Dhanush Howitzer Draws Strong Interest From African Nations As India Eyes Major Export Breakthrough

India's indigenous Dhanush 155 mm artillery gun has attracted significant interest from several African countries, highlighting the growing international appeal of the country's domestically developed military equipment.

The interest emerged during the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 exhibition, where Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) showcased the Dhanush howitzer alongside a range of other military platforms.

According to industry reports, military delegations from multiple African nations expressed interest in the artillery system and initiated preliminary discussions regarding potential procurement opportunities.

AWEIL is seeking to expand its presence in Africa through long-term strategic partnerships rather than pursuing conventional export sales alone. The company is also exploring opportunities involving local assembly, component manufacturing, technology transfer and joint production arrangements with African partners.

South Africa has emerged as one of the countries of interest for potential industrial collaboration due to its established defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The Dhanush artillery gun has already been inducted into the Indian Army and is regarded as one of the key outcomes of India's drive for defence self-reliance.

Manufactured at the Gun Carriage Factory in Jabalpur, the howitzer incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content.

The weapon is an upgraded version of the original Bofors design and has been modernised extensively with advanced fire-control systems, improved navigation capabilities and enhanced firing performance.

The 155 mm/45-calibre gun can engage targets at long ranges and is designed for operations across diverse terrain, including deserts, semi-arid regions, mountainous areas and open battlefields.

Its ability to deliver rapid and accurate fire support has made it attractive to armed forces seeking modern artillery systems without the higher acquisition costs associated with certain Western alternatives.

AWEIL officials reported receiving an encouraging response from African military representatives during the exhibition.

Interested countries are expected to be invited to observe live firing demonstrations to evaluate the gun's operational capabilities and performance. The growing overseas attention comes as production of the Dhanush platform gathers momentum in India.

The Indian Army initially ordered 114 Dhanush guns, with more than 70 already delivered.

The remaining systems are expected to complete the original order, marking a major milestone for India's indigenous artillery manufacturing sector. The project experienced quality-control challenges and production delays during its early years.

However, design refinements, stricter quality assurance measures and improvements in manufacturing processes helped stabilise the programme and restore confidence in the weapon system.

The Dhanush is now expected to play a far larger role within the Indian Army.

India has approved plans for an additional procurement of around 300 Dhanush howitzers, a move that could significantly expand the Army's artillery capability. The proposed acquisition is expected to support the raising of numerous new artillery regiments and strengthen firepower along critical operational sectors.

Industry estimates indicate that such a contract could be worth several thousand crore rupees, making it one of the largest domestic artillery procurements in recent years.

For African nations, the Dhanush offers an opportunity to acquire a combat-proven artillery platform backed by increasing indigenous production and potential industrial cooperation.

The interest generated at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition reflects India's broader ambition to become a major exporter of defence equipment and a long-term technology partner for developing military markets.

With African countries continuing to modernise their armed forces and expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, the Dhanush howitzer could emerge as one of India's most promising defence export products in the coming years.

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Morocco-Built TATA WhAP 8×8 Takes Centre Stage At Marrakech Air Show

TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has showcased its Morocco-built WhAP 8×8 armoured vehicle at the eighth Marrakech Air Show, held from 7 to 10 October, underlining the company's growing ambitions in both the African and global defence markets, North Africa Post reported.

The vehicle is being manufactured at TASL's Berrechid facility in Morocco, which the company intends to develop into a regional production and export hub for defence equipment.

Alongside the WhAP, TASL is also displaying its LAMV 4×4 light armoured vehicle, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155mm howitzer, and a range of unmanned systems, highlighting the breadth of its land systems portfolio.

The Berrechid manufacturing complex, spread across 20,000 square metres, was inaugurated on 23 September 2025 by India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco's Minister Delegate in charge of National Defence Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi.

The facility marked a significant milestone for India's private-sector defence industry, becoming one of the country's most important overseas defence manufacturing investments and strengthening the industrial partnership between India and Morocco.

According to TASL, production at the plant commenced three months ahead of schedule, demonstrating a faster-than-planned industrial ramp-up.

Around one-third of the vehicle's components are currently manufactured or assembled locally in Morocco, with the localisation target expected to increase to 50% over time.

The company delivered the first batch of WhAP vehicles to the Royal Moroccan Army in December 2025 under a three-year contract covering 150 vehicles.

TASL has also indicated plans to manufacture approximately 400 WhAP platforms at the Berrechid site, supporting both domestic Moroccan requirements and potential export orders.

Jointly developed by TASL and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the WhAP is an amphibious infantry fighting vehicle designed to combine mobility, protection and battlefield versatility.

The vehicle weighs between 25 and 26 tons and is powered by a 600-horsepower engine.

It can attain road speeds of up to 100 km/h and offers an operational road range of roughly 500 kilometres.

Its protection package can be configured to meet STANAG 4569 Level-III and Level-IV standards, providing enhanced survivability against battlefield threats.

The Moroccan configuration displayed at the event features the Elbit Systems UT30MK2 remotely operated turret, significantly improving the platform's firepower while enabling protected operation from within the vehicle.

TASL is also promoting the ATAGS artillery system, one of India's most advanced indigenous gun programs, which is capable of engaging targets beyond 40 kilometres.

India signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore in March 2025 for the procurement of 307 ATAGS guns, reflecting growing confidence in the system's capabilities.

The company's LAMV 4×4 weighs approximately eight tons and is intended for a variety of protected mobility missions.

Meanwhile, the Sky-I unmanned aerial platform on display can remain airborne for as long as two hours, offering tactical surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

TASL has stated that its Moroccan operations are intended to function as a regional defence equipment sourcing hub, supporting its broader "Make for the World" strategy aimed at expanding Indian defence exports.

The initiative reflects a wider trend of Indian defence manufacturers establishing overseas production capabilities to improve market access, localisation and export competitiveness.

Nearly 200 companies representing 27 countries are participating in this year's Marrakech Air Show, making the event an important platform for showcasing emerging aerospace and defence technologies from around the world.

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India-Africa Partnership Must Keep Pace With Changing Times, Says EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called for a stronger and more future-oriented India-Africa partnership, arguing that both sides should deepen cooperation, promote self-reliance and jointly press for reforms of global institutions to secure fair representation in international decision-making.

Speaking at the Adwa Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa during his visit to Ethiopia, Jaishankar said India and Africa share common developmental ambitions, historical experiences and a commitment to a more balanced global order. He stressed that their longstanding cooperation in international forums must continue to evolve in response to contemporary challenges.

Linking the development visions of both regions, he noted that India is pursuing the goal of becoming a developed nation through its Viksit Bharat vision by 2047, while Africa is advancing its long-term continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063.

According to Jaishankar, both sides prioritise infrastructure, connectivity, technology, human capital, opportunities for women and youth, sustainability and economic self-reliance.

He argued that self-reliance remains central to sustainable development and provides a strong foundation for an enduring India-Africa relationship.

Highlighting growing economic ties, Jaishankar said India is Africa’s fourth-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade approaching $100 billion, equivalent to roughly ₹8.4 lakh crore at current exchange rates. Indian investments across Africa cover manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, financial services and information technology.

He encouraged Indian companies to expand their presence across the continent, stating that Indian businesses have generally contributed to local employment, value addition and economic growth in African countries.

Jaishankar said India’s engagement with Africa continues to be guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kampala Principles, first articulated in Uganda in 2018. These principles emphasise African priorities, local capacity-building, development partnerships, digital transformation, investment, skills development and a people-centric approach rather than traditional aid models.

Pointing to new areas of cooperation, he identified significant opportunities in digital public infrastructure, including digital identity systems, payments, financial inclusion and public-service delivery. He highlighted India’s experience with platforms such as UPI and wider digital governance systems as potential areas for collaboration.

The minister also argued that India and Africa face an international system that often underrepresents developing nations. He said deliberate resistance to reform has limited the ability of emerging regions to influence global decision-making and insisted that neither India nor Africa should remain underrepresented in key institutions.

Recalling India’s successful push to secure permanent African Union membership in the G20 during its 2023 presidency, he said the same logic applies to reforming the United Nations Security Council. He criticised the Council as both insufficiently representative and increasingly ineffective in addressing major global challenges.

According to Jaishankar, meaningful reform must go beyond adding seats and instead make global governance more democratic, responsive and representative.

He reiterated India’s support for fair African representation in both permanent and non-permanent categories of Security Council membership, consistent with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

Looking to the deeper foundations of the relationship, Jaishankar traced India-Africa links back several millennia. He said the Indian Ocean historically connected the two regions through trade, migration, cultural exchange and shared traditions long before the emergence of modern diplomacy.

He highlighted the role of Gujarati merchants along the East African coast and noted the lasting human connections created by Indian communities in Africa and African-origin communities in India. He cited the Siddhi community as evidence that the Indian Ocean served as a bridge rather than a barrier between the two regions.

Jaishankar also reflected on the shared legacy of colonialism, stating that both regions experienced economic exploitation, institutional weakening and the denial of human dignity under foreign rule. He said India’s support for African liberation movements stemmed from its own anti-colonial experience.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s years in Africa and their influence on India’s freedom struggle, he recalled Nelson Mandela’s famous observation that Africa gave India the Mahatma after receiving Mohandas Gandhi.

He reaffirmed India’s long-standing opposition to colonialism and apartheid, describing African freedom movements as closely linked to India’s own struggle for independence.

On emerging technologies, Jaishankar highlighted expanding cooperation in digital payments, space technology, drones and artificial intelligence. He noted that UPI has already been introduced in Mauritius and is being expanded elsewhere, while India’s capabilities in space and drone technology offer further opportunities for partnership.

Discussing artificial intelligence, he said India’s emphasis on an inclusive, responsible and human-centric framework aligns closely with the developmental priorities of many African nations.

In the health sector, Jaishankar described India as a dependable source of affordable medicines for Africa and recalled New Delhi’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said India supplied more than 40 million vaccine doses to 42 African countries at a time when many nations were turning inward.

He stressed that Africa’s long-term health security depends on building local manufacturing capacity and said India is encouraging pharmaceutical companies to establish production facilities across the continent.

EAM Jaishankar arrived in Ethiopia as part of a three-nation African tour that also included Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, underscoring India’s continued effort to deepen political, economic and strategic engagement with Africa and strengthen cooperation across the Global South.

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Beyond Bullets, Guns And Tech: India’s New Playbook For Africa’s Defence Market

India is stepping up its engagement with Africa’s growing defence sector, positioning itself not only as a supplier of military equipment but also as a long-term industrial and technology partner, Business Insider Africa reported.

The move reflects New Delhi’s wider effort to strengthen defence ties across the continent while supporting the development of local manufacturing capabilities.

At the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2026 exhibition, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) signalled their intention to expand their presence in African markets through strategic partnerships, local content integration and broader industrial cooperation.

According to AWEIL Joint General Manager Pankaj Kumar Dubey, many African nations are simultaneously enhancing their military capabilities and building domestic defence-industrial ecosystems. He said the company sees an opportunity to collaborate with African partners beyond traditional equipment sales, subject to government approvals and export regulations.

The company showcased a range of products at the exhibition, including assault rifles, carbines, machine guns, tank guns and anti-aircraft guns. AWEIL also highlighted its flagship Dhanush 155 mm artillery gun, designed to support target recognition and fire operations across varied operational environments.

Dubey noted that the artillery system is particularly suited to open terrain, semi-arid regions, mountainous areas and long-distance operational sectors where mobility, rapid deployment and reliable fire support are important considerations.

AWEIL’s manufacturing network comprises eight production units with expertise in advanced machining, barrel production, forging, heat treatment and precision inspection. The company believes these capabilities can form the foundation of deeper industrial partnerships across Africa.

The firm is also exploring opportunities for local assembly, component manufacturing, technology transfer, technical cooperation and joint production arrangements where regulatory and commercial conditions allow. Such partnerships would combine India’s weapon design and manufacturing expertise with African industrial infrastructure, skilled labour, market knowledge and proximity to end-users.

South Africa has emerged as a particularly important target market because of its well-developed defence-industrial base, strong engineering capabilities and strategic position within the wider African market.

India’s interest in Africa’s defence landscape comes at a time when the continent remains heavily influenced by established suppliers such as Russia, the United States, France, China and Türkiye. New Delhi is seeking to differentiate itself through industrial collaboration, training, maintenance support and technology-sharing initiatives.

India has also been strengthening government-to-government defence relationships across Africa. In July, India and Rwanda held the second meeting of their Joint Defence Cooperation Committee in New Delhi, where senior officials discussed military cooperation and reviewed opportunities for deeper engagement.

The Rwandan delegation visited an Army hospital involved in the medical cooperation program, met India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and received briefings on domestically developed Indian defence equipment.

In September, India and Morocco advanced discussions on expanding bilateral military cooperation during the inaugural session of their newly established Joint Defence Committee in New Delhi. The meeting institutionalised regular defence dialogue between the two countries and underscored growing strategic ties.

Talks between Indian and Moroccan officials covered joint military training, peacekeeping activities, cyber security cooperation and medical collaboration. Both sides also agreed to explore opportunities in joint ventures, co-production, defence technology development and equipment maintenance.

These developments form part of India’s broader strategy to increase its defence exports, deepen strategic partnerships and establish a stronger presence in Africa’s evolving defence market through industrial cooperation rather than purely conventional arms sales.

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EAM Jaishankar Champions Supply Chain Resilience, Global South Industrialisation And Strategic Autonomy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing a distinguished gathering at Ghana's Foreign Service Institute in Accra, outlined India's vision for stronger cooperation between India, Africa and the Global South amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

He emphasised that modern diplomacy must be capable of managing competition without allowing it to escalate into confrontation, while simultaneously encouraging cooperation even where interests may differ.

Highlighting India's transformation over the past decade, Jaishankar said the country's progress in the economy, infrastructure, digital connectivity, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and rising aspirations is positioning India as a major engine of global growth.

He stressed that national security today extends beyond traditional concerns and is closely linked to resilient supply chains, technological capabilities and the capacity to manufacture essential goods domestically. According to him, India seeks self-sufficiency in critical sectors while maintaining extensive international cooperation in others.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of resilient supply chains covering fuel, food, fertiliser and finance, arguing that recent global disruptions have demonstrated the vulnerability of many nations to external shocks. He also strongly advocated the Global South's right to industrialise and build domestic manufacturing capacities to support long-term development.

Explaining India's foreign policy approach, he said strategic autonomy remains a guiding principle. India believes partnerships should expand national options and opportunities rather than limit policy flexibility or strategic choices.

The minister highlighted India's digital public infrastructure and accessible digital ecosystem, describing them as tools for the democratisation of opportunities. He noted that India is willing to share its experiences and best practices with African partners seeking inclusive growth.

He further stressed the importance of transforming the youthful populations of both India and Africa into skilled, productive and empowered citizens. He pointed to India's expanding scientific and technological capabilities and called for the broader sharing of technological benefits across developing economies.

Reaffirming India's commitment to amplifying the voice of developing nations, Jaishankar cited the African Union's inclusion in the G20 during India's presidency as a significant step towards a more representative global governance framework.

He said India supports a reformed international order that advances the development, progress and prosperity of Africa and the wider Global South, reflecting contemporary economic and geopolitical realities.

The minister also highlighted India's growing engagement with Africa across trade, infrastructure development, capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, agriculture, healthcare and clean energy initiatives.

Stressing the value of deeper bilateral ties, Jaishankar remarked that a more capable India becomes a stronger and more effective partner for African nations. He reiterated that India carries Africa "in its heart" and seeks to build a partnership that will endure for generations.

The address formed part of Jaishankar's official three-nation visit to Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Ethiopia from 6 to 10 October. Ghana is the first stop of the tour, during which he is scheduled to hold discussions with political leaders and counterparts on trade, economic cooperation, development partnerships, capacity building, people-to-people exchanges and global issues of mutual concern.

In Addis Ababa, he is also expected to chair the Regional Heads of Mission Conference. The Ministry of External Affairs has described the visit as a reflection of India's continued commitment to deepening engagement with Africa and strengthening solidarity across the Global South.

During his stay in Accra, Jaishankar additionally met members of the Indian community and friends of India, praising their contribution to reinforcing the strong and longstanding relationship between India and Ghana while highlighting India's reputation as a reliable and effective development partner.

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EAM Jaishankar Meets Ghana President Mahama, Reviews Growing India-Ghana Partnership During Africa Tour

India and Ghana have reaffirmed their expanding strategic relationship as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama in Accra during the opening phase of his African diplomatic tour.

The meeting focused on the rapid progress in bilateral ties since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ghana last year, a milestone that elevated cooperation between the two countries and injected fresh momentum into their Comprehensive Partnership.

EAM Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi, while discussing opportunities to broaden collaboration in economic development, investment, capacity building and other priority sectors.

The Minister praised President Mahama’s development agenda and welcomed Ghana’s positive approach towards strengthening cooperation with India across diverse fields. The talks reflected the growing importance both nations attach to political engagement and development-focused partnerships.

Jaishankar’s visit to Ghana is part of a wider diplomatic outreach that also includes Côte d’Ivoire and Ethiopia. Throughout the tour, he will meet national leaders and foreign ministers to assess ongoing cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration.

Key themes of the discussions include trade, development projects, skills development, technology partnerships and stronger people-to-people contacts. Regional and international issues are also expected to feature prominently in the talks.

The Ministry of External Affairs has described the visit as an important step in advancing India’s long-term engagement with Africa and strengthening solidarity among Global South countries. Jaishankar will conclude the tour in Addis Ababa, where he is set to chair the Regional Heads of Mission Conference.

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EAM Jaishankar Calls UN 'Largely Irrelevant'; Says Must Reform As Security Council Gridlock Erodes Global Relevance

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has sharply questioned the effectiveness of the United Nations in addressing contemporary global crises, arguing that the organisation has become largely disconnected from major international decision-making because of persistent deadlock within the UN Security Council.

Speaking during a discussion at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar said the UN has struggled to play a meaningful role in some of the world's most pressing challenges, including conflicts in the Gulf, the war in Ukraine, disputes and instability across parts of Africa, and even the COVID pandemic.

According to Jaishankar, the principal reason for this diminished influence is the paralysis within the Security Council, which frequently prevents consensus on critical international issues.

He contended that the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects contemporary global realities or the interests of the wider international community. Highlighting how the UN has expanded from its original 51 member states to 193 countries today, he argued that maintaining an institutional structure rooted in the post-Second World War era is increasingly untenable.

Jaishankar said that expecting the same governing framework to function effectively despite the organisation's dramatic expansion was neither practical nor logical, stressing that the world body must adapt to the realities of the twenty-first century.

The External Affairs Minister also criticised countries that oppose UN reform while citing African interests as justification for delaying change. He noted that Africa has already articulated a clear and unified position during intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform and has formally laid out its expectations regarding future representation.

His remarks come amid growing international discussion on the demand for greater African representation within the Security Council. The African Union's long-standing Common African Position, embodied in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, calls for at least two permanent seats and additional non-permanent representation for the continent in any expanded Council.

Jaishankar argued that continued resistance to reform risks deepening perceptions of irrelevance and ineffectiveness within the United Nations. However, he emphasised that the solution is not to bypass the organisation but to revitalise it through meaningful institutional changes.

While acknowledging the significant contributions made by the United Nations over decades in promoting international cooperation, peacekeeping and development, he maintained that preserving its credibility now depends on its willingness to reform itself and better reflect present-day geopolitical realities.

India has remained one of the strongest advocates of comprehensive UN reform, particularly the expansion of the Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. New Delhi has consistently argued that the existing structure fails to represent emerging powers, developing nations and much of the Global South.

As part of that effort, India continues to work through the G4 grouping comprising India, Japan, Brazil and Germany, while also coordinating with the L.69 Group and a broad coalition of developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America to build support for a more representative Security Council.

India has also intensified engagement with Global South nations on the issue, arguing that reform is essential to improve the legitimacy, credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations system.

Any restructuring of the Security Council would require amendments to the UN Charter, a process that demands broad support among member states as well as approval from the existing permanent members, making reform one of the most challenging institutional changes in international diplomacy.

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EAM Jaishankar Underscores India’s Expanding Global Reach, Strategic Autonomy And Africa Ties At Raisina Forum

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engaged with young diplomats attending the Raisina Forum for Future of Diplomacy 2026 in New Delhi, outlining India’s expanding role on the global stage and the priorities shaping its foreign policy.

During the interaction, Jaishankar highlighted India’s growing international footprint, driven by increasing trade links, development partnerships and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) initiatives across different regions. He noted that these engagements have strengthened India’s standing as a trusted development and cooperation partner.

He also pointed to the emergence of a more globally mobile workforce, with skilled Indian professionals contributing across sectors worldwide.

According to Jaishankar, this trend has brought greater responsibilities for the Government in safeguarding the welfare of the Indian diaspora, including seafarers working abroad.

Emphasising the importance of independent decision-making in foreign affairs, the Minister said strategic autonomy remains essential for countries navigating an increasingly complex international environment.

He suggested that nations must retain the ability to pursue their own interests while adapting to shifting geopolitical realities.

On India’s engagement with Africa, Jaishankar described the partnership as increasingly focused on technology sharing, capacity building and the transfer of expertise and experience. He indicated that cooperation is evolving beyond traditional development assistance towards long-term capability enhancement and mutually beneficial growth.

The Minister also reaffirmed India’s support for peace, dialogue and diplomacy as key tools for addressing international challenges. At the same time, he acknowledged that conducting foreign policy has become more demanding in the age of social media, where developments unfold rapidly and public scrutiny is immediate.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed discussions on cooperation among emerging and middle powers at the Munich Leaders Meeting (MLM) New Delhi. He thanked Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger for the opportunity to exchange views on the subject.

Speaking on the changing international order, Jaishankar observed that emerging and middle powers from both the Global South and the Global North share a common aspiration to play a more influential role in global affairs. He said these countries are increasingly aware of the strengths and capabilities they bring to international discussions.

The Minister identified several trends shaping this debate, including the repositioning of the United States, China’s rise, intensifying strategic competition and growing global interdependence. These developments, he argued, are encouraging countries to reassess their partnerships and engagement strategies.

He said emerging and middle powers are increasingly focused on de-risking and diversifying relationships while pursuing issue-based cooperation. This approach, he added, is contributing to a world characterised by multipolarity, multi-alignment and the formation of flexible, smaller coalitions.

Jaishankar further argued that emerging and middle powers have the potential to craft a broad and practical agenda for reforming global institutions. Such cooperation, he said, could play an important role in advancing a more representative and effective multilateral system.

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DRDO Markets ASTRA MK-1 Missile To African Su-30 Operators At AAD 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is actively marketing India's indigenous ASTRA MK-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile to African nations operating Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets.

Ethiopia, Uganda, Angola and Algeria have been identified as potential buyers, with the missile being pitched as a replacement or supplementary BVR weapon for their existing Su-30 fleets.

The ASTRA MK-1, already integrated with the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fleet, offers a range exceeding 110 km in head-on engagements.

The missile features an indigenous active Ku-band radar seeker and is mechanically and electrically compatible with Russian AKU-58 and APU-170 launch pylons, making integration straightforward for existing Su-30 operators.

Algeria's Air Force, operating approximately 50 Su-30MKA aircraft, represents the largest potential market among the four nations. The Ethiopian Air Force, Uganda People's Defence Force Air Wing, and National Air Force of Angola also operate variants of the Su-30 family, creating a combined potential market for India's defence exporters.

DRDO showcased a scale model of the ASTRA MK-1 at the India Pavilion during AAD 2026 in South Africa, presenting it alongside other Indian defence systems. The pitch aims to offer African Su-30 operators a modern BVR capability without requiring them to replace their existing fighter fleets.

The missile employs inertial guidance with mid-course correction and terminal active radar homing, enabling all-weather beyond-visual-range engagements. It has completed integration with both the Su-30MKI and TEJAS MK-1A, with successful test launches from the Su-30MKI against high-speed unmanned aerial targets reported in July 2025.

India is positioning the ASTRA MK-1 as a direct substitute for Russian R-77 missiles on Su-27, Su-30, Su-35 and MiG-29 aircraft globally. DRDO is offering free integration of the missile into existing Su-30 fleets as part of broader upgrade programs, or bundling it with TEJAS MK-1A contracts to encourage adoption.

The ASTRA MK-1 is now in full-rate production for India's domestic requirements, with technology transfer to private companies planned to boost production capacity and support export orders. The missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 4 and can reach altitudes of up to 20 km, making it highly effective for air combat scenarios.

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India's Accord Software Makes Global Debut At Africa Defence Expo With Advanced Anti-Drone And GNSS Jamming Systems

India’s Accord Software and Systems has made its debut at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo 2026, held at Waterkloof Air Force Base in South Africa.

With the destructive capabilities of drones dominating current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the spotlight has shifted to counter-uncrewed aircraft systems, and Accord’s participation marks a significant milestone in this evolving domain.

The Bangalore-based company showcased its electronic warfare systems, including long-range Global Navigation Satellite System jammers and wideband anti-drone technology.

Senior Vice President Jitendra Sethi emphasised that Accord possesses a very large product line in the GNSS domain, primarily GNSS receivers for strategic applications in Indian missiles and satellites for land and naval systems.

The company has now diversified into electronic warfare, focusing on GNSS jamming of constellations such as GPS from the United States, GLONASS from Russia, BeiDou from China, and Galileo from the European Union.

Sethi explained that effective counter-drone operations require GNSS jamming, RF jamming, electro-optical capability, and radar. Accord currently specialises in RF jamming and GNSS jamming. Their systems can detect RF signals up to 12 km and jam them up to 10 km. In the GNSS domain, they can jam signals up to 80 km using directional antennas, ensuring that targets within the beam are completely neutralised.

He highlighted that with omni-directional antennas, Accord can create a GPS bubble or GNSS firewall, jamming drones from any direction. This dome has a radius of about 10 km and is fully effective provided there is a clear line of sight.

Weather conditions do not affect GNSS or RF jamming. The equipment can be deployed at fixed ground installations, mounted on vehicles for mobility, or integrated onto naval vessels, offering versatile operational flexibility.

Sethi also noted that if Accord were to enter into a deal with a foreign country, they would establish a product support line with a local partner. He stressed that as drones evolve, Accord is continuously upgrading its technology in GNSS and RF jamming, backed by a ten-year roadmap to stay ahead in the technological race.

Accord’s debut at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo underscores India’s growing footprint in global defence exhibitions and highlights the country’s private sector contribution to electronic warfare and counter-drone technologies.

The company’s presence reflects India’s ambition to position itself as a key player in advanced defence systems, aligning with the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and strengthening international defence collaborations.

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DRDO Showcases Indigenous Defence Systems At Africa Aerospace And Defence Expo 2026

DRDO has begun showcasing its latest indigenous defence technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Expo in Tshwane, South Africa, marking India’s growing presence in the global defence market.

The exhibition highlights advanced systems such as ASTRA MK-1, Akash-NG, AEW&C, and maritime reconnaissance platforms, while simultaneously unveiling new industry synergy initiatives back in New Delhi.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is participating in the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition from 16–20 September at Hangar 2, Stall 2W 15 in Tshwane, South Africa. The organisation emphasised that its participation underscores India’s indigenous defence capabilities and its commitment to strengthening international defence cooperation.

DRDO is showcasing its advanced weapons systems and cutting-edge technologies at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 Exhibition in Hangar 2, Stall 2W 15, being held from 16–20 September 2026 at Tshwane, South Africa.

The participation highlights India’s indigenous… pic.twitter.com/bEsuAUJ3LP

— DRDO (@DRDO_India) September 16, 2026

The major systems on display include the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR), the Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C), the Wheeled CBRN Reconnaissance Vehicle, and the PDDS-X Portable Diver Detection Sonar. These platforms demonstrate India’s ability to deliver advanced surveillance, detection, and reconnaissance solutions across multiple domains.

The exhibition also features the ASTRA MK-1 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile, the Akash-NG Surface-to-Air Missile, the Low Frequency Variable Depth Sonar (LFVDS), and technologies for an Active Protection System. These systems highlight India’s growing expertise in missile technology, air defence, and naval warfare solutions.

AAD is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines a trade exhibition with an air show. Held biennially in Tshwane, it attracts delegations from over 30 countries, with more than 250 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors. The event is regarded as a national asset for South Africa, contributing significantly to its economy during show years.

Alongside DRDO’s participation in South Africa, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled key policy initiatives in New Delhi during ‘VIMARSH’, a DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet. These initiatives include a comprehensive framework to lower technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech Start-Ups, offering direct funding, incubation support, and access to DRDO testing facilities.

A secure framework for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensee industries was also launched to accelerate software-defined defence capabilities and manage obsolescence.

Nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners, enabling commercial production of state-of-the-art systems. Strategic MoUs were exchanged with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) to expand industry outreach and foster grassroots participation.

DRDO also signed a contract with the Quality Council of India for the System for Advanced Manufacturing Assessment and Rating (SAMAR) version 2.0, which will benchmark the manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s defence industrial base and ensure quality standards across production.

In his address, Rajnath Singh emphasised that DRDO-Industry collaboration must extend beyond production to encompass research, design, testing, certification, and manufacturing.

He stated that DRDO brings knowledge and technology, industry provides scale, Start-Ups contribute innovation, and youth embody the vision of a New India. Together, these forces can achieve seemingly impossible goals.

He underlined that the vision of Viksit Bharat is not only to build an economically strong nation but also to make it technologically self-reliant, socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and strategically secure. By 2047, India aims to achieve Aatmanirbharta in critical technologies, significantly increase indigenous content, expand defence exports, and establish a robust presence in global supply chains.

This dual effort—showcasing indigenous systems abroad while strengthening industry collaboration at home—demonstrates India’s determination to position itself as a global hub for defence manufacturing and innovation.

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Tremendous Success: India’s BRICS Chairship Delivers Over 50 Breakthrough Outcomes Amid Global Consensus MEA Announces

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has hailed the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi as a major success, underscoring the country’s diplomatic ability to forge consensus among diverse member nations on critical global issues.

The MEA announced that the summit produced over 50 action-oriented outcomes spanning innovation, trade, and development, all consolidated in the New Delhi Declaration.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that the declaration reflects a shared commitment among BRICS members to champion the Global South and reform multilateral institutions. He noted that consensus was achieved on contentious issues, with all member states highlighting the importance of strengthening multilateralism and amplifying the voice of developing nations.

The spokesperson pointed out that the declaration contained strong language condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He highlighted the robust participation at the summit, which saw 32 delegations, including 11 member states, 10 partner countries, 4 regional organisations, and 7 international organisations. Several delegations were led by Heads of State and Heads of Government, reflecting the summit’s global significance.

India’s convening strength was evident as New Delhi successfully brought together countries with differing positions, paving the way for future opportunities. Jaiswal stressed that the outcomes were development-focused and practical, aimed at creating opportunities for youth, women, and broader populations across BRICS nations.

On the operationalisation of initiatives, the spokesperson explained that member nations would move into specialised working groups to implement agreements. The declaration covered political, international, trade, investment, innovation, and Start-Up related issues.

He noted that collaborative exercises would be advanced through working group formats, ensuring the over 50 outcomes are effectively pursued.

Regarding partner countries, the MEA clarified that the current declaration remains centred on full BRICS members, as the bloc is prioritising internal consolidation following its recent expansion. Decisions on partner country involvement will be taken in future editions of the summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic calendar was packed during the summit, with 15 bilateral meetings held with Heads of State and Government from Russia, China, Iran, and African nations, among others. These meetings covered bilateral ties, regional conflicts, maritime security, border peace, and the priorities of the Global South.

The New Delhi Declaration also expressed concern over escalating tensions in West Asia, calling for maximum restraint, protection of civilians, respect for sovereignty, and renewed efforts through dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability. It further stressed the importance of maintaining smooth global trade, supply chains, and energy flows in accordance with international law.

India’s chairship of BRICS has thus been marked by a strong diplomatic push, yielding tangible outcomes and reinforcing its role as a convening power in global governance reform and development-focused cooperation.

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PM Modi's 3-Day BRICS Diplomacy: 15 Bilaterals Span Russia, China, Iran and Africa

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded an intensive three-day diplomatic marathon on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, holding 15 sit-down bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Heads of Government.

The engagements, which ran alongside the summit's multilateral agenda, extended India's diplomatic reach from Russia and China to Iran, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Gulf, while reinforcing New Delhi's chairship priorities of resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

A Packed Diplomatic Calendar

The bilateral meetings were in addition to pull-aside interactions with various world leaders and heads of international institutions, giving a broad sweep to India's diplomatic engagement during its BRICS chairship. Among the most significant were PM Modi's meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with discussions covering bilateral ties, regional conflicts, multilateral cooperation, border peace, maritime security and the priorities of the Global South.

On Sunday, PM Modi also chaired the BRICS session on "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability: Shaping the Future for Inclusive Global Growth", where he outlined key initiatives under India's four priority pillars.

He said the grouping had placed emphasis on strengthening resilience amid growing conflicts, pandemics, climate disasters and supply-chain disruptions. He highlighted the BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases, Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines for disaster management and the BRICS Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework.

Under innovation, he highlighted the BRICS Incubator Network, the proposed BRICS Start-Up Innovation Fund and the BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, which will connect AI, geospatial technology and Digital Public Infrastructure with the needs of farmers.

The Prime Minister also said India had sought to ensure that BRICS cooperation remained inclusive and involved entrepreneurs, farmers, researchers, women, youth and ordinary citizens. "From my personal experience, I can say that the Global South countries' confidence in BRICS has grown, because within BRICS: Their voices are heard. Their experiences are respected. And solutions are developed not for them, but together with them," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the strength of BRICS lay in its diversity and cooperation and stressed that solutions developed within the grouping should be adaptable and accessible to the wider Global South.

Russia: Strategic Partnership Amid Geopolitical Uncertainties

PM Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 11 on the margins of the BRICS Summit. It was their second meeting this year, following their meeting on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people domains. They also welcomed Russia's International Industrial Exhibition "INNOPROM India", held in India from September 9-11.

The leaders discussed India-Russia engagement in the multilateral sphere, particularly BRICS under India's 2026 chairship, besides exchanging views on regional and global issues, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region that have affected maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers. PM Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts and said India stood ready to assist in peace efforts.

The two leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which the MEA said continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties. Putin invited PM Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which the Prime Minister accepted.

China: Steady Progress and Border Tranquillity

On September 12, PM Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders welcomed the steady progress in India-China bilateral relations since their last meeting in Tianjin in August 2025 and reaffirmed that both countries should take a strategic and long-term perspective of their ties. The two sides agreed that differences should not become disputes, while Modi highlighted the importance of three mutuals — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.

PM Modi also stressed that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained an essential basis for the continued development of bilateral relations and underlined the need for both sides to observe existing agreements and understandings on border-related issues. The two leaders expressed commitment to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question, proceeding from the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of the two peoples.

They also discussed people-to-people ties, cultural exchanges, business linkages and greater mobility, besides economic and trade issues, including structural trade imbalance, supply-chain issues and meaningful and predictable market access. The leaders agreed to continue expanding common ground on regional and global issues.

Iran: High-Level Participation Despite Challenges

PM Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on September 11 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. It was their second meeting in under two weeks, after they met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek. The two leaders discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, with PM Modi thanking Iran for its regular, high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings despite the challenging circumstances.

They also exchanged views on recent developments in West Asia, with Modi reiterating India's consistent position that all issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The Prime Minister underscored the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, safeguarding freedom of navigation and commerce and the safety and well-being of seafarers.

Africa And The Global South: Strategic Partnerships

On Sunday, PM Modi met Burundi President and African Union Chairperson Évariste Ndayishimiye. The two leaders stressed that the India-African Union partnership is a key pillar of cooperation within the Global South and discussed the early convening of the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit.

With South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, PM Modi reviewed the progress in diverse areas of cooperation and exchanged views on the multifaceted strategic partnership. In the context of the successful translocation of cheetahs from South Africa to India, Modi invited South Africa to consider joining the International Big Cat Alliance.

With Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha, PM Modi reviewed the multifaceted India-Nigeria relationship, with discussions focusing on trade and investment, defence and security, energy, agriculture, health and digital technologies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

PM Modi also met Ugandan Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo and reviewed bilateral ties, with emphasis on technology partnerships, capacity building, knowledge sharing, investment facilitation and private-sector collaboration. PM Modi reaffirmed India's support to Uganda's 'Vision 2040'.

Southeast Asia, Central Asia And The Middle East

With Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PM Modi discussed further cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, space, railway infrastructure, fintech, education, tourism, science and technology, innovation and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi also met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and reviewed cooperation in political, trade, defence and security, connectivity, energy, critical minerals, emerging technologies, creative economy and people-to-people ties.

With Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, PM Modi reviewed the strong momentum in the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership and discussed trade and investment, defence and security, technology, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments and stressed continued cooperation through BRICS to advance the priorities of the Global South.

On September 12, PM Modi met UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed and reiterated the significance of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, built on political, cultural, commercial, energy and people-to-people ties. The leaders also discussed cooperation in strategic and emerging areas, including defence, space, nuclear energy, technology and innovation. They noted the announcement by the UAE's International Holding Company of an investment of $11.5 billion (approximately ₹96,600 crore) in an integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha.

PM Modi also met Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and welcomed Vietnam's participation in the BRICS Summit as a Partner Country. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties and exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual importance. With Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi reviewed bilateral cooperation across trade and investment, defence and security, semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, energy, fintech, education, tourism and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi also met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.

Engagement With The UN Secretary-General

PM Modi also met UN Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders underscored the significance of multipolarity and the need to reform multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council, to reflect contemporary realities. They also discussed ongoing conflicts and freedom of navigation, sustainable development, human-centric AI, renewable energy and global food security.

The meetings came alongside the adoption of the New Delhi BRICS Leaders' Declaration, which expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia and called for maximum restraint and avoidance of actions that could further aggravate the situation. 

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India Strengthens Defence And Semiconductor Ties With Malaysia And Others On BRICS Sidelines

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meetings with the leaders of Ethiopia and Malaysia on the sidelines of the 18th Brics Summit have provided India with a fresh strategic and economic impetus. 

The discussions spanned defence cooperation, procurement, investment, mining and semiconductors, according to Government of India sources.

The meetings underscored New Delhi’s intent to expand partnerships with Africa and Southeast Asia. Both Ethiopia and Malaysia expressed interest in elevating their defence cooperation with India. 

Defence was a central theme, with talks covering joint personnel training and the possibility of procurement from India. This aligns with India’s broader push to expand defence exports and strengthen military partnerships through training, capacity building and equipment supplies.

The two countries also conveyed their willingness to encourage greater participation by Indian companies and investors in their economies. This is expected to open new opportunities for Indian industry as New Delhi deepens economic partnerships alongside its growing strategic engagement.

In the meeting with Ethiopia, the African nation specifically welcomed Indian mining companies. This signals scope for increased Indian participation in Ethiopia’s mining and mineral sectors.

The focus on mining comes against the backdrop of India’s interest in securing reliable access to critical minerals and strengthening commercial engagement with resource-rich African economies. Greater participation by Indian companies could expand bilateral economic ties beyond traditional areas of cooperation.

Defence also emerged as another important area in the India-Ethiopia discussions. Ethiopia showed keenness for stronger cooperation with India, including joint personnel training and defence procurement. This reflects Addis Ababa’s interest in diversifying its defence partnerships and India’s readiness to support capacity building in friendly nations.

The engagement with Malaysia placed particular emphasis on semiconductor opportunities. This reflects the growing importance of the sector in India-Malaysia economic relations.

India has been seeking to build partnerships across the global semiconductor supply chain, while Malaysia has emerged as a key player in assembly, testing and packaging. Discussions on opportunities in this sector could create avenues for greater cooperation between Indian and Malaysian companies.

Malaysia also expressed interest in strengthening defence cooperation with India, including personnel training and procurement. This mirrors the Ethiopian engagement and highlights the widening scope of India’s bilateral defence ties with emerging economies.

The discussions with both countries reflect India’s effort to move beyond traditional diplomatic and trade ties. The focus is now on defence manufacturing, strategic minerals, technology and industrial investment.

For New Delhi, these twin engagements reinforce its broader effort to build stronger partnerships with emerging economies while creating new opportunities for Indian businesses in strategically important sectors.

India’s outreach to Ethiopia and Malaysia on the Brics sidelines also complements its wider engagement with Africa and Southeast Asia. It demonstrates New Delhi’s intent to integrate defence, technology and investment into its foreign policy priorities, while positioning Indian companies to benefit from new opportunities in mining and semiconductors.

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Russia To Showcase Major Upgraded of Ka‑52E Attack Gunship For Africa After Battlefield Lessons

Russia is preparing to unveil a heavily modernised version of its Ka‑52E combat reconnaissance and attack helicopter at the El Alamein International Air Show 2026 in Egypt, Military Watch Magazine reported.

The move reflects Moscow’s determination to expand exports of a platform that has gained extensive combat experience during the war in Ukraine. Egypt remains the only foreign operator of the Ka‑52, which is significantly more expensive than other Russian attack helicopter types, making Cairo the leading potential client for the proposed upgrades.

The Ka‑52 has become one of the most extensively combat tested helicopters in the world, with modifications shaped by lessons from high‑intensity operations in the Ukrainian theatre.

The upgraded Ka‑52 will be showcased by Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. It incorporates the GOES‑451M gyro‑stabilised optoelectronic system and the 305E light multipurpose guided missile.

The GOES‑451M is designed to enhance detection, identification, and engagement of targets. Electro‑optical and infrared sensor systems are vital for attack helicopters operating at low altitude and over long distances, enabling crews to acquire targets while minimising exposure and allowing precision‑guided weapons to be used effectively.

The 305E missile is a compact precision weapon that provides helicopters with longer‑range strike capability. Its introduction is particularly significant because it allows the Ka‑52 to engage targets from much greater distances than older unguided rockets and short‑range anti‑tank missiles.

This reduces the need for the helicopter to approach heavily defended targets. The combination of the improved sensor system and the 305E missile marks a broader evolution in the Ka‑52’s role.

Rather than functioning primarily as a close‑support attack helicopter, it is increasingly positioned as a stand‑off precision strike system, using advanced sensors to identify targets and guided weapons to attack them from outside the immediate engagement range of many short‑range ground‑based air defence systems.

Rosoboronexport has described these modifications as part of a wider effort to integrate lessons from combat operations into Russian weapons and military equipment.

This potentially offers foreign operators access to capabilities developed through experience on one of the most demanding battlefields in modern warfare.

The company noted that clients were showing strong interest in Russian products modernised using combat experience. The Ka‑52 has been operated in diverse roles, including air defence against drones and the destruction of hostile armour, further underlining its versatility.

The presentation of the upgraded Ka‑52 at El Alamein is therefore not only a marketing exercise but also a strategic demonstration of Russia’s ability to adapt its combat platforms based on operational realities.

For Egypt, which already operates carrier‑based Ka‑52 helicopters, the upgrades could significantly enhance its naval aviation strike capabilities. For Russia, the export push underscores its reliance on proven battlefield systems to attract buyers in regions where demand for advanced attack helicopters remains strong.

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Beijing Deploys 700-Strong Naval Force Near Suez Route Amid Pakistan–Somalia Defence Push

China has deployed its 49th naval escort fleet with three warships, two helicopters and over 700 personnel to the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea corridor, while African states have announced a new anti‑piracy task force under the Djibouti Code of Conduct, Business Insider Africa reported.

These parallel moves highlight intensifying maritime security efforts around one of the world’s most strategic shipping gateways.

China’s 49th escort fleet departed Sanya on 12 August, comprising the guided‑missile destroyer Kunming, guided‑missile frigate Yueyang and comprehensive supply ship Luomahu. The fleet also carries two shipborne helicopters and dozens of special operations personnel.

This deployment replaces the 48th escort fleet and continues Beijing’s regular naval presence in the region. For the Kunming, this marks its first Gulf of Aden escort mission. The composition provides China with a mix of combat, aviation and logistical capabilities, enabling prolonged operations in high‑risk waters.

The deployment underscores China’s sustained naval presence since 2008, when it began regular escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and waters off Somalia. Over nearly two decades, Chinese naval forces have escorted thousands of vessels, rescued ships in distress and supported evacuations from conflict zones.

The latest mission reflects Beijing’s commitment to safeguarding global shipping routes and maintaining influence in strategic maritime corridors. The Kunming, a Type 052D destroyer, is equipped with advanced air defence and anti‑surface warfare systems, enhancing the fleet’s operational reach.

At the same time, African states are developing a new regional mechanism to counter piracy. Signatories to the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment have agreed to establish a Combined DCoC Task Force.

The initiative was announced by Chairperson Metse Ralephenya, who emphasised that renewed attacks on ships in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden require a collective regional response. The task force will allow coastal states to coordinate maritime operations, strengthen protection for shipping and seafarers, and reinforce regional ownership of maritime security.

Ralephenya noted that the resurgence of piracy demonstrates that the underlying conditions enabling such activity have not been fully eliminated, despite progress over the past decade. He stressed the need for sustained vigilance, stronger regional ownership and practical operational cooperation among coastal states.

The proposed force will operate under Working Group 3 on Operational Coordination and Cooperation at Sea. It is intended to complement, rather than duplicate, existing international maritime‑security operations such as the Combined Maritime Forces, Combined Task Force 151, EU NAVFOR and independently deployed naval forces.

The task force is not yet fully operational. Its final composition and the number and types of naval assets participating countries will provide remain to be determined.

Nonetheless, the initiative represents a significant step towards regional cooperation against piracy and armed robbery. It also reflects growing recognition that African states must play a more active role in securing their maritime domain.

The renewed piracy threat has emerged after years of declining attacks. Recent incidents have raised concern over seafarers being held captive aboard vessels, prompting calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

The instability around the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandab Strait has further heightened anxieties, given the corridor’s importance for global trade and energy flows. The strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, making it one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.

Together, these developments point to a layered security response around the Red Sea gateway. On one hand, African states are seeking to strengthen regional ownership through a new task force.

On the other, China continues its established naval operations, demonstrating continuity of its maritime commitment. The convergence of regional and international efforts reflects the urgency of protecting shipping and seafarers as piracy once again threatens global commerce.

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India Commands Strong Global Goodwill With Sri Lanka Leading At 79%, UK At 71%

India continues to enjoy strong goodwill across much of the world, according to the Pew Research Centre’s Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey.

The survey, conducted between 8 February and 13 May 2026, covered 36 countries and interviewed more than 42,000 people. It found that a median of 45 per cent of adults across these nations hold a favourable view of India, compared with 41 per cent who expressed an unfavourable opinion.

Sri Lanka emerged as the most supportive country, with 79 per cent of respondents viewing India positively. This exceptionally high rating highlights the depth of cultural, economic, strategic and people-to-people ties between the two neighbours. It also reinforces India’s growing significance in the Indian Ocean region, where Colombo has increasingly aligned with New Delhi on matters of trade, connectivity and maritime security.

India’s favourable image extends well beyond South Asia. Around seven-in-ten adults in Kenya and the United Kingdom expressed positive views of India. Majorities in Germany, Israel, Italy, Sweden, Japan and Thailand also rated India favourably, reflecting broad international recognition of India’s growing presence in economic, diplomatic and strategic spheres.

The United Kingdom recorded 71 per cent favourable views, Germany 63 per cent, and Israel 60 per cent, while Japan and several European countries also registered majority-positive assessments.

These figures come as India's diplomatic and economic engagement with countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Indo-Pacific has expanded significantly.

Europe emerged as a particularly positive region for India, with favourable views outweighing negative ones in several countries.

In Latin America, however, opinions were less clearly defined, with significant shares of respondents choosing not to express a view. This divergence illustrates how India’s global image varies across regions, though overall sentiment remains more favourable than unfavourable.

The survey also revealed striking contrasts among India’s neighbours. While Sri Lanka recorded overwhelming support, Pakistan showed only 7 per cent favourable views of India.

Turkey registered 15 per cent, and the West Bank and East Jerusalem recorded just 18 per cent, underscoring the sharp differences in regional perceptions. These figures highlight the challenges India faces in its immediate neighbourhood, even as it consolidates goodwill elsewhere.

Beyond South Asia, India’s expanding diplomatic and economic engagement has strengthened its image in major economies and influential countries. The findings suggest that India’s reputation is not confined to a particular bloc but is increasingly spread across diverse parts of the world.

This reflects New Delhi’s growing role in global affairs, including its rising economic weight, strategic partnerships and prominent position in the Indo-Pacific.

The overall picture emerging from Pew’s 2026 survey is of a country whose global reputation remains more favourable than unfavourable. With 79 per cent of Sri Lankans expressing a positive view and a global median favourability of 45 per cent, India’s international appeal is evident.

The survey underscores how India’s expanding influence across continents is matched by growing recognition of its importance in shaping global economic and strategic trends.

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