India and the United States are further expanding their defence partnership, with greater focus on joint military exercises, advanced technologies, defence production and operational coordination between the two armed forces. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has highlighted the growing defence cooperation between the two countries in an article for Hindustan Times, pointing to the ongoing Yudh Abhyas 2026 military exercise as an example of the expanding partnership.

The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas brings Indian and US Army personnel together for joint training in different operational environments. The exercise is being conducted across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand and involves activities designed to improve coordination, tactical understanding and interoperability between the two forces.

A major focus of this year's exercise is the use of emerging military technologies, particularly unmanned systems and counter-drone capabilities. The participating troops are also undertaking field training, command-post exercises, live-fire activities and specialised operations. The exercise provides an opportunity for soldiers from both countries to exchange operational procedures and understand how each side approaches modern battlefield challenges.

The growing importance of drones in recent conflicts has also made counter-unmanned aircraft systems an increasingly important area of military cooperation. During the exercise, Indian personnel are being exposed to US capabilities designed to detect and counter small unmanned aircraft. India-US defence cooperation has also expanded beyond military exercises and equipment purchases. Both countries have been working to increase defence-industrial cooperation, including joint production, technology partnerships and stronger supply chains.

The Javelin anti-tank missile is among the systems being discussed in the context of greater manufacturing cooperation. Tata Advanced Systems and the Javelin Joint Venture have signed an agreement to explore opportunities for producing the system in India. The two countries have also identified other areas for cooperation, including jet engines, munitions and ground mobility systems. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to strengthen defence manufacturing and technology cooperation between India and the US.

Regular military exercises such as Yudh Abhyas have become an important component of the bilateral defence relationship. They allow personnel from both sides to train together, exchange tactics and procedures, and develop greater familiarity with each other's military systems. The latest exercise comes as India and the US continue to strengthen their broader strategic engagement in areas including the Indo-Pacific, maritime security, defence technology and military interoperability.

The developments indicate that the India-US defence relationship is increasingly extending from defence procurement towards joint training, technology cooperation and industrial partnerships. Yudh Abhyas 2026 is expected to further strengthen practical cooperation between the two militaries while providing both sides with experience in operating together across different terrains and against evolving security challenges.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from HT.

The Indian Navy’s frontline destroyer INS Ranvijay has arrived at Salalah in Oman as part of its ongoing operational deployment, highlighting the close maritime partnership and longstanding ties between India and Oman. During the port visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Ranvijay met the Commander of the Southern Naval Area RNO, according to the Indian Navy. The engagement provided an opportunity for professional interaction between the two maritime forces.

The visit also included professional engagements between RNOV Sadh and INS Ranvijay. The two navies subsequently conducted an India-Royal Navy of Oman Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in waters off Salalah. The Indian Navy said the activities reflected the continuing friendship between India and Oman and demonstrated the importance both countries attach to maritime cooperation.

The Salalah visit comes shortly after Indian naval vessels participated in a major multilateral maritime security activity in the Philippines. On September 25, the stealth frigate INS Sahyadri and missile corvette INS Kulish completed their participation in the 23rd ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperation Activity at Subic Bay.

The exercise began on September 21 at Naval Operating Base Subic under the hosting of the Philippine Navy and was co-chaired by Japan. During the harbour phase, participating forces took part in expert-level discussions covering peace and security, maritime interaction, senior enlisted leadership and marine environmental protection. Sporting activities, an International Day and a cultural programme were also organised.

Indian naval personnel later participated in operational synchronisation activities and a tabletop exercise before joining a pre-sail conference ahead of the sea phase. A community engagement programme was also held at the Shepherds of the Hill Centre in Zambales. The sea phase involved several coordinated activities, including search and rescue operations, hydrographic surveys, casualty and medical evacuation drills, deck landing qualifications and assistance to vessels that had run aground. According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercises helped participating forces improve coordination and interoperability during maritime operations.

Indian Navy personnel from INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish also undertook cross-deck visits aboard JS Ise and HMAS Perth as the ADMM-Plus engagement entered its concluding stage. The closing ceremony marked the completion of the maritime security activities and highlighted the role of professional exchanges and practical cooperation in building mutual understanding among participating naval forces. India’s participation in the multilateral exercise was also in line with its Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, reinforcing New Delhi’s focus on strengthening maritime partnerships across the wider region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, has carried out its first live weapon-firing exercise in the Arabian Sea, marking a significant step in the vessel’s operational deployment. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the submarine fired an anti-ship cruise missile and successfully struck a designated target located at extended range during the exercise. Pakistan’s military media wing described the firing as a demonstration of the submarine’s operational preparedness and combat capabilities.

The exercise was witnessed by Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. He highlighted the significance of the test for the country’s underwater warfare capabilities and said the development would contribute to Pakistan’s broader maritime deterrence efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership following the reported successful engagement. A statement from his office said the exercise demonstrated the readiness and combat potential of Pakistan’s submarine force.

PNS/M HANGOR was built in China as part of a defence cooperation agreement between Islamabad and Beijing. The submarine was formally commissioned in Sanya, China, in April before arriving in Karachi in June to join the Pakistan Navy. The vessel is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines being acquired as part of Pakistan’s ongoing naval modernisation programme. Four of the submarines are being constructed in China, while the other four are scheduled to be built in Pakistan.

The Hangor-class boats feature modern combat-management systems, advanced sensors, stealth technologies and air-independent propulsion (AIP). The AIP system is designed to allow a conventionally powered submarine to remain underwater for longer periods without needing to surface or regularly use its snorkel to recharge batteries. The design is based on China’s S26 export submarine, which is associated with the Yuan-class family. The vessels are intended to enhance Pakistan's capabilities in areas such as covert surveillance, anti-ship warfare and sea-denial operations.

Pakistan has not publicly identified the missile fired during the latest exercise, nor has it released the weapon’s official range or detailed information about the target. Some reports have associated the Hangor-class submarine with missiles from China’s YJ-18 family, but Pakistan has not officially confirmed that the weapon used in this particular firing belonged to that series. The latest exercise comes as Pakistan continues efforts to expand and modernise its underwater fleet. The Pakistan Navy said the successful firing reflects its focus on maintaining a technologically advanced and operationally ready force capable of safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

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.

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.