India Masters Production of Complex Hydraulic Booster Pump For Su‑30MKI

India has achieved a significant milestone in its quest for self‑reliance in defence aviation by mastering the production of the hydraulic booster pump for the Su‑30MKI fighter aircraft.

This achievement marks a crucial step towards reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for critical spares and ensuring uninterrupted operational readiness of the fleet.

The hydraulic booster pump is one of the most complex components within the aircraft’s hydraulic system.

Its production demands precision engineering, adherence to stringent reliability standards, and mastery of advanced aviation manufacturing technologies. Until now, this component had to be imported, making India’s Su‑30MKI fleet vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

The initiative was organised by the Indian Air Force under its program to localise spare parts for the Su‑30MKI. By indigenising the pump, technical services will now have simplified access to spares, ensuring faster turnaround times for maintenance and repair.

This localisation effort directly strengthens India’s ability to sustain its frontline fighter fleet without external dependency.

The Su‑30MKI remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force, with over 270 aircraft in service. The scale of this fleet makes the availability of indigenous spares vital for maintaining combat readiness. 

Any disruption in the supply of critical components could have a direct impact on operational capability, making this achievement strategically important.

The hydraulic booster pump plays a pivotal role in the aircraft’s hydraulic system, which controls essential functions such as flight control surfaces, landing gear, and braking systems.

Mastering its production demonstrates India’s growing competence in manufacturing aviation components that meet exacting standards of reliability and accuracy.

This development also aligns with India’s broader push for self‑reliance in defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It reflects a steady progression from assembling aircraft under licence to mastering the production of highly complex subsystems.

Such achievements pave the way for deeper modernisation programs and greater integration of indigenous technology into frontline platforms.

The localisation of the hydraulic booster pump is expected to encourage further collaboration between the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and private sector defence firms.

It also sets the stage for future indigenisation of other critical subsystems, thereby reducing costs, improving supply resilience, and enhancing India’s strategic autonomy in defence aviation.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Russia Sends Cost Proposal For 5 More S-400 Air Defence System

India’s decision to acquire five more S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia has advanced further with Moscow submitting a Bill of Quantities proposal to New Delhi.

This document outlines the cost of construction and materials, paving the way for negotiations to begin between the two sides.

The approval for the acquisition will be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security once the cost is finalised with Moscow and clearance is obtained from the finance ministry.

The government had earlier contracted five S-400 systems in 2018 at a cost of $5.43 billion, which translates to approximately ₹45,000 crore. The last of those systems is scheduled to arrive in India by November this year.

Authoritative sources have clarified that contrary to certain media reports, India has not taken any decision on acquiring two squadrons of Russia’s fifth generation SU-57 fighter aircraft.

However, the Indian Air Force has expressed interest in Moscow’s proposal, particularly in light of China’s deployment of J-20 fifth generation fighters at Hotan, Lhasa and Nyinchi airbases in Tibet under the PLA’s western theatre command.

The fifth S-400 system from the 2018 contract will be deployed in India’s eastern sector facing China. The new proposal for five additional squadrons will further strengthen India’s layered air defence network once approved. The Cabinet Committee on Security is expected to take the final call after cost negotiations and financial clearance.

The S-400 system demonstrated its effectiveness during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. One of its long-range missiles successfully targeted a Pakistani airborne early warning aircraft at a distance of 314 kilometres across the Indus in Pakistan’s heartland. Pakistani forces attempted to use Kamikaze drones against S-400 batteries deployed at Adampur and Bhuj air bases, but the Russian system ensured that no Pakistani fighters dared approach the Indian border for fear of being shot down.

On 10 May, the Pakistani Air Force shifted all its assets to bases near the Durand Line with Afghanistan after 11 of its air bases were struck by Indian BrahMos missiles. During the same period, seven Pakistani fighters were destroyed by India’s S-400 and Akash Tir air defence systems, underscoring the effectiveness of India’s integrated air defence strategy.

The upcoming BRICS summit in Delhi from 11 to 13 September will see Russian President Vladimir Putin in attendance. This visit is expected to further cement India-Russia defence cooperation, particularly in the hypersonic missile sector, where both nations are exploring joint development and technology sharing.

India’s pursuit of additional S-400 squadrons reflects both operational necessity and strategic foresight. 

The systems will provide enhanced deterrence against adversaries while complementing indigenous efforts such as Project Kusha, which aims to develop long-range air defence capabilities domestically under the Make-in-India program.

Agencies

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DRDO Delivers 500-Watt Pulsed Laser Diode Stacks For Missile Proximity Fuses

The Defence Research and Development Organisation has successfully developed 500-watt pulsed laser diode stacks operating at a wavelength of 905 nanometres.

These high-power laser diode stacks are critical components for laser proximity fuzes integrated into missile systems such as the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, the New Generation Anti-Radiation Missile, and other platforms employing advanced fuze technology.

Their introduction marks a significant advancement in India’s indigenous capability to design and produce high-performance subsystems for strategic weapon systems.

As part of the technology development and evaluation program, fifty initial prototype laser diode stacks were delivered to the Instruments Research and Development Establishment in Dehradun for trials and evaluation.

This exchange between Solid State Physics Laboratory and IRDE represents a crucial milestone in the collaborative effort to mature pulsed laser diode technology for defence applications. The prototypes will undergo rigorous testing to validate their performance under operational conditions, ensuring their readiness for eventual induction into missile systems.

The laser diode stacks have been engineered by stacking multiple laser diode chips, a design approach that allows scaling of output power while maintaining compactness and reliability. These assemblies have been comprehensively characterised in accordance with applicable military standards, confirming their suitability for demanding battlefield environments.

The emphasis on MIL-standard compliance underscores the robustness of the technology and its ability to withstand extreme conditions such as vibration, shock, and temperature variations.

The achievement reflects the combined expertise of SSPL and IRDE in design, fabrication, packaging, testing, characterisation, and system-level integration.

This synergy between laboratories demonstrates the strength of India’s defence research ecosystem, where specialised institutions contribute complementary skills to accelerate technology development. 

The successful delivery of prototypes is expected to pave the way for further trials, refinements, and eventual deployment in strategic applications.

Laser proximity fuzes are vital for modern missile systems as they enable precise detonation at optimal distances from the target, thereby maximising lethality and effectiveness. The integration of indigenous high-power pulsed laser diode stacks into such fuzes reduces dependence on imported components and enhances self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

This development aligns with the broader national objective of strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.

Globally, high-power pulsed laser diode technology is being pursued by advanced militaries for applications ranging from missile fuzes to directed energy systems. India’s progress in this domain signals its determination to keep pace with international developments and to secure technological parity in critical subsystems. The successful characterisation and delivery of prototypes will serve as a foundation for scaling production and integrating the technology into operational missile systems.

The collaboration between SSPL and IRDE also highlights the importance of institutional partnerships in accelerating innovation. By combining expertise in physics, optics, and system integration, the two laboratories have demonstrated the ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions for national defence.

The next phase of trials will be crucial in validating the operational performance of the laser diode stacks and ensuring their seamless integration into missile platforms.

This achievement is not only a technological milestone but also a strategic enabler for India’s missile programs. The indigenous development of high-power pulsed laser diode stacks strengthens the country’s defence industrial base and enhances its ability to field advanced weapon systems without external dependencies.

The success of this initiative will likely encourage further investments in laser technologies, opening pathways for applications in proximity fuses, directed energy weapons, and other advanced defence systems.

Agencies

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Trump’s 2027 India Trip Teased By US Envoy Sergio Gor, Citing ‘Fond Memories’ of India

US President Donald Trump continues to hold incredibly fond memories of his 2020 visit to India, according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor, who hinted at the possibility of a return visit in 2027 without offering confirmation.

Gor revealed that Trump still recalls the people he met during that trip and his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he described as a driving force behind deeper US-India engagement.

Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, Gor said he had spoken to Trump earlier this week. He noted that the President continues to cherish his India experience and the bond he shares with Modi.

When asked about reports of a possible visit next year, Gor declined to confirm but remarked, “Stay tuned. That’s all I can say. But, you know, next year will be here before you know it.”

The ambassador emphasised that Trump’s potential return to India is closely tied to the strong personal friendship between the two leaders. Gor explained that this relationship is helping accelerate cooperation between the two countries. He added that both leaders are focused on achieving results quickly and that when their priorities align, “good things happen.”

Gor highlighted the growing level of engagement between India and the United States, pointing out that senior officials are now travelling between the two countries almost every week. He said this regular exchange reflects the momentum in bilateral ties and the seriousness with which both governments are pursuing closer cooperation.

The envoy also credited Prime Minister Modi for providing stability in India, which he said is crucial for the United States as it seeks to deepen its partnership with New Delhi. “It comes down to trust, and it comes down to stability,” Gor observed, while discussing India’s economic performance and investment opportunities. He stressed that “India doing well is a great thing for us. We want a stable India. We want to work with a stable India.”

Gor directly attributed much of this stability to Modi’s leadership, stating that the Prime Minister “brings a stability to India that doesn’t exist in other parts of the world.” He described Modi’s continued leadership over the past 12 years as an extraordinary achievement in a vibrant democracy and said that the stability India offers is “a good thing for the world.”

The ambassador further indicated that Prime Minister Modi would be a priority for Trump during the upcoming G20 summit in Florida later this year. He suggested that Modi’s role in ensuring India’s stability and growth makes him central to Trump’s vision of strengthening ties with New Delhi.

Agencies

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Sukhoi Su-57 Breaks Speed And Stealth Barriers With AL-51F1 Turbofan Powers The Jet Beyond Enemy Missile Reach

The AL-51F1 engine has been described as a transformative upgrade for the Su-57 fighter, enabling it to evade both air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles even when directly visible to the enemy, Russian media reported.

Military expert Yuri Knutov emphasised that the aircraft is equipped with a sensor suite providing the pilot with a complete 360-degree view of the airspace.

He noted that no other aircraft in the world currently possesses such super-manoeuvrability capabilities. Knutov further argued that the Su-57 should be considered more than a multi-role aircraft, calling it an air superiority fighter capable of destroying adversaries while remaining practically invisible.

Open-source data indicates that the AL-51F1 engine delivers a maximum thrust of approximately 11,000 kgf without afterburner and up to 18,000 kgf with afterburner engaged. The engine incorporates a newly designed nozzle that reduces the aircraft’s infrared and radar visibility, enhancing its stealth profile.

Rostec, under its contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence, is set to supply Su-57 aircraft fitted with this second-stage engine, also known as “Product 30.” The AL-51F1 was first publicly presented in July 2023 at a scientific and technical conference on engine-building prospects held at Samara Technical University. During the event, ODK-Kuznetsov identified the second-stage engine for the Su-57 as AL-51F1 on one of its slides.

Analysts in the aviation sector have assessed that the AL-51F1 will generate at least 11,000 kgf of nominal thrust and up to 17,000 kgf in afterburner mode. This performance translates into a thrust-to-weight ratio exceeding one, estimated at 1.15 to 1.2 under normal take-off weight.

By comparison, the current ratio stands at 1.09 with normal take-off weight and 0.97 when fully loaded. Consequently, the Su-57M equipped with the AL-51F1 will achieve a significant increase in supersonic cruising speed, reaching Mach 1.9 to 2.1 without afterburner. Presently, the aircraft achieves Mach 1.6 to 1.7 in similar conditions. This advancement positions the Su-57 as the fastest fighter of its generation.

Beyond speed, the AL-51F1 engine has been optimised for stealth. It features converging-diverging nozzles with serrated flaps designed to reduce radar cross-section.

Estimates suggest that the thrust of the AL-51F1 is about 8% higher than that of the Pratt & Whitney F119 engine powering the American F-22 Raptor.

However, its most notable advantage lies in reduced maintenance requirements and the integration of thrust vector control, which enhances manoeuvrability at low speeds. These attributes collectively strengthen the Su-57’s role as both a stealth platform and a highly agile combat aircraft.

The introduction of the AL-51F1 marks a decisive step in Russia’s efforts to elevate the Su-57’s competitiveness among fifth-generation fighters. With its combination of speed, stealth, and manoeuvrability, the aircraft is positioned to challenge Western and Chinese designs more effectively. 

The engine’s development also underscores Russia’s determination to overcome delays in its next-generation propulsion program and deliver a fighter capable of meeting modern air combat demands.

Agencies

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GRSE And Norway's DNV Sign Significant Pact To Drive Digital And Green Shipbuilding

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), a Navratna Defence PSU, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global maritime organisation DNV at the SMM Hamburg Maritime Trade Fair in Germany on 2 September 2026.

The partnership will advance digital shipbuilding, green technologies, and high-tech maritime solutions, reinforcing India’s defence and commercial shipbuilding capabilities.

The MoU was signed in Hamburg during one of the world’s most prestigious maritime trade fairs. GRSE, headquartered in Kolkata, is India’s leading warship builder with a legacy of delivering over 118 warships to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. DNV, headquartered in Norway, is a globally recognised classification society and maritime advisory organisation with expertise in certification, technical assurance, sustainability, and digitalisation.

The collaboration brings together GRSE’s established expertise in warship design, shipbuilding, and marine engineering with DNV’s global leadership in classification, certification, technical assurance, and sustainability.

The partnership will focus on advanced warships and specialised vessels, green shipping and sustainable technologies, digital shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and Industry 4.0 applications. It will also cover skill development, training, and knowledge exchange to strengthen workforce capabilities.

The agreement is expected to support GRSE in adopting advanced shipbuilding practices aligned with global maritime standards. By integrating digitalisation and green technologies, GRSE aims to enhance its competitiveness in both defence and commercial shipbuilding. This includes the application of artificial intelligence in ship design, predictive maintenance, and smart manufacturing processes.

The partnership comes at a time when GRSE has been expanding its footprint globally. Recently conferred Navratna status, the shipyard has gained greater financial and operational autonomy, enabling it to pursue international collaborations and large-scale investments.

GRSE has also signed a parallel MoU with Damen Technical Cooperation B.V. of the Netherlands to explore the design and construction of advanced dredgers in India, further diversifying its portfolio.

DNV’s involvement will provide GRSE with access to cutting-edge sustainability frameworks, digital assurance platforms, and advanced classification standards.

This will help GRSE meet international benchmarks in green shipping, including compliance with decarbonisation targets and environmentally sustainable marine technologies.

The collaboration is expected to accelerate India’s efforts to modernise its shipbuilding industry and reduce reliance on foreign yards.

The partnership also aligns with India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India programs, reinforcing indigenous defence production and maritime self-reliance.

GRSE’s ongoing investments in brownfield and greenfield shipbuilding projects, including expansions in West Bengal and Gujarat, will benefit from the infusion of DNV’s expertise in digitalisation and sustainability.

The MoU is strategically significant as India aims to break into the world’s top ten shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047. GRSE’s collaboration with DNV will contribute to achieving these targets by enhancing technological sophistication, workforce skills, and global competitiveness.

The agreement underscores GRSE’s transformation into a global competitor in shipbuilding, combining its defence shipyard legacy with advanced digital and green technologies. It reflects India’s determination to strengthen its maritime industrial base and emerge as a leading maritime power by 2047.

ANI

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Exclusive: US Trusts India, Not Everyone Gets To Co-Manufacture Our Best Weapons, Says Sergio Gor

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has underlined that Washington does not simply sell its most advanced military equipment to every country, but reserves such cooperation for trusted partners like India, India Today reported.

He emphasised that the United States believes it possesses the best equipment and the most advanced technology, and sees working with India as an incredible opportunity built on trust.

Gor stated that the defence relationship between the two nations is not merely about sales but is anchored in trust.

He explained that India is among the select countries Washington trusts, and this trust forms the foundation of deeper military cooperation. He highlighted that the partnership goes well beyond transactions and includes sustained engagement and joint exercises.

He pointed to the Javelin anti-tank missile system and Apache helicopters as examples of the defence cooperation already underway. He noted that Apache helicopters were delivered earlier in the year and that several other items are in progress, reflecting the breadth of defence sales and collaboration between the two countries.

One of the most significant examples of technology transfer, Gor stressed, is the Indian Army’s agreement to acquire the Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile system.

Following the signing of the Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the Javelin system, TATA Advanced Systems Limited entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, to explore co-production of the Javelin All Up Round in India.

Under this MoU, the companies will explore establishing a facility for final assembly and integration of the Javelin AUR, along with component production capabilities in India. This initiative is expected to bring critical assembly expertise and knowledge transfer into India’s defence industrial ecosystem, strengthening self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhancing operational readiness.

Gor emphasised that defence ties cannot be reduced to transactions alone. He explained that the relationship is also anchored in military exercises and the trust built through sustained engagement. India conducts more military exercises with the United States than with any other country, he said, citing the upcoming bilateral UDAWAS exercise in Rajasthan as an example of the growing cooperation.

He reiterated that India has more military exercises with the United States than with any other nation, underscoring the trust and confidence Washington places in New Delhi. He added that defence cooperation is an area Washington will continue to expand and deepen.

The US envoy also linked the strength of the relationship to the personal rapport between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described their friendship as genuine and said it is another factor underpinning the broader defence and strategic relationship between the two countries.

This trust-based partnership, Gor concluded, represents a major step forward in US-India defence ties, combining advanced technology transfer, co-production initiatives, and sustained military engagement to build a stronger and more resilient security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

Agencies

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US Envoy Sergio Gor Pushes MedTech Cooperation To Strengthen India-US Trade

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Friday underscored the strengthening of commercial and trade ties between Washington and New Delhi after holding discussions with leading American medical technology executives at the US Embassy.

He described the meeting as productive, emphasising that the talks centred on unlocking greater opportunities within India’s expanding healthcare ecosystem. Gor noted that expanding market access and increasing US exports would not only strengthen commercial ties but also deepen cooperation in health and medical technology.

The meeting came amid continuing engagements between the two governments to expand bilateral trade. On Thursday, Gor had spoken to the media on the sidelines of the 66th Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India in New Delhi.

He highlighted that the United States and India were working closely on several issues, pointing out that Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal would be travelling to the United States in a few weeks for the G20 meetings. Gor said the visit would further reinforce ongoing collaboration.

Addressing the ACMA annual session, Gor stressed that both governments were committed to building a trade relationship that was fair, reciprocal, and mutually beneficial. He added that Goyal’s upcoming visit at the end of the month would continue engagement as the United States hosts the G20 talks.

Gor further remarked that both countries should aim to provide greater market access to companies on either side, creating an environment where American suppliers and technology could freely access the Indian market while Indian firms could compete fairly in the United States.

Highlighting Indian investment in the US, Gor said the US Embassy in India had led American diplomatic missions globally in attracting new investment. He proudly noted that the embassy in India ranked first, securing ₹2,000,000 crores in new investment into the United States. This achievement, he said, reflected the scale of India’s economic engagement with America.

Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal addressed a national workshop on Leveraging FTAs Outreach program, where he stated that India would announce the final details of its Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States only after Washington agreed to offer preferential tariff terms over India’s competitors.

Goyal explained that once the US provided India with a preferential rate compared to its competition, the BTA would be finalised and announced. He added that trade pacts already concluded by India were opening up significant export opportunities for domestic businesses and confirmed that India was on track to conclude several more trade agreements.

The discussions between Gor and American MedTech companies, coupled with Goyal’s remarks, underscored the momentum in India-US trade relations. The focus on healthcare technology, fair trade practices, and investment flows highlighted the strategic breadth of the partnership, which continues to expand across multiple sectors.

ANI

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India Reaffirms Energy Policy As Guided By National Interest Amid Ukraine Visit

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday reaffirmed that India’s energy sourcing and purchases are firmly guided by national interest and the imperative of meeting the energy requirements of its 1.4 billion citizens.

This statement followed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks in Kyiv that the Russia-Ukraine conflict cannot be resolved by countries choosing to buy or not buy Russian oil.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to questions during a media briefing, emphasised that India’s energy policy remains consistent and rooted in national priorities. He stated that India’s sourcing of energy imports is determined by the need to secure reliable supplies for its population, and this principle will continue to guide policy decisions.

The clarification came after Jaishankar, during his visit to Ukraine, explained that the ongoing conflict would not be solved through decisions by individual countries on purchasing commodities such as oil, alumina, minerals, metals, or fertiliser. He stressed that resolution could only come through dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation, which India continues to encourage.

Jaishankar’s remarks were made during his meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his call on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He highlighted the immense challenge of ensuring energy security for India’s vast population at a time when the global energy situation remains highly strained. He acknowledged Ukraine’s perspective on India’s energy purchases but underlined that India’s position must also be respected.

Jaiswal further outlined the broader focus of Jaishankar’s visit, noting that India has consistently maintained that the conflict should not be resolved on the battlefield. He reiterated that the External Affairs Minister conveyed India’s longstanding position that “this is not an era of war” and that solutions must emerge through peaceful means.

He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments that endless war must give way to the end of war, stressing that it is for the parties involved to find a way forward.

The spokesperson added that Jaishankar conveyed India’s readiness to contribute in any manner that could help bring the conflict to an end.

He emphasised that India stands prepared to assist if its involvement can facilitate peace. The visit was aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s recent calls for dialogue and diplomacy, reinforcing India’s independent stance on energy security and external relations.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the path forward in the Russia-Ukraine conflict while maintaining its sovereign right to secure energy supplies.

Prime Minister Modi has repeatedly called for an end to the war, including during his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.

On that occasion, Modi stressed that India supports all efforts towards peace and warned that every day spent in war sets humanity back. He urged that the world must move away from endless war and towards its conclusion, underscoring that this is essential for the well-being of humanity.

ANI

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India And Poland Aim For ₹83,000 Crores Trade Target Amid Expanding Strategic Partnership

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has expressed confidence that India and Poland will soon achieve their bilateral trade target of ₹83,000 crores, emphasising that both nations are keen to make greater use of their political and economic potential.

Speaking during a joint press briefing with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Poland, Sikorski noted that bilateral trade between the two countries had reached ₹52,290 crores last year.

He stressed the importance of expanding economic ties further and said he was confident that the target of ₹83,000 crores would be achieved soon.

He underlined that Poland and India should translate their long-standing friendly relations into greater economic cooperation, including trade, joint investments, defence collaboration, and technology partnerships. Sikorski remarked that these friendly relations could bring tangible benefits to both nations and urged that the partnership should shift into a higher gear.

Highlighting defence and new technologies, particularly the space sector, Sikorski said these areas hold significant potential for deeper cooperation. He pointed to opportunities in defence industries and advanced technology projects as key drivers of future collaboration.

The Polish Foreign Minister also welcomed the role of companies from both countries in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. He referred to the historic Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station, which brought together Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski and Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, as a symbol of the growing partnership.

He emphasised that Poland and India have the opportunity to build on their friendship, which spans many decades, and make better use of their political and economic potential. Sikorski described this friendship as a foundation for expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister hosted Jaishankar for talks covering a broad range of bilateral and international issues. According to the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions focused on implementing the Strategic Partnership established in 2024, with emphasis on cooperation in defence, space, and shipbuilding.

The two sides also discussed the security situation in Europe, multilateral and regional cooperation, and matters relating to monuments and commemoration. Cooperation between think tanks was also highlighted as an important area of engagement.

The talks come as India and Poland seek to deepen their Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation beyond traditional areas into emerging technologies, defence production, space exploration, and investment.

ANI

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India And Poland Cement Strategic Partnership With New Agreements Across Defence, Cybersecurity And Space

India and Poland have moved forward with a strong reaffirmation of their Strategic Partnership, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored in Warsaw.

He described the bilateral progress as highly encouraging, noting that both sides are finalising new agreements in areas such as cybersecurity, space, clean coal, classified information, and critical minerals.

Speaking alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski, Jaishankar reviewed the Action Plan agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland two years ago.

He characterised the outcome as a “solid report card”, pointing to an uptick in trade and investments, deeper defence collaboration, expansion in mining and energy, and new opportunities in space, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation.

Jaishankar highlighted Poland’s role in India’s wider engagement with the European Union. He emphasised that the ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement with the EU, described by European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen as the “mother of all deals”, would open immense economic opportunities. Poland, as a key EU member, stands to benefit significantly from this process.

He linked the India-EU trajectory to the broader restructuring of global governance, stressing that the world is moving towards multi-polarity with a focus on de-risking and diversification. India views the EU as an important pole in this transformation, and Poland’s influence within the bloc is expected to encourage this trend.

Institutional frameworks are being strengthened, with recent Foreign Office Consultations, meetings of the Joint Commission, and upcoming sessions of the defence working group. Agreements under negotiation span multiple domains, including cyber security, space, clean coal, classified information, and critical minerals, which Jaishankar said would add “texture and substance” to bilateral ties.

On cultural and youth exchanges, Jaishankar announced that the second edition of the Jamsaheb Memorial Youth Exchange Program will take place in October. He expressed appreciation for Indology and Sanskrit programs in Polish universities, underlining the importance of cultural and academic linkages.

Arriving in Warsaw directly from Kyiv, Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance on the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. He stressed that “endless war must give way to an end to war”, warning that each additional day brings more death, destruction, and global costs.

He called for dialogue and diplomacy, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s recent public remarks, and urged collective efforts to support initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.

The discussions also covered developments in the Gulf, West Asia/Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar cautioned against the cascading impact of regional instability on global supply chains and economic security.

He noted that the world is grappling with multiple wars alongside challenges in food, fuel, and fertiliser availability, making supply chain resilience an urgent concern. He emphasised that India and Poland, as democracies and open societies, can cooperate to shape the direction of global debates.

Earlier, Jaishankar met Polish President Karol Nawrocki and held extensive delegation-level talks with Sikorski. These engagements focused on strengthening the India-Poland Strategic Partnership while addressing global conflicts and emerging geopolitical challenges. The review of the India-Poland Joint Action Plan 2024–28 covered sector-specific areas, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of bilateral cooperation.

ANI

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Prime Minister Meloni Thanks Modi As Record Tenure Strengthens India-Italy Partnership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his congratulatory message marking her administration’s historic achievement of becoming Italy’s longest-serving government in the post-war era.

In her response, Meloni described the relationship between India and Italy as “stronger than ever,” underscoring the depth of the Special Strategic Partnership launched during their recent engagements. 

She emphasised that this partnership reflects the will of both nations to combine expertise and create new opportunities for growth, while seizing extraordinary avenues for collaboration across diverse sectors.

Meloni highlighted the strategic alignment between Rome and New Delhi on global infrastructure and connectivity initiatives, particularly the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. She expressed confidence that Italy and India would continue to strengthen the bond between their continents, working side by side to advance IMEC as a transformative project linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. 

Her remarks reinforced Italy’s commitment to playing a central role in shaping regional integration alongside India.

In addition to her message to PM Modi, Meloni extended thanks to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, noting the upcoming 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan as a milestone to expand cooperation.

She reaffirmed the personal trust and strategic alignment between Rome and Tokyo, describing the bilateral relationship as one rooted in shared history and a vision for the future. Meloni’s words reflected pride in the ever-stronger bond between the two nations.

Meloni also responded to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, thanking him for his congratulatory message and affirming Italy’s political stability and credibility as vital assets for its allies. She underscored Rome’s commitment to playing an authoritative role in addressing global security challenges, signalling Italy’s determination to remain a reliable partner within NATO and beyond.

Prime Minister Modi’s message celebrated Meloni’s record tenure, noting that her administration’s longevity reflects the enduring trust and confidence of the Italian people. He described her leadership as instrumental in strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and expressed optimism about continuing close cooperation to build a prosperous future for both nations. Modi’s words highlighted the personal warmth and friendship that underpin the bilateral relationship.

Meloni’s government has now surpassed 1,413 consecutive days in office, overtaking the previous record of 1,412 uninterrupted days held by Silvio Berlusconi’s second administration between 2001 and 2005.

This milestone is particularly significant in Italy, a country that has witnessed 68 different governments in the 80 years since World War II, where political stability and full-term survival have been rare. Meloni, who assumed office in October 2022 as Italy’s first female prime minister, has thus set a new benchmark in Italian political history.

Her record tenure is seen as a reflection of Italy’s evolving political landscape, where her leadership has combined stability with assertive policymaking. The achievement also underscores Italy’s growing international credibility, with Meloni positioning Rome as a proactive player in global diplomacy, economic partnerships, and security frameworks.

The congratulatory messages from leaders across Asia and Europe further highlight Italy’s expanding role in shaping international cooperation under her stewardship.

ANI

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EAM Jaishankar’s Warsaw And Kyiv Diplomacy Strengthens India’s European Engagement

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar continued his official engagements in Warsaw on Friday, where he called on Polish President Karol Nawrocki and held extensive delegation-level talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski.

The discussions were aimed at strengthening the India-Poland Strategic Partnership and covered pressing global conflicts and emerging geopolitical challenges.

With Sikorski, Jaishankar reviewed the implementation of the India-Poland Joint Action Plan 2024–28. The review spanned sector-specific areas including trade and investment, space, digital initiatives, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defence, education, shipping, mining and energy, people-to-people ties, culture, and multilateral cooperation.

Posting on X after his meeting with President Nawrocki, Jaishankar stated that their conversation focused on advancing bilateral relations and evaluating regional developments. He noted that the dialogue highlighted the positive trajectory of the Strategic Partnership and included exchanges on the Ukraine conflict, developments in the Middle East and West Asia, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the G20.

Jaishankar also emphasised Poland’s role in supporting India’s broader engagement with Europe. He expressed appreciation for Poland’s support towards deeper India-EU cooperation and voiced confidence that the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement would lead to even closer bilateral collaboration.

Addressing major international security issues during his bilateral discussions, Jaishankar underscored the importance of restoring stability in global supply chains. He highlighted vulnerabilities in food, fuel, and fertiliser security and reiterated his position that “endless war must give way to end of war.”

In addition to his meetings with the Polish leadership, Jaishankar engaged with the India-Poland Parliamentary Group led by MP Kinga Gajewska. He stressed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy and legislative engagement, noting that such exchanges would help fashion a contemporary India-Poland relationship. He also discussed regional developments in the larger context of India’s ties with the European Union.

Highlighting the meeting on X, Jaishankar wrote that he looked forward to regular exchanges between the parliamentary friendship groups of both nations. His remarks underscored the role of legislative dialogue in complementing government-to-government cooperation.

Earlier in the week, Jaishankar had visited Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv. Their discussions centred on approaches to end the ongoing conflict with Russia and on advancing bilateral relations. Jaishankar informed Zelenskyy of his prior talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, which focused on deepening cooperation between New Delhi and Kyiv.

During his engagements in Ukraine, Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance that solutions to the war cannot emerge from the battlefield. He declared that New Delhi stands ready to assist in finding a path toward peace, reflecting India’s consistent position on the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

Jaishankar’s back-to-back visits to Ukraine and Poland highlight India’s active diplomatic outreach in Europe. His engagements signal New Delhi’s intent to strengthen bilateral partnerships while simultaneously contributing to discussions on regional and global stability.

ANI

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Uzbek Envoy Hails India’s 7.8% GDP Surge, Calls For Joint Growth of ‘Complementary’ Economies

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to India Sardor Mirzayusupovich Rustambaev has warmly congratulated India on achieving 7.8 per cent GDP growth, describing it as a breakthrough on the global stage amid difficult geopolitical circumstances.

He emphasised that India and Uzbekistan are not competing economies but rather complementary ones, and must grow together by supporting each other.

Speaking at a round-table discussion organised jointly by the India Central Asia Foundation and the Embassy of Uzbekistan, Rustambaev highlighted that India’s achievement was remarkable given the prevailing international environment.

He noted that Uzbekistan’s own growth figures were close to India’s, though not as high, and stressed the importance of mutual support between the two nations.

The envoy underlined the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent state visit to Uzbekistan, which coincided with Uzbekistan’s Independence Day. He recalled that PM Modi began his address by congratulating the Uzbek people on behalf of 1.5 billion Indians on the 35th anniversary of their independence, which also marked 15 years of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Rustambaev described the visit as special, noting the positive atmosphere from the moment PM Modi’s aircraft landed, with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally receiving him at the airport.

He said the leaders held restricted discussions on key areas of interest, followed by broader talks with their delegations. He emphasised the personal rapport between the two leaders, who addressed each other as “brother”, and remarked that the relationship between the nations was not only friendly but brotherly.

On the outcomes of the visit, Rustambaev confirmed that India and Uzbekistan elevated their strategic partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening avenues for cooperation across a wide range of sectors. He stated that this new framework would allow both sides to expand and elevate their relationship further.

Economically, the ambassador announced that the two countries have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030, equivalent to approximately ₹41,650 crores. He asserted that the target is achievable, noting that bilateral trade has almost tripled in the past five years and doubled in the past three years, reaching $1.3 billion, or about ₹10,819 crores, for the first time.

He stressed that the current trade volume does not reflect the full potential of the two economies, pointing out that India is already among Uzbekistan’s top ten trading partners.

Rustambaev also highlighted the creation of a new oversight mechanism under which the two Foreign Ministers will regulate a wide range of bilateral issues. He explained that this mechanism would ensure systematic monitoring and coordination of matters of mutual importance.

He further noted that both sides are seeking greater alignment between their respective development strategies, with emphasis on creating synergies between Uzbekistan’s priorities and India’s national development goals. This, he said, would ensure that the partnership is not only strategic but also deeply integrated into the economic and developmental frameworks of both nations.

ANI

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EAM Jaishankar’s Warsaw Talks Strengthen India-Poland Strategic Partnership: MEA

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently engaged in high-level discussions in Warsaw during his official visit to Poland. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that he met with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski to review bilateral ties and deliberate on pressing global challenges.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that Jaishankar has a series of meetings lined up in the Polish capital and assured that further details will be shared as the engagements progress.

In a post on X following the bilateral talks, Jaishankar highlighted that the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Poland Joint Action Plan 2024–28. The discussions covered trade and investment, space, digital initiatives, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defence, education, shipping, mining and energy, people-to-people ties, culture, and multilateral cooperation.

EAM Jaishankar emphasised Poland’s role in India’s broader engagement with Europe. He noted the importance of Poland’s support for deeper India-EU cooperation and expressed confidence that the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement would lead to even closer bilateral collaboration.

The talks also addressed geopolitical developments, supply chain vulnerabilities, and global resource stability. Jaishankar underscored the need for resilience in supply chains and highlighted challenges in food, fuel, and fertiliser security. He reiterated his position that “endless war must give way to the end of war.”

Jaishankar arrived in Poland on Wednesday as part of his official visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations. Upon his arrival at Warsaw Chopin Airport, he was warmly welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Poland, Neeta Bhushan. The Indian Embassy documented the arrival on X, noting the cordial reception.

India and Poland share a longstanding and friendly relationship characterised by high-level political exchanges and dynamic economic partnerships. Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1954, with both countries historically united in their opposition to colonialism, imperialism, and racism.

The current engagement builds upon this foundation, with the Joint Action Plan 2024–28 serving as a roadmap for cooperation across diverse sectors. The inclusion of advanced areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space reflects the evolving nature of the partnership, while traditional areas like defence, mining, and energy continue to anchor the relationship.

Jaishankar’s Warsaw visit also signals India’s intent to strengthen its role in European affairs, leveraging Poland’s position within the EU to advance strategic and economic interests. The emphasis on multilateral cooperation highlights India’s broader diplomatic outreach in addressing global challenges.

ANI

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