JAI: Rajnath Singh Reinforces India’s Strategic Ties With Japan And Australia At ASEAN Defence Summit

India’s close engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners was on display at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, the Philippines, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his counterparts from Japan and Australia.

In a symbolic show of solidarity, Singh shared a photograph alongside Japanese Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi and Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, captioning it: “JAI: Japan, Australia, India”. The image reflected the growing strategic alignment among the three nations in support of a stable Indo-Pacific region.

On the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus gathering, Singh held talks with Koizumi and explored ways to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between India and Japan.

Following the meeting, Singh stated: “Happy to meet with the Minister of Defence of Japan, Mr. Koizumi Shinjiro, on the sidelines of the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu, Philippines.”

Emphasising the broader strategic significance of the partnership, he added: “Our shared commitment remains vital for a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.”

Koizumi thanked Singh for the warm welcome and productive discussions, while reaffirming Japan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India across a range of sectors, including defence.

Singh also held a bilateral meeting with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The discussions focused on reviewing ongoing defence cooperation and identifying new avenues for closer coordination between the two countries.

Underscoring the importance of the relationship, Singh said: “India places great value on its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”

The two leaders exchanged gifts as a gesture of goodwill and friendship during their meeting.

Singh also invited Marles to attend Aero India-2027, which is scheduled to take place in Bangalore in February 2027.

The meetings highlighted India’s continued efforts to strengthen defence and security partnerships with like-minded regional powers amid increasing emphasis on maintaining stability, security and freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific.

ADMM is ASEAN’s highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism, while ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners: India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The platform is designed to promote practical security cooperation, confidence-building and dialogue on regional defence challenges.

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Defence Minister To Push Indo-Pacific Security Agenda At ADMM-Plus, Hold Key Talks With US, Japan And Australia

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has arrived in Cebu, Philippines, to participate in the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where he will represent India in discussions on shared regional and international security challenges.

Upon his arrival at Cebu airport on Tuesday night, Singh received a ceremonial welcome from Major General Fabian M. Pedregosa (Retd), Undersecretary of the Philippines Department of National Defence.

Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain and Defence Attaché Captain ChandraKant Kothari were also present to receive the Defence Minister.

Following his arrival, Singh interacted with members of the Indian community as well as Filipino nationals at his hotel, reflecting the growing people-to-people connections between India and the Philippines.

On Thursday, the Defence Minister will address the ADMM-Plus forum and present India's views on pressing regional and international security issues affecting the Indo-Pacific and wider global environment.

Ahead of the visit, Singh reaffirmed New Delhi’s commitment to deeper engagement with ASEAN and continued support for stability, security and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific under the Act East Policy.

In a message posted on X, he said, “India is firmly committed to ASEAN centrality and the peace, stability, and collective growth of the Indo-Pacific region under our Act East Policy.”

On the sidelines of the summit, Singh is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with defence counterparts from participating nations. These engagements will include discussions with ministers from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam and South Korea.

The meetings are expected to review existing defence cooperation, strengthen strategic relationships and explore new opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The ADMM-Plus is regarded as the premier defence consultation and cooperation mechanism linking ASEAN member states with eight Dialogue Partners, including India, the United States, Japan, Australia, China, Russia, South Korea and New Zealand. It serves as an important platform for promoting practical defence cooperation, confidence-building and regional stability.

India has been an ASEAN Dialogue Partner since 1992 and has steadily expanded its security engagement with Southeast Asia. New Delhi's participation in the ADMM-Plus framework highlights its growing strategic role in the region and its support for a rules-based, peaceful and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The Philippines, which is chairing the ADMM-Plus in 2026, is hosting the high-level gathering in Cebu under the broader objective of strengthening regional cooperation and addressing shared security concerns through dialogue and collaboration.

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Australian Envoy Visits AUSTRAHIND 2026 As India-Australia Army Ties Deepen In Kerala

Australian High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, visited the ongoing India-Australia bilateral Army exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, underscoring the growing strategic importance of defence cooperation between the two nations. His visit comes as both countries continue to expand military engagement amid an increasingly complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the visit, Green highlighted India’s rising significance as a key security partner for Australia and stressed the strategic importance of the eastern Indian Ocean in linking the two countries. He noted that closer defence collaboration is essential for addressing emerging multi-domain security challenges while supporting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The Australian envoy praised joint military engagements such as AUSTRAHIND for strengthening strategic trust, enhancing operational interoperability and deepening military-to-military cooperation. Such exercises have become an increasingly important pillar of the broader India-Australia strategic partnership, which has expanded significantly in recent years across defence, maritime security and regional stability initiatives.

Reflecting on his visit, Green wrote on X: "As we deepen our strategic partnership, the links between the Australian and Indian armies become more consequential. I visited the 120 members of 13th Brigade undertaking Ex #AUSTRAHIND in #Keralam today. Train to fight - train to win."

The fifth edition of AUSTRAHIND is being conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram from 19 October to 1 November, with around 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army taking part. The exercise is designed to improve tactical proficiency, combat readiness, interoperability and operational coordination between the two armies while further strengthening mutual trust and defence cooperation.

Indian and Australian troops are participating in intensive joint combat training across jungle, island and coastal terrain. Activities include combat swimming, static slithering, ambush drills, drone manoeuvring and a range of combat-focused tactical exercises conducted under realistic operational conditions.

The Indian contingent comprises personnel from the Garhwal Rifles along with troops drawn from other arms and services. The Australian contingent is represented by personnel from the 13 Brigade.

This year’s exercise is centred on the theme “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate”. The objective is to develop a shared understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures required for operations in challenging island and coastal environments.

Training activities involve joint planning, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, tactical drills and coordinated combat operations incorporating both aerial and maritime elements. Troops are also focusing on the protection of vital installations and preparedness for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) contingencies, reflecting the diverse range of missions modern armed forces may be required to undertake.

In addition to field training, participating soldiers are exchanging professional experiences and operational best practices aimed at improving effectiveness, coordination and mutual understanding. Physical training and advanced drone manoeuvring exercises also form an important part of the program.

A notable feature of AUSTRAHIND 2026 is the participation of an observer delegation from New Zealand, marking the first time the exercise has included an observer component from a third country. The development reflects growing regional interest in defence cooperation among like-minded Indo-Pacific partners.

The previous edition of the exercise was held at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025, demonstrating the rotational nature of the engagement and the commitment of both armies to sustained military collaboration.

As India and Australia continue to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, AUSTRAHIND 2026 is expected to further enhance military interoperability, operational cohesion and mutual trust. The exercise also reinforces the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining peace, stability and security across the Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing geopolitical and strategic significance.

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India And Australia Launch AUSTRAHIND 2026 To Enhance Joint Operations In Coastal And Island Environments

India and Australia have commenced the fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, reinforcing their growing military partnership and commitment to security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The bilateral military exercise began on 19 October and will continue until 1 November. Around 120 personnel from the Indian Army and 120 personnel from the Australian Army are participating in the training activities.

The previous edition of AUSTRAHIND was conducted at Irwin Barracks in Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025, highlighting the annual nature of the exercise and the continuing defence engagement between the two countries.

India is represented primarily by troops from the Garhwal Rifles, supported by personnel from other arms and services. The Australian contingent comprises soldiers from the 13 Brigade.

The exercise is being conducted under the theme, ‘Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate’.

A key objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, operational coordination and jointmanship between the two armies while developing a shared understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures required for operations in challenging coastal and island environments.

Personnel from both nations will undertake joint planning activities, tactical drills and combat-focused training under realistic operational conditions. The programme will incorporate both aerial and maritime dimensions to simulate modern operational scenarios.

Training events are designed to improve the ability of both forces to conduct coordinated operations in littoral regions, strengthen surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and strategic installations.

The participating troops will also train for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions, reflecting the increasing importance of military support during natural disasters and regional emergencies in the Indo-Pacific.

The exercise provides an opportunity for both armies to exchange professional knowledge, operational experience and best practices developed through their respective deployments and training programmes.

A notable feature of AUSTRAHIND 2026 is the participation of an observer delegation from New Zealand, marking the first time representatives from the country have been associated with the exercise.

The inclusion of New Zealand observers reflects the broader trend towards deeper security cooperation among like-minded Indo-Pacific partners amid growing emphasis on regional stability and crisis response capabilities.

Exercise AUSTRAHIND has steadily evolved into an important platform for strengthening military-to-military engagement between India and Australia, two nations that have significantly expanded defence cooperation in recent years through joint exercises, strategic dialogues and maritime collaboration.

The exercise is expected to further deepen mutual trust, improve operational compatibility between the two armies and strengthen their capacity to work together across a range of contingencies, including peace support operations, humanitarian missions and regional security tasks.

By focusing on coastal and island warfare environments, surveillance operations and disaster response coordination, AUSTRAHIND 2026 seeks to prepare both forces for challenges commonly encountered across the Indo-Pacific theatre.

The exercise underscores the shared commitment of India and Australia to promoting peace, stability and security throughout the Indo-Pacific while enhancing defence cooperation through practical, field-based military training.

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Orbital Wins Landmark L&T UAV Propulsion Order With First Gen II Power Management System Deployment

Orbital Corporation has secured a new order from Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of India's largest engineering and defence companies, for three of its 350HFE heavy-fuel propulsion systems, built for Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Australia based business portal reported.

Each system will incorporate Orbital's proprietary Gen-II Power Management System, marking the first commercial deployment of the technology and making L&T the company's second customer in India.

The propulsion systems are intended for integration into L&T's Group-3 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle platform. Group 3 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are mid-sized tactical drones defined by the U.S. Department of Defence as having a maximum take-off weight between 55 and 1,320 pounds, operating at altitudes up to 18,000 feet, and cruising at speeds under 250 knots

The initial order will support platform integration activities and testing programmes before any potential transition towards military production. If development milestones are achieved successfully, further propulsion system orders could follow.

L&T selected Orbital after an extensive evaluation process that included technical due diligence, a visit to the company's Western Australian facility, inspection of its propulsion systems, and comprehensive bench testing. The assessment enabled L&T to validate engine performance against operational requirements before deciding to replace the existing engine solution on its UAV platform.

A significant aspect of the agreement is the debut of Orbital's Gen-II Power Management System in a customer application. The technology is designed to work alongside the 350HFE engine, providing an integrated propulsion and onboard power solution for advanced UAV operations.

The Gen-II Power Management System delivers up to 1kW of electrical power, doubling the available onboard electrical output compared with previous configurations. It also introduces remote engine start capability, propeller stop functionality and in-flight battery charging, features that can enhance mission flexibility and support the growing power requirements of modern unmanned systems carrying advanced sensors, communications equipment and electronic payloads.

For Orbital, the order represents an important step in expanding its foothold within India's rapidly developing UAV sector. The company specialises in heavy-fuel propulsion technologies for Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned aircraft and has increasingly focused on opportunities arising from India's push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and military drone capabilities.

The deal also strengthens defence industrial cooperation between Australia and India, aligning with the broader Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that encourages closer collaboration in advanced technologies and defence production. According to Orbital, the agreement provides further exposure to Indian military UAV programs and positions the company for additional opportunities as domestic drone development accelerates.

Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Orbital designs and manufactures integrated heavy-fuel propulsion systems for defence and commercial unmanned aircraft operators. Its current production range spans engines from 50cc to 350cc, enabling the company to address the full Group 2 and Group 3 UAV market while supplying specialist propulsion solutions for increasingly sophisticated unmanned platforms.

The latest order is strategically significant because it embeds Orbital's propulsion technology within a UAV platform being developed by one of India's foremost engineering and defence enterprises. 

Successful testing and eventual military production could substantially expand Orbital's presence in the Indian UAV market while providing commercial validation for its next-generation integrated propulsion and power management offering.

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India, Australia Seek To Fast-Track CECA And Maximise ECTA Duty-Free Exports

India and Australia have agreed to push for faster negotiations on their proposed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, or CECA, while reviewing the performance of their existing trade pact to ensure Indian exporters make full use of duty-free access to the Australian market.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism Senator Don Farrell on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Milwaukee, United States, on Thursday local time.

Goyal said the discussion focused on expediting the CECA, which is intended to build on the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, or ECTA, that came into force in December 2022.

The two ministers also examined prospective cooperation in pharmaceuticals, services, investment, agricultural technology and critical minerals. These sectors are expected to feature prominently in a broader economic partnership, particularly as both countries seek more resilient supply chains.

They reviewed ECTA implementation with emphasis on helping Indian companies utilise the tariff concessions available in Australia. Under the agreement, Australia has progressively opened all tariff lines to eligible Indian exports, providing zero-duty market access across the Australian market.

The CECA negotiations are expected to address areas that go beyond merchandise trade, including services, investment, professional mobility, regulatory cooperation and other market-access issues not fully covered by ECTA.

Earlier, while addressing the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s first Oceania International Conference 2026 virtually, Goyal said New Delhi and Canberra were also working towards a bilateral investment treaty.

He described India and Australia as complementary economies and said the two countries were seeking to develop a trusted and durable economic partnership.

Goyal called for stronger governance standards and deeper collaboration in innovation and education. He said Australian universities and Indian students offered a natural basis for expanding academic and skills linkages.

India was Australia’s fifth-largest trading partner in 2025, with two-way goods and services trade reported at about ₹4.52 lakh crore.

In FY2024-25, Australia exported goods and services worth around ₹2.88 lakh crore to India, while its imports from India were valued at approximately ₹1.62 lakh crore.

At the end of 2025, Australia’s investment stock in India stood at about ₹2.41 lakh crore. India’s investment stock in Australia was higher, at roughly ₹4.08 lakh crore.

The renewed push for CECA comes as both countries seek to convert the ECTA’s tariff benefits into higher trade volumes, wider Indian export penetration and greater two-way investment in strategically significant sectors.

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Global Air Forces Assemble In Jodhpur As Tarang Shakti 2026 Begins Operational Phase

The Indian Air Force commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday, following the inaugural ceremony held the previous day.

The multilateral air exercise runs from 26 September to 12 October 2026 under the theme 'Power in Partnership', highlighting the strength derived from collaboration, sharing expertise, and enhancing interoperability among partner air forces. Airspace up to 40,000 feet across Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Phalodi has been earmarked for these extensive manoeuvres.

According to the Ministry of Defence, seven Friendly Foreign Countries—Australia, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh—are actively participating in the exercise. Over 40 nations are attending the second edition in total, with dozens acting as observers.

The participating foreign aircraft include the American F-35 Lightning-II, French Rafale, Emirati F-16, Airbus A400M, Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), Lockheed C-130, C-130J, and KC-30A, bringing together a diverse mix of combat, airlift, and air-to-air refuelling capabilities. Six US F-35 stealth fighters and over 200 airmen arrived at Jodhpur, marking the platform's first-ever tactical mission participation alongside the Indian Air Force.

Building upon the successful inaugural edition in 2024, Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 offers participating air forces a vital platform for advanced joint training, exchanging operational expertise, and consolidating professional experience.

The participating contingents operate alongside the Indian Air Force, deploying frontline combat assets—including Indian Rafale, Sukhoi-30 MKI, TEJAS, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighters—and support elements across complex mission scenarios.

The ministry stated that the exercise facilitates professional interactions among aircrew, mission planners, and operational support personnel, placing heavy emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety, and a clearer understanding of operational procedures. The engagements allow forces to fly together, share practical experiences, and better understand each other's operating philosophies and capabilities.

This edition of Tarang Shakti encompasses a broader canvas beyond routine flying operations, incorporating a wide array of professional, cultural, and outreach engagements throughout the period. These activities feature a dedicated seminar, an industrial tour showcasing local defence ecosystem hubs to foreign contingents, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours, and structured yoga sessions.

These interactions offer valuable opportunities for professional exchange, exposing foreign partners to India's burgeoning indigenous aerospace and defence industrial ecosystem, while fostering camaraderie among international personnel.

Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides the Indian Air Force an ideal opportunity to demonstrate its operational capabilities, high professional standards, and institutional ethos, whilst showcasing India's expanding self-reliant aerospace and defence strength.

Guided by its overarching theme 'Power in Partnership', the exercise reinforces the critical value of international cooperation, operational interoperability, and mutual trust in establishing lasting partnerships among global air forces.

The exercise reaffirms India's firm commitment to constructive defence engagement and enhanced military cooperation to preserve regional peace, security, and stability, whilst bolstering strategic cooperation through shared operational experience.

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American Airpower Arrives In Jodhpur: Six F-35s And 200 US Airmen Debut At Exercise Tarang Shakti

American airpower has arrived in Jodhpur. Six F-35 Lightning-II fifth-generation fighter jets and more than 200 US Airmen have touched down in India for their first-ever participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed.

The deployment marks the debut of America’s advanced stealth fighter in a major multinational exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force, where the F-35 will fly alongside IAF platforms and partner air forces.

Tarang Shakti 2026, the second edition of the IAF’s largest multinational air exercise, is being conducted from 26 September to 12 October at Air Force Station Jodhpur and adjoining air bases.

Eight friendly foreign countries — Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE and the USA — are participating with air assets, while 32 nations are attending as observers.

Alongside the six US F-35s, the exercise features French Rafales, UAE F-16s, Bangladesh’s C-130J, and a wide mix of IAF fighters including Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, TEJAS, Mirage-2000, Jaguar and MiG-29, supported by AEW&C aircraft, transport planes and air-to-air refuelling tankers.

Mission sets include beyond-visual-range and within-visual-range air combat, dynamic targeting, air mobility operations, air-to-air refuelling, and combat search and rescue, offering significant opportunities for joint operations, interoperability and exposure to advanced air combat capabilities.

For the IAF, this is the first occasion to exercise with the F-35, a milestone that underscores growing defence ties with Washington and deepens familiarity with fifth-generation stealth operations.

Ambassador Gor’s social media post captured the moment: “American airpower has arrived in Jodhpur! Six F-35 Lightning IIs and 200+ Airmen are now in India for their first-ever participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti. Excited to see America’s premier fifth-generation fighters make its Tarang Shakti debut, flying alongside the @IAF_MCC and partners.”

With F-35s, IAF fighters and multiple partner air forces now in the same airspace, Jodhpur is set for some serious airpower action.

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French Air Force Contingent Touches Down At IAF's Base For India's Premier Exercise 'Tarang Shakti 2026'

The French Air and Space Force contingent has landed at the Indian Air Force station in Jodhpur for India's premier multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti.

This exercise holds significant importance for France, which is why their personnel travelled across the globe to participate on time.

The French contingent brought four fighter jets from the other side of the world under their Pegase mission, arriving directly from Indonesia.

Because India is a crucial global strategic partner of France, the French side wanted to demonstrate its deep commitment to working side by side with Indian forces.

France brought four jets across the globe, having been in the Indo-Pacific region because France considers itself an Indo-Pacific nation, and is bringing three additional jets to field a total of seven Rafale aircraft.

These seven Rafale fighter jets will work side by side with the Indian Air Force to execute complex mission manoeuvres.

This partnership carries a long history of deep relations, as India was the first international buyer to acquire Marcel Dassault aircraft, purchasing the Ouragan or Toofani jets back in 1952.

More than 70 years later, French forces are glad to return to India operating the Rafale, an aircraft they take immense pride in and are keen to share expertise on. The French personnel are looking forward to training with Indian pilots, having previously trained together in France during the Garuda exercises.

This marks the second time France is participating in India's large force employment air combat exercise, aiming to show that France remains a highly credible partner.

The joint drills highlight that both nations operate what they regard as the finest multi-role fighter aircraft in the world.

Regarding discussions surrounding India potentially acquiring another 114 fighter aircraft, French officials emphasize that India is a sovereign nation free to buy from any international partner.

While the French Air and Space Force represents the military branch, the aircraft are built by Dassault Aviation, a company whose fighters have served both nations exceptionally well.

Operating the same aircraft side by side will naturally make tactical coordination easier and facilitate the exchange of operational best practices.

The Rafale entered service with the French Air and Space Force inventory in 2005, giving French aviators extensive operational experience and valuable lessons learned. French representatives expressed enthusiasm to help India gain the best operational insights on flying and maintaining this advanced fighter platform.

India possesses a long and distinguished history of air force operational excellence and elite pilot training, which makes large combat exercises like Tarang Shakti extremely productive.

Beyond operating French-built Rafales, India fields various other fighter aircraft platforms in its fleet, making joint interoperability a major focus area during the war games.

When asked about regional threats and adversaries flying advanced capabilities, French military officials highlighted that the Rafale is the most advanced weapon system in their inventory.

The Rafale has seen extensive combat action, including recent operations defending strategic partners in the Middle East with outstanding success.

Addressing changing regional dynamics, officials noted that the world is increasingly unpredictable and dangerous, making it crucial to be ready to fight anywhere at any time. Through global deployments like the Pegase mission, France engages with key partners so that joint operations can be seamlessly executed if required in future contingencies.

Having state-of-the-art aircraft is critical, but continuous rigorous training, tactics development, and human pilot interaction remain the ultimate edge in air combat.

Dassault Aviation has also expanded its industrial presence in India through joint ventures, investing thousands of crores of Rupees in local manufacturing initiatives under Make in India programs.

India's defence spending continues to grow significantly, allocating major budgetary outlays exceeding ₹6,00,000 crore annually for modernising armed forces, including new procurement programs. Logistics and supply chain networks support these deployed fighter contingents, moving hundreds of tons of equipment across international air corridors.

Defence tech start-ups across the country are also contributing to aviation innovation, developing cutting-edge systems and advanced drone capabilities.

Strategic industrial partnerships involve bilateral trade worth billions of dollars, translating to multi-crore investment projects in defence manufacturing across both countries. French officials stated that continuous yearly joint training allows both nations to adapt their tactical doctrines as aerial combat technologies evolve rapidly.

Regarding joint development efforts for next-generation combat aircraft, military personnel focused on immediate operational readiness while expressing confidence in collaborative future projects.

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Indian Coast Guard Ship Shaunak Sails From Chennai To Kick-Start Historic Quad-At-Sea Observer Mission

In a prominent development for maritime diplomacy, the Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak has officially set sail from the port of Chennai to mark the commencement of the landmark QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India welcomed the start of this crucial maritime initiative aimed at bolstering overall operational engagement across regional waters.

The mission acts as a direct outcome of the key diplomatic decisions taken during the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi on 26 May 2026.

As the vessel departed the shores of Tamil Nadu, it embarked with six specialized sea riders representing all four member states of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, namely India, Japan, Australia and the United States.

The operational deployment is specifically designed to significantly enhance maritime cooperation, operational coordination and tactical interoperability among the participating coast guard forces and maritime agencies.

The Indian Coast Guard highlighted that this combined maritime exercise exemplifies a collective and steadfast commitment toward maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rule-based maritime order across the vital Indo-Pacific domain.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with India's overarching vision of MAHASAGAR, an acronym standing for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

By driving this mission forward, the Indian Coast Guard is reinforcing its enduring dedication to multilateral professional linkages, active collective engagement and the creation of a thoroughly secure maritime framework.

The origin of this cooperative framework dates back to 2025, when the inaugural edition of the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission was officially launched with international officers embarking on board the United States Coast Guard Cutter Stratton.

Following up on that foundation, the Quad Foreign Ministers agreed during their New Delhi conference in May 2026 that India would host the prestigious 2026 iteration of the ship observer initiative.

The vessel leading this leg of the observer mission, ICGS Shaunak, is a formidable 105-metre offshore patrol vessel displacing approximately 2,450 tons and equipped with advanced state-of-the-art navigation and communication apparatus.

Indigenously constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, ICGS Shaunak brings modern capability to the sea, featuring sophisticated equipment including a 30 mm CRN 91 naval gun, an integrated bridge system, and advanced machinery control facilities.

The ongoing mission provides an interactive sea-riding platform for naval and coast guard personnel to observe operational techniques, practice maritime search and rescue drills, and streamline joint protocol execution.

With maritime traffic continuously expanding through strategic ocean channels, such observer missions are intended to build deep operational trust and ensure rapid combined responses to humanitarian crises, piracy, and illegal maritime activities.

The deployment of ICGS Shaunak from Chennai symbolizes another major operational milestone for the Quad nations as they collectively navigate and safeguard key maritime passageways in the region.

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Rahul Gandhi Meets Australian Envoy Philip Green And LSE Scholar Susan Marks Amid Growing India-Australia Strategic Engagement

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green and Professor Susan Marks of the London School of Economics (LSE) in New Delhi.

The meeting was disclosed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which shared details of the interaction between the Congress leader, the senior Australian diplomat and the noted international law academic.

Professor Susan Marks is one of the leading scholars in the field of international law and human rights studies. She joined the London School of Economics in 2010 as Professor of International Law after previously serving at King's College London.

Before her tenure at King's College London, she taught at the University of Cambridge, where she was a Fellow of Emmanuel College.

Her academic work has focused extensively on international law, democracy, human rights, dignity, poverty, legal theory and the evolution of global governance frameworks. According to LSE, her scholarship seeks to bring insights from the radical intellectual tradition into the study of international law and human rights.

Marks is also a Fellow of the British Academy, one of the United Kingdom's highest academic distinctions in the humanities and social sciences. She was elected to the fellowship in 2023.

The meeting also drew attention because of Philip Green's prominent role in advancing India-Australia relations at a time when ties between the two countries are expanding across diplomacy, trade, technology, education, space cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.

Green, a senior Australian diplomat, has served in several major international postings, including Germany, Singapore, South Africa and Kenya before becoming Australia's High Commissioner to India in 2023.

The interaction with Rahul Gandhi came shortly after Green publicly praised India's growing influence on global affairs and highlighted New Delhi's increasingly important diplomatic role.

Earlier this month, Green described Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as leaders with significant standing on the world stage. He said the Ministry of External Affairs possesses some of the finest diplomats globally and credited both Modi and Jaishankar for enhancing India's international profile.

Green also noted that Australia's engagement with India has accelerated both through bilateral mechanisms and through the Quad grouping, which includes India, Australia, Japan and the United States.

According to him, the Quad is progressing rapidly and is becoming increasingly coordinated in its activities and objectives. He referred to the Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting held in India earlier this year and said the grouping continues to expand its scale, coherence and areas of cooperation.

Green stated that additional ministerial engagements are expected as the four countries deepen collaboration across strategic sectors. Discussing the Quad's Indo-Pacific agenda, the Australian envoy pointed to practical initiatives that can deliver measurable benefits across the region.

Among the priority areas identified were maritime domain awareness, strengthening regional connectivity and the protection and expansion of subsea cable networks. He also referenced the recent Quad tabletop exercise in Tokyo focused on advancing the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network.

According to Green, these initiatives demonstrate the Quad's intention to provide practical solutions and strengthen regional resilience. The Australian diplomat described India, Australia, Japan and the United States as a "democracy diamond" and said the four nations are playing a leading role in shaping a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

He emphasised that the effort is strategically significant for the future of the region and its economic and security architecture. On the bilateral front, Green highlighted agriculture and agri-tech as major areas for future India-Australia cooperation. He noted that Australia has already contributed significantly to agricultural development initiatives in India and expressed interest in expanding that engagement further.

Green said ongoing free trade discussions and sector-specific partnerships could create new opportunities to connect Australian agri-tech expertise with Indian requirements and capabilities.

Technology and healthcare were also identified as sectors with substantial potential for greater collaboration between the two countries. In the healthcare domain, Green drew attention to cochlear implant technology, which originated in Australia and has transformed treatment options for people affected by profound hearing loss.

He noted that variants of the technology are available in India and have been adapted to suit local requirements. Green said wider adoption of such medical innovations could significantly improve quality of life and enable individuals with severe hearing impairments to lead normal lives.

The meeting between Rahul Gandhi, Philip Green and Susan Marks therefore occurred against the backdrop of steadily expanding India-Australia ties, stronger engagement through the Quad, growing cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, advanced technology and education, and continuing discussions on the evolving international order.

The interaction also brought together key figures from politics, diplomacy and academia, reflecting the increasing importance of dialogue between political leaders, foreign policy practitioners and international scholars as India strengthens its role in global affairs.

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Chris Bowen Hails India As Climate Policy’s Indispensable Voice, Seeks Strong Partnership For COP31 Success

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has described India as the “indispensable voice” in shaping the future of global climate and energy policy, underlining New Delhi’s growing influence in international climate negotiations and its increasing importance in driving practical solutions to global energy and sustainability challenges.

Speaking at the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF) Pre-COP Dialogue in New Delhi, Bowen made it clear that India occupies a central position in the evolving global climate landscape and will be a critical partner in ensuring the success of COP31.

In a remark that drew considerable attention, Bowen revealed that he had a choice between visiting New York and New Delhi during the week, but deliberately chose India.

According to him, the decision reflected not only the importance of India to Australia but also the significance of India’s role in the broader COP31 process and the deepening relationship between the two countries.

Bowen said his decision to travel to India demonstrated the value Australia places on its partnership with New Delhi at a time when governments across the world are attempting to accelerate climate action while maintaining economic growth and energy security.

The Australian minister expressed his appreciation for India’s growing stature in climate and energy discussions, describing the country as an indispensable contributor to future policy frameworks.

Reflecting on his long association with India, Bowen noted that he first visited the country in 1998 and that his current trip marked his 14th visit. He said each visit had reinforced his admiration for India's scale, energy, innovation and economic transformation.

According to Bowen, India’s dynamism and capacity for innovation are increasingly shaping not only the future of the Indian economy but also the future trajectory of global climate efforts. He emphasised that India’s achievements in the climate and energy sectors are attracting recognition across international forums.

The Australian minister stated that the Indian experience is now regularly cited in discussions with policymakers and climate leaders around the world. Describing India’s development story as remarkable, Bowen said the country's progress deserves recognition and celebration.

He noted that when speaking with international counterparts, he increasingly highlights India’s achievements as evidence that economic development and climate action can advance simultaneously. Bowen's comments come at a time when India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy markets.

Over the past decade, India has significantly expanded its solar and wind energy capacity, launched major green hydrogen initiatives, accelerated renewable energy manufacturing and invested heavily in energy transition infrastructure.

These developments have strengthened India’s position within global climate negotiations, where developing economies are seeking greater recognition of their transition challenges and ambitions.

As President of Negotiations for COP31, Bowen explained that his visit to India was focused on building understanding, listening to stakeholders and fostering consensus ahead of the climate summit. He said meaningful progress in international climate negotiations requires cooperation among major economies and developing nations alike.

According to Bowen, consensus-building will be essential if COP31 is to deliver tangible outcomes rather than merely producing another round of discussions. He stressed that his role involves listening carefully to partners such as India and understanding their priorities before negotiations intensify.

Bowen stated that the objective is to create practical outcomes capable of generating measurable real-world impact. A central part of his message concerned the proposed Just Transition mechanism that COP31 is expected to deliver.

He said the summit would focus on ensuring that the global transition towards cleaner energy systems is conducted fairly and inclusively. The concept of a just transition has gained increasing prominence in international climate discussions because it seeks to balance emissions reduction objectives with employment protection, economic opportunity and social equity.

Bowen indicated that discussions at COP31 would seek to move beyond policy debates and translate commitments into implementation. He argued that negotiations on mitigation and climate finance must produce outcomes that directly influence investment decisions and project deployment on the ground.

According to him, progress in these areas can provide confidence to businesses, investors and financial institutions. Such confidence is necessary to accelerate research activities, technological development, financing flows and large-scale investment.

Bowen pointed out that stronger policy signals from governments can help unlock greater private-sector participation in clean energy projects. In his view, the climate transition will require close collaboration between governments, industry, researchers and financial institutions. The Australian minister also highlighted examples of practical cooperation already taking place between India and Australia.

Among the most significant initiatives he mentioned was the Australia-India Rooftop Solar Training Academy located in Gandhinagar. The academy represents a concrete example of bilateral cooperation designed to support workforce development within the renewable energy sector. Bowen said the institution is expected to train 2,000 solar technicians during its first two years of operation.

The summit is expected to bring together governments, international organisations, businesses, financial institutions and civil society representatives to advance global cooperation on climate action, energy transition, mitigation efforts, adaptation strategies and climate finance.

ANI

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Australia Formally Launches Global Campaign For UNSC Seat In 2029–30

Australia has formally launched its diplomatic campaign for a non‑permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2029‑30 term, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasising priorities such as climate action, AI regulation, and middle‑power diplomacy. The election will take place in June 2028, requiring a two‑thirds majority of the UN General Assembly.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the bid in New York during the high‑level week of the UN General Assembly.

He declared that Australia has never stood on the sidelines and has consistently contributed to building a safer and more peaceful world. He stressed that the campaign would be guided by listening with respect, partnering as equals, and protecting what matters most.

Albanese highlighted that Australia’s last term on the UNSC ended in 2014, and the new campaign represents a return to the Council at a time of global uncertainty.

He underlined that Australia punches above its weight internationally and can influence responses to pressing challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence. He also noted strong support expected from Pacific island nations and Southeast Asia, citing Australia’s close diplomatic ties in the region.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong reinforced the candidature by describing Australia as an active, ambitious middle power with a practical contribution to make to international peace and security. She emphasised that Australia would defend the UN Charter, protect civilians, and amplify the voices of small and mid‑sized states. Wong added that Australia’s vision is a safer world governed by rules rather than power and force alone.

Australia’s campaign platform is built on three pillars. First, advancing global regulation of artificial intelligence and digital safety, drawing on domestic legislative achievements such as social media age limits and ethical guardrails for AI deployment.

Second, prioritising climate resilience, particularly for Pacific island states, by advocating adaptation funding and stronger international commitments. Third, reinforcing multilateralism and rules‑based international law to safeguard trade corridors and regional security amid intensifying major‑power competition.

The UNSC comprises ten non‑permanent members, with five elected annually. Australia and Finland are the nominees from the Western European and Others Group for the 2029‑30 term. Other regional groups including Asia‑Pacific, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean will also nominate candidates. The election will be conducted by secret ballot in June 2028, requiring at least 129 votes out of 193 member states.

Australia’s announcement follows India’s launch of its candidature in July for the 2028‑29 term. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined India’s priorities, peacekeeping record, and commitment to multilateralism, noting that member states would assess both India’s vision and its track record in contributing to international peace and security.

Australia’s campaign is also framed by its historical role as a founding member of the United Nations and the first President of the Security Council.

Albanese reminded delegates that Australia has been a consistent voice for peace and security for more than 80 years. He pledged that, if elected, Australia would support bold reforms to ensure the UN remains effective in addressing future challenges.

Diplomatic analysts view Australia’s bid as a strategic effort to amplify Indo‑Pacific priorities, strengthen climate diplomacy, and shape global standards on emerging technologies. The campaign slogan ‘We Listen. We Partner. We Protect.’ encapsulates Canberra’s approach to multilateral engagement.

ANI

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QUAD Advances Logistics Network As India And China Seek Diplomatic Reset

Even as New Delhi works to consolidate a diplomatic thaw with Beijing, the Quad has advanced towards operationalising a logistics network designed to expedite humanitarian and disaster-relief operations across the Indo-Pacific.

Australia, India, Japan and the United States recently concluded a tabletop exercise in Tokyo aimed at driving forward the Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the four nations achieved significant progress in finalising standard operating procedures to establish a formal institutional framework for the network.

The drill, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Defence on 3 and 4 September, centred on simulated natural-disaster scenarios. Officials assessed methods for pooling logistical assets from all four partners to enhance coordination and interoperability.

This exercise followed the initial IPLN tabletop drill in Hawaii in April last year and a subsequent field training exercise in Guam in December. Alongside logistical planning, delegations discussed coordinating crisis-response and emergency relief efforts, while extending condolences to populations affected by recent flooding.

The IPLN was originally introduced as a civilian initiative at the Quad leaders’ summit in September 2024. It harnesses the logistics resources of the four countries strictly for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief purposes.

The Tokyo exercise took place immediately after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in New Delhi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The encounter marked Xi’s first visit to India in seven years.

During the talks, Prime Minister Modi stressed that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border is fundamental to restoring bilateral normalcy, emphasising adherence to established agreements and mutual understandings. Beijing, however, advocated for parallel progress, suggesting that bilateral cooperation should advance concurrently with efforts to resolve the boundary dispute.

Both governments noted the continued utility of active diplomatic and military mechanisms, referencing the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks held on 25 August and senior commander-level flag meetings on 6 and 7 September.

While the Quad consistently maintains that it is not a military alliance, focusing instead on maritime security, critical technologies and humanitarian assistance, Beijing has repeatedly characterised the coalition as an exclusive bloc designed for containment. New Delhi firmly rejects this perspective.

The conclusion of the Tokyo drill coincides with a broader sequence of bilateral defence engagements involving India and the other three Quad member states, underscoring the coalition’s expanding operational depth.

ANI

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India Deepens Quad Military Ties As Xi Arrives For BRICS Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS summit marks his first visit to India in seven years.

The timing is significant as the Indian military is simultaneously engaged with all three other Quad partners, underscoring New Delhi’s balancing act between dialogue with Beijing and deepening defence cooperation with the United States, Japan and Australia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began bilateral meetings with visiting BRICS leaders on Friday, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

A meeting between Modi and Xi is being arranged on the margins of the summit, where the two leaders are expected to review progress in bilateral ties following the disengagement of troops from several friction points along the Line of Actual Control.

China has repeatedly criticised the Quad, describing it as an “anti‑China front line” and “mini NATO”, accusing it of bloc confrontation. The four members, however, maintain that the Quad is not a military alliance, but the timing of India’s engagements with its partners highlights the strategic convergence taking place.

The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas with the US Army began on Wednesday and will continue until the end of the month. For the first time, the exercise is being conducted across two theatres, with contingents training at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges near Bikaner before moving to Auli in Uttarakhand, roughly 95 kilometres from the LAC.

The drill has expanded well beyond its original peacekeeping orientation to include long‑range fires, high‑altitude operations, air mobility, logistics and counter‑unmanned aerial systems.

In parallel, the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self‑Defence Force began Exercise Veer Guardian‑26 at Jodhpur. The two‑week exercise features Japanese F‑2A fighters alongside IAF Tejas, Su‑30MKI and Rafale aircraft.

Both sides are undertaking advanced operational missions and professional exchanges. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and his Japanese counterpart General Takehiro Morita are expected at the base during the drill and are likely to fly sorties.

Meanwhile, Navy chief Admiral Krishna Swaminathan began his visit to Australia on Wednesday, focusing on operational interaction, interoperability, information‑sharing, training and professional exchanges with the Royal Australian Navy and Australian defence leadership.

He will subsequently engage New Zealand’s defence leadership. India and Australia already have a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and conduct AUSINDEX, while Australia has participated in Malabar with India, the US and Japan since 2020.

The maritime engagement assumes greater importance as the People’s Liberation Army Navy expands operations beyond China’s near seas. Chinese warships, submarines and survey vessels have become a persistent presence in the Indian Ocean, while Beijing’s military base at Djibouti provides a foothold for sustained operations in the western Indian Ocean.

India has responded by building a wider maritime picture through mission‑based deployments and information‑sharing with partner countries. The Information Fusion Centre‑Indian Ocean Region at Gurugram hosts liaison officers from several partner navies and is intended to improve maritime‑domain awareness and the exchange of operational information.

The convergence of these military engagements with Xi’s visit underscores the complexity of India’s strategic environment. On one hand, New Delhi is hosting the Chinese leader for dialogue at the BRICS summit. On the other, it is reinforcing defence ties with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, signalling its intent to maintain balance and readiness in a contested Indo‑Pacific.

Agencies

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