US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Lieutenant General Vikrant Suresh Deshpande, General Officer Commanding of the 10 Corps, witnessed a major joint firepower demonstration by Indian and US Army personnel at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026. The demonstration highlighted the growing operational cooperation between the two militaries, with troops conducting coordinated drills involving artillery, military aviation, air-defence systems and battlefield surveillance capabilities in the challenging desert environment.

The Indian Army showcased several of its key combat systems during the exercise, including the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, M777 ultra-light howitzers and the Dhanush artillery system. The Indian contingent also employed AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, L70 air-defence guns and Swathi weapon-locating radars as part of the integrated demonstration.

The US Army, meanwhile, deployed the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, along with the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, known as M-LIDS. The combined display brought together a range of capabilities designed to support coordinated operations across different combat domains.

Military officials said the exercise provided an opportunity for personnel from both countries to practise planning, coordination and execution of complex combined-arms operations. Such training also enables the two forces to develop a better understanding of each other's equipment, operational procedures and tactical approaches.

Ambassador Sergio Gor later shared his observations about the exercise on X, expressing admiration for the joint drills conducted by Indian and American troops. He said watching the two forces train together demonstrated the strength of the bilateral defence partnership, particularly in areas such as trust, readiness and interoperability. Gor also said he was proud of the results achieved through the combined efforts of the Indian and US Army personnel.

The US ambassador had announced his arrival at the Mahajan Field Firing Range and said he was looking forward to witnessing troops from both countries train together under realistic battlefield conditions. He described Yudh Abhyas as India's largest bilateral defence exercise with a partner nation. The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas officially began on September 15 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.

Around 600 soldiers from each country are taking part in this year's exercise, with training activities being conducted across both the mountainous terrain of Auli and the desert environment of Rajasthan. The diverse locations allow the participating troops to train under significantly different operational conditions. The Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information said the exercise is focused on enhancing interoperability through comprehensive and integrated training. The drills cover a broad range of activities, including small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon operations and specialised attack helicopter missions.

The participating units are also carrying out coordinated tactical manoeuvres, practising standard battle operating procedures and conducting combined-arms operations. These activities are aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and improving the ability of the two forces to operate together during complex missions.

The ongoing exercise also gives soldiers from both countries practical exposure to each other's methods of operation while encouraging greater professional familiarity and battlefield coordination. Training in both high-altitude and desert environments further expands the scope of the joint engagement. Exercise Yudh Abhyas has become an important platform for regular military cooperation between India and the United States. The 2026 edition, with its focus on multi-domain operations and training across varied terrains, continues the long-standing engagement between the two armies and seeks to further strengthen their ability to work together in demanding operational situations.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Indian Navy guided-missile frigate INS Trishul reached Toulon in France on September 22 to take part in the 24th edition of VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise conducted by the Indian and French navies. The exercise will include a range of professional activities both at the harbour and at sea. These are expected to include cross-deck visits, operational engagements and sporting events, providing personnel from both navies an opportunity to share operational knowledge, exchange best practices and improve interoperability.

The Indian Navy said INS Trishul’s visit reflects the long-standing maritime partnership between India and France and underlines the growing cooperation between the two countries in the maritime domain. The deployment to France comes shortly after the warship completed a three-day port visit to Alexandria, Egypt, on September 17. INS Trishul had arrived there on September 14 after conducting a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with Egyptian Naval Ship ENS Bernees.

The exercise involved coordinated manoeuvres, communication procedures and approaches for replenishment-at-sea operations. According to the Ministry of Defence, the drills allowed the two navies to share professional expertise and further improve operational coordination. During its stay in Alexandria, INS Trishul was escorted into port by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer. Ambassador of India to Egypt Suresh K Reddy also visited the vessel and interacted with its crew, highlighting the significance of the Indian Navy’s deployment in the region.

The port call also included a tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the two World Wars. The commanding officer and crew of INS Trishul paid their respects at the Chatby War Memorial, which contains 12 burials and commemorates 19 Indian soldiers who died aboard ships sunk in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Beyond the ceremonial engagements, Indian and Egyptian naval personnel held discussions on improving interoperability and identifying opportunities for deeper maritime cooperation. The Indian Navy said these interactions also reflected the longstanding friendship between India and Egypt.

Following the Alexandria visit and the PASSEX with the Egyptian Navy, INS Trishul continued its deployment towards France, where it is now participating in VARUNA. The exercise provides another platform for the Indian Navy to work alongside a key international maritime partner and strengthen operational coordination through practical engagement at sea.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Navy.

Indian Navy warships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish have arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines to take part in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA), marking another engagement between India and maritime forces from the Indo-Pacific region. The activity is being co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines and brings together ASEAN member states and partner countries for maritime cooperation and professional exchanges.

The participating forces are expected to conduct a range of activities aimed at improving interoperability, strengthening coordination and developing a better understanding of maritime operations among regional partners. INS Sahyadri is a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate, while INS Kulish is a Kora-class corvette. Their participation reflects the Indian Navy’s continued engagement with regional maritime forces through multilateral exercises and cooperative activities.

The deployment is also in line with India’s Act East Policy and its broader MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on strengthening partnerships and maritime cooperation across the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific. India and the Philippines have also expanded their defence relationship in recent years, with maritime security emerging as an important area of bilateral cooperation. The presence of the Indian warships at Subic Bay provides an opportunity for personnel from both navies to further strengthen professional ties.

The ADMM-Plus framework provides ASEAN countries and partner nations with a platform to work together on practical defence and security issues. Maritime engagements such as the current activity are intended to build operational familiarity and strengthen cooperation among participating forces. The arrival of Sahyadri and Kulish in the Philippines underscores India's continued naval outreach in the region and its participation in multilateral efforts aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and security.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from IndianNavy.

India’s nuclear arsenal is estimated to have grown to around 190 warheads, according to recent assessments by international nuclear experts, highlighting the country’s continued efforts to modernise its strategic forces and maintain a credible nuclear deterrent. The estimate comes amid a wider expansion and modernisation of nuclear capabilities by several countries, particularly in Asia. India’s exact nuclear stockpile remains classified, meaning the figure of 190 is an independent estimate rather than an officially confirmed number. Previous assessments had placed India’s arsenal at around 180 warheads, indicating a gradual increase in the country’s inventory over the past year.

The expansion is taking place alongside the development of newer nuclear-capable delivery systems. India has been strengthening all three components of its strategic deterrent, including land-based ballistic missiles, aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons and sea-based platforms. The development of a nuclear triad is considered important for ensuring that the country retains a survivable retaliatory capability even in the event of a major conflict.

India’s nuclear modernisation is also closely linked to the strategic environment in its neighbourhood. China has been rapidly expanding and upgrading its nuclear forces, while Pakistan continues to maintain its own nuclear arsenal. The changing capabilities of both countries have increased the importance of maintaining a reliable and survivable Indian deterrent.

Analysts say the number of warheads alone does not provide a complete picture of a country’s nuclear capability. Delivery systems, missile ranges, submarine-based forces, command-and-control infrastructure and the ability to survive a potential first strike are equally important factors in assessing the effectiveness of a nuclear deterrent.

The estimated increase in India’s warhead inventory also comes as the country continues to develop advanced missile systems and improve its strategic platforms. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that India’s nuclear forces remain credible as military technologies and regional security dynamics evolve.

International researchers rely on publicly available information, satellite imagery, official statements and assessments of fissile-material production to estimate the size of India’s nuclear arsenal. Because much of the country’s nuclear programme remains confidential, there is uncertainty surrounding the exact number of assembled warheads and India's future production capacity.

India has traditionally based its nuclear posture on the principle of credible minimum deterrence and has maintained a declared no-first-use policy, although aspects of its nuclear doctrine have periodically been debated by strategic experts and policymakers. The latest estimate of around 190 warheads therefore reflects more than a simple increase in numbers. It forms part of a broader effort by India to modernise its nuclear forces, improve their survivability and ensure that its strategic deterrent remains credible in an increasingly competitive regional security environment.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

Amid rising tensions in the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, airlines are diverting flights away from major Middle East routes that connect Asia and Europe. This shift raises the question: could new aviation hubs emerge beyond established centers like Dubai and Doha? How might this affect ticket costs, cargo transport, and the broader landscape of global air travel? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman explore these issues with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Principal Consultant and Commercial Aviation Lead at Frost & Sullivan.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Whether it is issuing military threats toward Colombia and Cuba, suggesting the takeover of Greenland from Denmark, or capturing oil tankers in European and Caribbean seas, Donald Trump’s actions are forcing global leaders into constant crisis management. His renewed brand of American imperialism is reshaping international politics at a rapid pace. Jonathan Freedland discusses this shifting global landscape with Pulitzer Prize–winning author Anne Applebaum, examining what lies ahead in a world being rapidly transformed by the decisions of the US president.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The United States’ confiscation of a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker represents a significant escalation, denounced by Caracas as “international piracy.” Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examine the underlying strategic signal the Trump administration is sending to Latin America in the context of China’s expanding influence, alongside Ross Feingold, Head of Research at Caerus Consulting. They assess whether this aggressive move qualifies as a justified national security action, whether it accomplished its intended objectives, and how neighbouring countries have responded in the immediate aftermath.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

On September 3, China held its largest military parade to date in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event featured tens of thousands of soldiers, along with hundreds of aircraft, ground vehicles, and advanced weaponry. More than just a show of military might, the parade was intended as a symbol of deterrence, national solidarity, and a display of Xi Jinping’s authority in a period of global uncertainty. Andrea Heng discussed the significance of the event with Dr. Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst at Solaris.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.