MoD Opens R59 Weapon System To Indian Industry Through DCPP Route As IAF Moves Towards Major Procurement

In a significant step towards expanding private sector participation in advanced indigenous military projects, the Ministry of Defence has decided to involve Indian industry in the development of the DRDO-designed R59 Weapon System (R59 WS) through the Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP) model.

The R59 Weapon System (R59 WS) is a highly classified, air-launched weapon system currently under development by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The initiative is intended to transfer critical production, testing and validation technologies associated with the weapon system to selected Indian companies. This approach is designed to help build long-term domestic expertise while enabling industry partners to develop the capabilities required to support future manufacturing requirements.

Under the proposed framework, the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Research Centre Imarat (RCI) will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) covering the development phase of the project.

The RFP is expected to outline the scope of work, technical responsibilities, development milestones and other project requirements that participating firms will be required to meet.

Following a competitive bidding process, two Development-cum-Production Partners will be selected for the program.

These industry partners will work closely with DRDO during the development phase, allowing them to absorb key technologies and gain hands-on experience in the manufacture, testing and validation of the R59 Weapon System.

The DCPP model has increasingly been adopted in major indigenous defence projects as a means of accelerating industrial capability development while ensuring that strategically important technologies are retained within the country.

Upon successful completion of the development stage, the selected DCPPs will transition into full-fledged Production Agencies (PAs). This status will allow them to undertake serial production of the weapon system and associated equipment once procurement approvals are finalised.

The arrangement is also expected to provide continuity between development and production, reducing the time required to move from prototype maturity to operational deployment.

Once designated as Production Agencies, the firms will be able to engage directly with the Indian Air Force for manufacturing and delivery contracts.

In addition to production orders, the agencies will also be responsible for Integrated Logistic Support (ILS), warranty obligations and lifecycle support activities throughout the service life of the weapon system.

This structure is intended to ensure long-term sustainment capability and create a comprehensive support ecosystem around the platform.

The Indian Air Force has not yet granted an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the R59 project, which remains a key milestone in the acquisition process. However, the procurement proposal is understood to be at an advanced stage within the service. Current indications suggest that approval for the acquisition of a substantial number of R59 Weapon Systems is progressing through internal processes.

Industry sources indicate that the eventual requirement could run into three-digit quantities, highlighting the potentially significant production opportunity for participating companies.

Recent tender-related activity linked to the R59 program has also indicated efforts to establish Development-cum-Production Partners for the weapon system, reflecting a broader push to create a robust industrial base capable of supporting indigenous advanced weapon projects.

While technical details of the R59 Weapon System remain undisclosed, the program reflects the continuing emphasis on strengthening India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing through collaboration between DRDO, the armed forces and domestic industry.

If implemented as planned, the project could become another important example of technology transfer-driven industrial development, while providing the Indian Air Force with an indigenously supported weapon system backed by long-term production and sustainment capabilities.

Agencies

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FIRST LOOK: Inside AMCA’s Next-Generation Cockpit: The Digital Nerve Centre of India’s Future Stealth Fighter

The newly surfaced Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) cockpit design offers one of the clearest indications yet of how India intends to equip its first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter with a highly digital, pilot-centric operating environment.

The design shown in the image reveals a modern glass cockpit architecture focused on reducing pilot workload while improving situational awareness during complex combat operations.

The cockpit appears to be centred around a large panoramic display arrangement rather than a collection of smaller, conventional instruments. This approach reflects contemporary fighter aircraft design trends, where critical flight, navigation, sensor and weapons information is consolidated into a single, easily configurable digital interface.

Visible elements within the proposed cockpit layout suggest a wide-area display concept similar to those increasingly adopted in advanced combat aircraft programs worldwide. Such a configuration allows pilots to tailor information presentation according to mission requirements, placing the most important data within immediate view.

The design also incorporates a side-stick controller arrangement. This configuration is intended to provide more ergonomic aircraft handling while freeing additional space within the cockpit. Side-stick controls have become increasingly common in modern fighter aircraft due to their ability to support high-performance manoeuvring while reducing pilot fatigue.

The cockpit appears to follow a Hands-On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) philosophy, enabling pilots to manage essential flight and combat functions without removing their hands from the primary controls. This arrangement is particularly valuable during high-intensity air combat, where rapid decision-making and minimal distraction are crucial.

The layout visible in the design renders indicates an emphasis on clean ergonomics and simplified pilot interaction. Numerous traditional gauges and mechanical switches appear to have been replaced by integrated digital interfaces, reflecting the broader shift towards software-driven avionics architectures.

Industry reports indicate that the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has pursued significant cockpit commonality between the AMCA, the TEJAS MK-2 and the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) programs. This strategy is expected to reduce development costs, simplify maintenance requirements and accelerate pilot conversion training across multiple aircraft types.

According to program-related information, the common cockpit architecture is expected to feature a large 20 x 8-inch panoramic wide-area display, providing a unified presentation of flight, sensor and mission information. The display is intended to replace numerous conventional instruments and support touch-enabled interaction.

The proposed cockpit architecture is also expected to support advanced sensor fusion. In practical terms, information collected from radar systems, electronic warfare equipment, infrared sensors, datalinks and other onboard systems can be combined into a single coherent tactical picture. This reduces the burden on pilots, who would otherwise need to mentally correlate information from multiple independent sources.

Another key objective of the AMCA cockpit is improved situational awareness. Instead of presenting raw sensor data separately, the aircraft is expected to process and prioritise information automatically, allowing pilots to focus on operational decision-making rather than data management.

Reports associated with future AMCA avionics development also suggest the incorporation of an indigenous Large Area Display solution featuring advanced processing power, extensive redundancy and AI-assisted decision-support functions. These technologies are intended to assist pilots by prioritising threats, managing information flow and supporting mission execution during demanding combat scenarios.

The cockpit is expected to be fully compatible with advanced helmet-mounted systems and a wide-angle head-up display, ensuring that essential combat information remains available even when pilots are not looking directly at the main display. Such integration is increasingly regarded as a defining feature of next-generation combat aircraft.

The strong emphasis on display integration, digital controls and software-based functionality aligns with the broader design philosophy of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Rather than simply serving as a control station, the cockpit effectively becomes an information and mission-management centre capable of supporting network-centric warfare operations.

The design shown in the image also demonstrates attention to maintainability and future growth. Open-architecture avionics systems would permit software upgrades, sensor enhancements and capability expansions over the aircraft's operational life without extensive physical redesign.

As the AMCA program progresses towards prototype development and eventual flight testing, the cockpit is expected to remain one of its most technologically significant features. The combination of panoramic displays, sensor fusion, HOTAS controls, advanced automation and indigenous avionics technologies is intended to provide Indian Air Force pilots with a modern combat environment comparable to those found in leading contemporary stealth fighter programs.

Overall, the proposed AMCA cockpit represents a decisive move away from traditional fighter aircraft instrumentation towards a highly integrated digital battlespace interface. It is designed not merely to display information, but to transform vast quantities of battlefield data into actionable intelligence, allowing pilots to exploit the full capabilities of India's future stealth combat aircraft.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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Trump Tariffs, Visa Curbs Not Aimed At India, Says Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to ease Indian concerns over the Trump administration’s tariff policies and tighter visa measures during his visit to India, stressing that neither initiative is intended to punish India or single it out.

Speaking during his second visit to India in less than five months, Rubio emphasised that the India-US relationship remains a major priority for Washington despite differences over trade and energy policy.

He expressed confidence that the long-negotiated India-US trade agreement is nearing completion, stating that the two sides are "weeks, not months" away from finalising the deal. According to Rubio, around 99 per cent of the work has been completed, with only a handful of technical issues still being resolved.

Rubio acknowledged that Washington’s legislation allowing tariffs of up to 100 per cent on buyers of Russian energy has created concern in New Delhi. However, he insisted the policy is linked to broader US efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict rather than a desire to harm India.

Referring to President Donald Trump’s recent decision to grant waivers instead of imposing the tariffs, Rubio said the administration recognised the potential damage such measures could cause to one of America’s most important strategic partnerships. He noted that the decision attracted criticism within the United States, but was taken partly to protect ties with India.

Addressing concerns over tougher US immigration policies and visa restrictions, Rubio rejected suggestions that Indians were being disproportionately targeted. He said the measures form part of a global effort to overhaul an immigration system that had suffered from years of inadequate enforcement.

Rubio argued that complaints about visa procedures are common across the world and maintained that the reforms are intended to create a more sustainable system that will ultimately benefit both applicants and the United States.

His visit to India, held from 20 to 21 October at the invitation of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focused on advancing cooperation across trade, defence, technology and energy security. Both governments reviewed progress across the strategic partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to concluding the proposed bilateral trade agreement at the earliest opportunity.

The discussions also come against the backdrop of expanding India-US cooperation through the Quad, growing collaboration in critical technologies, and efforts by both countries to deepen energy and commercial ties while managing differences over Russian oil imports and trade policies.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Urges India To Expand US Energy And Defence Purchases As Trade Pact Nears Completion

The United States and India have moved to strengthen cooperation in energy and defence despite ongoing strains in their relationship over trade and immigration policies.

During his second visit to India in less than five months, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties.

Ahead of the meeting, Rubio described India as a crude oil refining "superpower" and encouraged greater processing of Venezuelan crude by Indian refiners. He is also set to visit Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery.

Commenting on the proposed India-US trade agreement, Rubio said: "I would say we're about as close as you can be without having an executed agreement. I think there's a small number of items left to wrap up. So I think that will happen shortly -- we're hoping, which it should -- and hopefully have some good news to announce fairly soon. And perhaps the leaders can sign it thereafter."

Following the talks, Jaishankar said he and Rubio had "shared views on further advancement of our ties, focusing on trade, energy, technology, defence and people-to-people ties."

The discussions also covered regional and global developments, including West Asia, and the role of energy security in strengthening the strategic partnership.

Rubio stressed the importance of increasing energy trade between the two countries and argued that stronger cooperation could help diversify India's supply chains and meet its growing energy demand. He also praised recent progress in bilateral defence and civil nuclear cooperation and advocated increased Indian purchases of American technologies and systems.

"In Mumbai, Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar and I discussed energy security and defence cooperation while reaffirming the importance of advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership," Rubio said.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the discussions as productive, focusing on defence, energy, emerging technologies and trade. Addressing concerns about India's purchases of Russian oil, Rubio acknowledged New Delhi's efforts to diversify its energy sources.

"I think what India has expressed repeatedly is its desire to diversify their energy portfolio, which is a smart thing to do. Obviously, it's not easy to do that from one day to the next day," he said.

"I think they've made substantial progress in that regard, and we're happy to see that. But in the end, it's not just about Russian oil; it's about their desire to diversify, and obviously we think we can be a source of some of their energy inputs."

Referring to alternative suppliers, Rubio added: "Obviously, we've discussed Venezuela and other countries, and I think it's in our interest to have a strong ally with a diverse energy portfolio."

Praising India's refining capability, he said: "India is a refining superpower. They have the ability to do that and they have companies that know how to do that."

Rubio noted that some Indian companies already possess oil concessions in Venezuela and suggested they could help strengthen global energy supplies.

"I'm not claiming to you that Venezuela alone can fill the hole that could be caused by some of the things that are happening around the world, but I think over time, it most certainly can, and in the short term, it can certainly provide the means," he said.

"So, that's one of the things we'll talk about. With India, we've talked about it in the past, and they sound ready. They're ready to do it; they're willing to do it," he noted.

Explaining his visit to Jamnagar, Rubio emphasised the strategic importance of energy.

"Energy is related to national security. Countries fight wars over energy; economies collapse over lack of energy. We're going to go see a company that has a tremendous amount of refining capability. It makes all the sense in the world to talk to them about it," he said.

He also pointed to disruptions caused by tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, which have contributed to supply challenges and diesel shortages in several markets.

During the visit, Rubio and Jaishankar paid tribute to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

"We must continue our strong partnership in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Jaishankar said.

Rubio stated: "At the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, I laid a wreath honoring the victims of the horrific November 26, 2008 terrorist attacks, including six American citizens."

"We remember those lost, honour the courage of those who responded, and reaffirm the enduring US-India partnership and our shared commitment to combating terrorism," he added.

Despite the positive engagement, challenges remain in the relationship. Bilateral ties have faced pressure from US tariffs on Indian goods, President Donald Trump's claims regarding the de-escalation of the India-Pakistan military confrontation in May 2025, higher H1B visa fees, tougher immigration measures and restrictions affecting a key green-card processing program used by major technology firms, including Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro.

Nevertheless, the Mumbai discussions underscored both countries' determination to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, technology, defence and strategic security as negotiations on a landmark trade agreement approach their final stages.

PTI

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DhruvaPro Chip Advances India’s Drive for NavIC And Semiconductor Self-Reliance

India is taking another important step towards strengthening its semiconductor capabilities and reducing dependence on imported navigation technologies through the development of DhruvaPro, an indigenous navigation receiver chip created by MumbaiSemi, a deep-tech Start-Up that emerged from IIT-Bombay.

Developed after several years of research and engineering work, DhruvaPro has been designed to receive signals from India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system while also supporting major global satellite navigation networks, including GPS, Galileo and BeiDou.

NavIC, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was created to provide India with an independent satellite navigation capability. The system offers positioning, navigation and timing services across India and surrounding regions, reducing reliance on foreign-controlled navigation infrastructure.

However, building a satellite navigation constellation is only one part of the technological challenge. Devices such as smartphones, vehicle-tracking systems, logistics platforms and navigation equipment require specialised receiver chips capable of detecting and processing satellite signals.

For many years, a significant proportion of such receiver technology has been sourced from overseas manufacturers. As a result, the availability of domestic hardware capable of fully supporting NavIC has remained limited.

DhruvaPro has been developed to address this gap by providing an Indian-designed solution capable of receiving and processing signals from multiple global navigation satellite systems on a single platform. This multi-constellation capability allows devices to access navigation data from NavIC alongside GPS, Galileo and BeiDou.

The chip is the product of extensive research originating at IIT-Bombay, where work on indigenous navigation receiver technology progressed through multiple development stages before being commercialised by MumbaiSemi.

One of the notable aspects of the technology is its reconfigurable architecture, which enables support for different navigation frequency bands. This flexibility makes the chip suitable for a broad range of commercial and industrial applications requiring accurate positioning and timing information.

The development strengthens India’s domestic navigation-chip ecosystem by adding a critical hardware component to the country’s growing semiconductor landscape. Indigenous receiver technology can help create a more complete ecosystem around NavIC and encourage wider adoption of the navigation system.

The achievement also demonstrates the increasing role of Indian academic institutions and deep-tech Start-Ups in developing advanced semiconductor technologies. The collaboration between IIT Bombay researchers and MumbaiSemi highlights how research-driven innovation can be translated into commercially viable products.

Beyond navigation, such semiconductor expertise contributes to the broader objective of developing domestic design capabilities in strategically important technologies. Advanced chip development remains a key area of focus as India seeks to expand its presence in the global semiconductor value chain.

The significance of DhruvaPro extends beyond the chip itself. It represents progress towards technological self-reliance by ensuring that both the satellite infrastructure and the hardware required to access it can increasingly be developed within India.

As India continues investing in indigenous semiconductor manufacturing, electronics design and space-based infrastructure, technologies such as DhruvaPro could play an important role in strengthening national capabilities while supporting future applications across transportation, logistics, automotive systems, mobile devices and connected technologies.

In the larger context, the emergence of an Indian-developed navigation receiver chip demonstrates that achieving true technological independence requires not only satellites in orbit but also the sophisticated semiconductor hardware on the ground that enables people and industries to use those services effectively.

Agencies

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Russia Offers 'Make In India' Support For T-72 Upgrade As New Delhi Weighs Domestic Modernisation Route

Russia's Uralvagonzavod has expressed its readiness to support the modernisation of India's ageing T-72 main battle tank fleet under the Make in India initiative, although no formal request or government-to-government agreement has yet been submitted by New Delhi.

Uralvagonzavod Chief Executive Alexander Potapov said the company is prepared to provide technical assistance and combat-tested upgrade solutions derived from recent operational experience. However, he confirmed that discussions remain preliminary and that no official Indian application for cooperation has been received.

The proposal centres on local production and integration in India, with the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi in Tamil Nadu viewed as the most likely hub for any future programme. Avadi already possesses extensive experience in manufacturing, overhauling and supporting Russian-origin armoured vehicles, making it a natural candidate for any large-scale modernisation effort.

Despite Moscow's offer, indications suggest India may prefer to retain full control of the upgrade programme through its own industrial base. Existing infrastructure at Avadi, together with the country's growing emphasis on indigenous defence manufacturing, would allow much of the work to be completed domestically while selectively incorporating foreign technology where required.

Potential improvements could include upgraded fire-control systems, advanced thermal sights and battlefield optics, strengthened armour protection, enhanced situational awareness systems and new anti-drone measures. Recent battlefield developments have increased interest in counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities and survivability enhancements for armoured platforms.

India's T-72 fleet continues to form a significant component of the Army's armoured strength. Maintaining operational readiness, extending service life and improving battlefield effectiveness remain major priorities as the vehicles age. Open-source estimates indicate that India operates one of the world's largest T-72 fleets, giving any upgrade effort considerable strategic importance.

The country has already been pursuing a broader armoured vehicle modernisation drive. Recent programmes have included the acquisition and licensed production of more powerful engines, integration of indigenous Auxiliary Power Units and other mobility and sustainment improvements for both T-72 and T-90 tanks.

At the same time, India has expanded domestic maintenance and refurbishment capacity and is exploring innovative concepts for legacy platforms, including the potential conversion of some T-72 vehicles into remotely operated or autonomous combat systems. These efforts align with a wider push towards self-reliance in military manufacturing and technology development.

Uralvagonzavod's proposal comes against the backdrop of longstanding Indo-Russian armoured vehicle cooperation, including licensed production and support of the T-90 family in India. Nevertheless, the Russian manufacturer has not disclosed any specific upgrade package, timeline or investment framework for the T-72 programme.

Any future arrangement would require approval from the Indian Government and relevant defence authorities before a formal contract could be concluded. For now, the Russian offer remains an expression of readiness rather than a negotiated programme.

Looking further ahead, the Indian Army intends to gradually replace its oldest T-72 tanks through the Future Ready Combat Vehicle project, with induction expected to begin around the next decade. Until that transition gathers pace, modernisation of existing platforms remains one of the most practical methods of sustaining India's armoured warfare capability.

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Indo-US Defence Technology Ties Gain Momentum Through DIU Drone Challenge And CEL Partnerships

Cooperation between India and the United States in advanced defence technology is increasingly centred on complementary initiatives that encourage co-development, manufacturing partnerships and innovation-led capability building. Two notable opportunities are the U.S. Defence Innovation Unit's Low-Cost ISR Challenge and Central Electronics Limited's expanding defence and strategic systems program.

The Defence Innovation Unit has launched the Low-Cost ISR Challenge with a combined prize and initial follow-on funding pool of up to $100 million, while as much as $250 million has been earmarked for potential future development, scaled production and operational integration. The initiative is focused on mature medium- and long-endurance unmanned aerial systems capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions at scale.

Unlike many U.S. defence competitions, the challenge is open to both American and non-American participants. Companies may compete independently or through partnerships and joint ventures, creating opportunities for Indian firms to collaborate with international manufacturers and technology providers.

The program is particularly interested in expeditionary platforms that can operate with limited infrastructure while carrying electro-optical, infrared, synthetic aperture radar and signals intelligence payloads.

On the Indian side, Central Electronics Limited is broadening its role in defence and strategic systems by leveraging its expertise in electronics, system engineering and precision manufacturing. The company is actively pursuing strategic collaborations with industry, academia and technology partners to accelerate indigenous capability development under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

CEL's priority areas include electronic warfare systems such as Electronic Support Measures, Electronic Counter Measures and Electronic Intelligence solutions.

The organisation is also developing capabilities in secure electronics, surveillance systems and mission-critical technologies designed to strengthen India's domestic defence manufacturing base.

The company is additionally targeting small weapon systems, weapon peripherals, electro-optical devices, precision mechanical assemblies and advanced system integration. Through global technology partnerships, CEL aims to accelerate the creation of next-generation defence products while maintaining high standards of reliability, security and operational effectiveness.

Counter-drone and force-protection technologies represent another important area of focus. CEL is exploring solutions covering counter-UAS systems, drone detection and tracking, RF monitoring, sensor-fusion platforms and the protection of critical infrastructure against evolving aerial threats.

These initiatives align closely with broader Indo-US frameworks such as INDUS-X, which seek to connect Start-Ups, private industry, research institutions and innovation ecosystems in India and the United States.

By encouraging technology transfer, resilient supply chains and joint development of autonomous and AI-enabled systems, such programmes are creating new pathways for long-term bilateral defence industrial cooperation.

The convergence of the DIU's international drone competition and CEL's search for advanced technology partners highlights a growing opportunity for co-development in ISR platforms, electronic warfare, electro-optics and counter-drone solutions. Together, these efforts could strengthen indigenous manufacturing capabilities while deepening strategic defence technology links between India and the United States.

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Munitions India Limited Emerges Lowest Bidder For ₹140 Crore Indian Air Force Small Arms Ammunition Contract

Munitions India Limited (MIL) has emerged as the lowest (L1) bidder for a major Indian Air Force procurement programme valued at approximately ₹140 crore. The contract relates to the supply of indigenous 7.62×39mm ball ammunition, reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities within India's defence sector.

The proposed order covers a substantial volume of 2.24 crore rounds, equivalent to 22.4 million rounds of ammunition. The ammunition is intended for use across a range of service rifles chambered for the 7.62×39mm calibre, including the AK-47, the AK-203 and other compatible variants currently employed by Indian armed forces personnel.

According to available procurement information, MIL submitted the lowest qualifying financial bid at approximately ₹140.09 crore, placing the company in the leading position for contract award consideration. The tender attracted two bidders, although one competitor was reportedly rejected during the technical evaluation stage, leaving MIL as the sole qualifying bidder at the commercial evaluation phase.

The procurement is intended to ensure a reliable supply of operational ammunition for the Indian Air Force and supports the requirement for sustained readiness across security and training activities. Ammunition availability remains a critical component of force preparedness, making such acquisitions an important element of long-term capability maintenance.

The proposed supply involves the A-07 MK-II variant of 7.62×39mm ball ammunition. This calibre continues to be widely used across numerous military platforms owing to its proven reliability, effectiveness and compatibility with established assault rifle systems.

A notable aspect of the procurement is its emphasis on indigenous production. By sourcing the ammunition from a domestic manufacturer, the programme aligns with the broader objective of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers while strengthening India's sovereign defence-industrial base.

Munitions India Limited, a state-owned ammunition manufacturer created as part of the restructuring of the former Ordnance Factory Board, has been increasingly involved in supplying a wide range of munitions and military consumables to the Indian armed forces. Contracts of this nature further consolidate the company's position as a key participant in the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The development also complements the wider Make in India initiative, which encourages domestic design, development and production of military equipment. Expanding indigenous ammunition production capability is viewed as an important step towards enhancing national self-reliance and ensuring greater supply-chain resilience during periods of heightened operational demand.

The scale of the order highlights the continuing requirement for standardised small arms ammunition across India's military services. Large-volume procurements help maintain inventory levels while supporting training commitments and operational preparedness.

While MIL has emerged as the L1 bidder, the formal award process remains subject to the completion of procurement procedures. If finalised, the contract would represent another significant domestic ammunition order for the company and further advance India's efforts to achieve greater self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.

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Chinook-Inspired SABAL 20 UAV Develops India's High-Altitude Logistics Capability

Noida-based defence technology Start-Up EndureAir Systems, incubated at IIT Kanpur, has developed the SABAL-20, an indigenous electric heavy-payload unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to support logistics operations in remote and difficult-to-access regions, as reported by Start-Up Pedia.

The aircraft has been engineered specifically for aerial transport missions in environments where conventional supply routes are either unavailable or severely constrained by terrain and weather conditions.

At the heart of the platform is a variable-pitch tandem-rotor design, a configuration inspired by the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter. Unlike conventional multi-rotor drones, the tandem-rotor arrangement is intended to provide greater lifting efficiency, improved payload stability, and enhanced performance at high altitudes.

The large-rotor architecture enables the aircraft to maintain reliable lift and controllability in rugged landscapes where thin air, strong winds, and limited infrastructure often present significant operational challenges.

SABAL-20 combines autonomous flight capabilities with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) functionality. As a result, it can operate without the need for a conventional runway, allowing deployment from confined spaces and unprepared sites.

According to the company's specifications, the UAV can carry payloads of up to 20 kg while maintaining a maximum take-off weight of 60 kg. This gives it a notably high payload-to-weight ratio for an electric logistics platform of its class.

The aircraft offers a flight endurance of up to 40 minutes, a mission range of up to 10 kilometres, and a maximum speed of 50 km/h. These characteristics are intended to support rapid delivery missions across demanding terrain and isolated locations.

Designed for harsh operating environments, SABAL-20 can withstand wind gusts of up to 45 km/h and function in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +55°C. It is also capable of operating at altitudes of up to 5,500 metres above mean sea level or 500 metres above ground level.

The platform has been developed primarily for logistics missions, including the transportation of supplies, equipment, and other mission-critical materials to remote areas. Its VTOL capability significantly reduces dependence on prepared landing zones, enabling deliveries closer to frontline or isolated positions.

Such capabilities make the UAV particularly suitable for forward-area resupply operations, where conventional ground transport may be slow, unreliable, or impractical because of terrain constraints.

Beyond military logistics, the aircraft also has potential civilian applications. These include the delivery of medical supplies, disaster-relief support, emergency response operations, and transportation of essential equipment to communities with limited road access.

Additional mission flexibility is offered through autonomous navigation systems and the ability to integrate payloads such as electro-optical and infrared sensors for surveillance, monitoring, and terrain assessment tasks.

EndureAir Systems has already demonstrated the platform's capabilities in real-world operating conditions. In 2024, the company delivered SABAL-20 logistics UAVs to support the Indian Army's forward-area resupply requirements in eastern Ladakh, one of the world's most challenging operational environments.

The deployment represented an important milestone for indigenous unmanned logistics technology, showcasing the ability of Indian-designed systems to support high-altitude military operations.

Earlier, in 2023, the company conducted a proof-of-concept demonstration in Bhutan. During the trial, a SABAL drone successfully transported a 10 kg bag of rice to a Himalayan monastery and completed the return journey in less than ten minutes.

The demonstration highlighted how unmanned logistics platforms can rapidly deliver essential supplies to remote mountain locations that are difficult to reach through conventional transport methods.

Industry observers note that tandem-rotor aircraft offer several advantages over traditional quadcopter designs, particularly in high-altitude environments. The configuration improves lifting efficiency, reduces turbulence effects, and enhances stability when carrying heavy loads.

The development of the SABAL-20 also reflects India's broader push towards indigenous aerospace and defence technologies, with growing collaboration between academic institutions such as IIT Kanpur and private-sector innovators.

With its combination of a 20 kg payload capability, electric propulsion, autonomous flight systems, VTOL operation, and high-altitude performance, SABAL-20 represents a significant step forward in India's unmanned aerial logistics sector.

By addressing supply-chain challenges in mountainous, infrastructure-poor, and operationally sensitive regions, the platform is positioned to support both defence and civilian missions while expanding the role of indigenous UAV technology in critical logistics operations.

Agencies

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Indrajaal Turns ₹30 Crore Investment Into ₹100 Crore MoD Orders With AI-Powered Counter-Drone System

As drone warfare reshapes modern security challenges, Hyderabad-based Indrajaal has emerged as one of India’s notable indigenous counter-drone technology developers. Founded by Kiran Raju in 2023, the company has transformed years of research and development into operational deployments, securing Ministry of Defence contracts worth over ₹100 crore after investing approximately ₹30 crore in developing its technology.

The company was established with a clear objective: to create intelligent infrastructure capable of detecting, assessing, tracking, and neutralising hostile drones while simultaneously enabling the safe operation of authorised unmanned aircraft in increasingly crowded airspace.

At the heart of Indrajaal’s ecosystem is SkyOS, an artificial intelligence-powered command platform that integrates sensors, surveillance systems, command-and-control functions, and multiple countermeasures into a single operational network. The platform is designed to identify aerial threats, evaluate their risk levels, and determine an appropriate response in real time.

Unlike traditional systems that depend heavily on constant human decision-making, SkyOS can operate autonomously while remaining under supervisory oversight. Human operators can monitor engagements and intervene whenever required, providing a balance between automation and accountability.

The vision behind the company comes from founder and Chief Executive Officer Kiran Raju, whose experience spans autonomous systems, infrastructure development, and defence-related projects. He completed a degree in Computer Engineering from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in 1999 and later earned a Master of Science in Computational Biology from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States in 2004.

Raju’s exposure to autonomous technologies dates back to his time at Carnegie Mellon University, where research teams were working on self-driving vehicle projects associated with DARPA challenges. Although he was not directly involved in building those vehicles, the experience introduced him to the potential of autonomous systems and machine decision-making.

Before entering the drone-defence sector, Raju worked on infrastructure projects. Around 2007, he helped develop a residential community in Hyderabad that operated on a solar-enabled microgrid architecture. The project employed smart metering technology to monitor power consumption and automatically manage electricity generation when utility supply became insufficient.

Each residence was connected to a central management platform that collected near real-time usage data. When power shortages occurred, autonomous systems activated local diesel generators and calculated billing based on the specific source of electricity consumed, allowing residents to manage costs more effectively.

Raju later joined his family’s defence construction business, which undertook projects for the Military Engineer Services. During this period, he worked with DRDO on the development of high-altitude shelters for Indian Army personnel in Ladakh.

Constructing these facilities presented significant logistical challenges because many locations could only be reached by foot or mule. Temperatures frequently dropped below -20°C and could fall to -40°C during severe storms. Construction windows were limited to roughly four months each year due to extreme weather conditions.

Raju participated in both the design and implementation of shelters at locations including Chang La Pass. The modular designs had to accommodate transportation constraints while ensuring suitability for remote high-altitude environments. The resulting concept later served as a foundation for additional shelter deployments.

In 2008, he established Grene Robotics, focusing on artificial intelligence, autonomous architectures, and enterprise operating systems capable of integrating people, machines, processes, and data through a common decision-making platform.

This work eventually evolved into GreneOS, an AI-driven operating system that enabled organisations to process information, coordinate assets, and automate decisions. The expertise developed through these projects later became central to Indrajaal’s counter-drone capabilities.

By 2020, Raju and his team began examining the growing security risks posed by inexpensive drones. They recognised that adversaries could deploy low-cost unmanned systems against sensitive targets, while defenders often relied on disproportionately expensive responses.

The team concluded that future conflicts would increasingly involve autonomous aerial threats, requiring affordable, intelligent, and scalable defensive solutions. This insight led to the conceptualisation of the Indrajaal counter-drone ecosystem before the company was formally incorporated in 2023.

The challenge extended beyond merely detecting drones. The system also needed to determine whether an aircraft represented a genuine threat, classify its type, track its movement, and select the most effective countermeasure without overwhelming human operators.

Additional Ranger capabilities reported in 2026 include the “Retractor” system for recovering rogue drones, “Lakshman Rekha” virtual protective boundaries that prevent unauthorised incursions, and net-based physical interception mechanisms integrated into the broader SkyOS architecture.

The company’s progress has translated into significant commercial success. In early 2026, Indrajaal secured Ministry of Defence contracts worth more than ₹100 crore for deployment of its autonomous counter-drone systems to protect Indian Army and Indian Navy installations. The systems are intended for use across fixed sites, mobile platforms, and naval environments.

Later, in August 2026, Indrajaal and manufacturing partner Sigma Advanced Systems announced fresh orders valued at approximately ₹155 crore for the Ranger platform. These orders covered border security deployments, urban security requirements, and VVIP protection missions, further expanding the company’s operational footprint.

With drone use expected to expand rapidly across commercial, civilian, and military sectors, Indrajaal sees counter-drone technology as essential infrastructure for future airspace management. The company’s strategy combines autonomous decision-making, layered defence mechanisms, and indigenous engineering to create what it believes will become a foundational element of both national security and the wider drone economy.

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Veda Aeronautics Advances Indigenous Jet Engine Testing For Long-Range UAVs And Loitering Munitions

VEDA Aeronautics is strengthening India's drive towards self-reliance in aerospace and defence technologies by testing indigenous jet engines for a growing family of unmanned aerial vehicles, including the jet-powered Sureshastra Mk1 loitering munition and new deep-strike kamikaze drones designed for long-range operations.

The company's efforts are focused on reducing dependence on imported propulsion systems while expanding the capabilities of indigenous unmanned combat platforms. This initiative aligns closely with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and the broader push to develop critical aerospace technologies within the country.

A key product in VEDA's portfolio is the Sureshastra MK-1 (pic above), a 90 kg fixed-wing loitering munition featuring a V-tail configuration. The platform measures 3.5 m in length with a 3 m wingspan and is powered by a compact jet engine, enabling high-speed precision strike missions over extended ranges.

The Indian Air Force has already contracted the system in batches of 200 units under a ₹3 billion agreement, reflecting growing confidence in indigenous loitering munition capabilities. The platform is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments and can also support swarm operations against multiple targets.

Beyond the Sureshastra Mk1, VEDA Aeronautics has conducted testing of deep-strike kamikaze UAVs capable of ranges between 1,500 km and 2,000 km. These systems incorporate GPS-denied navigation, advanced autonomous flight functions and artificial intelligence-powered target recognition to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments.

The company is also pursuing longer-range variants of its strike systems, including developments aimed at extending operational reach well beyond existing loitering munition capabilities. Such platforms are intended to provide the Indian Armed Forces with deep-strike options while maintaining a high degree of indigenous content.

An important element of this effort is VEDA's collaboration with Bharat Forge. Under their partnership, Bharat Forge is supplying domestically developed microjet engines in the 40-45 kgf thrust class while simultaneously advancing larger indigenous engines with thrust ratings of up to 400 kgf for future unmanned systems and high-speed aerial weapons.

The partnership brings together VEDA's expertise in unmanned systems and Bharat Forge's growing aerospace propulsion capabilities, creating an indigenous supply chain for critical UAV technologies. The serial production of smaller jet engines is expected to support multiple current and future unmanned defence projects.

These developments form part of a wider transformation within India's indigenous aerospace sector. Alongside private-sector initiatives, organisations such as DRDO have been progressing locally developed propulsion systems, including a 350 kgf-class expendable turbojet engine, helping establish a stronger domestic ecosystem for unmanned combat aircraft, loitering munitions and advanced aerial weapon systems.

As India accelerates investment in indigenous aerospace technologies, VEDA Aeronautics' work on jet-powered UAVs, long-range kamikaze drones and domestically produced propulsion systems represents an important step towards building a more capable and self-reliant unmanned warfare capability.

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India Instructs META To Fix Facebook, Instagram Algorithms Over Misleading Content And Curb One-Sided Narratives

As reported by PTI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Meta to review the recommendation systems operating on Facebook and Instagram, amid concerns that misleading or manipulated content could be receiving excessive visibility on the social media platforms. 

Reports indicate that the advisory was issued on 10 October and focuses on strengthening safeguards against content capable of causing public confusion, unrest, violence or other unlawful activities.

The government asked Meta to enhance its monitoring of misleading information, altered visuals and material that may contribute to public disorder. It also called for closer scrutiny of content recommendation and ranking systems so that inaccurate or deceptive material is not amplified disproportionately through platform algorithms.

According to the advisory, Meta must ensure that users are not repeatedly exposed to only one perspective or a restricted set of viewpoints. The ministry stressed that recommendation systems should encourage a broader range of relevant and credible information rather than heavily promoting a single narrative.

A key element of the directive concerns photographs, videos, graphics and other content relating to ongoing public events. MeitY asked Meta to provide adequate context wherever the authenticity, timing, location or circumstances of content may not be immediately clear to users. The aim is to reduce the circulation of material that may be presented in a misleading or out-of-context manner.

The advisory reportedly contains six broad requirements for Meta. These include identifying and addressing prohibited content, strengthening escalation mechanisms and reviewing recommendation systems to reduce the likelihood that misleading material gains disproportionate reach.

MeitY further instructed the company to establish stronger systems for the rapid identification, review and escalation of content that is spreading widely through recommendations. The ministry warned that such material could potentially generate widespread confusion, apprehension, violence or disturbances to public order if not addressed swiftly.

Government sources indicated that agencies had raised concerns that Meta’s platforms were not promoting all viewpoints equally, with algorithms allegedly appearing to favour certain forms of content over others. These concerns are understood to have contributed to the ministry’s decision to issue the advisory.

Although the advisory does not cite a specific event as the reason for the intervention, it was issued during a period of heightened political activity and public debate. The timing coincides with continuing demands from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and several opposition parties seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The ministry also reminded Meta of its obligations under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The advisory emphasised that intermediary platforms are required to exercise due diligence and take appropriate measures to limit the spread of harmful or unlawful content.

In addition, Meta has been asked to cooperate promptly with law enforcement agencies and authorised government bodies when information or assistance is requested under applicable legal provisions. The ministry stressed that such cooperation should be provided within the timelines specified under the IT Rules, 2021.

The move reflects growing regulatory attention worldwide on the influence of recommendation algorithms. Governments and regulators in multiple jurisdictions have increasingly raised concerns that algorithm-driven content promotion can unintentionally amplify misinformation, polarising narratives and manipulated media, particularly during periods of political sensitivity or major public events. 

Against this backdrop, India’s latest advisory signals a stronger focus on algorithmic accountability and platform responsibility in the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.

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Iran Rebukes Asim Munir Says'Uranium Not Leaving Iran' On Uranium Transfer Plan

Iran has firmly rejected any proposal to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to a third country, delivering a clear message to Pakistan's Asim Munir during high-level talks in Tehran.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told Munir that not even a small quantity of enriched nuclear material would be allowed to leave Iran, describing the stockpile as a strategic national asset and a source of national wealth intended for domestic use.

The remarks came as Munir visited Tehran as part of Pakistan's renewed effort to mediate between Iran and the United States and revive stalled diplomatic negotiations between the two sides.

Rezaei also reiterated Iran's position that negotiations with Washington cannot resume until the United States takes practical steps to rebuild trust and fully addresses Tehran's conditions for renewed engagement.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reinforced that stance during his meeting with Munir, insisting that dialogue cannot take place while the United States continues to apply pressure through threats and sanctions.

Pezeshkian argued that Washington must first remove those measures before meaningful discussions can begin, adding that many Iranians remain deeply sceptical of American intentions and fear that renewed negotiations could be followed by further military action.

Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed the same message, stating that Tehran's position has not changed and that the United States must satisfy Iran's seven conditions before it can regain the country's confidence.

Ghalibaf further maintained that military pressure and threats would have no impact on Iran's long-term strategic decision-making.

Pakistan has emerged as an important intermediary between Tehran and Washington, yet its diplomatic efforts have struggled to gain momentum since an Islamabad-backed truce reached in June failed to produce a lasting settlement and was subsequently undermined by renewed tensions.

More recent indirect discussions between American and Iranian representatives on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly also failed to deliver a breakthrough, leaving the peace process effectively stalled.

The wider conflict traces its origins to a sharp escalation earlier this year involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted ongoing negotiations concerning Tehran's nuclear program.

Among Iran's principal demands are a ceasefire across the Middle East, the release of frozen Iranian assets held abroad and the removal of sanctions targeting the country's oil sector. Additional Iranian positions reported in recent diplomatic exchanges include easing restrictions affecting maritime trade and regional shipping routes.

The dispute over Iran's nuclear activities remains one of the most significant obstacles to a broader agreement. Tehran has consistently rejected calls to surrender or export its enriched uranium stockpile, which is enriched to approximately 60 per cent, below weapons-grade levels but significantly above civilian requirements.

Iranian officials have previously indicated that technical adjustments to enrichment levels could be considered within Iran, but they continue to oppose removing nuclear material from the country.

The United States and its allies have imposed extensive sanctions on Iran for years, maintaining that Tehran seeks the capability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran continues to reject those allegations, insisting that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful and domestic purposes.

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Safran's Hyderabad M88 Engine Hub Gains Indian Navy And IAF Expertise As Overseas Rafale Support Centre Nears Launch

Safran has strengthened its Hyderabad-based M88 engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) project by recruiting its first pioneer inspectors, including experienced personnel from the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The move represents a major milestone in establishing India’s first M88 engine support facility and the first such centre outside France.

The newly inducted specialists will help develop inspection, quality assurance and technical procedures at the facility. Their operational experience is expected to play a vital role in building the centre’s maintenance and certification capabilities.

Safran is accelerating preparations to commission the overseas M88 MRO centre, which will primarily support India’s growing Rafale fleet while also providing services to international operators of the engine.

Announced in 2025, the Hyderabad facility is being developed on a 5,000-square-metre site with an investment exceeding €40 million. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle more than 600 engine modules annually, making it a significant regional support hub for the M88 engine.

The M88 powers the Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft currently operated by the Indian Air Force and selected by the Indian Navy for its carrier-borne fighter requirements. The local MRO capability is expected to reduce dependence on overseas maintenance infrastructure while improving fleet availability and turnaround times.

The inspection teams will be responsible for examining engine modules and components, recording observations, verifying conformity and traceability, and conducting configuration checks to ensure compliance with manufacturer standards.

Safran's recruitment drive marks an important phase in staffing the facility, with inspectors forming the foundation of the quality-control framework required for military aero-engine maintenance operations.

The Hyderabad M88 centre forms part of Safran’s broader expansion strategy in India’s aerospace and defence sector. The company already operates a major LEAP commercial-engine MRO centre in Hyderabad and has expanded industrial cooperation in India through programmes such as the local production of HAMMER precision-guided air-to-surface weapons in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited.

Safran has also highlighted India’s growing importance within its global aerospace strategy, with Hyderabad emerging as a key location for both civil and military engine support activities.

The arrival of Indian Navy and IAF specialists therefore represents more than a staffing milestone. It signals the gradual emergence of India as an important global maintenance hub for the Rafale's M88 engine and supports the country's wider objective of strengthening indigenous aerospace sustainment capabilities.

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Pakistan Is Bleeding Its Own ‘Jugular Vein’

by Nilesh Kunwar

Master Illusionists

Conditions in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) have never been good. Had it really been so, Islamabad wouldn’t have to take so much effort and spend a fortune on projecting an illusion of its wellbeing and prosperity.

Readers would recall that in 2011, a US court found Kashmiri American Council (KAC) head Ghulam Nabi Fai guilty of running a “decades-long scheme” to influence the US government’s position on Kashmir. He was indicted for concealing receipt of at least $ 4 million from Pakistan army’s spy agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) for promoting Pakistan’s Kashmir narrative amongst US politicians.

But this wasn't an aberration.

Just four years ago, Islamabad sponsored an all-expenses-paid weeklong visit of US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar to PoK. She expectedly reciprocated by making pro-Pakistan statements which Islamabad liberally used to buttress its Kashmir charade. And despite facing a humongous financial crisis , cash-strapped Pakistan spent roughly three times more money than India on hiring lobbying firms during April-May last year.

The Bubble Bursts

By 2023, public anger due to poor governance and the abject apathy of PoK authorities along with undue curbs on basic liberties had reached the tipping point. Exorbitant increase in wheat prices due to withdrawal of subsidy and inflated electricity bills acted as the trigger that forced the helpless people to take to the streets.

The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) which led the PoK protests comprised traders, lawyers, activists and students sans any ideological or political agenda. The 38 demands projected by JAAC concern reforms to address genuine public grievances regarding governance and fiscal issues that are adversely impacting the people of PoK.

Seeing the determination of locals, the federal and PoK governments were forced to negotiate with JAAC and announced measures to pacify the people. However, as this exercise turned out to be mere lip service, and despite official claims that outstanding differences have been resolved PoK saw protests erupting in 2024 as well as 2025 . Protests broke out once again during June this year and are continuing till date, exposing Islamabad’s falsehood about PoK.

Devious Plot

Instead of addressing public grievances, Field Marshal Asim Munir who’s the de facto ruler of Pakistan has sought to tackle this issue by applying his perverse but favourite ‘give a dog a bad name and hang it’ stratagem. So, proscribing JAAC under PoK Anti-Terrorism Act, 2014 to justify use of indiscriminate force against protesters was expected all along.

It’s amply clear that despite this policy’s miserably failure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Field Marshal Munir has still repeated this self-debilitating strategy in PoK. This move has in turn bared Islamabad’s dark underbelly and created yet another battle ground for Pakistan and the repression is so intense that PoK residents have been forced to demand demolition of the Line of Control that divides Kashmir.

Eight years ago, the Director General of Pakistan army’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations warned the media saying, "We have the capability to monitor social media as to who is doing what," and ever since the fourth estate has been wary of publishing anything that could annoy the ‘establishment.’ The JAAC's demand for doing away with 12 seats reserved for refugees under the PoK constitution has thus received little balanced coverage. However, some young people have dared to Sha objective analysis of the persisting faceoff regarding reserved refugee seats in PoK Assembly.

Shahid Khalid Madni, a Research and Comms Associate at the Research Society of International Law and the Quran Covenant Research Center, Pakistan writes- “JAAC’s strongest argument is based on territorial accountability. People living inside AJK directly depend on its hospitals, schools, roads, local administration and electricity system. They bear the consequences of decisions taken by the AJK government.”

He adds, “Refugee voters living in Pakistan remain politically connected to Kashmir, but their daily lives are generally governed by Pakistan’s federal and provincial institutions,” and logically concludes that JAAC therefore questions whether they should possess enough electoral influence to decide who governs Muzaffarabad.”

The authorities however maintain that being a constitutional provision contained in Article 22, refugee seats cannot be abolished through executive action. Though this is the correct legal position, nothing prevents Islamabad and the PoK Assembly to consider an appropriate constitutional amendment under Article 33 to meet the justified aspirations of the people.

Madni also reveals that “JAAC did not initially rely only on a demand for total abolition. It reportedly proposed alternative arrangements, including symbolic representation or a reduced number of seats in another institution such as the AJK Council.” He rightly opines that “These proposals show that the dispute is capable of constitutional compromise. The core demand is not necessarily the removal of refugee identity from AJK’s political structure, but the prevention of disproportionate influence over territorial governance.”

It’s no secret that Islamabad relies heavily on the 12 refugee seats in PoK Assembly to manipulate decisions and thereby maintain its iron grip over this illegally held territory, and Field Marshal Munir would be the last person to allow any constitutional amendments that would deprive him of this ace up his sleeve.

Aqueeb Shahid, a student of international relations at the International Institute for Regional & International Studies at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan explains why people of PoK are against 12 reserved refugee seats in PoK Assembly.

He mentions that “According to the 2017 census, Kashmir's total population is about 4 million. Registered voters for the Kashmir legislative assembly number nearly 3.8 million. Of these, registered voters who are actual Kashmiri locals number 3.3 million, making up 88.5 per cent of total voters, and they decide only 33 of the 45 assembly seats. Registered refugee voters number about 0.4 million, or just 11.5 per cent of voters, but they decide 12 seats.

So, it is very unfair that the balance is not equal between these seats. On average, it takes 17,000 to 45,000 votes to decide who wins a seat in Kashmir, depending on the polling station's population. On the other hand, very few votes, sometimes even 100 to 500, can decide who wins a refugee seat. But the ministries that hold real power often go to them, and most importantly, these 12 seats can decide which government forms, causing serious tension among political parties.

He opines that “Refugees should still have a proper right to be represented, but such a large number of seats decided by so few votes will always cause fights, and this issue will not be solved that way” and logically suggests that “The seats need to be brought closer to the number of people they actually represent, not removed out of anger, and not left the same out of habit, but changed through a fair process.”

The Reality

There can’t be a bigger paradox than PoK. Article 7(2) of PoK Constitution stipulates that “No person or political party in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) shall be permitted to propagate against or take part in activities prejudicial or detrimental to the ideology of the State’s accession to Pakistan.” Yet, Islamabad refers to PoK as “Azad (independent) Kashmir.”

PoK has a semi-autonomous constitutional framework with its own president, prime minister, legislature, Supreme Court and even a state flag. Yet candidates seeking elected office must pledge allegiance to Pakistan. It may have been named “Azad Kashmir,” but its highest body called “Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council (AJKC) works under the federal government of Pakistan and is chaired by the prime minister of Pakistan.

The brutal manner in which the Pakistani security forces are dealing with peaceful protesters is really appalling. And Islamabad’s indifference towards heeding to their genuine grievances and demand for basic amenities has made the people of PoK finally realise that they’ve been cheated all along. They were told that people in J&K are being persecuted and the conditions there are unbearable, but now it’s evident that the truth is otherwise.

Munir may claim that Kashmir was, is and will remain part of Pakistan and is its jugular vein. But the brutal way in which his forces are treating PoK residents proves beyond any doubts that such hollow statements are mere rhetoric and Pakistan covets Kashmir for its real estate, not its people.

Nilesh Kunwar is a retired Indian Army Officer who has served in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. He is a keen ‘Kashmir-Watcher,’ and after retirement is pursuing his favourite hobby of writing for newspapers, journals and think-tanks. Views expressed above are the author's own

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