Indian Defence News

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Navy have successfully conducted the maiden salvo launch of Naval Anti-ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR) from the Navy’s helicopter platform off the coast of Bay of Bengal in Odisha.

During the trial, two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same helicopter, making it the first salvo launch of an advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system, announced PIB.

This marked the first time that two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same helicopter, demonstrating the salvo launch capability of this advanced air-launched anti-ship missile system.

The trial achieved all its objectives, with data captured through radar, electro-optical systems and telemetry confirming the success. In addition to proving salvo launch capability, the missiles demonstrated precision waterline hit capability. Senior scientists from DRDO, representatives from the Indian Navy and Air Force, as well as Development-cum-Production Partners, were present to witness the event.

The NASM-SR missile is powered by a solid propulsion booster and a long-burn sustainer. It incorporates several critical subsystems developed indigenously, including a seeker, integrated avionics module, fibre-optic gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System, radio-altimeter, advanced control and guidance algorithms, a high-bandwidth two-way data link, and jet-vane control. These technologies were developed by different DRDO laboratories and Indian industries, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project.

The missile system was developed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, working in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories such as the Defence Research and Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in Pune, the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh, and the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur.

Indian industries and start-ups have also played a significant role in the development process, underscoring the growing ecosystem of indigenous defence innovation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force and industry partners for the achievement. He emphasised that the development of this missile would significantly enhance the capabilities of the defence forces, marking another step forward in India’s drive towards self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.

PIB

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India’s negotiations over the Rafale deal have reached a critical juncture, with New Delhi warning that the $43 billion agreement could collapse if France does not grant full software and system control, reported Zee News.

At the heart of the dispute lies India’s demand for access to the Rafale’s Interface Control Document, which governs how onboard systems such as radar, weapons and electronic warfare suites interact.

Without this access, India fears that every upgrade or integration of indigenous systems would require French approval, undermining its push for technological sovereignty. The Defence Ministry has made clear that without this level of control, the purchase of 114 jets will not proceed.

France has firmly rejected India’s request for full source code access, citing security concerns over sensitive systems such as the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite. Paris has instead offered limited integration under Dassault’s supervision, a compromise India views as inadequate.

French officials argue that unrestricted access could expose proprietary technology or create compatibility risks, particularly with Indian weapons developed in collaboration with Russia. For India, however, the refusal represents a continuation of limited technology transfer practices that have long constrained its defence autonomy.

The stakes extend far beyond the immediate deal. India sees full system control as essential to ensuring sovereign operation of imported platforms, particularly in the context of potential multi-front conflicts where rapid upgrades and independent integration of homegrown weapons like Astra and BrahMos-NG are vital.

Past experiences of dependency have made New Delhi wary of repeating the same mistakes, and the Rafale dispute has become symbolic of its broader push for defence independence.

If talks collapse, India may accelerate indigenous fighter projects such as the Tejas Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), or explore alternatives like Russia’s Su-57E. Each option carries trade-offs in terms of cost, capability and timelines.

For France, losing the Rafale deal would mean forfeiting one of its largest potential fighter exports, while success could consolidate the jet’s presence in Asia, especially if paired with sales to Vietnam. Regionally, the outcome could shift the balance of air power, either reinforcing Western platforms or opening the door to Russian alternatives.

Zee News

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India’s air defence posture is indeed evolving into one of the most complex and layered systems globally, and the fourth S‑400 squadron is a pivotal piece in that architecture.

Its deployment along the Punjab and Rajasthan sectors directly addresses historic vulnerabilities in the western plains, where flat terrain has traditionally made it easier for drones, cruise missiles, and standoff weapons to slip through radar coverage.

By extending surveillance deep into Pakistani territory, the S‑400’s 91N6E radar provides early warning and tracking capacity that fundamentally changes the dynamic of border defence.

What makes India’s approach distinctive is that it is not reliant on a single “silver bullet” system. The S‑400 sits at the apex of a multi‑tiered shield, but beneath it are layers of indigenous and collaborative platforms: Project Kusha for medium‑range interception, MR‑SAM jointly developed with Israel, and SAMAR for short‑range engagements.

This integration ensures that even if a threat evades one layer, successive tiers are ready to neutralise it. By 2026, the automated command and control loop linking Russian, Israeli, and Indian systems will make the airspace over the western frontier one of the most contested anywhere.

The timing of the fourth squadron’s arrival is symbolically tied to the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, which validated the S‑400 in live combat against Pakistani missiles. That operational experience has allowed the Indian Air Force to refine engagement protocols against hybrid threats such as swarm drones and loitering munitions.

Strategically, the delivery also underscores the resilience of the India‑Russia defence partnership, with rupee‑rouble mechanisms insulating procurement from global sanctions pressure. Once the fifth squadron arrives later in 2026, India will have stitched together a near‑continuous defensive perimeter from the Karakoram to the Rann of Kutch.

India’s indigenous and collaborative missile systems form the backbone of its defensive and offensive air power.

The Akash surface-to-air missile system provides medium-range coverage against aircraft and drones, with its upgraded Akash‑NG variant extending range and improving reaction time. On the offensive side, the Astra air-to-air missile represents India’s first indigenous beyond-visual-range (BVR) weapon, capable of engaging targets at distances exceeding 100 km, thereby enhancing the IAF’s ability to dominate aerial engagements.

The Barak‑8, jointly developed with Israel, fills the medium-range gap with precision interception of aircraft, UAVs, and cruise missiles, and has already proven its effectiveness in operational scenarios. At the strategic level, India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program is steadily maturing, with Phase‑I systems designed to intercept hostile ballistic missiles at both endo‑atmospheric and Exo‑atmospheric altitudes, providing a national shield against nuclear-capable threats.

Finally, the VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defence System) and MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems) offer the lowest tier of protection, giving infantry and forward-deployed units the ability to neutralise low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones.

Together, these systems knit seamlessly into the multi-layered architecture, ensuring that India’s air defence is not only impenetrable at the strategic level but resilient down to the tactical frontline.

In essence, India is not just acquiring hardware but engineering a doctrine of layered deterrence. The question of whether this becomes the “world’s most impenetrable shield” depends on adversaries’ ability to innovate countermeasures, but the trajectory clearly places India among the very few nations capable of sustaining a truly multi‑domain, integrated air defence network.

IDN (With Agency Inputs)

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The Indian Army is undergoing a profound transformation in its approach to modern warfare through the creation of specialised drone units under its “Decade of Transformation” vision spanning 2023 to 2032.

This initiative reflects a strategic recognition that unmanned systems are no longer auxiliary assets but central to future combat operations, particularly in countering emerging aerial threats and asymmetric warfare challenges.

At the heart of this transformation is the development of frontline drone warriors. These units are designed to integrate drones directly into combat formations, enabling real-time surveillance, precision strikes, and coordinated swarm operations.

By embedding drones into the tactical structure, the Army ensures that commanders have persistent aerial intelligence and the ability to act swiftly against adversaries without exposing manned platforms to unnecessary risk.

Equally significant is the emphasis on advanced counter-drone systems. With adversaries increasingly deploying drones for reconnaissance, sabotage, and offensive missions, India is investing in layered defence mechanisms capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising hostile UAVs.

These systems combine radar, electronic warfare, and kinetic interceptors to create a robust shield against aerial incursions, thereby safeguarding critical assets and frontline troops.

The initiative also highlights India’s focus on indigenisation and technological innovation. By fostering collaboration with domestic industry, start-ups, and research institutions, the Army is building a self-reliant ecosystem that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.

This approach not only strengthens national security but also accelerates the pace of innovation, ensuring that India remains agile in adapting to evolving threats.

The “Decade of Transformation” vision underscores a broader doctrinal shift towards networked, intelligentised warfare. Drones are being positioned as force multipliers that extend operational reach, enhance precision, and provide asymmetric advantages in contested environments.

Whether through swarm tactics, loitering munitions, or integrated ISR platforms, these capabilities are reshaping the battlefield into a domain where speed, adaptability, and technological superiority determine outcomes.

Together, the creation of drone warriors and the deployment of counter-drone systems mark a decisive step in India’s military modernisation. They embody a future-ready force structure that leverages unmanned systems not as peripheral tools but as core combat elements, redefining the contours of warfare in the coming decade.

Agencies

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Defence Ministers’ gathering in Bishkek.

Singh described the interaction as a pleasure, sharing the update on social media, though there has been no official word yet on the substance of the talks. Alongside this engagement, Singh also met Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, noting that it was a great interaction during the SCO Defence Ministers’ Meet in Bishkek.

The meeting with Admiral Dong Jun formed part of a wider series of strategic engagements Singh is conducting with regional leaders to discuss matters of security and stability. His official program in the Kyrgyz capital began with a solemn tribute at Victory Square, where he laid a wreath to honour fallen heroes, setting the tone for his diplomatic exchanges.

Singh’s arrival in Bishkek on Monday marked the start of his participation in the SCO Defence Ministers’ meeting, where regional security and the ongoing crisis in West Asia are expected to dominate deliberations.

Defence chiefs from member nations are scheduled to discuss critical issues such as international peace, counter-terrorism initiatives, and enhanced defence cooperation within the bloc. According to the Defence Ministry, this year’s summit is being held against the backdrop of the conflict in West Asia, with the SCO expected to explore strategies to mitigate the impact of hostilities.

Upon his arrival, Singh was accorded a traditional ceremonial reception, which included being offered Borsok, a popular Kyrgyz delicacy. Beyond the formal summit, he is expected to continue bilateral meetings with counterparts from several participating countries to strengthen mutual security interests.

The SCO, which currently includes India, Russia, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus, has grown into one of the world’s largest political and economic bodies. Since becoming a full member in 2017, India has played a pivotal role in the grouping, notably assuming the rotating chairmanship in 2023.

PTI

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India’s human spaceflight program has entered a decisive stage with the Indian Space Research Organisation beginning the integration of its humanoid robot Vyommitra into the crew module for the maiden uncrewed HLVM3-G1/OM1 mission, reported India Today.

This exercise is designed to test crew systems and validate ground safety measures before astronauts, referred to as Gaganyaatris, are flown under the Gaganyaan mission.

Vyommitra has been developed to simulate astronaut functions in space and will play a central role in testing life-support systems, crew interfaces and microgravity conditions during the upcoming mission.

The robot will collect critical data that will help refine systems and procedures before human crews are sent into orbit. Engineers are currently focused on ensuring seamless integration with onboard systems, including communication, environmental monitoring and response simulations.

The HLVM3 rocket, a human-rated version of India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, will carry Vyommitra on this crucial test flight. This mission is intended to validate the performance of crew-related hardware and software in space conditions, laying the groundwork for subsequent crewed flights.

Parallel to these preparations, ISRO is advancing ground safety systems, which are essential for any human spaceflight program. Among these is the Flight Crew Emergency Egress System, a specialised infrastructure designed to evacuate astronauts from the launch pad in case of emergencies such as fire, fuel leaks or other hazards before launch.

Unlike the onboard Crew Escape System, which is activated during in-flight emergencies, the egress system is intended for use while the rocket remains on the launch pad. It functions as a rapid evacuation mechanism, allowing astronauts to exit the crew module and move to safety within seconds.

The system employs a zipline-based mechanism, enabling Gaganyaatris to slide quickly away from the launch tower to a secure distance. This ground-based emergency exit is a standard feature in global human spaceflight operations and is critical for ensuring crew safety during the vulnerable pre-launch phase.

ISRO has been conducting rigorous tests of the system to validate its speed, reliability and ability to function under extreme conditions. These trials are aimed at ensuring that astronauts can be evacuated safely even in worst-case scenarios.

The simultaneous progress on both flight hardware and safety infrastructure reflects India’s cautious and methodical approach to human spaceflight. With Vyommitra’s integration underway and safety systems being validated, the HLVM3-G1/OM1 mission is set to mark a major milestone in India’s journey towards sending humans into space.

However, ISRO has not yet announced a date for the maiden test launch of this uncrewed mission.

India Today

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Lieutenant-General Eduard Asryan, the chief of the Armenian army’s General Staff, held talks in New Delhi with his Indian counterpart General Anil Chauhan on Apr. 28

Lieutenant-General Eduard Asryan, the Chief of the Armenian Army’s General Staff, visited India on Tuesday, underscoring the strengthening military ties between the two nations. His trip came just two months after hosting his Indian counterpart, General Anil Chauhan, in Yerevan.

During his visit to New Delhi, Asryan held talks with India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and General Chauhan.

The Indian Defence Ministry described Singh’s meeting with Asryan as “productive,” noting that discussions centred on expanding cooperation in areas such as training, capability development, and modernisation. India reaffirmed its role as a reliable partner, pledging continued support to Armenia with advanced defence equipment.

India’s Integrated Defence Staff highlighted that Chauhan’s separate talks with Asryan reflected the steady advancement of bilateral defence relations.

Both sides explored opportunities for joint ventures in military hardware development, reiterating their shared commitment to a robust, future-oriented, and mutually beneficial strategic partnership.

According to the Armenian Defence Ministry, the generals reached understandings on deepening cooperation across several professional domains, though no specific details were disclosed.

India has emerged as one of Armenia’s leading arms suppliers since the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, during which Pakistan strongly supported Azerbaijan.

The multimillion-dollar defence contracts between India and Armenia reportedly cover deliveries of surface-to-air missiles, multiple-launch rocket systems, howitzers, and anti-drone equipment.

General Chauhan inspected some of this hardware during his February visit to Yerevan, where he met Asryan and Armenian Defence Minister Suren Papikyan. The official Armenian readouts from those talks did not clarify whether additional arms deals were discussed or concluded.

Historically, Russia had been Armenia’s principal supplier of weapons and ammunition. However, Yerevan has increasingly sought alternative sources due to strained relations with Moscow and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has absorbed much of Russia’s defence production.

Since October 2023, Armenia has also signed several arms agreements with French companies, further diversifying its procurement strategy.

Armenian Media

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ISRO has confirmed in its Annual Report that the Preliminary Design Review of the Venus Orbiter Mission has been successfully completed.

This marks a significant milestone in India’s first mission to Venus, which has been steadily progressing since formal approvals were secured in April 2025 to advance international collaborations.

Among these collaborations is an arrangement with the Russian space agency ROSCOSMOS for the Venus InfraRed Atmospheric gases Linker payload, developed by the Russian Space Institute, and the Venusian Neutrals Analyzer payload from the Swedish Institute of Space Physics.

A science working group has been established to maximise the mission’s scientific output, and a Principal Scientist has been appointed to lead the effort.

The report makes mention of lander and rover payloads, though this is almost certainly an error. No spacecraft has survived on the surface of Venus for more than a few hours, given the planet’s extreme conditions of crushing atmospheric pressure and searing temperatures.

Operating a lander or rover in such an environment remains one of the most formidable challenges in planetary exploration. In October 2025, ISRO convened a national science meet in Bangalore, attended by around 150 researchers from ISRO and national institutions, alongside 70 scientists from 40 foreign institutions. To broaden participation, ISRO also released archival data on Venus for the scientific community.

The mission’s science goals are ambitious. ISRO aims to deepen understanding of the atmosphere, ionosphere, surface and subsurface of Venus. The mission will also study how solar wind and space weather interact with the planet.

Researchers intend to investigate the structure, dynamics and composition of the atmosphere, while revealing the topography hidden beneath the thick haze. Geological mapping and mineralogical studies are also planned.

A key element of the mission is the deployment of an atmospheric probe from the orbiter, designed to descend into the atmosphere and transmit data for as long as possible. In total, ISRO is equipping the mission with 19 payloads, reflecting the breadth of its scientific objectives.

The Venus Orbiter Mission is scheduled for launch no earlier than March 2028. With its comprehensive payload suite and international collaborations, the mission is expected to generate unprecedented data on Venus, advancing global understanding of one of the most enigmatic planets in the solar system.

Agencies

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Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre has stated that the Yelahanka Air Force Station land, where the Aero India show is held, is part of the Gantiganahalli reserve forest, reported New Indian Express.

He explained that over 444 acres of land had been granted to the Indian Air Force in Jarakabande Kaval, but this grant was cancelled by the local deputy commissioner in 2017.

Since then, the forest department has been attempting to recover the land, as once a parcel is notified as forest, it must remain so under the rules. The minister confirmed that the IAF has been asked either to return the land or provide alternative land in exchange.

He added that a similar situation exists with the Peenya plantation, which is under HMT, and that the government is engaged in a legal battle over it. So far, encroached forest land worth Rs 10,000 crore has been reclaimed, and efforts to recover more such land across Karnataka are ongoing, with the aim of expanding green cover and creating lung spaces.

Khandre was speaking at a workshop on extreme heat and its impact on Bangalore, organised by the Karnataka Media Academy and Asar Social Impact Advisors. He noted that a survey is being conducted with the revenue and other departments to identify forest land parcels across the state, which will then be recovered.

On the issue of depleting water levels in tanks and lakes, and their pollution, he said the Indian Institute of Science has been tasked with studying the impact of secondary treated water on crops, cattle and people. According to a report, pollution levels are not significant, but further investigation is required. He also emphasised the need for an audit of afforestation carried out by various organisations.

The minister stressed that saplings should be planted along highways and road dividers, and directed the forest department to post afforestation details on its website. He pointed out that many lakes in Bangalrore have been encroached upon, with high-rise buildings constructed on them, and warned that the city’s rapid growth requires proper planning to protect water bodies and green cover.

He said the impact of high-rise developments should also be studied. Khandre highlighted that Karnataka has formulated a State Action Plan on Climate Change, and steps are being taken to mitigate the effects of global warming. He mentioned that the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute has begun implementing the action plan.

NIE

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Flight operations at Jodhpur Airport resumed after nearly a month-long suspension as resurfacing work on the main runway was completed.

The reopening was marked by the landing of an Indian Air Force Dornier aircraft in the early hours of Tuesday, symbolising the successful completion of the upgrade. Officials confirmed that the resurfacing was finished on schedule due to coordinated efforts and meticulous planning, allowing civil flights to recommence without delay.

The South Western Air Command highlighted the seamless teamwork and relentless work output at Air Force Station Jodhpur, which ensured timely completion of the critical phase of resurfacing. Civil aviation authorities also confirmed that passenger operations have returned to normal, with check-in, baggage drop and other processes running smoothly.

The Airports Authority of India noted that passengers were welcomed back at the terminal, with the Airport Director interacting with them, and reported visible delight and satisfaction among travellers.

Meanwhile, the government clarified that recent disruptions at Jaipur Airport were unrelated to Jodhpur’s closure and were instead due to scheduled maintenance. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha that repair work at Jaipur International Airport was carried out between 17 and 23 March 2026 during afternoon hours.

The minister explained that the work was planned in consultation with airlines and notified in advance through a Notice to Airmen, with carriers adjusting schedules and informing passengers of cancellations or delays. The maintenance was part of essential pre-monsoon preparations.

The government reiterated that airlines are free to determine routes and capacity based on commercial viability following deregulation of the domestic aviation sector. To safeguard passenger interests, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation has issued rules on facilities to be provided in cases of denied boarding, cancellations and delays.

Authorities also emphasised ongoing measures to improve passenger experience, including expansion of terminal capacity, the introduction of DigiYatra, self-baggage drop systems, and enhanced assistance for passengers with reduced mobility.

Additionally, the Regional Connectivity Scheme, UDAN, continues to expand air links to smaller cities. So far, 663 routes connecting 95 unserved and underserved airports have been operationalised under the scheme, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening regional aviation infrastructure.

ANI

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Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently concluded a pivotal visit to the Pentagon, marking another significant step in the strengthening of India-US defence relations.

His official trip to the United States took place from April 20 to 23, and the engagements at the Pentagon on April 23 were described as a major boost to military ties between the two nations.

During the visit, General Dwivedi met with Daniel P Driscoll, United States Secretary of the Army, and General Christopher LaNeve, Acting Chief of Staff of the US Army. These discussions centred on expanding bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing military-to-military engagement, and exploring new avenues for collaboration in training, capability development, and joint operations.

Both sides placed strong emphasis on interoperability and jointness as essential elements in addressing emerging security challenges.

The Army Chief also held interactions with Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, and General Steven S Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. These meetings added a broader strategic dimension to the visit, covering defence policy coordination, institutional linkages, and identifying future areas of cooperation.

Officials noted that the Pentagon engagements reflected the growing importance both nations attach to their defence partnership amid a dynamic global security environment. The exchanges were seen as crucial in building mutual trust and highlighting convergence on key strategic priorities.

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both India and the United States to regional stability, enhanced capability development, and deeper military cooperation. It underscored the trajectory of defence relations between the two countries, which continue to expand across multiple domains in response to evolving global challenges.

PTI

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The Indian Army is preparing to host military delegations from eleven friendly nations for the inaugural edition of the multilateral exercise ‘Pragati’ at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.

This marks a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen defence cooperation and build deeper military-to-military ties across the region. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and foster mutual trust among participating forces, reflecting a shared commitment to collective security and regional stability.

According to the Indian Army, the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration among regional militaries. ‘Pragati’ – an acronym for Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation in the Indian Ocean Region – symbolises cooperative growth and collective security.

The Additional Directorate General of Public Information highlighted in a post on X that the exercise demonstrates the value of joint efforts in addressing common challenges and advancing stability in the wider region.

In parallel with this development, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi visited his alma mater, Sainik School Rewa, on Tuesday. His return to the institution was marked by pride and nostalgia, as he revisited the school that played a formative role in shaping his military career.

During the visit, General Dwivedi laid a wreath at the school memorial and reviewed a Guard of Honour presented by the cadets, reflecting the traditions of discipline and respect upheld by the institution.

He also interacted with students and faculty, commending their dedication to maintaining the school’s legacy of excellence. Addressing the cadets, General Dwivedi urged them to lead with integrity, serve with dedication, and remain steadfast in their commitment to the nation.

His words reinforced the enduring role of Sainik Schools in nurturing future leaders of the armed forces and highlighted the institution’s contribution to building character and discipline among young aspirants.

The dual developments – the launch of Exercise Pragati and General Dwivedi’s visit to Sainik School Rewa – illustrate the Indian Army’s focus on both international cooperation and domestic leadership development.

Together, they reflect a vision of strengthening external partnerships while continuing to invest in the institutions that shape the nation’s future military leaders.

Agencies

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India has strongly condemned the targeting of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, describing such actions as deplorable.

Ambassador Yojna Patel, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, delivered the statement at the UN Security Council debate on the Middle East.

She emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz is critical for India’s energy and economic security, and underlined that commercial shipping must never be subjected to military attacks.

Patel noted with concern that Indian seafarers have lost their lives during the ongoing conflict, stressing that international law prohibiting such targeting must be respected.

She reiterated that endangering civilian crew members or obstructing freedom of navigation and commerce in the Strait is unacceptable. India highlighted its co-sponsorship of UNSC Resolution 2817, adopted on 11 March, and urged for the swift restoration of safe and unimpeded passage for global trade through the waterway.

Patel also pointed out that developments in the Middle East have wide-ranging implications across security, economy, energy, food security, and global supply chains, making the debate timely and relevant.

India’s stakes in the region were underscored, with nearly 10 million Indians living and working in the Gulf. Their safety and well-being remain a priority, alongside the protection of India’s trade and energy supply chains.

Since the outbreak of conflict on 28 February, India has consistently called for dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation. Patel urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

She also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, condemning the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the loss of lives, including women and children.

India has supported Palestinians through developmental projects and reiterated its backing for a two-state solution as part of a human-centric approach. Patel stressed that capacity building and livelihood development remain central to India’s efforts, while a lasting peace is essential.

Turning to Lebanon, Patel condemned attacks on UN peacekeepers serving under UNIFIL, insisting that such assaults must be investigated and perpetrators brought to justice. She recalled India’s role in piloting UNSC Resolution 2589 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, and welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing hope it would advance negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

On Syria, Patel reaffirmed India’s support for a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, noting India’s humanitarian and developmental assistance to the Syrian people. She concluded by stating that the Middle East cannot remain a theatre of conflict, and that its people deserve peace, dignity, and hope after decades of turmoil. India stands ready to support sincere efforts towards a just and lasting peace.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated further as Iran lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, accusing the United States of piracy following the seizure of Iranian vessels. Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, argued in a letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council that Washington’s actions lacked legitimacy under international law. He rejected reliance on domestic arrangements as justification, describing the maritime interceptions as an abhorrent crime committed through force.

ANI

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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday addressed India’s High Commissioners, Ambassadors and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs at the 11th Heads of Missions Conference in New Delhi.

He reflected on the significant expansion of India’s global engagement over the past decade and emphasised that Indian diplomacy is prepared to advance national interests and secure national goals in an increasingly volatile and turbulent international environment.

In a post on X, he noted that the interaction recognised the breadth of India’s outreach and reiterated the readiness of Indian diplomacy to safeguard national objectives.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar met Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, who is on her first official visit to India. Their discussions centred on deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, health, agriculture, digital initiatives and capacity building. Jaishankar assured that India would work closely with Ecuador in multilateral forums.

He welcomed Ecuador’s decision to begin the process of joining the India-led International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance, describing these steps as important for strengthening global partnerships.

He also highlighted the agreement on funding for the implementation of Quick Impact Projects as a meaningful advance in the development partnership between the two countries. Rosero arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday morning for a three-day visit aimed at consolidating bilateral ties.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar held talks with Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, during her visit to India. Their discussions covered key global issues such as UN reforms, the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals, the implications of artificial intelligence and the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Jaishankar underscored the importance of reformed multilateralism that reflects contemporary global realities, particularly the concerns and aspirations of the Global South.

He expressed appreciation for Baerbock’s leadership and her contributions in her current role at the UNGA. Baerbock is visiting India at Jaishankar’s invitation as part of a broader Asian tour. Her programme includes meetings with senior government officials, representatives of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the UN Country Team in India, and the UN Country Team in Bhutan.

ANI

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The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC after nearly six decades is both a political and economic manoeuvre, striking at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s leadership of the cartel and indirectly at Riyadh’s defence partner, Pakistan, according to report by NDTV.

While tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have been simmering for years, they were partially masked by their shared hostility towards Tehran following the US-Israel war on Iran.

Yet the UAE’s frustration with Saudi Arabia’s insistence on limiting production, while it sought to expand output, proved decisive.

Analysts such as Firas Maksad of Eurasia Group have noted that the Emirates were unhappy at being constrained when they wanted to pump more oil, while Saudi Arabia pushed for restraint. This divergence in priorities exposed the fragility of OPEC’s cohesion.

At the same time, the UAE’s irritation extended to Pakistan, which it viewed as too closely aligned with Saudi Arabia and too timid in its mediation role between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad’s reluctance to hold Iran accountable for attacks on Gulf states during the war further deepened Abu Dhabi’s discontent.

Neil Quilliam of Chatham House observed that the UAE sees the current situation in stark terms, with no room for neutrality. From Abu Dhabi’s perspective, Pakistan’s mediating stance placed it in the middle ground, which was unacceptable at a time when the Emirates demanded clear alignment against Tehran. This frustration with Pakistan’s role added another layer to the UAE’s decision-making calculus.

By leaving OPEC, the UAE gains immediate freedom from Saudi-controlled quotas, enabling it to maximise production and profits in the face of constrained global supplies.

The move simultaneously undermines Saudi Arabia’s prestige and its ability to manage oil prices. It also positions Abu Dhabi closer to US President Donald Trump, a long-standing critic of OPEC, potentially opening avenues for diplomatic favour and investment benefits.

The announcement was made unilaterally, even as the Gulf Cooperation Council convened in Jeddah for an emergency session following Iranian attacks.

The UAE, politically closest to Israel and most hostile to Tehran, has borne the brunt of over 2,200 drone and missile strikes due to its geographical proximity.

Yet despite privately urging Saudi Arabia and Qatar to launch joint counterattacks, Abu Dhabi found no consensus within the GCC. The absence of political solidarity prompted it to abandon economic solidarity, striking out on its own.

According to Adnoc, the UAE’s exit will allow crude production to rise from 3.4 million barrels per day before the war to 5 million barrels by 2027. This comes against the backdrop of Iran’s production collapse, with output slumping by 44 per cent to 1.9 million barrels in March after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Overall, OPEC’s production fell by 27 per cent that month, the steepest decline in decades.

Dr Ebtesam Al-Ketbi of the Emirates Policy Centre described the move as an act of self-interest, redefining the UAE’s role from a bloc producer to a balancing producer capable of directly influencing global supply dynamics. While this may weaken OPEC’s cohesion, it strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a flexible actor in the energy market.

The Pakistan factor looms large in this decision. Earlier in April, the UAE recalled $3.5 billion in deposits from Islamabad, representing a fifth of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves. This was widely interpreted as a signal of displeasure with Pakistan’s neutrality over Iran.

Saudi Arabia, which signed a defence pact with Pakistan in September, was forced to step in to support its South Asian partner. The rivalry between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi has long been evident, from disputes over Yemen’s civil war to diverging alliances, with Saudi Arabia more closely aligned with Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, while the UAE invests heavily in India.

Quilliam noted that the UAE views the growing Saudi-Pakistan alliance as a direct conflict of interest. By leaving OPEC, Abu Dhabi hopes not only to secure US engagement but also to weaken the Saudi-Pakistan nexus.

India stands to benefit from this shift. The UAE’s determination to maximise output outside OPEC quotas will increase supply flexibility and lower price ceilings over time. For India, this translates into reduced import costs and diminished inflationary pressures. Sourav Mitra of Grant Thornton Bharat highlighted that the UAE’s exit is likely to soften crude prices, easing India’s import bill and inflation outlook.

The UAE’s departure from OPEC thus represents a multifaceted strategic move. It challenges Saudi Arabia’s leadership, signals disapproval of Pakistan’s neutrality, strengthens ties with Washington, and positions Abu Dhabi as a more independent and influential player in global energy markets.

NDTV

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