A United Nations Security Council monitoring report has attributed the November 2025 blast near Delhi’s Red Fort to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), adding an international dimension to the investigation into the deadly explosion.

The latest assessment by the UN Security Council’s 1267 Sanctions Committee monitoring team said AQIS has evolved from a fragmented organisation into a decentralised network operating through smaller cells across the region. The report also flagged the group’s continued presence in Afghanistan and its efforts to expand its activities into Bangladesh.

The development comes as Indian agencies continue to investigate the Red Fort blast, which was treated as a terror-related incident and later brought under the investigation of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Red Fort Blast Under NIA Probe

The explosion took place near the historic Red Fort in Delhi in November 2025. A vehicle was involved in the blast, which killed several people and injured more than 20 others.

The NIA took over the investigation as agencies examined possible links between the incident and a broader extremist network.

Indian investigators have previously linked the case to a network involving radicalised professionals and alleged AQIS affiliates. Umar un-Nabi, identified as the suspected driver of the vehicle, was killed in the explosion.

The investigation has also examined alleged connections between the suspects and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an organisation linked to AQIS.

AQIS Network Expanding

According to the UN assessment, AQIS has increasingly adopted a decentralised structure, with smaller cells operating across different parts of the region.

The report said AQIS leaders are based in Kabul and continue to operate using Afghan national identity documents. It also raised concerns about the group's attempts to expand its presence and activities in Bangladesh.

The findings highlight the continuing regional security challenge posed by Al-Qaeda-linked organisations, even as their operational structures become less centralised.

Chemical, Biological Threat Concerns

The UN monitoring team also warned about the continued interest of Al-Qaeda and Islamic State-linked groups in acquiring or developing capabilities involving chemical and biological materials.

The report indicates that terrorist organisations continue to explore unconventional methods that could increase the scale and impact of attacks.

The assessment also pointed to changes in the way extremist groups raise and move money.

Terror Groups Exploring Crypto

According to the UN team, Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates are increasingly exploring cryptocurrencies to finance their activities.

The monitoring body recommended considering cryptocurrency addresses associated with sanctioned terrorist organisations for inclusion in UN sanctions measures.

The concern reflects the growing challenge for authorities trying to track terrorist financing through digital financial systems, where transactions can cross borders and may be difficult to monitor using conventional financial surveillance mechanisms.

Red Fort Security Tightened

The UN report comes shortly before India's 80th Independence Day celebrations, with the Red Fort placed under heightened security ahead of the Prime Minister's address.

Around 20,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police, paramilitary forces and National Security Guard personnel, have been deployed around the venue.

Authorities are also using more than 1,000 CCTV cameras equipped with facial-recognition and number-plate detection capabilities to monitor movement around the area.

Security teams have further deployed the Abhigyan app for real-time fingerprint verification against a database containing details of more than one crore criminals.

Anti-Drone Measures in Place

Security agencies have also installed advanced anti-drone systems around the Red Fort.

Snipers and specialised response teams have been deployed as part of the multi-layered security arrangement. The measures are intended to address potential threats from both ground-based and aerial attacks during the Independence Day celebrations.

The UN assessment on AQIS and the heightened security deployment around the Red Fort underscore the continuing focus of Indian and international agencies on preventing extremist networks from exploiting regional instability and evolving financing and operational methods.

Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, the debate has shifted from constitutional legality to the long-term impact on security and stability in the region.

While the Supreme Court upheld the Centre's decision in December 2023, questions continue over whether the move has delivered on its core promises of reducing terrorism, restoring peace and creating conditions for sustained development.

Former Northern Army Commander Lt Gen (Retd) Raj Shukla believes the security situation has improved significantly, although he cautions that the threat posed by Pakistan-backed terrorism has not disappeared.

Terror Ecosystem Weakened

According to Lt Gen Shukla, one of the biggest outcomes of the abrogation has been the weakening of the financial and political networks that previously supported militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the constitutional changes disrupted several mechanisms that had enabled separatist and terror-linked activities over the years. However, he stressed that the ecosystem has been weakened—not eliminated.

The former Army commander noted that Pakistan continues to rely on proxy warfare as a key component of its security strategy against India, despite facing political and economic challenges at home.

Pakistan Still Relies on Proxy War

Lt Gen Shukla argued that Islamabad's overall approach towards Kashmir has remained largely unchanged.

He said the Pakistani military establishment continues to wield significant influence over national security decisions, regardless of changes in civilian governments.

According to him, terrorism remains a central instrument of Pakistan's strategy, with cross-border infiltration and support for militant groups continuing whenever opportunities arise.

Recent terror incidents in districts such as Anantnag and Kulgam, he said, indicate that while militant recruitment and infiltration may have declined compared to previous years, the security challenge is far from over.

New Security Challenges Emerging

Beyond Pakistan, Lt Gen Shukla pointed to broader regional developments that could shape India's future security environment.

He referred to increasing strategic coordination between Pakistan and China, while also highlighting Türkiye's growing engagement in regional affairs.

The retired Army officer also expressed concern over developments in Bangladesh, saying that rising radical elements there could create fresh security challenges along India's eastern frontier.

On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), however, he suggested that the project has lost momentum due to continuing unrest in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Army Presence Still Necessary

Addressing the possibility of reducing troop deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Gen Shukla said the security situation has not yet reached a stage where the Army's role can be substantially scaled back.

He estimated that the existing deployment would likely remain necessary for another four to five years until the situation stabilises further.

He also differentiated the issue of statehood from security, describing it primarily as a political decision that could be implemented whenever the Centre considers conditions appropriate.

Focus on Long-Term Stability

Lt Gen Shukla said India should continue strengthening internal security while avoiding excessive strategic focus on Pakistan.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said India has demonstrated its willingness to respond firmly to cross-border terrorism and indicated that any future attacks could invite an even stronger response.

According to him, lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir will depend not only on sustained counter-terror operations but also on economic development, political stability, public confidence and preventing new forms of radicalisation.

Seven years after Article 370 was revoked, the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone noticeable changes. While violence has reduced in several areas and militant networks have weakened, experts believe maintaining those gains will require continued vigilance alongside efforts to promote governance and development across the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is preparing a comprehensive security plan for migrant workers in the Kashmir Valley following the killing of two non-local labourers in Kulgam last week. The proposed measures include shifting workers to secure residential clusters, mandatory police registration for new arrivals and stricter verification of accommodation to prevent targeted terror attacks.

The move comes four days after terrorists shot dead two migrant workers in Kelam village of Kulgam district, renewing concerns over the safety of non-local labourers employed across the Valley.

High-Level Security Review

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting to review the security arrangements for nearly four lakh migrant workers currently living and working in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to officials, the administration has decided to strengthen security protocols, particularly in districts that have witnessed targeted attacks on non-local workers in recent years.

The objective is to reduce the vulnerability of migrant labourers who often live in isolated locations near orchards, brick kilns and construction sites.

Cluster Housing Proposed

As part of the proposed strategy, migrant workers residing in scattered and remote locations will be relocated to designated secure housing clusters.

Officials believe that providing security to labourers living individually across hundreds of locations is operationally difficult. By moving them into identified clusters, security agencies expect to improve surveillance and ensure quicker response in case of emergencies.

Separate and isolated accommodation for non-local workers is likely to be discouraged under the new framework.

Mandatory Police Registration

The administration also plans to introduce compulsory police registration for every new migrant worker arriving in the Valley.

Under the proposal, workers will have to report to the nearest police station after arrival. Local police will verify their identity and inspect the place where they intend to stay before permitting them to reside there.

Officials say the verification process is aimed at improving security coordination and maintaining an updated database of migrant workers across the region.

Focus on South Kashmir

The security plan will primarily cover Budgam and the districts of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama, where thousands of migrant workers from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Chhattisgarh are employed in brick kilns, horticulture and allied sectors.

According to official data, the Kashmir Valley has around 199 registered brick kilns, many of which employ seasonal migrant labourers who stay in temporary settlements.

Authorities say relocating workers from isolated huts to protected clusters will help minimise security risks.

Background of Targeted Attacks

Security for migrant workers has remained a major concern since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Government data presented in Parliament and statements from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicate that around 23 migrant workers have been killed in targeted terrorist attacks over the past seven years.

The latest Kulgam attack has once again highlighted the continuing threat posed by terrorists targeting civilians from outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Security Operations Continue

The fresh security measures come amid intensified counter-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir.

On July 18, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rajouri sector after detecting suspicious movement in the Tarkundi forward area.

Earlier, on July 8, security forces eliminated Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zakir Ahmed Ganie during a joint operation in Shopian. Ganie was among the most-wanted terrorists identified after the Pahalgam terror attack and was killed in an operation involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF.

With the proposed security overhaul, the administration aims to strengthen protection for migrant workers while continuing anti-terror operations across the Valley.

Russia has placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its international wanted list after accusing him of facilitating terrorist activities through the messaging platform. The development marks a major escalation in the Kremlin's long-running dispute with Telegram over content moderation and user privacy.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that Durov is being investigated under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which relates to aiding or facilitating terrorist activity. If convicted, the 41-year-old entrepreneur could face life imprisonment under Russian law.

FSB Alleges Telegram Enabled Terror Activities

According to the FSB, the case centres on Telegram's alleged failure to remove channels, chat groups and automated bots that Russian authorities claim were used by hostile organisations.

Investigators alleged that Ukrainian intelligence-linked groups and extremist organisations used the platform to coordinate sabotage, cyber fraud and attacks inside Russia.

The agency also claimed that a Telegram chatbot known as Dayvinchik was allegedly used to recruit young Russians between the ages of 12 and 22 to participate in arson attacks and assaults on law enforcement personnel.

Russian authorities said they have detained 46 individuals across 10 regions since July 2025 in connection with the alleged recruitment network.

Long-Running Conflict With Kremlin

The latest charges add to Durov's years-long confrontation with Russian authorities.

Durov left Russia in 2014 after refusing government demands to hand over user data and subsequently sold his stake in the country's largest social networking platform, VKontakte (VK).

He currently resides in Dubai and holds French and UAE citizenship.

Earlier this year, Durov revealed that Russian authorities had quietly opened a criminal investigation against him. At the time, he accused the Kremlin of attempting to restrict Telegram and undermine users' privacy.

He also alleged that Russian authorities were increasingly targeting encrypted communication platforms under the pretext of national security.

Telegram Faces Legal Pressure Beyond Russia

The Russian case comes while Durov continues to face legal scrutiny in Europe.

In 2024, French authorities arrested him in Paris and initiated multiple investigations related to Telegram's alleged failure to adequately moderate content connected to drug trafficking, money laundering and child sexual abuse material.

After several months under judicial supervision in France, Durov returned to Dubai in early 2025.

Extradition Appears Unlikely

Although Russia has issued an international wanted notice, legal experts believe extradition may prove difficult.

As a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, where he currently resides, Durov is unlikely to be extradited to Russia unless he travels to a country that has an extradition agreement with Moscow.

Neither Telegram nor Pavel Durov has issued an official statement responding to the latest Russian charges.

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed in connection with the investigation into the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, marking a significant development in one of India's most closely watched terror cases.

The warrant was issued on July 8, two days after the NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet before the Special NIA Court in Jammu, naming Saeed as an accused. The agency has charged him both in his personal capacity and as the head of the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit, The Resistance Front (TRF).

Court Approves NIA Request

According to the court order, the NIA informed the court that Saeed, currently believed to be residing in Pakistan's Punjab province, has deliberately evaded arrest despite being a key accused in the case.

The agency sought an open-dated non-bailable warrant, arguing that Saeed's arrest and custodial interrogation are essential for carrying out a fair and comprehensive investigation into the terror conspiracy.

Accepting the plea, the Special Judge directed that the warrant be forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with legal procedures.

Multiple Charges Invoked

The supplementary chargesheet invokes several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.

Investigators have alleged that Saeed played a significant role in planning and supporting terrorist activities linked to the Pahalgam attack through Lashkar-e-Taiba and The Resistance Front.

Attack Claimed 26 Lives

The Pahalgam terror attack, carried out on April 22 last year, claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists visiting the popular destination in south Kashmir. The incident ranks among the deadliest terror attacks in the region in recent years and triggered a massive nationwide security response.

Following the attack, the NIA took over the investigation and has since filed multiple chargesheets while expanding its probe into the alleged cross-border terror network.

Hafiz Saeed's Terror Background

Hafiz Saeed has long been designated a global terrorist by both India and the United States. He is widely regarded as the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that killed more than 160 people.

India has repeatedly sought stronger international action against Saeed, accusing him of directing and supporting multiple terrorist operations targeting the country.

The latest court order is expected to strengthen India's legal case as investigators continue pursuing individuals allegedly involved in planning and executing the Pahalgam attack.

Investigation Continues

Officials have indicated that the supplementary chargesheet forms part of the broader investigation into the conspiracy behind the attack. The non-bailable warrant will remain an important legal instrument as the NIA pursues further proceedings against the accused.

The agency has maintained that the investigation is ongoing and additional evidence and legal action may follow as the probe progresses.

In a landmark judgment, the Gujarat High Court on Monday upheld the Ahmedabad City Sessions Court's 2022 verdict in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case, confirming the death sentence awarded to 38 convicts and life imprisonment till the end of natural life for 11 others. The division bench dismissed all appeals filed by the convicts while also affirming the trial court's findings.

The High Court further directed the Gujarat government to ensure compensation for victims by March 31, 2027. Families of those killed in the blasts will receive ₹10 lakh each, victims who sustained grievous injuries will be paid ₹5 lakh, while those with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh as compensation.

High Court Confirms Trial Court Verdict

The verdict marks the culmination of a long legal battle that began after the devastating serial blasts on July 26, 2008. The Ahmedabad City Sessions Court had, on February 18, 2022, sentenced 38 convicts to death and 11 others to life imprisonment until the end of their natural lives. The Gujarat government had sought confirmation of the death penalties, while the convicted individuals challenged the judgment before the High Court.

After hearing the appeals, the High Court upheld the trial court's order in its entirety.

2008 Blasts Claimed 56 Lives

The coordinated terror attack struck Ahmedabad on the evening of July 26, 2008, when 21 bomb blasts ripped through 20 locations across the city within a span of nearly 90 minutes, between 6:15 pm and 7:45 pm.

The explosions killed 56 people and injured more than 200 others. Investigators said improvised explosive devices were planted in bicycles, buses and cars, including vehicles parked near Civil Hospital and L.G. Hospital, where several casualties were reported.

Massive Trial Spanning More Than a Decade

The trial involved 78 accused, of whom 49 were convicted and 29 acquitted. According to the prosecution, the investigation included 35 FIRs, 548 charge sheets, examination of 1,163 witnesses, and nearly 6,000 documentary and material exhibits.

The court's judgment ran into approximately 7,000 pages, while the complete case record reportedly exceeded 7.8 lakh pages, making it one of India's most extensive criminal trials.

The accused faced charges under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Explosive Substances Act, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Information Technology Act, the Arms Act, and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Security Tightened Around High Court

Ahead of the verdict, authorities deployed extensive security arrangements at the Gujarat High Court. Entry to the court premises was allowed only after baggage screening, while personnel from the Crime Branch, local police, State Reserve Police (SRP), and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad were stationed throughout the complex.

More than two dozen lawyers attended the proceedings, and security remained in place inside and outside Court No. 39, where the judgment was pronounced.

Prosecution's Case

During the trial, the prosecution alleged that several accused had attended training camps in Halol, Gujarat, and Kerala in early 2008, where they were allegedly trained in bomb-making and radicalised through extremist speeches. Investigators claimed the conspirators later executed the coordinated bomb attacks targeting crowded public places across Ahmedabad.

The investigation led to the arrest of 82 accused after police registered 20 FIRs in Ahmedabad and 15 in Surat. Officials stated that the case was substantially cracked within 19 days of the blasts.

The High Court's decision is one of the most significant judicial developments in the nearly 18-year-old terror case, reaffirming the convictions and sentences awarded by the trial court while bringing the prolonged appellate proceedings to a close.

In a major counter-terrorism operation conducted just 13 days before the annual Rath Yatra, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested eight suspected operatives allegedly linked to the banned terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The arrests were made during coordinated raids across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh following specific intelligence inputs, officials said.

According to the ATS, the suspects were allegedly attempting to strengthen the terror organisation's network in Gujarat. Multiple ATS teams simultaneously carried out search operations at different locations, leading to the detention of all eight accused. They are currently being interrogated to determine the extent of their alleged involvement and identify any wider network or operational plans.

Officials said the action is part of heightened security measures being implemented ahead of the annual Rath Yatra, one of Gujarat's largest religious processions that attracts thousands of devotees and remains under extensive security surveillance every year.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Ahmed Abdullah Gajiwala alias Abu Ubaida (19), Ibrahim Mohammad Husen Ghagha alias Abu Hamza (30), Mudassir Abdullah Ghaziwala alias Abu Aya (22), Zakariya Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Ibn Ammar and Zakariya Palanpuri (21), Mufti Faujan Ismail Dauwa alias Mufti Sahab (40), Mohammad Amin Shera alias Amin Palanpuri (21), Mohammad Abdul Rahman Savdi alias Mohammad Palanpuri and Abu Unisa (22), and Bilal Durani Mohammad Ammar Ghagha alias Abu Dujana, Abu Sufiyan, Abu Zundal and Umar bin Khattab (18), who hails from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh.

Investigators said the accused are being questioned over their alleged involvement in anti-national activities, recruitment efforts and suspected links with Jaish-e-Mohammed. Security agencies are also examining their communication records, financial transactions, digital devices and possible contacts with other individuals associated with extremist organisations.

The ATS has not disclosed whether the group had any immediate plans to target the Rath Yatra or any other public event. Officials maintained that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and further details will emerge after sustained interrogation and forensic examination of the seized material.

A criminal case has been registered against all eight accused under Sections 13, 17, 18, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, along with Sections 148 and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These provisions deal with unlawful activities, raising funds for terrorism, conspiracy, membership and support to terrorist organisations, as well as offences related to criminal conduct.

Officials said additional legal action could follow depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The ATS is also coordinating with central intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities in other states to trace any interstate or cross-border links connected to the accused.

Security agencies routinely intensify surveillance before major religious gatherings such as the Rath Yatra due to the large public participation. The latest operation is being viewed as part of preventive security measures aimed at disrupting suspected terror modules before they can establish operational capabilities.

Authorities have appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information on social media and assured that all necessary security arrangements are in place for the smooth and peaceful conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra.

Pulwama Mastermind Hamza Burhan Killed in PoK: Unidentified Attackers Open Fire in Muzaffarabad

UAPA-designated terrorist linked to 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel shot dead outside AIMS College

Killed in Muzaffarabad

Hamza Burhan, a key conspirator behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad late on Tuesday evening. The incident took place outside AIMS College, where multiple gunshots were fired at the 23-year-old terrorist, killing him on the spot. Local sources confirmed that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault.

UAPA Designation Since 2022

India had officially declared Burhan a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in 2022. Originally identified as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, he was a resident of Ratnipora in Pulwama district. Government records show he had legally travelled to Pakistan before joining Al Badr, a banned terrorist organisation, where he eventually rose to become a commander.

The Pulwama Link

Investigating agencies have long believed Burhan played a significant role in orchestrating the February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel. The attack, carried out by a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden vehicle, had pushed India-Pakistan tensions to the brink of conflict.

Travel to Pakistan

According to government documents, Burhan had initially travelled to Pakistan through legal channels. Once across the border, he reportedly established connections with multiple terror outfits and became actively involved in recruitment and funding operations. Sources familiar with the matter said he was operating from Pakistani territory for several years while maintaining ties with terror groups active in the Kashmir Valley.

Accused of Recruitment and Fundraising

Agencies had linked Burhan to several incidents, including the recovery of explosives in Pulwama, a grenade attack on CRPF personnel on November 18, 2020, and efforts to radicalise and recruit local youth into militant ranks. He was also known as a close associate of slain terrorists Abu Dujana, Abu Qasim, Burhan Wani, and Zakir Musa.

Unanswered Questions

The identity of the attackers remains unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the killing so far. Local authorities in PoK have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. While some analysts suggest internal rivalries among militant factions, others point to the possibility of targeted operations. Indian security establishment is closely monitoring the situation.

PM Modi Highlights India-Sweden Partnership in Gothenburg Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of close cooperation between India and Sweden during his address at the European Round Table for Industry here on Sunday, describing it as vital amid current global challenges.

Speaking in the Swedish city, Modi stressed that democratic nations must work together more closely. He reiterated that both countries view terrorism as a grave threat to humanity and expressed gratitude to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for support following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Warm Welcome in Sweden

PM Modi arrived in Gothenburg on May 17, marking his first visit to Sweden since 2018. Swedish Gripen fighter jets escorted his aircraft into Swedish airspace, and Prime Minister Kristersson personally received him at Landvetter Airport. Ceremonial elements included a military band performance and a traditional aarti by women of Indian origin at the hotel.

Later, Modi was conferred with Sweden's highest honour for foreign heads of government — the Royal Order of the Polar Star Commander Grand Cross — by Crown Princess Victoria. He dedicated the award to the people of India. This marks his 31st international honour.

Elevation to Strategic Partnership

During bilateral talks with Kristersson and interactions involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, India and Sweden agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a full Strategic Partnership, backed by a Joint Action Plan for 2026-2030.

Defence and Industrial Ties Deepen

The partnership moves beyond traditional defence purchases. Swedish firms are setting up production units in India, signalling a shift towards long-term industrial collaboration in security and emerging technologies.

Focus on Technology and Innovation

Leaders announced plans for an India-Sweden Technology and AI Corridor to boost cooperation in artificial intelligence, health tech, and green mobility. A new India-Sweden Science and Technology Centre will connect startup ecosystems and research institutions directly.

Green Transition and Climate Action

Both sides highlighted potential in green hydrogen, circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure. Sweden’s advanced technology combined with India’s scale could deliver global climate solutions, Modi noted while addressing industry leaders.

He also pointed to upcoming opportunities from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, inviting European investors to tap into India’s vibrant startup ecosystem in areas such as AI, fintech, space, drones, biotech, and climate tech. India ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.

Terrorism a Shared Concern

In his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s firm stance against terrorism and those who support it. He appreciated Sweden’s backing after the recent attack in Pahalgam, emphasising that such cooperation strengthens collective security in a tense global environment.

Local observers noted the visit’s significance for people-to-people ties, with cultural performances adding a warm touch to the official engagements. Modi’s plane landing and subsequent events drew attention across both nations.

The two-day visit is part of Modi’s broader five-nation Europe tour. Officials indicated it will help advance defence, trade, innovation, and resilient supply chain cooperation between India and European partners.

As discussions concluded, both sides expressed optimism about translating intent into concrete investments and joint projects in the coming years. The upgraded strategic framework is expected to give fresh momentum to bilateral trade, currently around $7.75 billion, with ambitions to expand it significantly.

J&K Police bust LeT module, 5 held including Pakistani terrorists

J&K Police bust LeT module with cross-border links; two Pakistani operatives and three aides arrested in coordinated crackdown

Major crackdown unfolded

In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has busted a module linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), arresting five individuals, including two Pakistani terrorists. The arrests were made following coordinated raids across multiple states, officials said on Tuesday.

The operation marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle terror networks operating in the Kashmir Valley and beyond.

Arrests across states

According to officials, security agencies conducted searches at 19 locations spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The joint operation involved central intelligence agencies alongside local police units.

Authorities confirmed that incriminating materials were seized during the raids, though details were not disclosed due to the sensitivity of the investigation.

Key accused identified

One of the arrested terrorists has been identified as Abdullah, also known as Abu Huraira, who had reportedly been absconding for 16 years. The second Pakistani national was identified as Usman alias Khubaib.

Officials said both had infiltrated India around 2010 and remained active in various districts of the Kashmir Valley over the years.

Local aides role

Three local aides from Srinagar were also taken into custody. They were identified as Mohammad Nakeeb Bhatt, Adil Rashid Bhatt, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, alias Mama.

Investigators revealed that these individuals provided logistical support, including shelter, food, and communication assistance, to the foreign terrorists. They were allegedly in direct contact with handlers operating across the border.

Network and operations

Preliminary findings indicate that the module functioned as a support system for terrorist activities, facilitating movement, funding, and safe havens. Officials said the network played a crucial role in sustaining militant operations in the region.

Sources indicated that the two Pakistani operatives had, at one point, commanded a group of nearly 40 militants. Most of these operatives were neutralised in previous counter-insurgency operations by security forces.

Escape and fake IDs

Investigators also uncovered that one of the operatives had managed to leave the country earlier using forged documents and fake identities. This movement was allegedly facilitated by a wider LeT network extending into other Indian states.

Authorities are now probing the extent of this network and identifying additional suspects who may have assisted in the escape and cross-border coordination.

Security impact assessed

Security experts view the bust as a significant development in curbing terror infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. The dismantling of such modules is expected to disrupt logistical chains that enable militant activities.

Officials stated that intelligence-sharing between state and central agencies has improved in recent years, allowing for more precise and coordinated operations.

What lies ahead

Further interrogation of the arrested individuals is underway, and more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. Security agencies are also analysing seized materials to uncover financial trails and communication links.

The J&K Police bust LeT module operation is expected to have wider implications for counter-terror efforts, particularly in identifying sleeper cells and cross-border networks.

As part of the latest news today, this India news update underscores continued vigilance by security forces against terrorism. The case remains a key public interest story within the broader national and international news landscape, with further government updates anticipated in the coming days.