IAF Extends Mirage-2000 'Vajra' Service Life To 2038–2039 To Offset Fighter Shortfalls And Program Delays

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has decided to retain its Mirage-2000 'Vajra' fighter fleet in frontline service until 2038-2039, extending the aircraft's planned retirement date by roughly three to four years.

The move is intended to prevent a capability gap as several next-generation combat aircraft programs continue to face delayed induction timelines.

The extension reflects growing pressure on the IAF's fighter force structure. The service currently operates approximately 31 fighter squadrons, significantly below its sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons, a shortfall that has become increasingly important amid evolving regional security requirements.

A major factor behind the decision is the slower-than-expected arrival of replacement platforms. The indigenous Tejas Mk1A, Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programs are expected to play central roles in future force modernisation, but revised schedules have compelled the IAF to continue relying on proven legacy aircraft for a longer period.

The service-life extension also helps counter the impact of the planned withdrawal of the SEPECAT Jaguar fleet. Around 115-120 Jaguars are expected to leave service between 2028 and 2031 as ageing engines, dwindling spare parts availability and increasing maintenance challenges make long-term operation progressively more difficult.

By retaining the Mirage-2000, the IAF gains a dependable bridge capability during a critical transition period. The aircraft remains one of the force's most respected multi-role platforms and continues to provide valuable air-defence and precision-strike capabilities.

Sustaining the fleet beyond 2035 has been made possible through continued backing from Dassault Aviation. The French manufacturer has reportedly committed to providing long-term technical assistance, maintenance support and logistical expertise, helping ensure the aircraft remain operational into the late 2030s.

India is also exploring the acquisition of retired French Mirage-2000 airframes to serve as sources of critical spare parts. Such aircraft could provide structural components, landing gear assemblies and hydraulic systems that are becoming harder to obtain through conventional supply channels.

The Mirage-2000 fleet has already undergone substantial upgrades, including the integration of RDY-2 radar systems, improved avionics and MICA beyond-visual-range missiles. These enhancements have helped preserve the aircraft's combat relevance despite its age.

The fighter's operational reputation remains strong within the IAF. Mirage-2000 aircraft played a decisive role during the 1999 Kargil War and later formed the backbone of the 2019 Balakot precision-strike mission, underlining their continued value as reliable strike platforms.

More broadly, the decision highlights the delicate balance facing Indian air-power planners. While the IAF continues to pursue new-generation aircraft such as the TEJAS MK-2, AMCA and additional modern combat platforms, extending the Mirage-2000 fleet offers a practical solution for maintaining combat readiness until sufficient replacements become available.

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Deeply Offensive: India Shreds JD Vance's 'Indentured Servants' Remark On H-1Bs, Citing Colonial-Era Overtones

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has sharply criticised US Vice President JD Vance for describing H-1B visa holders as "indentured servants", calling the remark deeply offensive and insensitive to the historical and colonial associations of the term.

In a strongly worded statement, the MEA said such language disregards the reality that Indian professionals in the United States are highly skilled, well-educated contributors to the country's economy, technology sector and innovation ecosystem.

The ministry noted that the United States itself has been built and strengthened over generations by immigrants whose work, entrepreneurship and innovation have helped drive growth and prosperity. It said references carrying painful colonial-era connotations were inappropriate and unacceptable.

The response followed remarks made by Vance during a press conference focused on visa fraud. He argued that some companies use foreign workers to reduce labour costs, claiming H-1B employees are paid less than American workers performing similar roles.

Vance stated that H-1B visa holders earn around $20,000 less than US citizens in equivalent positions and alleged that workers employed through foreign outsourcing firms earn approximately $48,000 less than comparable American employees. He accused corporations of replacing domestic workers with foreign labour in order to lower wage costs and increase profits.

The MEA also addressed the US Department of Labor's recent action concerning the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) program. It emphasised that PERM is separate from the H-1B visa system and that the suspension of PERM applications for certain companies does not automatically affect existing H-1B visa holders or their dependants.

However, the ministry acknowledged that the move could have implications for permanent residency and Green Card applications involving eligible employees of affected firms.

Reaffirming India's position on global talent mobility, the MEA said the movement of skilled professionals benefits both countries by supporting innovation, research, productivity, competitiveness, employment and shareholder value.

The ministry argued that Indian professionals create opportunities not only for themselves but also for American businesses that rely on specialised talent to remain globally competitive. It added that the latest US measures do not support the broader strategic and economic ambitions shared by India and the United States.

India said it would continue to monitor developments related to the issue.

The controversy comes after US Labour Secretary Keith Sonderling announced the suspension of several major technology and outsourcing firms from the Permanent Labor Certification program. The affected companies include Cognizant, Infosys, TATA, Wipro, HCL and Capgemini. US technology companies Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended from the program.

According to the US Department of Labor, the suspensions are linked to multiple active federal investigations.

Sonderling said the companies involved had collectively requested nearly three million foreign workers since 2009 and had received more than 2,30,000 H-1B visa approvals as well as over 1,00,000 permanent labour certifications. He argued that these figures reflected jobs that could otherwise have gone to American workers.

The announcement followed a separate proposal by the US Department of Homeland Security to introduce new fees for F-1 international students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT), a measure the administration said is intended to protect American workers and strengthen immigration system integrity.

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Navantia And L&T Join Forces For Indian Navy's Four Amphibious Ship Fleet Program

Navantia and India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have signed a strategic agreement to jointly support the Indian Navy's future Landing Platform Dock (LPD) program, which envisages the acquisition of four amphibious warships, Spain based web portal Democrata reported.

The partnership was formalised in Madrid through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), establishing a long-term framework for cooperation between the Spanish naval shipbuilder and the Indian engineering and shipbuilding group.

Under the arrangement, L&T's engineering and shipbuilding expertise will be combined with Navantia's experience in designing and constructing complex surface combatants and submarines. The collaboration is also intended to strengthen India's domestic capability to build large naval vessels.

The proposed solution will draw heavily on Navantia's proven Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) designs, including Spain's Juan Carlos I and Australia's Canberra and Adelaide class ships.

These vessels are capable of supporting aviation operations while also deploying troops, vehicles and landing craft through a floodable internal dock, making them suitable models for India's amphibious warfare requirements.

The Indian Navy's planned LPD fleet is expected to support amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster-relief missions and a wide range of maritime tasks.

The cooperation also aligns with India's broader drive to expand indigenous naval construction capabilities and increase self-reliance in the development of complex military platforms.

Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice President and Head of Precision Engineering & Systems at L&T, said the partnership combines the company's extensive shipbuilding strengths with Navantia's global experience to address the highly sophisticated requirements of the LPD program.

He added that the alliance would help strengthen India's maritime capabilities while advancing the country's capacity to independently build critical and technologically demanding naval platforms.

Navantia's Chief Operating Officer, Gonzalo Mateo-Guerrero, said the company was proud to deepen its relationship with L&T and highlighted the complementary strengths of both firms.

According to Navantia, its expertise in strategic naval platform design, coupled with L&T's engineering excellence and shipyard capabilities, will support the development of the most suitable technical solution for the Indian Navy.

The Spanish company also reaffirmed its commitment to providing long-term support to L&T, the Indian Navy and other stakeholders throughout the complete life cycle of the future LPD vessels.

The agreement builds on previous cooperation between Navantia and L&T and positions both companies to compete for one of the Indian Navy's most significant upcoming amphibious shipbuilding projects.

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Honeywell To Double HTT-40 Engine Deliveries For HAL Under ₹840 Crore Agreement

Honeywell is set to deliver four additional TPE331-12B turboprop engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the end of the year, increasing the total number of engines supplied under the contract to eight.

The latest deliveries form part of a contract valued at more than ₹840 crore, under which Honeywell is supplying engines for the HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, an indigenously developed platform designed for pilot training within the Indian Air Force.

The TPE331-12B engine powers the HTT-40, a key element of India's effort to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported trainer aircraft.

Honeywell has already delivered four engines and plans to hand over another four before year-end, reflecting progress in the program despite earlier global supply-chain challenges.

The agreement signed in 2022 covers the supply and manufacture of 88 TPE331-12B engines and associated kits, together with maintenance and support services. Under the arrangement, Honeywell is responsible for directly supplying the first 16 engines before transferring manufacturing know-how to HAL.

The planned technology transfer is expected to enable HAL to assemble engines domestically while expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in India.

Honeywell has indicated that deliveries are progressing ahead of the original schedule, with all 16 directly supplied engines expected to be delivered before the previously projected 2029 timeline.

The HTT-40 program remains a significant indigenous aerospace initiative, supporting the Indian Air Force's pilot training requirements while advancing India's long-term ambitions in aircraft and engine production.

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Pakistan Receives DEFTECH's DT-001 Loitering Munition As Azerbaijan-Pakistan Defence Ties Deepen

DEFTECH DT-001 Tactical UAV carrying a DT-001 Loitering Munition

Pakistan has begun receiving the DT-001 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system from Azerbaijan's DEFTECH, with deliveries reportedly underway as military cooperation between the two countries continues to expand, a Canada based defence web portal which cover Pakistani defence reported.

The transfer comes against the backdrop of strengthening India-Armenia defence ties, which have reshaped regional security dynamics beyond South Asia and into the South Caucasus.

Developed by Azerbaijani defence firm DEFTECH, the DT-001 is a tactical UAV designed for reconnaissance, surveillance and strike missions. The platform is capable of carrying loitering munitions, enabling it to identify, track and engage targets with greater precision.

The aircraft was publicly displayed at the ADEX defence exhibition in Baku, where it was showcased carrying up to two F-1500 loitering munitions. The system is intended to conduct both intelligence-gathering and offensive operations, providing enhanced battlefield flexibility.

The DT-001 features a tandem-wing configuration, a design aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency, stability and endurance. The UAV is designed to support a range of payloads, including electro-optical and infrared sensors, electronic intelligence equipment and precision-strike munitions.

Its associated F-1500 loitering munition is designed for tactical strike missions and incorporates features such as autonomous flight capability, target-tracking functions and anti-jamming measures. The munition can be launched from the DT-001 platform, significantly extending operational reach.

The development reflects increasingly close defence relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, which have steadily expanded through military cooperation, training exchanges and defence-industrial engagement.

The deliveries also coincide with growing defence cooperation between India and Armenia. In recent years, Armenia has emerged as a significant customer for Indian-made military systems, including artillery, rocket systems, air-defence equipment and counter-drone capabilities.

Against this backdrop, the DT-001 transfer highlights the emergence of parallel strategic alignments, with Azerbaijan and Pakistan deepening military collaboration while India and Armenia strengthen their own defence partnership.

The latest development underscores the increasing importance of unmanned systems and loitering munitions in regional military planning, as countries across multiple theatres seek to enhance surveillance, precision-strike and battlefield awareness capabilities.

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'We Stand With Pakistan Against India' Houthi Terror Group Leader Backs Pakistan, Urges Islamabad To Avoid Saudi-Houthi Conflict

Abdulwahid Abu Ras, the acting foreign minister of Yemen's Houthi-led Ansar Allah administration, has urged Pakistan and Turkey to stay out of the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, India.com web portal reported.

Describing Pakistan as a "friendly Islamic country", Abu Ras said the Houthis support what he called Pakistan's "legitimate demands" in its disputes with India. He also expressed support for Muslim nations and stated that the group stands with Pakistan in its tensions with India.

Abu Ras said Pakistan faces its own economic challenges and regional disputes, including issues involving Afghanistan. He expressed hope that differences between Pakistan and Afghanistan would be resolved peacefully, citing the strong social and cultural links between the two countries.

Reiterating the Houthi position, Abu Ras said the movement supports the interests of Islamic countries and regards Pakistan as a close and friendly nation. He again characterised Pakistan's position in its conflict with India as legitimate and called for a friendly resolution of Pakistan's disagreements with Afghanistan.

The remarks come amid escalating fighting between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia. Abu Ras also appealed to Pakistan and Turkey not to become involved in the conflict, as concerns grow over the possibility of broader regional participation.

Meanwhile, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea claimed the group had launched a ballistic missile strike targeting King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. According to the Houthis, the missile struck its intended target and disrupted air traffic, although Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the claim.

Sarea also issued what he described as a final warning to international airlines, urging them not to continue operating through Saudi airspace. He claimed that Saudi airspace had become part of Houthi military operations.

The reported attack followed earlier Houthi strikes on two Saudi airports that, according to Saudi civil aviation authorities, left three people dead and 36 injured.

The Houthis have intensified missile and drone operations as fighting expands around strategic areas including the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The latest developments highlight the growing risk of a wider regional confrontation, with Pakistan and Turkey facing increasing pressure to balance their ties with Saudi Arabia against calls from the Houthis to remain neutral.

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Chennai-Based Waterfly Technologies Develops SEN-1X Ground-Effect Seaglider For Coastal Transport And Logistics

Chennai-based aerospace Start-Up Waterfly Technologies is developing SEN-1X, an electric Wing-in-Ground (WIG) sea-glider designed for coastal transport, logistics, amphibious patrol and surveillance operations.

Founded in 2025 by Harish Rajesh, Keshav Kumar Choudhary and Harshin N, the company is incubated at IIT-Madras. Waterfly is focused on creating a new category of marine transport that combines the speed of aircraft with the operational economics of ships.

Unlike conventional aircraft, which require runways for take-off and landing, WIG craft operate just above the water's surface by exploiting the ground-effect phenomenon. This aerodynamic effect increases lift and reduces drag when an aircraft flies very close to a surface.

SEN-1X has been designed to cruise approximately 2 to 5 metres above the water. By remaining within this ground-effect zone, the aircraft can generate additional lift while lowering aerodynamic resistance, enabling high-speed travel across water without the need for traditional airport infrastructure.

According to the aircraft's reported design specifications, SEN-1X is intended to carry payloads of up to four tons, achieve speeds of up to 250 knots, equivalent to around 463 km/h, and operate over distances of roughly 1,500 km. These figures represent design targets and not demonstrated flight performance.

Waterfly believes the platform could serve a wide range of civilian applications, including tourism services, emergency medical transport and rapid cargo movement between coastal destinations. Its ability to operate directly from water could improve connectivity in regions where conventional aviation infrastructure is limited.

The company also sees significant potential in defence and security roles. Operating only a few metres above the surface, the craft is being designed for amphibious patrol, coastal monitoring and surveillance missions across shallow-water and littoral environments.

For logistics operations, Waterfly envisions the aircraft transporting cargo, personnel and equipment efficiently across dispersed locations. The company has additionally identified contested logistics as a potential defence use case, enabling distributed movement of troops and payloads.

Waterfly argues that the combination of improved efficiency, potentially lower maintenance requirements and amphibious operating capability could make WIG technology an attractive option for both commercial and government operators.

Looking further ahead, the Start-Up plans to develop a hydrogen-electric WIG craft with a capacity of 3,000 tons aimed at the intercontinental air cargo market.

The company believes future generations of its technology could deliver transport that is significantly faster and more affordable than conventional air freight while supporting the use of more sustainable energy sources.

The project reflects growing interest in ground-effect vehicles globally, where developers are exploring alternatives that bridge the gap between maritime and aviation transport by offering faster transit times while avoiding many of the infrastructure requirements associated with traditional aircraft operations.

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Noida International Airport Joins Forces With The ePlane Company To Prepare Delhi-NCR For Electric Air Taxis

Noida International Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chennai-based aerospace firm The ePlane Company to develop the infrastructure and operational ecosystem required for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations across Delhi-NCR.

As part of the agreement, The ePlane Company plans to introduce its e200X electric aircraft to the region for future use as air taxis and air ambulances. The collaboration is aimed at laying the groundwork necessary for advanced air mobility services rather than launching immediate commercial operations.

The partnership will focus on establishing vertiport infrastructure, charging facilities, operational procedures, Vertiport Management Systems, and other support mechanisms required for safe and efficient eVTOL operations.

A key element of the arrangement involves allocating space at Noida International Airport for the development of vertiports and associated charging infrastructure. These facilities are expected to serve as critical hubs for future electric aircraft movements.

The two organisations will also work towards integrating eVTOL operations into the existing aviation ecosystem. This includes coordination with regulatory and operational authorities such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Air Traffic Control (ATC).

The planned infrastructure is intended to provide the physical, technological and regulatory framework needed to support future electric air mobility services across the Delhi-NCR region.

However, the agreement does not indicate that commercial e200X air taxi or air ambulance services will begin immediately. The aircraft must first complete extensive testing, certification procedures and regulatory approvals before entering commercial service.

The e200X is being developed as a versatile electric aircraft platform capable of supporting passenger transport, emergency medical services and cargo operations. According to the company, the aircraft has a compact footprint of 8 metres by 11 metres, enabling operations from relatively small sites compared with conventional aviation facilities.

In its air ambulance configuration, the aircraft is designed to accommodate one pilot, one patient and one paramedic, together with a standard stretcher, medical equipment and life-support systems. The company has also been pursuing the creation of a dedicated electric air ambulance network and previously entered into an MoU with Apollo Hospitals to advance that objective.

Founded in 2019 and incubated at IIT-Madras, The ePlane Company states that it received India's first DGCA Design Organisation Approval granted to a private aerospace company. The e200X has already entered the DGCA type-certification process, marking an important step towards regulatory clearance.

The company is targeting commercialisation of the e200X in 2028, subject to successful testing, certification and approval milestones. Industry observers view the development as part of India's broader push towards sustainable aviation, urban air mobility and lower-emission transport solutions.

Meanwhile, Noida International Airport commenced commercial flight operations in June 2026, with IndiGo becoming the airport's first airline operator. The latest agreement reflects the airport's intention to position itself early for the adoption of next-generation electric aviation technologies.

By focusing on vertiport development, charging infrastructure, airspace integration and regulatory coordination, the partnership seeks to create the foundation necessary for future electric air taxi and air ambulance services in one of India's largest metropolitan regions.

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Coast Guard Strengthens Coastal Vigilance With Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit

The Indian Coast Guard on 9 October 2026 commissioned the indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Ajit at Goa Shipyard Limited, reinforcing India's maritime security architecture and advancing the country's self-reliance objectives in defence manufacturing.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Dr Sirish Choudhary, IDAS, Principal Integrated Financial Advisor of the Indian Coast Guard.

ICGS Ajit will be based at Okha, a strategically important coastal location, enhancing the Coast Guard's operational presence in the Arabian Sea and strengthening surveillance across India's western maritime approaches.

Designed and built in India, the vessel is equipped with advanced weapon systems and modern command-and-control capabilities, enabling it to undertake a broad spectrum of maritime missions efficiently.

Its operational responsibilities will include maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, anti-smuggling missions and marine pollution response, allowing the Coast Guard to respond rapidly to both security challenges and humanitarian contingencies at sea.

The induction of ICGS Ajit further underlines the expanding contribution of India's indigenous shipbuilding sector to national security and coastal defence preparedness.

The vessel's commissioning reflects the government's continued emphasis on deploying domestically developed platforms for critical maritime and defence roles, reducing dependence on imported equipment while strengthening strategic autonomy.

With its modern systems and enhanced operational capabilities, ICGS Ajit is expected to improve maritime domain awareness, support law-enforcement activities at sea and bolster the Coast Guard's ability to address emergencies, environmental incidents and emerging security threats along the coastline.

The addition of the vessel aligns closely with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to expand domestic defence production capabilities, promote indigenous technology development and reinforce India's long-term self-sufficiency in strategic sectors.

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EndureAir Systems And Maraal Aerospace Join Forces To Advance Indigenous HAPS Capabilities

EndureAir Systems and Maraal Aerospace have entered into a collaboration to develop High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) systems, combining their respective strengths in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, aerospace engineering and system development.

The partnership is aimed at creating indigenous high-altitude, long-endurance platforms capable of delivering persistent surveillance, communications and connectivity across vast or remote regions. The initiative reflects growing private-sector efforts to strengthen India's sovereign aerospace capabilities.

HAPS platforms are unmanned aircraft designed to operate in the stratosphere for extended periods, offering many of the advantages of satellites while remaining within the Earth's atmosphere. Unlike conventional satellites, these systems can be recovered, serviced and reused, reducing operational limitations and improving flexibility.

A key advantage of HAPS technology is its ability to remain over a specific area for prolonged durations. This makes it particularly valuable for wide-area surveillance, border monitoring, maritime observation and security missions requiring continuous aerial presence.

The systems being developed could also support communications and connectivity in locations where conventional terrestrial infrastructure is difficult or uneconomical to deploy. Such capabilities can prove valuable during disaster response operations, in remote regions and in areas with limited network coverage.

EndureAir will contribute its expertise in UAV technologies and system integration, while Maraal Aerospace brings advanced aerospace engineering capabilities and experience in long-endurance solar-powered unmanned platforms.

Developing HAPS aircraft requires specialised engineering solutions, including highly efficient propulsion systems, lightweight airframe structures, advanced avionics and sophisticated energy-management technologies. Power generation, storage and distribution remain among the most critical design challenges for sustained high-altitude operations.

Solar-powered HAPS platforms must balance aerodynamic efficiency with sufficient surface area for solar arrays while carrying adequate energy storage systems to maintain uninterrupted operations through night-time periods. These requirements are central to achieving multi-week or even multi-month endurance.

The collaboration highlights increasing industry interest in bridging the operational gap between conventional UAVs and satellites. HAPS platforms can offer persistent coverage, rapid deployment, lower operating costs and greater flexibility than many traditional alternatives.

The project represents another significant step in the development of indigenous high-altitude, long-endurance aerospace technologies, supporting future requirements across the aerospace, defence and security sectors while reinforcing India's push towards self-reliance in advanced unmanned systems.

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Ericsson Turns India Into Global Antenna Hub, Begins Exports of India-Made 5G Antennas To Europe And Global Markets

Swedish telecoms equipment manufacturer Ericsson has announced that antennas produced in India will be exported to Europe and other international markets, marking a further expansion of the company's manufacturing and supply chain operations in the country.

Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Andres Vicente, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania and India at Ericsson, said the company has maintained a presence in India since 1903 and established its own manufacturing facilities in the country in 1994.

He noted that Ericsson currently manufactures all 4G and 5G radio equipment used within India domestically. The company also produces antennas deployed for Massive MIMO technology and artificial intelligence-enabled network upgrades.

According to Vicente, Ericsson is now formally expanding its export programme by supplying antennas manufactured in India to European markets, reinforcing the country's growing role within the company's global production network.

The executive highlighted India's rapid 5G rollout, stating that mid-band 5G coverage has reached 95% of the population, significantly higher than the global average of 45%.

He said the pace of 5G deployment has created a strong foundation for India's future transition towards 6G, as much of the required network architecture has already been established.

India currently has around 430 million 5G subscriptions, representing approximately 35% of all mobile subscriptions in the country, according to Ericsson.

Vicente added that 5G networks now carry 43% of India's total mobile data traffic, underlining the technology's swift adoption among consumers and businesses.

He also stated that India records the highest mobile data usage per customer globally, driven by growing demand across segments such as video streaming and gaming.

Since July 2025, Ericsson has manufactured more than 15,000 antennas and 25 million components in India, reflecting the scale of its local production activities.

The company said antennas produced in India are already being supplied to Europe and other global markets, strengthening India's position within Ericsson's worldwide engineering, manufacturing and supply ecosystem.

Ericsson added that as telecoms networks become increasingly intelligent and programmable, antenna performance will play a more critical role in maximising spectrum efficiency, site utilisation and network investment returns.

The expansion of manufacturing capabilities in India is expected to support both domestic customers and the company's global operations while further integrating India into international telecoms supply chains.

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Japanese Military Delegation Deepens Defence Engagement With India During Strategic Visit

A 34-member delegation from the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) Command and General Staff Course visited India from 4 to 9 October as part of a Foreign Study Tour aimed at strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries.

During the visit, the delegation engaged with representatives of the Indian Army and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), reflecting the growing emphasis both nations place on defence cooperation, military professionalism and strategic coordination.

The Japanese officers also visited the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) and the Wargame Research and Development Centre (WARDEC), where they received detailed briefings on India’s defence capabilities, military training practices, operational concepts and emerging technologies.

The program provided the visiting delegation with insights into India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces, enhance indigenous defence development and integrate advanced technologies into military planning and operations.

In addition to defence-related engagements, the delegation was introduced to India’s cultural heritage, further contributing to people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between the two countries.

The visit comes amid steadily expanding India-Japan security cooperation across land, air and maritime domains, driven by shared interests in maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The growing defence relationship was also evident last month when the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The exercise enhanced interoperability between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF), strengthening operational coordination between the two air forces.

India fielded a diverse range of combat aircraft during the exercise, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft TEJAS, while Japan participated with its F-2A fighter aircraft.

Further momentum was added on 22 September when Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met a delegation of Japanese parliamentarians from the Liberal Democratic Party led by Taro Kono in New Delhi.

The discussions focused on expanding bilateral defence technology collaboration, increasing joint military exercises and enhancing regional security cooperation to support peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

The latest military exchanges underscore the increasingly strategic nature of India-Japan relations, with both countries continuing to broaden cooperation in defence technology, operational training, military-to-military engagement and regional security initiatives.

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Gaganyaan’s First Uncrewed Mission Expected Within A Month of GSLV-F18/NVS-03 Launch

India’s first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, Gaganyaan-G1, is expected to launch roughly one month after the GSLV-F18 mission carrying the NVS-03 navigation satellite, placing the flight in the mid-October to early-November timeframe.

A key milestone has already been achieved, with integration of the Crew Module completed. This represents a significant advance towards the country’s inaugural human spaceflight campaign.

The Crew Module has undergone major integration work, including installation of critical propulsion and control systems required for flight operations, re-entry and recovery. These systems will help maintain the module’s orientation and stability during the descent phase after separation from the Service Module.

The mission is designed to validate essential technologies needed for future crewed flights, including the Crew Module, Service Module, avionics, life-support-related systems, re-entry capabilities, parachute deployment and splashdown recovery procedures.

Gaganyaan-G1 will serve as a crucial precursor to India’s first astronaut mission, providing valuable performance data and reducing risks ahead of future human spaceflight operations.

The completion of Crew Module integration highlights steady progress across the Gaganyaan program and brings India closer to joining the small group of nations capable of independently launching astronauts into orbit.

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Pahalgam Victims Were Asked About Religion, Not Politics: India Rebukes Pakistan At UN

India sharply criticised Pakistan at the United Nations after what New Delhi described as a provocative intervention by Islamabad during discussions on measures to eliminate international terrorism.

Speaking during India's Right of Reply at the UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee, Indian diplomat Raghoo Puri said it was deeply ironic for Pakistan to speak about combating religious hatred when victims of the Pahalgam terror attack were allegedly targeted on the basis of their religion rather than their political beliefs.

Puri's remarks came in response to comments made by Pakistan's representative during the debate. He argued that terrorism cannot be defeated through declarations alone and requires decisive action against perpetrators, organisers, financiers and state sponsors.

Highlighting the Pahalgam attack, Puri said the victims were not questioned about their political orientation but about their religion before being targeted. He used the incident to counter Pakistan's references to religious tolerance and minority rights.

The Indian diplomat also accused Pakistan of attempting to shape narratives at international forums while failing to confront the terror infrastructure operating from its territory. He said Islamabad continued to present itself as both a victim and a frontline state against terrorism, despite longstanding concerns over its record.

Puri further contended that groups allegedly nurtured by Pakistan had increasingly turned against the country itself. Referring to previous statements by Pakistani political leaders, he suggested that even voices within Pakistan had acknowledged the dangers posed by extremist organisations.

He also questioned Pakistan's claims regarding action against Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, describing public announcements and reward schemes as insufficient. According to Puri, Pakistan's assertions lacked credibility given previous claims that the organisation had become defunct.

Taking aim at Pakistan's narrative surrounding Operation Sindoor, India's military response following the Pahalgam terror attack, Puri accused Islamabad of relying on misinformation and disinformation rather than addressing concerns over terrorism.

The Indian representative reiterated that the international community had not forgotten major terror attacks including 9/11, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Pahalgam attack. He argued that victims and their families continue to await justice while those responsible remain unaccountable.

Puri concluded that providing safe havens and political protection to terrorist groups undermines international commitments to counter-terrorism and denies justice to victims across the region.

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Indian Origin Jurist Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay Wins Nobel Peace Prize 2026 For Advancing International Law

Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian-Tamil origin, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2026 for her lifelong efforts to promote peace, justice and the rule of international law.

The 85-year-old legal pioneer was honoured by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for expanding the influence and reach of international law and for helping strengthen global legal institutions during a period of growing international instability.

Announcing the award in Stockholm, Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes described Pillay as a figure who has significantly broadened the scope and impact of international law. He said her work has helped build a more comprehensive global legal order and remains a source of hope for those striving for a more peaceful world.

The committee emphasised that the award comes at a time when wars and conflicts are increasing worldwide and when courts and institutions responsible for upholding international law face mounting political pressure. It stressed that peaceful conflict resolution depends on respect for international legal frameworks and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Born in Durban, South Africa, in 1941, Pillay is the daughter of Narrainsamy Naidoo and Santhama Naidoo. Her grandparents arrived in South Africa from India as indentured labourers during the 1890s to work on sugar plantations.

Raised in modest circumstances during apartheid, Pillay confronted racial discrimination from an early age. The daughter of a bus driver, she went on to become one of South Africa’s most distinguished legal figures and human rights advocates.

In 1967, she became the first woman to establish a law practice in South Africa’s Natal Province. She later became the first non-white woman to found her own law firm and the first non-white woman appointed to South Africa’s High Court.

Throughout her legal career, Pillay defended opponents of apartheid and championed the rights of marginalised communities. Her early work included representing anti-apartheid activists and challenging discriminatory policies in South Africa.

In 1995, she was appointed to the High Court of South Africa. Four years later, she joined the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, where she eventually served as both judge and president.

Her work at the Rwanda tribunal helped establish landmark legal precedents, including recognition that sexual violence, rape and incitement through propaganda could constitute crimes against humanity and acts of genocide.

Pillay later served as a judge at the International Criminal Court before becoming the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.

She also chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and played a prominent role in major international investigations involving alleged human rights violations.

Currently, Pillay serves as a judge at the International Court of Justice in proceedings concerning allegations of genocide against Myanmar.

The Nobel Committee praised her judicial independence, integrity, expertise and courage, stating that her career demonstrates how legal institutions can help prevent violence, protect victims and promote lasting peace.

The Nobel Peace Prize, widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious honours, marks its 125th anniversary this year. The Norwegian Nobel Committee considered 287 nominations for the 2026 award, slightly more than a quarter of which were organisations.

The committee traditionally evaluates candidates on their contribution to lasting peace, international co-operation and the strengthening of institutions that support those objectives.

Last year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her efforts to advance democratic change in Venezuela and sustain democratic values during a period of political turmoil.

Agencies

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