)
Deployment scale	96 drones in 5 minutes	6–8 per canister, scalable	Multiple UCAVs + swarm drones
Operational status	Publicly demonstrated	Development stage	Prototype, first flight ~2027
Control system	Single operator, AI swarm coordination	Autonomous navigation, GNSS-denied precision	Mothership fighter controls UCAVs
Primary role	Recon, EW, saturation strikes	Loitering munitions, swarm attacks	Deep-strike, EW, reconnaissance
Strategic concern for India	Border saturation, air defence overload	Indigenous counter-swarm capability	Long-term airpower modernisation

Strategic Implications

Atlas is operationally ahead, offering China a demonstrated capability to overwhelm air defences and conduct coordinated strikes. Its mobility makes it particularly relevant in Tibet and Xinjiang, where rapid deployment could challenge Indian positions.

ADC-S provides India with a scalable indigenous solution, but it remains in development. Its reliance on transport aircraft for deployment offers range advantages but requires further maturity to match Atlas’s speed and scale.

CATS Warrior represents India’s future airpower doctrine, integrating manned-unmanned teaming for complex missions. However, its timeline means it will not be available for several years, leaving a near-term gap.

In essence, Atlas is already a demonstrated battlefield system, while India’s ADC-S and CATS Warrior are promising but developmental. The gap underscores the urgency for India to fast-track indigenous swarm-drone projects and strengthen counter-drone defences to avoid being strategically outpaced.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Dynamatic Technologies And Aerodata AG Partner To Develop Indigenous MALE Surveillance Drones For India

Bangalore-based Dynamatic Technologies, through its division Dynauton Systems, has entered into a significant Memorandum of Understanding with Germany’s Aerodata AG to jointly develop advanced Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance unmanned aerial surveillance systems.

The announcement was made on LinkedIn by both Aerodata and Dynauton, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration.

The partnership is centred on adapting the AeroForce® X platform to meet the specific requirements of the Indian military, with a strong emphasis on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities across both land and maritime domains.

The structure of the partnership brings together complementary strengths. Aerodata contributes its extensive mission system expertise, while Dynamatic Technologies provides its high-precision manufacturing and engineering capabilities.

This synergy is expected to accelerate the development of a robust surveillance solution tailored to India’s operational needs. The AeroForce® X platform itself is a formidable system, belonging to the 5-tonne class of MALE unmanned aerial systems, and is reported to have an endurance capability of up to 40 hours.

Such endurance makes it particularly suited for long-duration ISR missions, which are critical for monitoring vast and challenging terrains.

The strategic goal of this initiative is closely aligned with India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” vision, which seeks to strengthen self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign imports. 

By focusing on indigenous production of advanced surveillance solutions, the partnership aims to deliver systems capable of operating in demanding environments such as the Himalayas, where endurance, resilience, and adaptability are paramount.

The drone will undergo evaluation to ensure it meets the specific operational requirements of the Indian market, thereby offering a locally manufactured alternative to imported surveillance platforms.

This collaboration represents a step forward in India’s efforts to build a sustainable ecosystem for unmanned aerial systems.

By leveraging Aerodata’s proven mission systems and Dynamatic’s engineering expertise, the partnership is poised to deliver a platform that not only enhances India’s surveillance capabilities but also contributes to the broader goal of technological self-sufficiency.

The AeroForce® X, adapted for Indian conditions, could become a cornerstone of the country’s ISR infrastructure, providing persistent surveillance over land and sea while reinforcing the strategic objective of indigenous defence capability.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Lockheed Martin Promotes S-92 Helicopter For India’s VVIP Fleet, Highlighting TATA Partnership And Global Trust

Lockheed Martin has positioned its S-92 helicopter as a leading contender for India’s forthcoming VVIP transport requirements, specifically aimed at Head of State and high-profile missions.

The aerospace giant is underscoring the aircraft’s impeccable safety record, global operational success, and its strong “Make in India” credentials through its partnership with the TATA Group.

While maintaining its usual discretion on active negotiations, Lockheed Martin has openly described the S-92 as an ideal fit for India’s most sensitive aviation duties, ensuring the platform remains prominent in any imminent procurement decisions.

The S-92, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, is a heavy-lift rotorcraft with more than two decades of proven service. Over 300 units have been delivered worldwide, collectively amassing over 2.6 million flight hours.

For VVIP operations, where redundancy, security, and mission assurance are paramount, the helicopter’s reliability stands as its strongest credential. It is powered by twin General Electric CT7-8A turboshaft engines, providing the endurance and power required for secure, long-range travel.

The aircraft is already trusted by 13 nations to transport their top leaders, with the VH-92 “Marine One” variant serving as the official transport for the President of the United States. In 2025, a 14th nation placed an order for two additional S-92s, reinforcing the platform’s global credibility.

India’s market appeal lies in the helicopter’s deep local manufacturing footprint. Every cabin for the global S-92 fleet is produced in Hyderabad by TATA-Sikorsky Aerospace Limited (TSAL), a joint venture established in 2009.

The venture achieved complete indigenous cabin production more than a decade ago, embedding India firmly within Sikorsky’s international supply chain. Selecting the S-92 would therefore align closely with the government’s domestic manufacturing initiatives and bolster the local defence sector.

Beyond VVIP transport, the S-92’s versatility is a major advantage. It is widely used for offshore energy logistics, ferrying personnel to remote oil rigs, but also excels in search and rescue, heavy cargo transport, and emergency medical services.

This multi-role adaptability ensures cost-effective utilisation across diverse mission profiles. The helicopter meets Category A (Class 1) performance standards and features a flaw-tolerant design, enabling safe flight even after an engine failure, further strengthening its safety credentials.

Comparison of VVIP Options

Feature	Sikorsky S-92 (Lockheed Martin)	Indian Context
Manufacturing	100% of cabins built in Hyderabad (TSAL)	Direct "Make in India" link
Engine	Twin GE CT7-8A turboshafts	High-altitude/Hot weather performance
Safety	Triple-redundant DC power & hydraulics	Essential for VVIP redundancy
Capacity	Large "stand-up" cabin (6 ft height)	Enhanced comfort and emergency egress

Lockheed Martin also offers a comprehensive global maintenance network, with service hubs across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, supported by round-the-clock customer assistance.

For VVIP fleets where downtime is unacceptable, this infrastructure provides rapid maintenance and parts support, ensuring peak operational readiness.

India’s ageing Mi-17 fleet has prompted periodic reviews of its VVIP helicopter requirements, with future acquisitions expected to demand advanced avionics, superior safety measures, and extended range.

With its extensive global service record and entrenched industrial presence in India, the S-92 is positioning itself as a strong candidate to meet these demands.

Agencies

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General Naravane (R) Rejects ‘Abandonment’ Claims, Says Govt Backed Him During 2020 LAC Standoff

Former Army Chief General MM Naravane (Retd) has spoken out following the controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir Four Stars of Destiny.

In separate interviews with news channels, he described it as “totally unfair to drag me and the armed forces into politics” by using an unpublished book to score points. He firmly rejected claims that he had been abandoned by the government during the 2020 LAC standoff with China, stressing that he had full backing at the time.

Naravane addressed the incident in Parliament when Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi brandished a copy of his unpublished memoir to criticise the Modi government.

He clarified that he had the authority to open fire on Chinese soldiers if the situation demanded it, and that the government had given him complete support.

He explained that while the person at the helm is always alone, whether a CEO or a national leader, this does not mean abandonment, as the entire country and the armed forces stand behind them.

The controversy arose after Rahul Gandhi cited extracts from the unpublished book, which mentioned that Prime Minister Modi, through the defence minister, had told Naravane, “jo uchit samjho wo karo” (do what you think is right), during a tense faceoff with Chinese soldiers at Rechin La pass. Naravane emphasised that there was nothing in the book that warranted such a fuss, and that the matter had been unnecessarily politicised.

In addition to addressing the row, Naravane has released a new book titled The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.

According to his publisher Rupa Publications, the work “pulls aside the still-drawn curtains on some of the most riveting and compelling arcana that colour the legends and lore of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.” This new publication shifts focus from controversy to exploring the fascinating myths and mysteries of India’s armed forces.

Agencies

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Crushing The Corridor? How Trump Is Derailing India’s Top Trade Goal

At a grand ceremony in Delhi in 2023, India unveiled its most ambitious trade corridor, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Yet halfway across the world, forces beyond its control are now derailing that vision, wrote Aditi Bhaduri on NDTV.

Turkey’s transportation minister recently announced that Turkey, Syria, and Jordan have agreed to modernise their railway systems to create a contiguous corridor between southern Europe and the Persian Gulf. This network, requiring four to five years and billions of dollars in investment, would revive Ottoman-era routes and reconnect Syria to Jordan, Lebanon, and the Gulf.

The reconstruction of Syria’s devastated infrastructure alone needs at least $5.5 billion. Once extended to Saudi Arabia, this corridor would form a North-South Gulf-Europe trade route, offering the shortest and most cost-effective path for goods and services. For India, however, it signals a setback to its connectivity ambitions in the Middle East and Europe.

The IMEC was unveiled during the Delhi G20 summit in September 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and US President Joe Biden. The multimodal route was to begin in Mumbai, connect by sea to the UAE, and then continue via rail through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel, before reaching Europe through Haifa Port.

It was envisioned as an alternative to the Suez Canal and Russia’s land routes, especially after the Ukraine crisis. With costs estimated at $3–8 billion per route, IMEC promised to cut freight costs, boost economies, and counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Greece had even shown interest in joining. 

However, the project faced immediate setbacks when war broke out between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The Houthis joined the conflict, targeting shipping, and violence engulfed the region from Jordan to Israel, crippling IMEC’s progress. Israel, a crucial node, became untenable.

The corridor’s success depended on Saudi-Israel normalisation, but the war complicated matters. While the UAE and Jordan had already normalised ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and made normalisation conditional on a Palestinian state.

Reports now suggest Saudi Arabia is considering Syria as a transit country for a fibre-optic cable project with Greece, side-lining Israel. In February 2026, Saudi telecom firm STC Group announced an $800 million investment in Syria’s telecommunications infrastructure, signalling shifting alignments.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey, once at odds, are now converging strategically, meeting frequently with Egypt and Pakistan to form a regional security alliance. A Gulf-to-Europe corridor rerouted through Jordan, Syria, and Turkey bypasses Israel entirely, making Saudi-Israel normalisation even more unlikely. 

Reintegration of Syria into the region, backed by Saudi financing, could turn Damascus into a telecommunications and transport hub.

These developments coincide with a growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are engaged in proxy wars from Yemen to Sudan to Somalia. Israel’s move to station an ambassador in Somaliland was condemned by Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, while the UAE recognised Somaliland. IMEC requires massive infrastructure upgrades, but given strained Saudi-UAE ties, progress seems doubtful. 

The Iran war has further damaged regional infrastructure, with Haifa repeatedly struck by Iranian missiles and drones. The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed Saudi Arabia to rely more on Yanbu port, but Houthis could close Bab-El-Mandeb, another chokepoint. This makes the Syria-Turkey corridor more appealing, as it avoids Israel and the West Bank without requiring normalisation.

India’s connectivity ambitions are faltering. Having stepped back from the Chabahar port, a gateway to Central Asia and Europe, India now faces uncertainty over IMEC.

Meanwhile, Turkey is consolidating its role with its Development Road project with Iraq, creating a multimodal corridor from the Gulf to Turkey and Europe.

Turkey is also connected overland to China, which is leveraging the Middle Corridor route to Europe. India must therefore rethink its approach to connectivity and trade in the Gulf, as rival Turkey positions itself as the region’s key hub.

NDTV

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Redon Systems Successfully Completed Trials of Bheeshan HMV-4 Multi-Barrel Munition Launcher System (MBMLS)

Hyderabad-based Redon Systems has achieved a significant milestone with the successful testing of the Bheeshan Multi-Barrel Munition Launcher System (MBMLS).

This marks India’s first indigenous vehicle-mounted platform designed for the rapid deployment of loitering munitions. The system demonstrated its ability to launch up to 18 Achuk-150 loitering munitions in just two minutes, underscoring a leap in artillery and precision strike capabilities.

The Bheeshan MBMLS is equipped with a multi-barrel launcher configuration that enables rapid-fire deployment. Each Achuk-150 munition can be launched at intervals of four seconds, ensuring a steady and overwhelming strike capability against high-value targets. This rapid deployment feature provides a decisive edge in scenarios requiring immediate and concentrated firepower.

The Achuk-150 loitering munition is a barrel-launched, fixed-wing system designed for precision-guided strikes. It is equipped with AI-driven optical homing, allowing autonomous identification and engagement of targets with high accuracy.

This integration of artificial intelligence enhances operational effectiveness by reducing reliance on external guidance and increasing adaptability in dynamic battlefield conditions.

Operational flexibility is another hallmark of the Achuk-150 system. Its design allows commanders to deploy munitions across a wide range of scenarios, from suppressing enemy artillery to neutralising fortified positions.

The combination of rapid launch capability and precision targeting makes the system a force multiplier, particularly in high-intensity conflicts where speed and accuracy are critical.

The system was tested during Exercise TOPCHI, where it showcased its ability to deliver swift, lethal, and cost-effective strikes. By integrating loitering munitions into a vehicle-mounted, multi-barrel launcher, India has created a platform that blends the advantages of drones with the firepower of traditional artillery.

This innovation offers a strategic advantage by enabling cost-effective, lethal strikes that can be deployed swiftly and at scale, reshaping the contours of battlefield engagement.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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India Rebukes Trump’s ‘Hell-Hole’ Post, Says 'Uninformed, Inappropriate, In Poor Taste'

India strongly criticised US President Donald Trump for amplifying a post that described India as a “hellhole on the planet,” calling the remarks uninformed, inappropriate, in poor taste and not reflective of the broader bilateral relationship.

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had noted both the original comments and the subsequent clarification issued by the US Embassy, stressing that the remarks did not represent the reality of India–US ties, which are built on mutual respect and shared interests.

The controversy began when Trump reposted content from conservative radio host Michael Savage on Truth Social. Savage’s comments, made on his Savage Nation podcast, referred to countries including India and China as “hellholes on the planet” while criticising birthright citizenship in the United States. 

He argued against the Citizenship Clause, claiming it was misused by immigrants from countries such as India and China. Savage alleged that children born in the US become “instant citizens” and later enable family members from these countries to immigrate.

His letter went further, describing Indian and Chinese immigrants as “gangsters with laptops” who had “stepped on our flag.” Trump reposted both a transcript and video clip of these remarks, which also criticised the US Supreme Court’s role in shaping birth right citizenship law and called for a national referendum on the issue.

Earlier in the day, India signalled its displeasure without directly criticising Trump, with Jaiswal saying only, “We’ve seen some reports. That’s where I’ll leave it.” Hours later, the US Embassy attempted damage control, emphasising Washington’s ties with New Delhi and quoting Trump as saying, “India is a great country with a very good friend of mine at the top.”

Trump’s repost came as he continues a legal battle over birth right citizenship. His administration is challenging lower court rulings that blocked an executive order signed in January 2025, which aimed to limit automatic citizenship for children born to parents living in the US illegally or temporarily. Several courts have blocked the order, with at least one judge calling it unconstitutional.

The controversy also drew sharp political reactions in India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter, questioning whether he would respond to what he described as “intimidation” and “indignation” of 140 crore Indians.

Kharge asked what Modi was afraid of and why India was not raising the issue at the highest level with the American government. He tweeted that Modi’s “dear friend” had shared a note abusing India and using a disparaging term, yet Modi remained silent.

Kharge emphasised that Indians had played a vital role in America’s success and demanded to know what was stopping India from taking a stronger stand.

Agencies

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India–US Air Chiefs Strengthen Strategic Partnership With Reciprocal High-Level Engagements

US Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin B Schneider paid an official visit to India, meeting Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh as the two nations continue to strengthen their defence partnership. 

During his visit, General Schneider laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour, and held discussions with senior Indian Air Force leadership. The Indian Air Force highlighted these engagements in a statement, underscoring the importance of the visit.

This visit followed Air Chief Marshal Singh’s recent trip to the United States, where he was hosted by US Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach at the Pentagon on 10 April. Singh received a full honours arrival at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and held office calls with Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and General Wilsbach.

These meetings emphasised the priority Washington places on its defence partnership with New Delhi, describing it as central to maintaining a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

General Wilsbach praised India’s leadership and active participation in multilateral exercises with like-minded partners, stressing that expanding such cooperation is vital for enhancing regional deterrence. 

He also welcomed India’s procurement of MQ-9B Sky Guardian aircraft, assuring that the US Air Force is committed to ensuring the Indian Armed Forces can seamlessly integrate and operate the platform once delivered.

Wilsbach further underscored America’s readiness to support Indian Air Force modernisation efforts, noting the mutual benefits of pursuing these goals through defence industrial collaborati

As part of his US visit, Air Chief Marshal Singh undertook a familiarisation flight in a Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. Flying alongside US Air Force Major Matthew Benson of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, Singh gained first hand experience of one of the most advanced fighter platforms in the American inventory.

The sortie provided him with a close look at a system that plays a crucial role in maintaining air superiority and supporting operations across the Indo-Pacific.

These reciprocal visits by senior air force leaders highlight the growing depth of India–US defence ties, reflecting shared strategic priorities and a commitment to closer cooperation in technology, training, and operational domains.

ANI

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Modi–Trump Rapport Driving Expansive India–US Partnership Says Ambassador Vinay Kwatra

Indian Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, speaking at the Hudson Institute’s The New India Conference, underscored the strength and breadth of the India–US partnership.

He emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump share a strong relationship, marked by deep respect and even friendship, which translates into wide-ranging cooperation across multiple domains.

Kwatra highlighted the government-to-government connection as a central pillar of ties, noting that this personal rapport between the two leaders has reinforced collaboration in areas such as defence, trade, and technology.

He recalled plurilateral initiatives like the QUAD and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), while also pointing to the India–US 10-year defence framework signed last year as a milestone in strategic cooperation.

Trade was described as one of the strongest segments of the partnership. Kwatra stated that bilateral capital flows currently stand at about $200 billion annually, with the ambitious target of “Mission 500” aiming to raise this figure to $500 billion by the end of the decade.

He stressed that this economic engagement is underpinned by shared objectives and policy frameworks announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the White House in February last year.

The Ambassador also drew attention to collaboration in nuclear technology, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. He explained that critical minerals represent a strategic area of partnership, with the objective of building resilience in supply chains to ensure that neither country is held hostage by external constraints that could hinder economic growth.

Kwatra described people-to-people exchanges as the “bedrock” of ties, noting that the relationship is rooted not only in the two societies but also in institutions across both nations. He cited bipartisan congressional support and the active role of think tanks as examples of this deep institutional connectivity.

Turning to India’s domestic transformation, Kwatra spoke about the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasised that this is not merely aspirational but an empirical objective, backed by measurable metrics and policy choices that are being implemented year after year. He described the New India narrative as one of excitement and opportunity, driven by reforms and international partnerships.

He concluded with confidence that India’s focus on transformation, combined with strong partnerships—particularly with the United States—would enable the country to advance economic growth, prosperity, and technological progress. This, he said, would help India achieve its goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, ensuring political, economic, and technological advancement in the decades ahead.

ANI

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Oil Producers In The Gulf Race To Bypass Hormuz Amid Lingering Crisis

Middle Eastern oil exporters are scrambling to explore alternative routes to get their oil and gas exports out of the region. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a huge energy supply crisis, reported CNBC.

Experts say Iran’s gambit with the Strait of Hormuz will likely backfire long-term, as exporters seek permanent alternative supply routes for their products.

Middle Eastern oil and gas producers are still scrambling to find and expand alternative routes for their exports, almost two months after the critical Strait of Hormuz was effectively shut to commercial traffic. 

There is still little clarity on when or how the U.S.-Iran conflict can be brought to an end, and both sides are using the Strait of Hormuz — a vital waterway through which around 20% of the world’s oil was shipped before the war — as a bargaining chip in stop-start peace talks.

The channel’s double-blockade has supercharged global energy prices and highlighted the global energy market’s vulnerability when key waterways and “chokepoints” — like the Strait of Hormuz, Panama Canal or Suez Canal — are blocked, whether by accident or by design.

The International Energy Agency (IEA)'s Executive Director Fatih Birol told CNBC Thursday he felt like a “broken record” telling countries to diversify energy supply routes years before the current crisis. “The $110 trillion global economy can be taken hostage by a couple of hundred men with guns across a 50-kilometer stretch of strait — it doesn’t make sense at all. We should make alternative routes, alternative options,” he told CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick.

Risks around the Strait of Hormuz “were well understood” for years, Maisoon Kafafy, senior adviser to the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programs, told CNBC, but the war has shown how deep those vulnerabilities are — and the need for change. “Hormuz has been the world’s most documented energy chokepoint for decades, and its risks were mapped, modelled, and priced into infrastructure decisions across the region,” she said.

“Until the February 2026 closure, the costs, while significant, did not reach the threshold that would justify the scale of investment alternative infrastructure requires. The deterrent architecture and economic interdependencies surrounding the strait made full closure seem too costly to any actor to contemplate seriously. The closure has demonstrated that those assumptions were breakable,” Kafafy said.

The Iran war is shifting that cost-benefit analysis, while Gulf oil producers — now highly wary of the threat posed by the Islamic Republic and fearful of being beholden to forces beyond their control in the future — are finally looking beyond the Strait of Hormuz for exports.

“The war has also accelerated investments in bypass routes. So, other countries are re-routing. That means that Iran, and its main strategic leverage, weakens,” Lucila Bonilla, lead emerging markets economist at Oxford Economics, told CNBC Tuesday.

Tehran’s strategy to block the vital maritime channel appeared to pay off in the early days of the war. By controlling access in and out of the strait, Iran was effectively the only country that could export hydrocarbons for several weeks as oil prices rocketed toward $120 a barrel.

The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, which began in mid-April, has “neutralised” that strategic advantage, Bonilla said. But Gulf producers are still in the same predicament, unable to export oil and LNG via the strait.

While Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have some oil export routes that do not transit the waterway, others, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, rely on the strait to deliver the vast majority of their oil exports, the International Energy Agency says. Most of the exports are destined for Asia, with China, India and Japan being the main importers, the IEA adds. The vast majority of the UAE and Qatar’s LNG exports also transit the passage.

The sheer volume of oil that is exported via the Strait of Hormuz, and the limited options to bypass it, means that any disruption to flows would have huge consequences for world oil markets.

Iran has also alienated its Gulf neighbours and fellow OPEC producers by attacking their energy infrastructure with missiles and drones. Gulf states told CNBC Iran’s behaviour had created a “huge trust gap” that might never be repaired, and have signalled they are looking for permanent ways to re-route their supplies and bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

Capacity squeeze. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have oil pipelines that bypass the waterway — the East-West pipeline and the UAE’s Habshan–Fujairah (or ADCOP) pipeline — but neither can handle as much oil as is transported via the Strait of Hormuz.

The East-West pipeline, linking processing facilities near the Persian Gulf to an export hub on the Red Sea, and the UAE pipeline to the port of Fujairah, have a combined estimated 3.5 - 5.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) of available capacity, the IEA notes, although Saudi said in March its pipeline is pumping 7 mb/d.

These figures, however, are far less than the roughly 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products that transited through the Strait of Hormuz every day before the war.

Developing alternative export routes involves not only massive investment in infrastructure, but time. Often transnational agreements are necessary if pipelines pass through several territories and security — something in short supply when Iran has shown no compunction in attacking neighbours’ energy facilities.

“Expanding existing infrastructure ... can happen on a relatively compressed timeline if the political commitment is there,” Kafafy told CNBC. “The more complex question is building the kind of networked, multi-corridor architecture that would deliver genuine resilience,” including “route diversity” — and enough exit corridors terminating in different sea basins ensuring no single blockage removes the majority of export capacity simultaneously — and “exit-point security,” Kafafy said.

That meant “the ability to protect terminal infrastructure against the same adversarial pressure that closed the primary chokepoint,” she added.

The war has shown that existing alternative routes are at risk; Saudi’s East-West pipeline was attacked by Iran in April, cutting throughput by roughly 700,000 barrels per day. The port of Fujairah (the end-point of the UAE pipeline) also came under attack from Iranian drones, disrupting oil loading operations at its crude export terminal.

The IEA notes that there is also an LNG pipeline running parallel to Saudi’s East-West pipeline, the Abqaiq-Yanbu NGL pipeline, with a capacity of 300 kb/d, but this is already “fully utilised” with no spare capacity.

Alternative alternatives. There are some “alternative alternatives” to the major pipelines, but capacity remains weak. Nevertheless, several Middle Eastern states are exploring proposed new routes, or reviving old projects, as they look to diversify supply routes.

For example, Iraq has an almost 600-mile pipeline to Turkey, which has a total capacity of around 1.6 mb/d. The pipeline had been closed but will be reopened soon due to the Hormuz disruption, reportedly with an initial capacity of 250,000 barrels per day.

Iraq is also considering long-considered pipelines to Oman, Jordan and Egypt, although these projects were previously put aside due to costs, conflict and security threats.

Near-term expansion buys time and demonstrates political seriousness, while long-term network building is the only configuration that delivers resilience that is structural rather than situational. Maisoon Kafafy, Senior advisor, Atlantic Council’s Middle East programs.

Iran could resort to using Jask oil terminal to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline can transport crude from the Goreh-Jask pipeline to the Gulf of Oman and has a reported capacity of 1 mb/d, but the IEA says both the pipeline and port “effectively remain non-operational.”

“A test load was exported from Jask in late 2024, but no further oil has been exported from Jask since then. The terminal is currently not considered a viable crude export option for Iranian crude,” the IEA said in February.

CNBC

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US Seizes Iran-Linked Tanker As Trump Orders Navy To Target Mine-Laying Boats in Hormuz

The United States military has seized another tanker linked to Iranian oil smuggling, escalating the maritime confrontation in the Indian Ocean. The Department of Defence released footage showing American forces boarding the Majestic X, a Guyana-flagged vessel intercepted between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

This follows the recent interdiction of the tanker Tifani in the same region. The Majestic X, previously known as Phonix, had been sanctioned in 2024 for transporting prohibited Iranian crude towards Zhoushan, China.

A Pentagon statement emphasised that global maritime enforcement operations would continue to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran wherever they operate.

The seizure comes just a day after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attacked three cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, capturing two of them.

This waterway is critical, handling around 20 per cent of global oil trade. Despite President Trump’s recent extension of a ceasefire, the United States continues to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, effectively halting exports through the strait.

The confrontation has already triggered severe economic consequences worldwide. Brent crude has surged past $100 per barrel, representing a 35 per cent increase from pre-conflict levels. European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned that the disruption is costing Europe approximately $600 million daily.

Iran has yet to issue an official response to the latest seizure, and there is no indication of a resolution to the blockade.

President Trump has further intensified the stand-off by ordering the US Navy to “shoot and kill” any vessel caught planting mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, he declared that there should be no hesitation in targeting small boats engaged in mining activities, claiming that Iran’s naval fleet had already been destroyed.

He also directed mine-clearing operations to be intensified at “a tripled up level,” stressing the importance of restoring the flow of global energy supplies.

US Central Command has deployed warships to initiate mine-sweeping operations, though Iranian officials deny laying explosives and have labelled the American presence as provocative.

The strait remains effectively shuttered, with both sides employing blockade tactics to gain leverage in stalled peace negotiations. Trump’s directive signals a shift towards more aggressive enforcement of maritime security, even as the fragile ceasefire continues on other fronts.

Agencies

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Rajnath Singh To Attend SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet In Kyrgyzstan, Focus On Central Asia diplomacy

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will travel to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, next week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting.

Scheduled for 28 April, the gathering will bring together defence ministers from across the grouping to deliberate on evolving threats such as terrorism, extremism, and wider geopolitical tensions.

The SCO, established in 2001 by China, Russia, and Central Asian nations, has steadily expanded its influence over the past two decades. Its significance grew further with the inclusion of Iran in 2023 under India’s presidency, cementing its role as a key platform for both security and economic cooperation across Eurasia.

The meeting is expected to cover a broad spectrum of issues, including military-to-military ties, counter-terrorism strategies, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing.

For India, the event represents an important opportunity to strengthen defence diplomacy in Central Asia, a region where New Delhi has been steadily expanding its footprint through bilateral partnerships and infrastructure projects.

India and Kyrgyzstan share longstanding defence ties, which include joint training programmes and officer exchanges.

Recent engagements, such as the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Working Group on defence cooperation, have emphasised technical exchanges and industrial partnerships, underscoring the depth of collaboration between the two nations.

In past SCO forums, Rajnath Singh has consistently called for decisive action against radicalisation and cross-border terrorism. These positions are expected to feature prominently once again, reflecting India’s firm stance on regional security challenges.

While no details have yet been released regarding the Defence Minister’s bilateral schedule during the visit, the presence of China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun, alongside counterparts from other member states, has been confirmed by Chinese media. Kyrgyzstan, which holds the presidency of the grouping this year, will also host foreign ministers’ and NSA-level meetings.

Later in the year, Bishkek will convene the SCO Summit, further highlighting its central role in the organisation’s activities.

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India–UK Strategic Dialogue Strengthens Security And Technology Ties Amid Hormuz Crisis

India and the United Kingdom have stepped up their security cooperation at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia, with the Strait of Hormuz crisis dominating discussions.

At the annual India–UK Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, National Security Advisers Ajit Doval and Jonathan Powell agreed to intensify collaboration against terrorism, extremism, and pro-Khalistan elements.

Maritime security was a central theme, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to the India–UK Vision 2035 framework, which encompasses defence, technology, and broader security goals.

The talks underscored the urgency of the situation, as Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy flows and directly impact India’s oil and gas imports. The seizure of two ships, including one bound for Gujarat, has effectively halted traffic through the critical waterway, which carries 20 per cent of global oil exports.

This disruption has driven Brent crude prices above $103 per barrel and unsettled India’s energy security, given that half of its LPG and crude imports originate from the Persian Gulf. While diversification of energy sources and a shift towards alternative fuels are being pursued, volatility in the markets is expected to continue.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that ten Indian ships have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, though fourteen remain in the Persian Gulf under close monitoring. Indian nationals aboard two foreign-owned vessels recently fired upon are reported safe, with New Delhi maintaining close contact with Iranian authorities to secure further safe passages.

The Indian Navy has played a pivotal role, escorting the crude tanker Desh Garima to Mumbai. Domestically, the government has sought to stabilise fuel prices through excise duty cuts, cushioning the impact of global turbulence.

Beyond immediate maritime concerns, the dialogue also advanced defence and technology cooperation. Both nations reviewed progress under the Technology Security Initiative, highlighting achievements in telecom, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence.

A landmark joint project is the Silicon Carbide-based semiconductor facility in Odisha, which will support sectors ranging from electric vehicles to defence applications.

The two sides also agreed to expand collaboration in quantum computing, biotechnology, advanced materials, and cybersecurity, aligning with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

These efforts signal a deepening of strategic ties, with both countries positioning themselves to address not only current crises but also long-term technological and security challenges.

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Trump Orders Navy To 'Shoot, And Kill' Iranian Boats Laying Sea Mines As Hormuz Stand-Off Worsens

President Donald Trump has announced that he has ordered the United States Navy to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats attempting to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

His directive was issued via social media and came shortly after American forces seized another tanker accused of smuggling Iranian oil, further escalating the confrontation with Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which around 20 per cent of global crude oil and natural gas shipments pass, making it a focal point of the ongoing standoff.

Trump stated that mine-clearing operations are already underway and ordered them to be intensified at “a tripled up level.” He emphasised that there should be no hesitation in targeting vessels engaged in mining activities.

The announcement followed an attack by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on three cargo ships in the strait, two of which were captured, underscoring the volatility of the situation.

The Pentagon released footage showing US forces boarding the Guinea-flagged oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean. The vessel, previously known as Phonix, had been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2024 for smuggling Iranian crude oil.

Ship-tracking data indicated that the Majestic X was intercepted between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, near the location where the tanker Tifani had earlier been seized by American forces. The Majestic X had been bound for Zhoushan, China.

The Pentagon stressed that maritime enforcement operations would continue globally to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels supporting Iran. Tehran has not yet issued a response to the seizure.

This development comes against the backdrop of Trump’s decision earlier in the week to extend a ceasefire while maintaining the American blockade of Iranian ports.

There has been no indication that peace talks, previously hosted in Pakistan, will resume in the near future. The blockade and repeated attacks have effectively halted nearly all exports through the Strait of Hormuz, with no resolution in sight.

Meanwhile, in Berlin, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was attacked with red liquid as he left a news conference. Police detained the alleged perpetrator immediately. During the event, Pahlavi criticised the ceasefire agreement, arguing that it was based on unrealistic expectations of the Iranian government’s behaviour.

Pahlavi, who has lived in exile for nearly five decades, continues to position himself as a potential figure in Iran’s future political landscape despite the legacy of his father’s overthrow in 1979.

Since the outbreak of war between Iran, Israel and the United States on 28 February, more than 30 ships have been attacked in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Rising insurance premiums and the threat of further attacks have paralysed traffic through the strait, which remains a major strategic advantage for Iran.

The ceasefire has been repeatedly strained by US attacks on Iranian vessels and retaliatory actions by Iran against commercial shipping. Diplomatic efforts in Islamabad remain stalled, with officials acknowledging the difficulty of bringing both sides to the negotiating table.

The conflict has already driven global gas prices sharply higher, with knock-on effects on food and consumer goods. Officials worldwide have warned that the economic consequences could be severe and long-lasting, affecting businesses and households far beyond the Middle East.

Agencies

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Iran’s Wounded Supreme Leader Relies On Generals As Guards Tighten Grip On Power

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has become increasingly reliant on the generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps to manage the country following the injuries he sustained in the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on 28 February.

According to The New York Times, Mojtaba is effectively treating the governance of Iran as though he were directing a board, with the generals acting as board members who collectively make decisions. 

Abdolreza Davari, a politician and former aide to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, explained that Mojtaba leans heavily on their advice and guidance.

Mojtaba has remained in hiding since the attack, which also killed his wife and son. His access is tightly restricted to doctors and medical staff, with senior Iranian leaders avoiding visits to prevent Israeli tracking and further strikes.

His treatment is overseen by the health minister and President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is himself a heart surgeon. Despite being gravely wounded, Mojtaba is described as mentally sharp and engaged. 

His injuries include severe burns to his face and lips, which make speaking difficult, multiple surgeries on his leg that will require a prosthetic, and operations on his arm, which is slowly regaining function. 

Officials have indicated that plastic surgery may be necessary. To avoid appearing vulnerable, Mojtaba has refrained from issuing verbal statements, relying instead on written communications.

Given his condition and the difficulty of reaching him, decision-making has been delegated to the generals. The report highlights that ultra-hard-liners remain active in political discussions, while the influence of clerics is diminishing.

Iran’s power structure is now firmly steered by the Revolutionary Guards, led by Ahmad Vahidi. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former hardline commander, heads the Supreme National Security Council, while Yahya Rahim Safavi continues to exert influence as a senior adviser to both father and son supreme leaders.

Meanwhile, the elected government has been relegated to a supporting role, tasked primarily with maintaining internal stability, ensuring supplies of essentials such as food and fuel, and managing day-to-day governance.

Diplomatic authority has also shifted, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s role diminished. Parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has assumed greater prominence in shaping Iran’s external engagement.

Strategic military decisions, including operations against Israel and Gulf nations, closure of maritime routes, and ceasefire arrangements with Washington, are now driven by the Guards. For the first time, senior Guard commanders have been directly included in Iran’s negotiating team with the United States.

Iran’s political system has never functioned as a unified bloc, deliberately accommodating overlapping centres of power where disagreements are common. Figures such as Pezeshkian and Araghchi still retain positions on the National Security Council.

However, the current balance of power is clearly tilted towards the military establishment. For now, the generals remain aligned, with little evidence of internal fractures.

Agencies

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