Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Localised Su-57 Manufacturing: A Strategic Pathway To Enhancing India’s Fifth-Generation Air Power


Retired Group Captain Uttam Kumar Devnath, a veteran of the Indian Air Force, has put forward a compelling case for the licensed production of Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter within India, according to a report by Sputnik India.

He suggests that such an initiative would not only drastically reduce the unit costs of the aircraft but also significantly accelerate the timelines for their induction into service. This proposal comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is looking to bolster its combat capabilities with advanced fifth-generation platforms.

The veteran highlights that India possesses a wealth of proven expertise in handling Russian aviation platforms, citing the long history of operating the MiG series and the successful licensed production of the Su-30MKI.


This existing technical foundation would allow for a progressive indigenisation process. According to Devnath, Indian industry could realistically scale its contribution from an initial 30 per cent to as much as 70 per cent, covering critical areas such as avionics, mission software, and complex airframe structures.

Beyond the initial purchase, the report emphasises the substantial economic benefits of domestic manufacturing. Local production would lead to significant savings across the entire lifecycle of the aircraft, including acquisition, long-term sustainment, and the overall cost-per-flying-hour.

By reducing dependence on imported components and foreign technicians, India could ensure a more cost-effective and sustainable fleet management strategy for its frontline fighters.

This move would be fully aligned with the national 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which seeks to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment. 

Furthermore, the veteran argues that the Su-57 project could serve as a vital technological bridge to India’s own indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. The skills and infrastructure developed while building the Su-57 could directly feed into the success of the domestic stealth fighter project.

A key advantage noted by the retired officer is the flexibility offered by Russian defence partnerships compared to those with Western nations. He observes that Russian platforms generally allow for a much higher degree of localisation and technology transfer.

If New Delhi decides to re-engage with the Su-57 program through a domestic manufacturing lens, it could represent a game-changing shift in India's strategic posture and industrial capability.

Sputnik India
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Naval Navigation Reimagined: Indian Navy And SAMEER Partner For Homegrown TACAN Technology


The Indian Navy has formalised a significant partnership with the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), for the joint design and development of an indigenous Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) system. This strategic move aims to bolster India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The contract was officially signed in New Delhi, marking a pivotal step in the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. The collaboration focuses on creating a robust, reliable, and advanced navigation solution tailored specifically for the unique operational requirements of the Indian Navy’s maritime aviation wing.

TACAN is a vital pulse-mode navigation system that provides aircraft with essential bearing and distance information relative to a ground or ship-borne station. By developing this system domestically, the Indian Navy ensures that its fleet remains equipped with secure, sovereign technology that is free from the risks of foreign supply chain disruptions.

The project will leverage SAMEER’s extensive expertise in radio frequency and microwave engineering. This synergy between a premier research institution and the armed forces is expected to accelerate the development cycle, ensuring the system meets stringent military standards for accuracy and durability in harsh marine environments.

Beyond the immediate technical goals, this agreement underscores a broader commitment to fostering a domestic defence industrial ecosystem. By integrating local research capabilities with operational insights, the initiative paves the way for future innovations in indigenous navigational aids and electronic warfare systems.

Once successfully developed and tested, this indigenous TACAN system will be deployed across various naval platforms. This transition to homegrown hardware is anticipated to significantly reduce life-cycle costs and simplify long-term maintenance and upgrade paths for the Navy’s diverse aircraft inventory.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)
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Tantrayut Revolutionises Indigenous Connectivity With Samarsat Satcom Systems


Tantrayut, a technology-driven firm based in Navi Mumbai, is making significant strides in the field of indigenous telecommunications with the development of its Samarsat mobile satellite communication systems.

Operating from its corporate offices and manufacturing units in Turbhe, the company focuses on creating high-performance, homegrown solutions that are designed to meet the rigorous demands of strategic and commercial sectors.

The Samarsat product line is engineered to provide robust and reliable connectivity even in the most remote or mission-critical environments. These systems are specifically designed to overcome traditional signal barriers, featuring advanced stabilisation technology that ensures continuous coverage. 

A key technical highlight of the Samarsat range is its keyhole-free performance, which eliminates the loss of signal often experienced in the zenith region during satellite tracking.

The technical specifications of these systems are comprehensive, catering to a variety of operational scales. For instance, the mobile and maritime variants, such as the Ku-85 and Ku-120, utilise 4-axis stabilization to maintain a lock on satellites despite the movement of a ship or vehicle. These units offer continuous 360-degree azimuth rotation and a wide elevation range, ensuring they can operate effectively in diverse geographical locations.

Integration is a core component of the Samarsat design philosophy. Each system is a fully integrated package comprising an antenna controller, a Receiver Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), a Low-Noise Block downconverter (LNBC), and a Block Upconverter (BUC).

This all-in-one approach allows for seamless compatibility with portable baseband equipment, making the systems highly versatile for field deployment in defence and public infrastructure.

Tantrayut’s commitment to self-reliance is a driving force behind the Samarsat initiative. By focusing on deep physics and scientific rigor, the firm aims to achieve over 70% indigenous component usage in its products.

This strategy not only supports the 'Make in India' mission but also positions the Navi Mumbai establishment as a competitive player in the global Pan-Asian telecommunications market.

Beyond maritime applications, the Samarsat technology is being adapted for vehicle-mounted 'Satellite on the Move' (SOTM) applications. This ensures that land-based missions can maintain high-speed data links while in transit.

The engineering excellence displayed in these systems reflects the company's broader goal of creating an independent communication ecosystem that reduces reliance on foreign technology for critical national security and infrastructure needs.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)
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Trump Says ‘A Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight’ Ahead of Iran Deadline; Iran Calls Him 'Psychopath'


President Donald Trump has delivered a chilling warning to Tehran, stating that an entire civilisation could face total destruction tonight if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by his 8:00 p.m. deadline. Speaking from the White House, the President suggested that failure to comply would result in a permanent loss for the nation, though he expressed a slim hope that "revolutionarily wonderful" developments might still occur.


The President’s latest ultimatum was issued via Truth Social, where he described the looming deadline as one of the most significant moments in global history. Despite the gravity of his threats, Trump noted that he does not desire such an outcome but believes it is the likely trajectory if Iran continues to defy his demands regarding the strategic shipping lane.

Throughout the week, the rhetoric has escalated sharply, with the President using expletive-laden social media posts to command Iranian leaders to "Open the F---in’ Strait." He has specifically designated Tuesday as "Power Plant Day" and "Bridge Day," signalling a shift in military strategy toward targeting Iran's civilian infrastructure if the deadline passes without a resolution.

This aggressive stance was further reinforced during a Monday press conference, where Trump claimed that the Iranian state could be "taken out in one night." When questioned by reporters about the legality of strikes on civilian targets, the President dismissed concerns regarding potential war crimes, stating he was "not at all" worried about such charges.

The Iranian Embassy in Turkey posted on X: A "psychopath's threat" won't destroy what time itself could not. "Alexander burned it. The Mongols ravaged it. History tested it. Iran endures."


Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking from Hungary, attempted to strike a more diplomatic tone, expressing hope for a successful resolution through ongoing negotiations. However, the Vice President remained firm that while the U.S. desires a swift end to the conflict, the ultimate conclusion rests entirely on the decisions made by the Iranian government.

On the ground, military action is already intensifying. Reports indicate that the U.S. military has carried out strikes on military installations on Kharg Island. This location is of vital importance to Tehran, as it serves as the hub for approximately 90% of Iran's oil exports, hitting the nation's primary economic lifeline just hours before the deadline.

The current crisis was sparked by the shooting down of a U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter jet over Iran last Friday. While one pilot was recovered shortly after the crash, the second crew member was rescued in a high-stakes mission over the weekend.

Trump has hailed the rescue as a historic victory, despite critics pointing out that the initial attack on the jet contradicts his assertions that Iran’s military capabilities have been neutralised.

Diplomatic efforts appear to be at a standstill after the United States rejected a 10-point peace plan proposed by Tehran on Monday. While the President acknowledged the proposal as a move in the right direction, he insisted that any final agreement must guarantee the "free traffic of oil" and address U.S. sovereignty concerns over the Strait of Hormuz.

Agencies
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From Souring Skies To National Mission: Decoding The Resilience of India’s TEJAS Fighter Amidst Decades of Scrutiny


The Indian Air Force’s TEJAS fleet is scheduled to return to operational status on 8 April 2026, following a two-month grounding triggered by a "rude landing" in February, wrote Anand Singh of India Today.

This latest incident, which resulted in the pilot ejecting and the aircraft being written off, marks the third significant mishap for the platform in less than two years.

Previous accidents include a 2024 crash caused by fuel feed issues and a tragic November 2025 crash at the Dubai Air Show that claimed the life of Wing Commander Namansh Syal.

Following the February accident, HAL Chairman DK Sunil announced that the entire fleet of approximately 34 aircraft had been cleared for flight after the underlying issues were resolved.

However, these recurring setbacks have reignited a fierce national debate over whether Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has squandered decades of time and billions of crores on a "dud" project.

The program, which traces its origins back to the early 1980s under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, remains under intense pressure to prove its worth.

The return of the TEJAS is a matter of strategic urgency for India. With active conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, and persistent tensions with neighbours Pakistan and China, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is currently facing a critical shortage of fighter squadrons.

Currently, the IAF operates between 30 and 32 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42. Following the retirement of the MiG-21, the absence of the TEJAS has left analysts deeply concerned about India's ability to manage a potential two-front threat.

Critics argue that a fighter designed to replace the MiG-21 is still only available in small numbers, with production further hampered by delays in engine supplies from General Electric (GE) in the United States.

While the question of whether HAL wasted time and money is blunt, experts suggest it is not entirely unfair given the slow ramp-up of production. Nevertheless, many argue that the program is a significant achievement despite self-inflicted delays and structural flaws.

Sandeep Unnithan, a senior defence journalist, suggests the slow pace stems from a flawed organisational structure where the user, the manufacturer, and the designer operated in isolated silos. He compares the TEJAS to India’s successful nuclear submarine project, noting that the Navy’s unified "all-under-one-umbrella" approach allowed for much smoother development. In contrast, the Air Force, HAL, and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) often struggled to communicate effectively.

Air Marshal Philip Rajkumar (Retd) offers a different perspective, arguing that the 40-year timeline is misleading. He notes that serious work only truly began after 1993 following financial crises and reviews.

Despite the 1998 Pokhran-II sanctions that cut off Western technical assistance for critical systems like fly-by-wire, the first flight occurred in 2001.

He maintains that the 15-year span between full-scale development in 2004 and Final Operational Clearance in 2019 is comparable to major international projects like the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Retired HAL chief designer KP Singh also acknowledges the extended timeline but defends the effort, suggesting that while things took longer than they should have, there were valid reasons for the delays. Regarding the recent accidents, experts urge perspective.

Until 2024, the TEJAS had flown 50,000 accident-free hours. Unnithan notes that the Dubai crash was a high-risk display mishap rather than a design failure, while Rajkumar points out that the IAF used to lose 20 MiG-21s a year during the 1960s and 70s.

One of the project’s greatest regrets remains the failure of the indigenous Kaveri engine. Originally meant to power the TEJAS, it failed to meet thrust requirements and was delinked from the airframe in 2008.

While Unnithan calls this abandonment a "catastrophic mistake" compared to China’s massive investment in engine tech, Rajkumar highlights that the Kaveri effort was not a total loss. A marine version was successful, and the core engine is now being certified for the Ghatak stealth UCAV.

The most significant, albeit invisible, success of the TEJAS program is the creation of a domestic aerospace ecosystem. It has fostered a network of roughly 300 private companies capable of supplying high-tech components.

This foundation is considered more valuable than the aircraft itself. While early orders were too small to incentivise HAL to build multiple production lines, three lines are now being activated to deliver 30 aircraft annually.

Experts conclude that India has no choice but to persevere with the TEJAS. Since no nation will share "crown jewel" technologies like jet engine designs, the program must evolve into a unified national mission with strong political backing.

The TEJAS MK-1A is technically superior to the MiG-21, offering a generational leap in sensor fusion and situational awareness, and the upcoming MK-2 is expected to address remaining limitations in payload and stealth.

To call the aircraft a "dud" is to ignore the hard-won mastery of fighter design India has finally achieved.

India Today
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India To Conduct Advanced Navigation Jamming Exercises In The Bay of Bengal


The Indian government has officially announced its intention to perform a series of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jammer trials within the Bay of Bengal.

These critical tests are scheduled to take place over a two-day period, specifically on the 11th and 12th of April 2026.

According to various official notifications and maritime reports, the trials will be concentrated in the strategically vital Bay of Bengal region. Specific mentions have been made regarding the waters situated near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an area often utilised for sensitive military evaluations.

The primary purpose of this exercise is to test and validate India’s evolving electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The focus will be on assessing the effectiveness of ground-based systems that are designed to intentionally disrupt or "jam" signals from major satellite-based navigation constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.

A central objective of these trials is to build a robust domestic capacity to deny precision navigation to hostile assets. By mastering these disruption techniques, India aims to effectively counter the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), incoming missiles, and adversary aircraft that rely on satellite data for targeting.

The significance of these trials cannot be overstated in the context of modern, high-intensity conflicts. This move is widely viewed as a decisive step towards strengthening India’s electronic warfare infrastructure and enhancing its battlefield deterrence, ensuring the nation can neutralise precision strikes during active combat scenarios.

The upcoming Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jammer trials in the Bay of Bengal represent a significant intersection between national security objectives and international maritime safety. While these trials are controlled exercises, they necessitate a temporary but rigorous shift in how regional maritime traffic operates.

Operational Disruptions And Safety Risks

The primary impact is the loss of high-accuracy positioning. Modern commercial vessels are "digital ships," where GNSS is integrated into almost every critical system. During the trial period, vessels in the vicinity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may experience:

Navigation Failure: Primary GPS/GLONASS/Galileo feeds will be blocked, rendering Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) less reliable.

Communication Lag: Satellite communication (SATCOM) terminals and antenna control systems often rely on GNSS for satellite acquisition; jamming can lead to a complete loss of data connectivity.

Safety System Degradation: The Automatic Identification System (AIS), which prevents collisions by broadcasting a ship's position to others, may transmit "spoofed" or null data, effectively making ships invisible or falsely positioned on radar screens.

Shift To Traditional And Resilient Navigation

To mitigate these risks, the Indian Coast Guard and maritime authorities typically issue NAVAREA VIII warnings, compelling mariners to revert to "analogue" or secondary protocols:

Terrestrial Backups: Crews are advised to increase reliance on radar ranges, visual bearings, and echo sounders to verify their position.

Dead Reckoning: Ships may need to employ manual plotting and inertial navigation systems (INS) to maintain their course without satellite assistance.

Heightened Watchkeeping: Standard protocols will likely mandate double-watch on the bridge to manually monitor for other vessels that may no longer be visible via AIS.

Regional And Strategic Implications

Beyond immediate safety, these trials serve as a "stress test" for regional infrastructure. In a high-intensity conflict, GNSS denial would be a standard opening move. By conducting these trials, India is not only testing its weapons but also forcing the regional maritime industry to practice Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) resilience.

The ripple effect may lead to broader adoption of interference-resistant technologies, such as multi-constellation receivers and terrestrial eLoran systems, across the Bay of Bengal's commercial shipping lanes.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)
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Guardian of The Digital Skies: The Indian Air Force Bolsters National Security With AI-Driven OSINT


The Indian Air Force is currently spearheading the development and deployment of sophisticated Artificial Intelligence-based Open-Source Intelligence analysis and monitoring systems. This proactive measure is designed to identify and neutralise online misinformation, disinformation, and evolving cyber threats that pose a risk to national stability.

By integrating these technologies, the IAF aims to reinforce a comprehensive strategy for securing both India’s sovereign airspace and its critical military operations within an increasingly complex digital landscape.

A primary driver for this initiative is the urgent need to combat digital warfare, specifically anti-India propaganda and orchestrated misinformation campaigns. The urgency of this mission was underscored by the rise of AI-generated deepfakes and manipulated digital content encountered during heightened military tensions in mid-2025.

These tools allow the IAF to parse through vast amounts of data to protect the cognitive domain of its personnel and the general public from hostile influence operations.

Central to these advancements is the IAF’s dedicated AI Centre of Excellence, which operates under the UDAAN umbrella, an acronym for Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking.

This specialised hub is tasked with managing large-scale Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. Through UDAAN, the air force is transforming raw information into actionable intelligence with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

The development of these capabilities is not a solitary effort but a collaborative venture involving the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Together, they are refining tools for intelligence processing that can automatically extract concise summaries from various intelligence inputs. These systems utilize deep learning techniques to synthesise data from a multitude of formats, ensuring that decision-makers are not overwhelmed by the volume of incoming reports.

Among the system's key functional capabilities is robust threat monitoring conducted within the IAF’s own captive networks to prevent internal breaches.

Furthermore, the platform is specifically engineered for social media analysis, allowing the military to track the spread of fake news and malicious narratives in real-time. This ensures that the IAF can respond to digital provocations as quickly as they emerge on public platforms.

In addition to textual and social data, the AI tools provide critical support for imagery intelligence analysis. By leveraging computer vision, the systems can accurately identify enemy assets, pin-point specific targets, and assess hostile troop movements from satellite and aerial reconnaissance. This automated analysis reduces the burden on human analysts and increases the reliability of surveillance data.

These AI-driven OSINT tools are being fully integrated into the broader framework of Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations.

This integration into the C2ISR architecture is vital for maintaining real-time situational awareness during active missions. By streamlining the flow of information, the IAF ensures that its tactical responses are based on the most current and verified data available.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)
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A Strategic Leap In The Bay: India Signals Potential 1,500km Missile Flight Test

The NOTAM range suggests a possible launch of DRDO's Hypersonic Glide Vehicle

The Indian government has officially issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding a projected missile test within the Bay of Bengal, situated off the coast of Odisha. This specific advisory establishes a no-fly zone that spans a substantial range of approximately 1,550 kilometres, or roughly 837 nautical miles.

The designated period for this strategic activity is scheduled to take place between the 12th and 14th of April 2026.

Operations are expected to originate from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) located on Abdul Kalam Island. This site is a cornerstone of India’s defence infrastructure, traditionally serving as the launch point for the nation's most sophisticated ballistic and cruise missile technologies.


The choice of location and the expansive range indicated suggest a test of significant technical scale.

This latest development follows a pattern of frequent and high-profile missile trials conducted by India in recent months.

The recurring declaration of long-range no-fly zones in the Bay of Bengal highlights an intensified period of strategic development. Such notices are vital safety protocols, ensuring that civilian and commercial aviation remains clear of potential flight corridors during high-velocity launches.

The specific geometry and distance of the hazard area outlined in the NOTAM are often indicative of advanced hardware. Experts suggest the parameters align with the testing of the Agni series of strategic missiles or potentially the next generation of hypersonic glide vehicles.

These systems require vast maritime stretches to validate their long-range precision and re-entry capabilities.

By securing this airspace for the mid-April window, India continues to signal its evolving maritime and aerial strike capabilities. The April 12–14 timeframe remains a critical period for monitoring, as it represents a continuation of a broader series of tests aimed at bolstering the country's independent deterrent and technological sovereignty.

@detresfa_
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UAE Demands Immediate $3.5 Billion Loan Repayment From Pakistan Amidst Middle East Conflict


Pakistan faces a precarious financial moment as it prepares to repay a $3.5 billion loan to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), amid soaring global oil prices that are exerting intense pressure on its foreign exchange reserves.

This repayment accounts for approximately 18% of Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves, imposing substantial strain on the nation’s external buffers and heightening fears for the stability of the Pakistani rupee.

As of 27 March, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) maintained reserves of $16.4 billion, barely enough to cover three months of imports.

The rationale for the UAE’s insistence on repayment remains shrouded in uncertainty. Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed speculation on 4 April, labelling it a “routine financial transaction” and minimising any potential political undertones.

Domestic media outlets indicate that talks over extending the loan terms may have collapsed.

In prior years, Pakistan leaned heavily on aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and allies like the UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia to shore up its economy.

Such assistance enabled the rebuilding of reserves and steadied the currency, which hovered between 278 and 282 to the dollar prior to the escalation of the Iran conflict.

Since early March, the rupee has held steady, though the benchmark KSE-100 Index has tumbled by 15%, mirroring wider market anxieties.

To counter the reserve drain, the SBP might resort to tough actions, such as curbing imports, hiking interest rates, or tapping commercial banks for extra funds.

The situation worsens with a $1.3 billion bond repayment looming to international creditors this month, alongside anticipation of a $1.2 billion IMF tranche.

The UAE’s refusal to roll over the loan—once a reliable practice from Pakistan’s Gulf partners—hints at a change in Abu Dhabi’s approach, timed with Islamabad’s growing alignment with Saudi Arabia.

Sajid Amin, deputy executive director at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), emphasised the UAE’s pivotal role in helping Pakistan fulfil IMF programme financing thresholds during tough times.

He noted that the government opted for repayment after failing to negotiate a long-term extension, even at the elevated cost of 6.5%, and suggested geopolitical influences could be at play.

Nevertheless, UAE firms persist in their investments in Pakistan. International Holding Co, based in Abu Dhabi, recently took a stake in First Women Bank Ltd.

Meanwhile, AD Ports Group inked a 25-year deal in 2024 for cargo operations with the Karachi Port Trust.

Pakistan has also floated proposals to hand over its airports to Middle Eastern investors.

Past attempts to swap portions of the UAE debt for equity, such as stakes in Fauji Foundation subsidiaries, form part of Islamabad’s wider efforts to handle its external debts.

PTI
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New RIAC Chief Dmitry Trenin Urges Balanced Strategy In Russia’s Relations With India And China


Dr Dmitry Trenin, the newly elected president of the Kremlin-backed Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), has emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive balance in Russia’s relations with its two Asian strategic partners, India and China.

Speaking in his first press interview after assuming leadership of the think tank on 1 April, Trenin underscored the need to prevent external powers, particularly the United States, from exploiting India against China and, indirectly, against Russia.

He stressed that China, as Russia’s largest neighbour, deserves systematic attention, while India also requires deeper engagement beyond what he described as a positive but still superficial impression.

Trenin, aged 70, is a retired Soviet-Russian Army Colonel with extensive experience in global affairs. His career included involvement in US-Russian nuclear and space weapons negotiations and postings both within and outside the Soviet Union.

Notably, he became the first non-NATO senior research fellow at the NATO Defence College in Rome. He later joined the Carnegie Moscow Centre in 1994, eventually becoming its director, but was dismissed in 2022 for supporting the Kremlin’s Ukraine campaign.

In outlining his vision for RIAC, Trenin declared that Russia is an autocratic nation that does not obey external powers and will not allow the world to collapse. He pledged to inject new impetus into the council and to rise to the challenges of today’s turbulent and dramatic times, as well as those that lie ahead.

He argued that despite the apparent chaos and illogicality of current events, history shows that similar upheavals have occurred before. He compared the present situation to a world war, though he rejected the term ‘World War III’ as misleading, preferring instead to describe it as ‘a new world war’ distinct from the first two.

Trenin’s remarks reflect his broader strategic outlook, shaped by decades of involvement in defence and international affairs. His appointment to RIAC, which was established 15 years ago by a decree of then-President Dmitry Medvedev, signals a renewed effort to position the council as a leading forum for Russian foreign policy analysis.

RIAC serves as Russia’s counterpart to the Indian Council of World Affairs, highlighting the importance of intellectual and policy exchanges in shaping Moscow’s external relations.

By stressing the need for balance between India and China, Trenin has placed emphasis on managing Russia’s ties with both nations in a way that avoids confrontation and external manipulation. His comments suggest that Russia sees value in cultivating deeper ties with India while continuing to prioritise its strategic partnership with China.

At the same time, his framing of the current global turbulence as akin to a world war underscores the seriousness with which he views the international environment and the challenges facing Russia’s foreign policy establishment.

PTI
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Inbound Aerospace And IDDK Forge Partnership To Deliver Microgravity Experiments And In-Space Manufacturing


Chennai-based Inbound Aerospace has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s IDDK Co., Ltd. to advance microgravity experiments and in-space manufacturing.

The collaboration is centred on utilising Inbound Aerospace’s autonomous, reusable spacecraft to host IDDK’s Micro Bio Space LAB, a palm-sized automated research module, for efficient and long-duration studies in Low Earth Orbit.

The partnership is designed to provide “microgravity as a service” for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and advanced material research. By deploying unmanned, recoverable spacecraft, the two companies aim to create a reliable platform for experiments that require extended exposure to microgravity conditions.

This approach is intended to reduce costs and increase accessibility compared to traditional space-based research.

At the core of the collaboration is IDDK’s compact MBS-LAB, which will be integrated with Inbound Aerospace’s autonomous re-entry platforms. This integration is expected to enable streamlined operations, from launch to recovery, while maintaining the integrity of sensitive scientific experiments. 

The agreement also encompasses the development of dedicated spacecraft, mission operations, and ground support infrastructure to ensure seamless execution.

A key objective of the partnership is to provide a cost-effective alternative to the International Space Station, which has long been the primary venue for microgravity research but is approaching retirement. By offering a new platform for experimentation, Inbound Aerospace and IDDK seek to fill the impending gap and sustain global research momentum in space-based sciences.

Inbound Aerospace, an IIT-Madras-incubated start-up, has already demonstrated its ambition by securing $1 million in funding in 2025. The company is targeting its first re-entry mission by late 2027 or early 2028, according to its official communications.

This timeline underscores its commitment to developing indigenous capabilities that can support both domestic and international research initiatives.

The collaboration between Inbound Aerospace and IDDK represents a significant step towards democratising access to microgravity environments.

By combining advanced Japanese laboratory technology with Indian spacecraft innovation, the partnership aims to accelerate breakthroughs in drug development, biotechnology, and materials science.

Ultimately, this agreement highlights the growing role of private aerospace ventures in shaping the future of space research. With the ISS nearing the end of its operational life, initiatives such as this are poised to redefine how humanity conducts experiments in orbit, ensuring continuity and expanding opportunities for scientific discovery.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)
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Indian Energy Lifeline: Green Asha Exit Conflict-Torn Strait of Hormuz


The Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker Green Asha successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, 5 April 2026. The vessel is expected to reach India within the next 24 to 36 hours.

The vessel is currently transporting 15,400 tonnes of LPG, marking it as the eighth Indian-flagged carrier to exit the strategic waterway since it was virtually closed by Iran.

The closure followed military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel on 28 February, an event that has since sparked a significant global oil crisis. This disruption is particularly impactful for India, which historically relied on the strait for approximately 90% of its LPG imports prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

Tracking data from marinetraffic.com indicates that the tanker departed from Al Rams port in the United Arab Emirates on 30 March. It maintained a speed of 12.8 knots, or 23.7 kilometres per hour, while sailing in close proximity to the Iranian coast, specifically passing between the islands of Larak, Hormuz, and Qeshm.

The vessel is owned by MOL India Private Limited and was chartered by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. While its original destination was intended to be the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai, its safe transit remains a priority for national energy security.

The Green Asha follows the successful passage of the Green Sanvi, which transited the strait on Saturday. The Green Sanvi is carrying a larger cargo of 46,650 tonnes of LPG and has a crew of 25 seafarers on board. However, not all vessels have moved as freely; the Jag Vikram, carrying roughly 20,000 tons of LPG, remains stranded within the Gulf.

The Indian government had previously identified 22 India-bound vessels in the Persian Gulf for evacuation, 20 of which were deemed critical to the country's energy requirements. At present, three additional foreign-flagged vessels, carrying a combined total of 87,000 tonnes of LPG, are still awaiting safe passage through the strait.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, 17 Indian-flagged vessels and 460 Indian seafarers are still located in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping is working alongside ship owners, recruitment agencies, and diplomatic missions to monitor the situation continuously.

The Shipping Ministry has implemented measures to protect Indian vessels and crews in the conflict zone. Government officials confirmed that all Indian sailors remain safe, and there have been no reported incidents involving Indian-flagged ships within the last 24 hours.

In a separate humanitarian effort, the Indian Embassy in Tehran facilitated the return of 345 Indian fishermen who had been stranded in Iran. These individuals were moved from southern Iran to Armenia, from where they were flown back to Chennai.

Agencies
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Iran Formally Rejects Pakistani‑Brokered Proposal


Iran has officially rejected a Pakistani-brokered proposal for a temporary ceasefire, insisting instead on a permanent end to the ongoing war with the United States and Israel.

Tehran’s counter-proposal consists of a ten-clause framework that demands the lifting of international sanctions, a comprehensive regional peace agreement, and a protocol for safe passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. 

Furthermore, the Iranian government is seeking significant funds for national reconstruction as a condition for any settlement.

The rejection comes amid a looming deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened to "take out" Iran if a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is not reached by 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. 

During a recent news conference, Trump used escalatory language, vowing to decimate Iran’s civilian infrastructure, specifically targeting power plants and bridges. He dismissed concerns regarding potential war crimes, claiming that the Iranian people are willing to endure such destruction in exchange for freedom.

In response to these threats, Iran’s joint military command labelled the U.S. President as "delusional" and dismissed his rhetoric as arrogant and baseless. Domestically, Iranian officials have called for a show of civilian defiance, with the deputy sports minister urging athletes and artists to form human chains around power plants to protect them from strikes. Iran’s envoy to the United Nations has further characterised Trump's warnings as direct incitement to terrorism and evidence of an intent to commit war crimes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central point of contention, as Iran has effectively closed the waterway—responsible for a fifth of the world's energy supply—following U.S. and Israeli attacks in late February. Tehran views the maritime chokehold as its most powerful bargaining chip.

Tensions were further exacerbated on Monday following a strike on the Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, which damaged an artificial intelligence data centre. Iran has blamed the U.S. and Israel for the attack, promising that the "aggressors" will feel their might in retaliation.

Despite the escalating violence, U.S. officials highlighted a successful weekend mission to retrieve an American airman whose jet was shot down last Friday. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the rescue in overtly religious terms, comparing the operation to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

This military success occurs against a backdrop of domestic pressure for the Trump administration, as the six-week-old war has triggered a spike in fuel prices and negatively impacted Republican approval ratings ahead of the November midterm elections.

The military situation continues to deteriorate across the region, with Hegseth predicting that Monday and Tuesday would see the highest volume of airstrikes since the war began. The Israeli military confirmed it has already completed a wave of strikes against government infrastructure and petrochemical facilities, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as an effort to dismantle the financial "money machine" of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Reports from Tehran indicate that residential areas have been hit, leaving rescue teams to search for survivors in the rubble.

Iran has demonstrated a continued capacity to strike back, launching missile volleys toward Israel and its neighbours despite U.S. claims that Iranian capabilities had been neutralised.

On Tuesday, air defence systems were activated across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain as sirens warned of incoming missile threats. The human cost of the conflict remains staggering; rights groups estimate that thousands have died across the Middle East, including over 3,500 people in Iran and nearly 1,500 in Lebanon.

Reuters
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Artemis-II Breaks Record: Astronauts Reach Farthest Distance From Earth In 55 Years

Artemis-II take-off, the orbital module and crew landing module

The four-member crew of NASA’s Artemis-II mission reached the furthest point in space ever achieved by humans this Monday. Navigating the lunar gravitational pull, they embarked on a historic journey to perform the first-ever crewed flyby over the moon's permanently shadowed far side.

Riding in their Orion capsule since their launch from Florida last week, the astronauts began their sixth day of flight at approximately 10:50 a.m. ET. They were woken by a recorded message from the late Jim Lovell, a veteran of the Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 missions, who passed away last year at the age of 97.

In his message, Lovell welcomed the crew to his "old neighbourhood," noting the historic significance of the day. He encouraged the team to enjoy the view despite their busy schedule, offering his wishes for luck and Godspeed as they ventured further into the cosmos.

By Monday, the crew had officially surpassed the spaceflight distance record of 248,000 miles from Earth. This previous milestone was set in 1970 by the Apollo 13 mission after a catastrophic malfunction forced the crew to use the moon’s gravity as a slingshot to return home safely.

The Artemis team—comprising Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Jeremy Hansen—eventually reached a maximum distance of 252,755 miles. This feat placed them roughly 4,117 miles (6,626 km) beyond the record held by the Apollo 13 crew for 56 years.

During the transit, the crew took the opportunity to propose provisional names for lunar features that currently lack official designations. Jeremy Hansen communicated these suggestions to mission control in Houston, reflecting the personal and professional bonds of the astronaut corps.

Hansen suggested naming one crater "Integrity" after their Orion spacecraft. In a moving tribute, he proposed naming a bright spot on the lunar cusp—visible from Earth between the near and far sides—"Carrol," in honour of mission commander Reid Wiseman’s late wife.

The mission plan involves Orion sailing around the far side of the moon, passing roughly 4,000 miles above the dark surface. From this vantage point, the astronauts will witness the Earth appearing as small as a basketball against the vast darkness of space.

The article notes that because the moon’s rotation is tidally locked with Earth, the "dark side" always faces away from our planet. Consequently, no human being has ever gazed directly upon this specific part of the lunar surface until now.

This milestone is a pivotal moment for the ten-day Artemis-II mission, serving as the first crewed test flight of the Artemis programme. It represents the successor to the Apollo project and the first time humans have returned to the lunar vicinity in over half a century.

The broader Artemis program, a multibillion-dollar endeavour, intends to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028. This goal aims to establish a long-term presence and a moon base that will eventually serve as a testing ground for future voyages to Mars.

Since the final Apollo mission in 1972, no human has walked on the moon—a feat currently unique to the United States. This mission serves as a critical step in maintaining that legacy while preparing for international competition, specifically from China.

The flyby on Monday will see the crew enter periods of total darkness and brief communication blackouts. This occurs as the moon’s mass blocks signals to NASA’s Deep Space Network, the global array of antennas used to maintain contact with the spacecraft.

During a six-hour window, the astronauts will use professional-grade cameras to capture high-resolution photos through Orion’s windows. These images will provide a scientifically valuable perspective of sunlight filtering around the edges of the lunar silhouette.

The crew will also attempt to photograph a "celestial remix" of a typical moonrise. From their record-breaking distance, they will watch a diminished Earth set and rise over the lunar horizon as they swing around the celestial body.

Back on Earth, dozens of lunar scientists in the Science Evaluation Room at Johnson Space Center will be monitoring the mission. They will document the real-time observations of the astronauts, who were specifically trained to identify and describe various lunar phenomena.

Reuters
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Iran Alleges US Rescue of Pilot Was In Actuality A Uranium Seizure Operation Amid Nuclear Standoff


The United States military executed what has been described as its most daring search and rescue mission on 5 April, recovering an airman who had gone missing in south-west Iran after an F‑15E Strike Eagle was shot down.

The twin‑engine, two‑seat interdiction fighter jet was struck on 3 April, and while the pilot was rescued quickly, the weapons systems officer remained unaccounted for over two days.

The eventual recovery operation, conducted in the south of Isfahan province, cost close to $500 million and involved a wide array of assets, including A‑10 Thunderbolt-II jets, MC‑130J Commando II aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters, MQ‑9 Reaper drones, C‑130 Hercules planes and H‑60 helicopters.

Many of these were destroyed during the mission.

Elite ground forces were inserted under cover of darkness, using bombs and cover fire to keep Iranian troops away from the injured airman’s location.

President Donald Trump later confirmed the airman was injured but “will be fine.”

Iran, however, sought to downplay the success of the mission.

On Sunday, Tehran claimed the operation had been “foiled.”

By Monday, the narrative shifted further, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei suggesting the mission may not have been a rescue at all.

He argued that “the possibility that this was a deception operation to steal enriched uranium should not be ignored at all,” adding that there were “many questions and uncertainties” surrounding the mission.

Baqaei pointed out that the area where the American pilot was said to be located in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer‑Ahmad Province was far from where US forces attempted to land in central Iran, calling the operation “a disaster” for Washington.

Tehran’s uranium stockpile is central to these claims.

Reports suggest Iran holds between 400 and 450 kilograms of enriched uranium, an amount that could contribute to nuclear weapons production.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that President Trump was considering a ground operation in Iran specifically to seize enriched uranium.

According to sources, Trump has pressed advisers to demand Tehran surrender the material as a condition for ending the war, and has discussed forcibly seizing it if Iran refuses to hand it over during negotiations.

Before US and Israeli airstrikes in June 2025, Iran was believed to possess more than 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 per cent and nearly 200 kilograms enriched to 20 per cent, both of which can be converted into weapons‑grade material.

Much of this was thought to have been buried under rubble at a mountain facility destroyed in US bombings, which Trump claimed had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme.

However, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi has stated that Iran’s nuclear material is mainly stored at two of the three sites attacked: an underground tunnel at Isfahan and a cache at Natanz.

The competing narratives highlight the strategic stakes.

For Washington, the mission was a costly but successful recovery of a downed airman.

For Tehran, it was an opportunity to cast doubt, suggesting the operation was a cover for an attempt to seize nuclear material.

The episode underscores the volatility of the conflict and the centrality of Iran’s uranium stockpile in shaping both military operations and political messaging.

Agencies
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