India Secures Sixth Place (Technically 3rd Most Powerful) In Global Air Powers Ranking As Pakistan Air Force Is Ranked 18th

The Indian Air Force has been ranked sixth globally in the WDMMA 2026 Global Air Powers Rankings with a True-Value-Rating (TvR) of 69.4, while the Pakistan Air Force sits at 18th place with a TvR of 46.3 and 879 aircraft units. Despite Pakistan’s claims of aerial superiority, the rankings show India far ahead, even edging out China’s much larger fleet.

The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (WDMMA) released its latest Global Air Powers Rankings for 2026. The Indian Air Force (IAF) was placed sixth, ahead of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), which came seventh. The IAF operates 1,716 aircraft units compared to China’s 3,733, yet India’s TvR of 69.4 surpassed China’s 63.8. This highlights that numerical strength alone does not determine ranking, with factors such as modernisation, logistics, and force balance playing a decisive role.

The top five positions were dominated by the United States. The US Air Force led with a TvR of 242.9 and 5,004 aircraft units. The US Navy followed with 142.4 TvR and 2,504 units. Russia’s Air Force was third with 114.2 TvR and 3,677 units. The US Army came fourth with 112.6 TvR and 4,333 units, while the US Marines secured fifth place with 85.3 TvR and 1,211 units.

Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF), despite its frequent assertions of aerial dominance, was ranked 18th. It achieved a TvR of 46.3, narrowly surpassing Germany’s Air Force at 46.2. The PAF’s fleet size stood at 879 aircraft units. This position reflects Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese-supplied aircraft such as the JF-17 and J-10C, alongside its ageing US-supplied F-16s. The ranking suggests that while Pakistan has a sizeable fleet, its overall capability mix and modernisation levels lag behind India.

The WDMMA rankings also separately assessed aviation assets of naval and army divisions. The Indian Navy, with 232 aircraft units, was ranked 27th with a TvR of 41.2. The Indian Army, operating 540 units, was placed 36th with a TvR of 30.0. China’s Navy aviation branch was ranked 15th with 436 units and a TvR of 49.3, while the PLA’s army aviation came 35th with 1,188 units and a TvR of 31.3. Pakistan’s Navy and Army aviation did not feature in the list, indicating limited aerial assets outside its air force.

The rankings covered 107 air services worldwide. At the bottom were Syria and Afghanistan, reflecting their limited operational capabilities. Other notable entries in the top ten included Japan at eighth with 58.1 TvR and 756 units, Israel at ninth with 56.3 TvR and 581 units, and France at tenth with 55.3 TvR and 511 units. Russia, France, and Israel—all key defence partners of India—were thus firmly within the top tier.

The WDMMA’s methodology goes beyond counting aircraft. It evaluates quality, balance of inventory, special mission capabilities, and local aerospace industry strength. This explains why India, with fewer aircraft than China, ranks higher due to its modernisation drive, including Rafale fighters and indigenous Tejas jets, alongside strong logistical support and training infrastructure.

Pakistan’s position at 18th underscores its challenges. While it has sought to modernise through Chinese partnerships, including potential acquisitions of J-35 stealth fighters, its current fleet composition and industrial base remain limited compared to India. The absence of naval and army aviation assets in the rankings further highlights Pakistan’s narrower scope of aerial capability.

The Global Air Powers Rankings top 10 list goes as follows:

Country	Service	TvR	Aircraft Units
United States	Air Force	242.9	5,004
United States	Navy	142.4	2,504
Russia	Air Force	114.2	3,677
United States	Army	112.6	4,333
United States	Marines	85.3	1,211
India	Air Force	69.4	1,716
China	Air Force	63.8	3,733
Japan	Air Force	58.1	756
Israel	Air Force	56.3	581
France	Air Force	55.3	511

Agencies

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India Positioned As Indispensable Anchor of Global Order, Says Ambassador Kwatra

Indian Ambassador to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra delivered a powerful address at the IX USISPF Leadership Summit 2026 in Washington DC, where he declared that India’s rapid economic transformation and systemic stability have elevated the nation far beyond a regional player, making it “an indispensable anchor of the global order.”

His remarks were directed at global policymakers and industry leaders, outlining New Delhi’s ambitious macroeconomic trajectory.

Ambassador Kwatra detailed a structured path designed to propel India into a $25 to $30 trillion economic powerhouse by 2047. He explained that this trajectory is underpinned by democratic resilience and India’s unique ability to navigate complex global disruptions. He emphasised that India’s expanding global footprint is not accidental but the result of three fundamental pillars working in tandem.

He identified these pillars as India’s focus on economic growth and national prosperity, the global disruptions that present both challenges and opportunities, and the transformative measures within India itself.

These measures have already catapulted India into a $4.3 trillion economy, with projections to reach $7 trillion by the end of this decade, $14 trillion by the mid-2030s, and ultimately $25 to $30 trillion by 2047.

Kwatra stressed that this intrinsic domestic strength directly influences how India builds international alliances, creating a predictable and low-risk environment for global businesses.

He explained that India’s democratic values underpin its ability to form strong, trusted, and reliable partnerships worldwide, making it a unique enabler in the international system.

Responding to traditional foreign policy rhetoric that often describes India as a “bridge” between East and West or North and South, Kwatra reframed the narrative. He asserted that Prime Minister Modi’s India is not merely a bridge but an indispensable anchor of global order, economic growth, stability, trust, and reliability. This, he argued, reflects India’s institutional weight in the evolving global landscape.

He also referred to India’s diplomatic engagements, noting that recent visits and initiatives fit into this broader framework of India’s rising global role. On the upcoming G20 Summit 2026 in Miami, Florida, Kwatra highlighted India’s achievements during its G20 Presidency. He recalled that India had achieved a unique consensus during its presidency, something not possible in previous summits.

Looking ahead, Kwatra expressed confidence in working closely with the United States and other G20 partners to ensure successful outcomes at the December summit. He underscored that India’s ability to build consensus and foster cooperation is a testament to its growing influence and indispensable role in shaping global governance.

India’s rise, as outlined by Kwatra, is therefore not only about economic numbers but about systemic stability, democratic resilience, and the ability to anchor global order in times of disruption. His remarks reinforced the perception of India as a nation whose trajectory is reshaping the global economic and diplomatic landscape.

ANI

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From Legacy To Lethality: India's Armed Forces Must Reforge For Tomorrow’s Battlefield

Recent conflicts have revealed two distinct patterns of warfare. The first involves neighbouring states engaged in territorial disputes, as seen in the Azerbaijan-Armenia wars of 2020 and 2023 and the ongoing Russo-Ukraine conflict.

The second occurs when a state or alliance without a shared border seeks to impose its will, exemplified by the US-Israel-Iran confrontation. India, with territorial disputes involving two neighbours, falls squarely into the first category.

Technology has profoundly shaped these wars. In the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, rockets, drones, missiles, electronic warfare systems and loitering munitions were employed with devastating effect. Armenia was forced into a ceasefire after suffering heavy losses from coordinated strikes using Turkish UAVs and loitering ammunition.

The Russo-Ukraine war has demonstrated even more imaginative applications of technology. Russia initially gained the upper hand as Ukraine lacked UAV and counter-UAV capabilities. As the war progressed, Ukraine’s innovative use of UAVs and commercial satellites made the battlefield transparent, while armed robots and drones added destructive power. Surprise became impossible, and large mechanised formations were rendered ineffective.

Russian mechanised forces adapted by incorporating counter-drone and loitering munition capabilities, while tactics shifted to smaller, dispersed teams supported by UAVs and firepower. Ukraine, despite extensive use of UAVs and robots to compensate for manpower shortages, found that territorial defence still required boots on the ground.

Land forces remain indispensable in conflicts centred on territorial disputes. Airpower too has evolved. Russia’s superior air force suffered heavy losses against Ukraine’s layered air defences, forcing it to avoid contested airspace and rely on long-range precision weapons such as cruise missiles and glide bombs. This reduced close air support for ground troops, compelling them to be self-reliant.

Russia has targeted Ukraine’s industrial complexes, energy infrastructure and supply depots with UAVs and missiles launched from deep within its territory. Ukraine’s strikes on Russian air bases forced Moscow to relocate its air assets further back.

On the frontlines, FPV drones and loitering munitions are critical for surveillance and targeting. UAVs and ground drones are also used for re-supply and casualty evacuation. Anti-jamming modifications and defensive anti-drone nets have become commonplace.

In contrast, the US-Israel-Iran conflict is shaped by airpower and missile exchanges rather than territorial disputes, highlighting the different dynamics of wars without shared borders.

India’s Operation Sindoor mirrored aspects of the Russo-Ukraine model. With Pakistan fielding Chinese air defence systems, India relied on long-range precision weapons, loitering munitions and BrahMos missiles launched from within its own territory to strike Pakistani air defences and bases.

India’s S-400 system achieved a record-breaking kill of a Pakistani AEW&C aircraft at 314 km. Both sides kept their airpower within national borders to avoid losses.

This reflects the growing complexity of future conflicts, where air operations close to borders or inside enemy territory will only be feasible once adversary air defences are neutralised, which is unlikely in short wars.

Sindoor differed from Operation Bandar in 2019, where dogfights over Balakot led to losses on both sides. During Sindoor, Indian artillery employed precision-guided munitions to degrade terrorist camps and posts.

Since then, the Indian Army has inducted UAVs and loitering munitions down to battalion level to strengthen ground troops. It is restructuring firepower with long-range precision weapons and raising Rudra brigades and Integrated Battle Groups to replace large mechanised formations. Reports suggest the creation of a rocket and missile force to strike deep positions and defend troops in contact battles.

Artillery has adopted fire-and-scoot tactics to evade adversary loitering munitions and counter-bombardment. The Air Force is enhancing long-range strike capabilities with Rampage, BrahMos, Crystal Maze missiles, Gaurav and TARA glide bombs, SAAW weapons for airfield denial, and Meteor and ASTRA MK-2 for long-range air combat.

These developments, alongside loitering munitions and smart drones, indicate that future engagements will be conducted from beyond adversary air defence ranges. Airspaces will be contested and dominated by defensive systems, limiting traditional airpower employment.

Close air support for ground forces will increasingly rely on accurate long-range weapons rather than direct battlefield presence. Troops must therefore be equipped to identify threats and defend themselves with UAVs, loitering munitions, artillery and missile systems under their direct control.

The Tactical Battle Area will be congested, with multiple forces operating simultaneously. Coordinating airspace through a single agency will be impractical, and UAVs cannot be restricted to one service or command.

Intense electronic warfare will further disrupt command, control and communications. Realistic solutions for airspace management are essential if India is to fight effectively in future wars.

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PM Modi And Meloni Elevate India–Italy Ties To Special Strategic Partnership During Rome Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Rome visit marked a decisive moment in India–Italy relations, with both sides elevating ties to a Special Strategic Partnership and reviewing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.

The talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella focused on trade, defence, AI, critical minerals, space, clean energy, and the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Rome on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, after completing engagements in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.

His Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni welcomed him warmly, sharing a selfie on social media with the caption, “Welcome to Rome, my friend,” symbolising the cordiality and momentum in bilateral ties.

Prior to the formal delegation-level talks, the two leaders shared dinner and visited the iconic Colosseum, where they were seen engaging in extended discussions during a car ride and city tour, a gesture described as “car diplomacy.”

During the delegation-level meeting on Wednesday, Modi and Meloni reaffirmed that India–Italy relations have entered a decisive phase, evolving from cordial friendship into a special strategic partnership founded on shared values of freedom and democracy.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani were also present, underscoring the importance of the dialogue. The talks reviewed progress under the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which covers cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security, clean energy, science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

Earlier in the day, Modi called on Italian President Sergio Mattarella. The discussions spanned trade, investment, cultural linkages, and new areas of collaboration such as artificial intelligence, critical minerals, space, and nuclear energy.

Both leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest, highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation. Modi emphasised India’s readiness to work closely with Italy in emerging technologies and sustainable energy, aligning with global priorities.

The visit also included Modi’s plan to visit the headquarters of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome, reinforcing India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security. This engagement reflects India’s proactive role in addressing global challenges, particularly in agriculture and sustainability.

Economic cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership. Bilateral trade between India and Italy reached $16.77 billion in 2025, while cumulative Italian foreign direct investment stood at $3.66 billion between April 2000 and September 2025. Italy is India’s fourth-largest trading partner in Europe, and both sides are targeting the €20 billion mark in trade in the near future.

Defence and maritime security were also on the agenda, with discussions on port-related infrastructure, mobility agreements, and technology transfer. The newly laid data cable connecting Genoa to India was highlighted as a significant step in strengthening digital connectivity.

The Indian diaspora in Italy played a visible role in welcoming Modi, with cultural performances and heartfelt interactions outside his hotel in Rome. Modi expressed gratitude for their affection and commitment to strengthening India–Italy ties.

He also shared works of Italian painter Giampaolo Tomassetti, whose art is inspired by Varanasi and Indian spiritual traditions, symbolising cultural bridges between the two nations.

This visit, the final leg of Modi’s five-nation tour, underscored India’s strategic outreach to Europe and its emphasis on building resilient partnerships in technology, energy, and security. With Italy’s strong support, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor is expected to gain further traction, positioning both nations as pivotal players in global supply chain and connectivity frameworks.

ANI

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Why Great Nicobar Island Project Strengthens India’s Strategic And Economic Role In The Indo‑Pacific

India’s ₹90,000‑crore Great Nicobar Island Project is being positioned as one of the most ambitious maritime and economic undertakings in recent decades, combining strategic military imperatives with long‑term commercial benefits.

Spread across 166 square kilometres in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the initiative encompasses the development of a major transhipment port, an international airport, and supporting logistics and urban infrastructure. Its location near the Strait of Malacca, one of the busiest maritime trade corridors in the world, makes it central to India’s Indo‑Pacific strategy.

The transhipment port is planned with an eventual handling capacity of 16 million containers annually, with the first phase expected to be commissioned by 2028 at a cost of ₹18,000 crore.

This initial stage is projected to handle more than 4 million containers per year, reducing India’s reliance on foreign hubs such as Colombo, Singapore and Dubai. By strengthening supply chain resilience and cutting logistical inefficiencies, the port will enhance India’s role in global shipping networks and trade flows.

The strategic importance of the project is closely tied to the Malacca Strait’s role in global energy and trade. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the strait is the world’s largest oil transit chokepoint by volume, with around 23.2 million barrels per day passing through in the first half of 2025, accounting for nearly 29% of global maritime oil flows.

Crude oil makes up more than 70% of shipments, with China alone accounting for 48% of import volumes. India’s proximity to this chokepoint provides a critical vantage point for monitoring maritime trade and naval movements, reinforcing its ability to safeguard national interests.

Defence veterans have strongly backed the project, emphasising its dual military and economic significance. Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria described Great Nicobar as vital for national security, economic growth and military presence, noting that nearly 80% of China’s oil imports and a large share of its cargo pass through the Malacca Strait.

He compared its importance to the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the need for India to establish a strong base in the region. Major General (Retd.) GS Rawat echoed this view, stressing the operational and strategic positioning of the island, while Lt Gen (Retd.) Rajeev Chaudhry warned that delays caused by environmental opposition or international pressure could benefit China.

He pointed to Beijing’s “String of Pearls” strategy, involving ports such as Gwadar, Hambantota and Kyaukpyu, and argued that a strong hub at Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay would counterbalance these efforts.

Economically, the project represents a decisive shift in India’s maritime strategy, which has historically underutilised island territories while focusing on continental security. By creating a self‑reliant transshipment hub, India aims to reduce dependence on foreign ports, strengthen its trade infrastructure, and reinforce its position as a strategic bridge between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

The integration of advanced logistics systems, AI‑driven supply chains, smart port infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions is expected to modernise India’s maritime capabilities and enhance connectivity across the Indo‑Pacific.

At the same time, the initiative has sparked concerns over environmental sustainability and the impact on indigenous communities. Great Nicobar is home to ecologically sensitive habitats and rich biodiversity, raising questions about balancing infrastructure development with conservation.

Experts have stressed the importance of transparent environmental assessments, mitigation measures and meaningful engagement with local communities to ensure sustainable planning and the preservation of tribal heritage.

The project’s success will depend heavily on execution, governance and cost management. While proponents argue that delays in strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure could carry strategic consequences in a rapidly changing global order, critics highlight the risks of rising costs and environmental damage.

If implemented effectively, however, the Great Nicobar Project could emerge as a symbol of India’s maritime expansion, reinforcing its strategic role in the Indo‑Pacific and providing both military leverage and economic resilience.

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Raja Subramani Appointed As CDS To Drive India’s Defence Transformation

Lieutenant General N S Raja Subramani’s appointment as India’s next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) with effect from 30 May 2026 marks a defining moment in the evolution of India’s military leadership and strategic doctrine.

His elevation comes at a time when India faces complex challenges across the Western and Northern borders, while simultaneously navigating the rapid transformation of warfare through technology, cyber capabilities, aerospace systems and indigenous defence manufacturing.

The significance of his appointment lies not only in operational terms but also in its historic symbolism, as he will also serve as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Military Affairs, consolidating his role at the apex of India’s defence establishment.

This appointment is historic for the Garhwal Rifles, one of the oldest and most decorated infantry regiments of the Indian Army, which for the first time in its 139-year history will produce a four-star officer at the pinnacle of India’s military hierarchy.

The regiment, carved out from the Gorkha regiments during the colonial era, has built a legacy of courage, sacrifice and battlefield distinction across wars and operations. The symbolism is further enriched when viewed against the legacy of the Gorkha Rifles, which produced legendary leaders such as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, General Dalbir Singh Suhag and General Bipin Rawat, India’s first CDS.

Subramani’s rise therefore represents not merely an individual achievement but a continuation of a distinguished martial tradition that has shaped India’s military history.

Commissioned into the 8th Battalion of the Garhwal Rifles in 1985 after graduating from the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, Subramani’s career spans nearly four decades of service. He has held several prestigious command and staff appointments, earning a reputation as both an operationally astute and strategically thoughtful leader.

His career reflects extensive exposure to India’s most sensitive operational theatres, including key roles against Pakistan and China, where he developed a deep understanding of the military dynamics along the Western and Northern borders. He has also commanded multiple counterinsurgency operations in the Northeast, where leadership demands a rare blend of tactical firmness, intelligence coordination and political sensitivity.

As General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command from March 2023 to June 2024, and later as Vice Chief of the Army Staff in 2025, Subramani played a crucial role in strengthening operational preparedness, force restructuring and inter-service coordination.

His experience at the highest levels of military planning has given him a nuanced perspective on future warfare and integrated military strategy. Importantly, he is not merely regarded as a battlefield commander but also as a strategic thinker.

An alumnus of the Joint Services Command and Staff College in the UK and the National Defence College in New Delhi, he combines operational experience with academic and doctrinal depth — qualities increasingly essential for modern military leadership.

Under his leadership, expectations will rise for stronger military reforms, integrated theatre commands, greater jointness among the three services and enhanced synergy between the armed forces, defence industry and technological innovation sectors.

His appointment is also expected to accelerate India’s push toward defence indigenisation and aerospace advancement. India is currently pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious military modernisation programmes, focused on indigenous fighter aircraft, drones, missile systems, electronic warfare capabilities, AI-enabled systems and defence manufacturing ecosystems under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Subramani’s deep operational experience and strategic outlook place him in a unique position to shape the next phase of India’s defence transformation.

For India’s strategic and defence community, his elevation inspires confidence that policy deliberations, technological advancement and indigenous capability-building will gain renewed momentum. His leadership arrives at a moment when India seeks not only military preparedness but also strategic autonomy and technological superiority in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

The rise of Lieutenant General N.S. Raja Subramani to the nation’s highest military office is therefore more than a ceremonial transition.

It reflects continuity of military excellence, recognition of distinguished service and the emergence of a leadership vision rooted equally in operational credibility and future-oriented transformation.

As India strengthens its defence posture amid evolving regional and global challenges, the new CDS carries the weight of history, the trust of the armed forces and the responsibility of shaping the future of India’s military power.

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India’s National Technology Day Marks Journey From Pokhran To Full Nuclear Triad Power

India’s commemoration of National Technology Day on 11 May 2026 highlights its transformation since the Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998 into a full-fledged nuclear triad power, with 172 warheads under the Strategic Forces Command and delivery systems spanning air, land, and sea.

The commissioning of INS Aridhaman last month has secured continuous at-sea deterrence, completing the triad’s most survivable leg.

India marks National Technology Day each year to honour Operation Shakti, the nuclear tests conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan in May 1998. These tests were a turning point, symbolising India’s emergence as a declared nuclear weapons state despite sanctions and global pressure.

In the 28 years since, India has advanced across military and civilian technology domains, culminating in the establishment of a sophisticated nuclear triad.

The triad integrates three delivery platforms. The sea-based leg is the most critical for survivability under India’s declared no-first-use doctrine. Land-based missiles and aircraft are vulnerable to a first strike, but nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines are far harder to detect.

India now operates three such submarines: INS Arihant, commissioned in 2016; INS Arighat, commissioned in 2024; and INS Aridhaman, commissioned in April 2026.

The Aridhaman represents a significant upgrade, with a stretched 7,000-tonne hull, enhanced reactor systems, and the ability to carry more missiles, including the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile with a 3,500 km range. This capability ensures India can maintain at least one submarine on deterrence patrol at all times, a threshold considered essential for continuous second-strike readiness.

The aerial leg of the triad is fulfilled by the Indian Air Force’s Jaguar, Mirage-2000, and Rafale combat aircraft, all capable of nuclear strike missions. These aircraft provide flexibility and rapid deployment options, complementing the slower but more survivable submarine deterrent.

The land-based leg rests on the Agni missile family, ranging from Agni-1 with a 700 km reach to Agni-5 with a range exceeding 5,000 km. Recent developments have introduced MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) capability, demonstrated in 2024 under Mission Divyastra and validated again in May 2026.

This allows a single missile to deliver multiple warheads to separate targets, overwhelming adversary missile defences. Future Agni variants, including the under-development Agni-6, are expected to extend ranges beyond 10,000 km, placing India firmly in the intercontinental deterrence category.

India’s arsenal, estimated at 172 warheads, is managed by the Strategic Forces Command under the National Command Authority. This ensures centralised control and operational readiness across all three legs of the triad.

The integration of advanced technologies such as cannisterised launch systems, hypersonic glide vehicles, and scramjet propulsion further strengthens survivability and credibility of India’s deterrent posture.

Looking ahead, India is pursuing larger S5-class submarines projected at 13,500 tonnes, alongside nuclear-powered attack submarines for extended endurance operations. These developments, combined with hypersonic missile programs and expanding civilian nuclear power capacity, reflect a trajectory of sustained technological advancement.

As India celebrates National Technology Day, the journey from Pokhran to a global nuclear deterrent underscores both resilience and ambition, raising the question of how much further the nation can progress in the next three decades.

TOI

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PM Modi World's Most Popular Leader Global Leaders With 68% Approval Surge: Morning Consult

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed his status as the world’s most popular democratic leader, according to the latest data from the US-based analytics firm Morning Consult.

The March 2026 "Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker" places the Indian Prime Minister at the top of the table with a commanding 68% approval rating.

This sustained popularity comes as he continues his third consecutive term, which began in May 2024, highlighting a rare level of political endurance on the international stage.

The survey, which reflects a trailing seven-day simple moving average of adult views, shows a significant gap between the Indian leader and his global counterparts. Tied for second place are Switzerland’s President Guy Parmelin and South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, both of whom secured 62% approval.

In contrast, prominent Western leaders continue to struggle with public sentiment; US President Donald Trump holds a 39% rating, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stands at 24%.

At the lower end of the spectrum, French President Emmanuel Macron remains one of the least popular leaders surveyed, with an approval rating of just 17% and a disapproval rating of 75%.

PM Modi’s net standing remains uniquely robust, with only 26% of respondents expressing disapproval. While his current 68% rating is a slight dip from the 75% recorded in July 2025, he has consistently maintained a dominant position in these rankings for several years.

Beyond the polling data, the Prime Minister has recently reached a significant historical milestone within India. Having completed over 4,079 days in office, he has officially surpassed Indira Gandhi to become the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of India in terms of an uninterrupted tenure.

This achievement places him behind only the nation's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who holds the record for the longest continuous service.

When considering his total time as an elected head of government—including his thirteen-year tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat—Modi has now exceeded 8,931 days in office. As of March 2026, this makes him the longest-serving head of an elected government in Indian history, surpassing the previous record held by former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Analysts suggest this longevity, combined with his high approval ratings, underscores a period of unprecedented political stability in the world's largest democracy.

ANI

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India Secures Major Power Status In Asia Backed By Operation Sindoor And Economic Growth

India has achieved a landmark status as a major power in Asia for the first time, according to the Lowy Institute's Asia Power Index 2025.

This recognition is significant as India crossed the 40-point threshold in the comprehensive power score, a benchmark for being classified as a major power. Ranking third out of twenty-seven countries, India stands uniquely as the only Asian nation beyond the superpower category of the US and China.

The boost in India’s military credentials is notably credited to Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025, which enhanced perceptions of India’s defence capabilities. This operation provided India with valuable recent combat experience, positively influencing expert assessments of its readiness and operational sophistication.

The military capability score improved by +2.8 points, reflecting increased confidence in India’s ability to execute complex missions and maintain a robust defence posture.

India’s elevation to "major power" status in Asia, as announced by the Lowy Institute’s Asia Power Index 2025, marks a historic milestone. For the first time, India scored above the 40-point threshold—a benchmark for major power classification—placing third out of 27 countries. India stands alone as the only Asian nation outside the superpowers to attain this rank, underlining a significant shift in the regional balance.

Central to India’s rise was Operation Sindoor, launched in May 2025. This military campaign enhanced India’s defence reputation by providing recent combat experience that boosted expert assessments of its operational readiness and sophistication. The operation contributed to a +2.8 point increase in India’s military capability score, reinforcing confidence in its ability to execute complex missions and respond decisively.

India’s strong economic performance also played a crucial role. Its continuing rapid growth has translated into greater geopolitical influence through improved connectivity, technological contributions, and rising foreign investment. Notably, India has overtaken China as the second-most important destination for inward investment after the United States. This shift is driven by global supply-chain diversification and India’s increasingly attractive fundamentals for investors.

Despite these gains, India faces challenges in converting its growing resource base into strategic influence. The Lowy report highlights a decline in defence network scores by −2.6 points and only marginal improvement in diplomatic influence.

India’s policy of multi-alignment and strategic autonomy, coupled with its Global South diplomacy, while principled, does not easily translate into rapid influence expansion. This disconnect creates a widening power gap as India’s material strength grows faster than its ability to project influence.

Cultural influence was India’s most striking area of gain, with a +2.8 point increase reflecting expanding people-to-people connections, enhanced travel linkages, and new direct flight routes, such as the 2025 India–Brunei service. These developments symbolise India’s deeper integration into Asian regional networks, boosting its soft power and international appeal as a tourism and education hub.

In contrast, China retains its position as Asia’s dominant superpower with a score of 73.7, bolstered by resilient economic ties, diplomatic leadership, and improved regional influence. Beijing’s ability to withstand US economic coercion and its proactive outreach, including President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic engagements, have solidified China’s standing.

However, China faces vulnerabilities such as reduced export absorption capacity and depressed investment inflows amid ongoing US–China tensions.

The United States remains the top power with an 80.5 score but is experiencing declining influence in Asia. The Lowy Institute points to weakening economic and military foundations, faltering diplomatic engagement, and reduced appeal as a destination for travel and study. The policies under the Trump administration contributed significantly to this erosion, with sharp declines in foreign policy influence and global leadership rankings.

India’s emergence as Asia’s only major power beyond the US and China signals a gradual strategic transformation in Asia. Its combined economic dynamism and enhanced military profile through Operation Sindoor have paved the way for greater regional influence. Yet, India’s ability to convert capability into sustained influence remains the key challenge as it navigates a complex geopolitical environment dominated by established superpowers.

(Report synthesised from multiple news reports by ANI, UNI, PTI, TOI and others dated November 29, 2025)

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India’s Economic Momentum Praised By World Bank Economist, Cited As Fastest-Growing Major Economy

Despite persisting global volatility and the ripple effects of tariff tensions led by the United States, India continues to demonstrate robust economic resilience. The consistent expansion of its GDP stands out as a bright spot in a world economy marred by sluggish recovery and trade fragmentation.

World Bank Lead Economist Aurélien Krus lauded India's sustained growth trajectory, describing it as the "fastest-growing large economy" in the world.

According to Krus, India’s economy is projected to expand between 6 percent and 7 percent in the foreseeable future—an outlook that reflects strong domestic demand, fiscal discipline, and steady policy implementation.

Krus emphasised that achieving a double-digit growth rate of 10 percent would represent the next major milestone for India. To reach such a target, he advised, the country must deepen reforms that foster productivity, enhance efficiency, and accelerate integration into global value chains.

These steps, he noted, are critical to sustaining long-term competitiveness and expanding high-skill employment across key industries.

He further highlighted India’s demographic advantage as a central factor in its current and future economic strength.

With its working-age population set to grow until around 2050, India enjoys a favourable dependency ratio—meaning a greater share of its population actively participates in the workforce compared with dependents. This demographic structure, Krus explained, provides a powerful engine for continuous economic expansion.

Moreover, India’s rise as a global hub for innovation—especially through its thriving digital ecosystem and rapidly expanding network of Global Capability Centres (GCCs)—is significantly strengthening its economic productivity.

Krus observed that such innovation hubs are not only driving technological adoption within India but also positioning it as a key contributor to global digital transformation.

In recent years, India has seen rapid advancements in financial inclusion, renewable energy transition, and digital infrastructure, each of which complements its broader economic ambition. These sectors collectively underpin the foundation for sustained growth, while simultaneously attracting record levels of foreign investment.

Experts agree that India's resilience amid international uncertainty underscores the effectiveness of its policy mix and robust domestic fundamentals. As the global economy continues to adapt to structural shifts, India’s steady growth offers a stabilising force—and signals its growing leadership role within the global economic landscape.

Based On ANI Report

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Israel’s Foreign Minister Calls India A 'Global Superpower,' Advocates Long-Term Strategic Partnership With New Delhi

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, on his first official visit to India, praised the country as a "global superpower" and emphasised the importance of building a long-term strategic partnership between Israel and India.

During his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, Sa'ar highlighted India as the world's largest democracy and fastest-growing economy, while recognising Israel as a regional powerhouse.

He expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties in multiple domains, including political, security, defence, agriculture, trade, and emerging technologies like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.​

Both leaders reaffirmed a mutual commitment to combat terrorism with a global zero-tolerance approach. Sa'ar condemned the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam and pointed to the shared threat of radical terror faced by both nations.

He described terror states such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Houthis in Yemen as unique challenges Israel confronts, reflecting the urgency to uproot them for regional stability. Sa'ar also supported the eradication and demilitarisation of Gaza in line with President Trump's peace plan, insisting on disarmament of Hamas.​

EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation for Israel's warm friendship and reiterated India's support for the Gaza Peace Plan while emphasising the shared strategic partnership characterised by a high degree of trust and reliability. The discussions also involved future cooperation in multilateral fora and fostering people-to-people ties.​​

During the visit, the two countries witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on training between India's Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sa'ar paid homage at the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk Memorial and held talks with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation.​

In September 2025, India and Israel signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement, marking a historic milestone in economic ties. The agreement is designed to boost bilateral investments, currently valued at approximately USD 800 million, by providing investor protection, facilitating dispute resolution through arbitration, and safeguarding investments against expropriation. This paves the way for increased trade and investment flows benefiting both nations' economies.​

Furthermore, the partnership deepened with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation during the 17th India-Israel Joint Working Group meeting.

This MoU sets a unified vision for defence collaboration, including co-development and co-production in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, defence innovation, and research and development. Both countries reiterated their determination to jointly address security challenges such as terrorism.​

The visit underlined Israel and India’s mutual commitment to a broad-spectrum strategic partnership covering security, economic, technological, and diplomatic domains, underscoring India’s rising global stature and Israel’s regional influence.​

Based On ANI Report

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UNTCC Chiefs Conclave Highlights India’s Technological Prowess And Cultural Heritage Leadership In Advancing Global Peacekeeping

The United Nations Troop Contributing Countries’ (UNTCC) Chiefs Conclave, hosted by the Indian Army in New Delhi from October 14 to 16, 2025, has showcased India’s integrated approach to peacekeeping — combining technological prowess, cultural richness, and a humanitarian ethos.

On Wednesday, the participating Chiefs witnessed an Integrated New Age Technology Demonstration in Agra. The Indian Army exhibited a range of new-generation systems designed to enhance peacekeeping efficiency through advanced, cost-effective, and self-reliant solutions. The demonstration emphasised India’s Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance) initiative, highlighting the nation's innovation-driven response to contemporary operational challenges.

The Conclave’s second day also featured a deeper cultural immersion for the delegates. They visited the Taj Mahal, symbolising universal harmony, followed by an excursion to the Kalakriti Heritage Centre where a live cultural performance showcased India’s artistic heritage. The event allowed participating Chiefs to interact with local artisans, reflecting India’s commitment to preserving traditional crafts alongside its technological modernisation.

Later in the evening, delegates were scheduled to attend a Light and Sound Show at the Red Fort, narrating India’s civilizational progress and milestones of national pride. The visit by Delhi Metro, India’s urban transportation landmark, further underlined the country’s capability in sustainable infrastructure and smart mobility solutions. The combined experience reflected India’s holistic development vision that spans from modern military capability to inclusive urban transformation.

Addressing the Conclave earlier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh articulated the philosophical foundations of India’s peacekeeping principles. He highlighted that peace, rooted in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, is not merely the absence of war but an active pursuit of justice and moral strength. Singh stressed that peacekeeping represents a shared global responsibility transcending conflicts and divisions.

The Defence Minister noted that nearly 290,000 Indian personnel have served across more than 50 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide — from Congo and Korea to South Sudan and Lebanon. Indian peacekeepers have earned global admiration for their professionalism, compassion, and courage. He paid tribute to the 180 Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag, emphasising that their valour remains embedded in humanity’s collective conscience.

The ongoing UNTCC Chiefs Conclave symbolises India’s multi-dimensional contribution to global peacekeeping. By blending operational technology demonstrations with cultural diplomacy, the event reflects India’s approach that integrates innovation, heritage, and empathy. The sessions reinforce India’s reputation as a nation that upholds both advanced military readiness and universal human values.

The Conclave will conclude with final deliberations, interactions with the defence industry, and a comprehensive review of outcomes. These sessions aim to pave the way for stronger, inclusive, and sustainable UN peacekeeping frameworks. India’s hosting of the Conclave for the first time reaffirms its role as a responsible global leader promoting peace, technological advancement, and cultural understanding across nations.

Based On ANI Report

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Focus of Commanders' Meet: Reform, Transform

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) today at the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata. His participation follows a two-day tour of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, underlining the government’s focus on the Northeast as a strategic region.

The three-day conference, being held from September 15, brings together India’s top military leadership, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their presence highlights the importance of aligning policy, strategy, and capability-building across the services.

This year’s theme, “Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future”, signals a clear push toward structural changes in India’s defence architecture. Discussions are expected to focus on jointness and integration within the armed forces, strengthening command-and-control frameworks, technological moderniSation, cyber and space domains, and adapting to multi-domain warfare challenges.

The Eastern Command’s selection as the host venue reflects the growing geostrategic importance of India’s north-eastern frontiers. The command plays a critical role in managing the country’s boundary with China and Myanmar while also securing the Bay of Bengal and supporting India’s Act East policy. The timing, coming amid evolving regional dynamics, is intended to reaffirm India’s preparedness and emphasis on integrated defence planning.

The Prime Minister is expected to address issues such as theatre commands, defence procurement reforms, greater indigenisation, human resource restructuring, and reforms in higher defence management. The agenda also aligns with the government’s vision for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in the defence sector, where modernisation and self-reliance are central to operational readiness.

Besides formal deliberations, the CCC traditionally serves as a strategic-level interaction platform between political leadership and senior commanders. This year’s discussions are likely to weigh lessons learned from recent conflicts worldwide, including the role of drones, information warfare, and missile defence systems, in shaping India’s future force posture.

By emphasising reform and transformation, the 16th CCC is expected to set a roadmap for India’s armed forces as they transition into a more integrated, agile, and technologically robust warfighting entity fit for emerging security challenges over the next decade.

Based On ET News Report

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Time For India To Project Hard Power Alongside Soft Power: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, has underlined the strategic necessity for the nation to project hard power in tandem with its established traditions of soft power diplomacy, particularly in a global landscape increasingly marked by competitive populism and economic protectionism.

Speaking at the Southern Command Defence Tech 2025 seminar (STRIDE 2025), Singh observed that the post-Cold War era’s optimism about globalisation and free trade has reached a decisive pause, disrupted by ongoing geopolitical conflicts, such as those in the Middle East and Europe, along with the ascendancy of populist political regimes worldwide.

These developments, he noted, have fostered an environment of economic fragmentation, the weakening of multilateral institutions, and a resurgence of nationalism, conditions which are reshaping the tools and levers of international statecraft.

Singh argued that in such a challenging global order, India's traditional reliance on soft power instruments—including diplomacy, cultural influence, and cooperative partnerships—must be complemented by a calibrated display of its hard power capabilities.

He stressed that the contemporary strategic environment requires hard power not only for deterrence and security assurance but also as a critical enabler in advancing economic and geopolitical deal-making.

The ability to project credible military capabilities, he said, is increasingly intertwined with restoring balance in negotiations on trade, technology collaborations, and regional security frameworks, particularly at a time when countries are adopting protectionist measures and withdrawing into nationalistic policies.

Central to Singh’s address was the call for fostering a more integrated approach to building India’s defence capabilities. He emphasised that to meet the transformative needs of the armed forces, the lines between academia, defence R&D organisations like the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and public-private industrial sectors must converge more effectively.

Highlighting the era of military-technical competition, Singh pointed out that indigenous innovation, industrial resilience, and advanced defence technologies are no longer optional but essential for sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

This requires transforming India’s defence ecosystem into a collaborative platform where researchers, technologists, private defence startups, and established state-owned enterprises can generate solutions that address both near-term operational requirements and long-term capability enhancement.

By advocating for this synergy, Singh implicitly recognised the dual challenge before India: the need for sustained modernisation and self-reliance in defence manufacturing, and the necessity of securing technological superiority to remain relevant in an era when hybrid warfare, cyber threats, and high-tech weapons platforms are reshaping the character of conflicts.

He made it clear that in an uncertain multipolar world order, mutual dependence and cooperative structures are weakening, and nations that can project force effectively while safeguarding their economic and technological interests are better able to secure strategic advantages.

Singh’s remarks, therefore, encapsulated a paradigm where India must balance its outward-looking soft power diplomacy—anchored in cultural appeal, democratic values, and global developmental initiatives like the “Global South” engagement—with a credible, visible presence of hard power, including military deterrent strength, advanced defence technology capabilities, and greater defence-industrial capacity.

This twin projection, he stressed, is vital for India not only to guard its sovereignty and territorial integrity but also to secure leverage in shaping geopolitical outcomes in a sharply divided and protectionist international order.

Based On A PTI Report

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India Is Upcoming Superpower With A Lot of Talent, Says DG Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Eden Bar Tal, the Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reaffirmed Israel’s strong confidence in the trajectory of India-Israel relations, while simultaneously acknowledging India’s rise as a future global superpower.

Speaking in Tel Aviv, he praised India as an “excellent example” of a country whose human capital has significantly contributed to national development and global stature. He stressed that unlike nations dependent on natural resources, both India and Israel value human resources as their chief strength, with skilled populations capable of driving progress across multiple sectors.

In his remarks, Bar Tal pointed out that when a population is empowered and given opportunities to flourish, it builds resilient national structures, and India has demonstrated this principle on a grand scale.

Reiterating Israel’s commitment, he said that his country would intensify efforts to strengthen ties not only with the Indian government but also with its people and businesses, underlining that the cooperation extends beyond economics into shared values and philosophies.

According to him, this convergence can also serve as a source of global stability against forces of destabilisation that profit from conflict and disorder.

His statement follows earlier remarks by Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, who highlighted close collaboration in the area of water management—a sector where Israel has globally recognised expertise.

Ambassador Azar explained that Israel, through a careful mix of irrigation technologies, purification, desalination, and network management, has been able not only to meet its domestic needs but also to assist its neighbours, and these technologies are being actively shared with India.

This technological partnership is emblematic of the India-Israel relationship, combining Israel’s advances in niche, high-tech solutions with India’s vast scale of application.

Eden Bar Tal also underscored the strategic dimension of the bilateral partnership, noting that both nations share a common perspective on emerging opportunities and threats in the global environment.

He specifically pointed to the challenges posed by radical forces that resort to violence, suggesting that India and Israel understand this threat similarly and are positioned to counter it through collective resilience and strategic cooperation.

Praising the “very close” partnership both countries enjoy and the historical respect underpinning the ties, he said India and Israel can together showcase how two societies—though rooted in different traditions—possess deep commonalities and can work jointly toward a stable, secure, and prosperous future.

His remarks reinforce a broader recognition that the India-Israel relationship today extends well beyond bilateral transactions, embodying collaboration in technology, security, diplomacy, and people-to-people engagement, aligned around a shared vision of progress and regional stability.

Based On ANI Report

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