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.

More than a year after Indian forces struck terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, the central government has officially released the names of six military personnel who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. It is the first time the identities of the fallen have been made public.

The six martyrs are Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Agniveer Mood Murli Naik, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar. Five belonged to the Army; Sergeant Surendra Kumar was from the Indian Air Force.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes on nine terror facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and PoK — the most significant cross-border military action India had undertaken in years.

The targets hit included the Sawai Nala training centre in Muzaffarabad, where terrorists responsible for the Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam attacks had trained; the Syedna Bilal Camp, also in Muzaffarabad, used for weapons and jungle survival training; and the Gulpur Camp in Kotli, linked to the 2023 Poonch pilgrim attack. Strikes also hit Abbas Camp in Kotli — a fidayeen training facility just 13 kilometres from the Line of Control — Barnala Camp in Bhimber, and Sarjal Camp in Sialkot, where personnel involved in the March 2025 killing of police officers had been trained.

Two high-profile targets were Markaz Taiba in Muridke, where Ajmal Kasab and David Coleman Headley had received training before the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the Subhan Allah Mosque complex in Bahawalpur, which served as Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters and was regularly used by senior leadership for recruitment. The Mehmuna Joya Camp of Hizbul Mujahideen in Sialkot, where the Pathankot attack was planned, was also among the nine sites struck.

Military action was halted on May 10, 2025, following talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan.

The names of the six personnel will now be inscribed at the National War Memorial near India Gate in New Delhi — the memorial inaugurated in 2019 that records the names of all soldiers who have died in service to the nation since independence. With this, Operation Sindoor formally enters the roll of military operations honoured at the memorial.

For the families of the six, the public acknowledgment closes a long period of quiet grief. The government's decision to release names and ensure memorial recognition signals that the sacrifices made during the operation will be part of the official record of India's military history.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met face-to-face for the first time in 16 months at the G7 summit in France, but the trademark embrace was conspicuously absent.

The G7 summit in the French spa town of Évian-les-Bains unfolded against the backdrop of the US-Iran war, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi using the global stage to deliver a pointed message on maritime safety that appeared directed at Washington.

As leaders of the world's largest democracies gathered at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, the India-US relationship encountered turbulence over recent weeks, marked by differences on the Operation Sindoor ceasefire and American tariff measures targeting Indian exports.

A Handshake, Not a Hug

The meeting between Modi and Trump marked their first in-person encounter since the Indian leader visited Washington in February 2025, shortly after Trump returned to the White House for a second term.

When the two leaders finally came face-to-face, the customary bear hug that had become a hallmark of their personal rapport was replaced by a formal handshake. Trump was seen patting Modi lightly on the arm, a gesture that acknowledged their history while stopping short of the warmth displayed during previous meetings.

The more significant development, however, came during Modi's address to the gathering.

Modi's Unspoken Rebuke

Speaking at a session with Trump seated directly beside him, Modi welcomed progress toward peace efforts in West Asia but made clear that the conflict had come at a cost to India.

"Several Indian civilians have also lost their lives. The safety of seafarers, who connect all countries through global maritime trade, is our responsibility," Modi said, according to officials present.

Though he did not name the United States, the timing lent weight to his words. Three Indian nationals died when US forces attacked the Palau-flagged oil tanker Settebello near the Strait of Hormuz last week.

"We must ensure that sea lanes remain safe, and seafarers can carry out their work without fear," Modi added, stating that India was "fully prepared to work with all partners on these issues."

 The Trust Deficit

The Prime Minister's remarks extended beyond maritime safety to address what he termed a growing crisis in international relations.

"Today, the most important strategic asset is not minerals, technology, or markets, but mutual trust," Modi told the gathering. "The world is not suffering from a deficit of resources; it is suffering from a deficit of trust."

According to sources familiar with the proceedings, Modi referenced former US President Ronald Reagan's "trust, but verify" doctrine, calling on the international community to build "a credible rules-based order suited to a new era."

A PTI report confirmed the two leaders are scheduled to meet again on Thursday on the summit's sidelines.

Trump's Frustration with Israel

The Iran conflict dominated discussions, with Trump announcing both sides had agreed to a deal to end fighting.

The American leader expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other president was willing to do what I did," Trump said, according to officials.

Despite describing his relationship with Netanyahu as "great," Trump was blunt in his assessment. "I've had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon," he said, adding he was "not happy with the way Israel has handled itself with Lebanon and with Hezbollah."

The US president argued the conflict had dragged on too long and risked undermining the recently announced agreement with Iran.

Europe's Diplomatic Overture

Trump's contentious relationship with European allies appeared to soften as the summit began, with leaders making concerted efforts to repair ties strained by the Iran war.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz presented Trump with a football jersey bearing the number 47. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated the US leader on the Iran framework, suggesting it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and drive down oil prices.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who had earlier engaged in a war of words with Trump, invited him to dinner at Versailles on Wednesday to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.

But tensions persisted beneath the surface. Trump did not hold a one-on-one meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, prompting Starmer to insist he had not been snubbed.

The Lighter Moments

Amid the serious discussions, the summit provided its share of human moments.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed she had not smoked a cigarette "since May 1," drawing applause from leaders around the table. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed admiration for Cape Verde's surprising 0-0 draw against Spain.

Macron presented each leader with personalised bicycles to promote next year's Cycling World Championships in the French Alps. Modi and Meloni shared a warm greeting, with the Italian leader joking, "Yes, we are the most famous on Instagram."

India has stepped up surveillance and anti-drone preparedness after warnings of possible drone attacks on strategic installations near land and maritime borders.

New Delhi, June 16: Security agencies across India have intensified protective measures at critical infrastructure and strategic locations following a government alert regarding potential drone threats along the country's land and coastal borders.

The warning, issued through the Maritime Security Division of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has prompted the deployment and evaluation of anti-drone systems at several sensitive sites. Authorities are focusing on installations located near border regions and coastal assets considered vital to national security.

Warning Triggers Action

According to officials familiar with the development, the alert highlighted the growing threat posed by hostile drones and stressed the need for immediate protective measures.

The communication called for urgent steps to safeguard key facilities, particularly those situated near international borders. It noted that hostile unmanned aerial systems have the potential to disrupt operations at critical infrastructure and strategic establishments.

The advisory comes at a time when drone warfare and cross-border aerial threats have become increasingly prominent in regional and global security discussions.

Anti-Drone Systems Planned

Following the alert, multiple agencies have accelerated efforts to identify and deploy suitable anti-drone technologies.

Sources indicated that installations considered vulnerable are being assessed for surveillance upgrades and electronic countermeasure systems capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising unauthorized drones.

The focus remains on creating layered protection around facilities that could be targeted by hostile aerial platforms.

BSF Leading Evaluation

The Ministry of Home Affairs has constituted a specialised committee under the supervision of the Border Security Force (BSF) to evaluate available anti-drone technologies.

The committee has been tasked with testing and recommending systems best suited for India's operational requirements. Initial trials have reportedly begun in border areas of Punjab, where security agencies have been monitoring drone-related activities for several years.

Officials said the outcome of these evaluations will guide future procurement and deployment decisions.

Multi-Agency Coordination

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has also formed a dedicated team to assess security requirements at important locations.

The team includes representatives from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Airports Authority of India (AAI) and BSF. Officials involved in the exercise are conducting inspections at key sites across the country to determine vulnerability levels and recommend appropriate counter-drone solutions.

A final decision on deployment locations is expected after technical assessments are completed and approved by the Home Ministry.

Tamil Nadu Port Sets Example

One of the most significant developments in India's anti-drone strategy has been the installation of an advanced anti-drone system at the port facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

The system was commissioned earlier this year at the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, making it the first Indian port to adopt such technology for operational security. Developed in partnership with government-owned Central Electronics Limited, the system combines radar and radio-frequency technologies to identify, track and disable hostile drones.

Officials say the platform provides 360-degree surveillance coverage and has been designed specifically for maritime environments.

Lessons From Operation Sindoor

The renewed focus on anti-drone preparedness follows security experiences from Operation Sindoor in May 2025, when Indian air defence systems responded to aerial threats during military tensions with Pakistan.

Defence sources have previously stated that radar networks and air defence assets successfully intercepted hostile drones and aerial platforms during the operation. The episode reinforced concerns about the growing role of drones in modern conflict and highlighted the need for stronger protective infrastructure.

As drone technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, security planners are increasingly treating counter-drone capabilities as a critical component of national defence.

India produced a clinical all-round display to beat Pakistan by 64 runs in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 opener in Birmingham on Sunday, with Smriti Mandhana's 68 and Deepti Sharma's five-wicket haul setting the tone for the campaign.

Mandhana's blistering knock at the top of the order gave India the platform, while Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with 36 to take India to a competitive total. But it was Deepti Sharma who stole the show with the ball, returning figures of 5 wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs to be named Player of the Match.

Pre-match tension visible at the toss

The match began on a tense note even before the first ball was bowled. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana avoided shaking hands at the toss, continuing a trend that has now been seen in 11 consecutive cricket matches between the two nations across formats and age groups.

The no-handshake stance between India and Pakistan has been in place since last year, following the military tension between the two countries during Operation Sindoor. Harmanpreet, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, walked over to match referee Mel Jones for a brief chat and walked away without any interaction with her Pakistani counterpart.

Fielding moments grab attention

The contest also threw up some sharp fielding efforts from both sides. In the fourth over of India's innings, Pakistan's Natalia Pervaiz took a juggling catch to dismiss Jemimah Rodrigues off a top-edged slog, and celebrated by hurling the ball to the ground in visible frustration.

India hit back on the field during Pakistan's chase. In the 11th over, Deepti Sharma fired in a bullet throw from the field to catch Muneeba Ali short of her crease, as Pakistan's batters attempted a quick single. Later, in the 15th over, Shreyanka Patil produced a brilliant diving catch at backward point to send back Rameen Shamim, who had gone for a big shot over the covers.

Deepti scripts record-breaking outing

Beyond the result, Deepti Sharma's performance carried significant historical weight. With her five-wicket haul against Pakistan, she became the highest wicket-taker in Women's T20 International history, going past Thailand's Thipatcha Putthawong's tally of 165 wickets. Deepti now has 166 wickets to her name in the format.

The off-spinner is also closing in on another milestone. Jhulan Goswami currently holds the record for most wickets across Women's International Cricket with 355 scalps. Deepti's latest haul has taken her tally to 351 wickets, putting her within touching distance of the legendary pacer's record.

Harmanpreet rewrites World Cup run tally

Harmanpreet Kaur also added to India's list of milestones during the innings. Her 36-run knock against Pakistan helped her overtake former India captain Mithali Raj's tally of 726 runs to become the highest run-scorer for India in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup. Harmanpreet now has 762 runs in the tournament.

India extend dominance over Pakistan

The win also extended India's dominant head-to-head record against Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup. This was India's seventh victory over Pakistan in the tournament's history, making it jointly the second-highest number of wins by any team against a single opponent in the competition. Australia tops that list, having beaten South Africa eight times in the Women's T20 World Cup.

With this win, India have made a statement start to their Women's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, and attention will now turn to their next fixture as they look to build momentum in the group stage.

The Indian Army has taken a significant leap in its unmanned strike capabilities after indigenous defence manufacturer SMPP delivered 106 turbojet-powered loitering munitions — branded as Agniveg (Peacekeeper) — to the force. The handover marks one of the more consequential developments in India's push toward self-reliant defence manufacturing in recent months.

Of the total consignment, 100 are fully operational units while the remaining six are designated for training purposes, the company confirmed.

Faster Than a Peregrine Falcon

The Agniveg is no ordinary drone. Capable of reaching speeds up to 450 kmph, it outpaces the Peregrine Falcon — widely recognised as the world's fastest bird at around 320 kmph during a dive. Its operational range extends to 180 km, giving commanders the ability to strike deep into enemy territory without putting personnel at risk.

SMPP developed the system with technical collaboration from Belarusian firm KB Indela. While the international partnership may draw some scrutiny given India's current geopolitical sensitivities, the company maintains that the core manufacturing and integration happened domestically.

Built to Beat Jamming

A key selling point for the Agniveg is its claimed resistance to both jamming and spoofing — two of the most commonly deployed countermeasures against drone systems in modern conflict zones. Adversaries attempting to disrupt GPS signals or feed false navigation data to the drone are reportedly unable to throw it off course.

During trials, the system reportedly achieved a Circular Error Probable of under five metres even in electronically contested environments. In practical terms, this means the drone can reliably land within a five-metre radius of its intended target — even when an adversary is actively trying to mislead it.

Strike First, No Human Required

Once a target is locked in, Agniveg can complete its entire mission autonomously — no human intervention needed after launch. This fully autonomous precision-strike capability is particularly significant for operations against time-sensitive or high-value targets such as radar installations, command centres, logistics hubs, and armoured vehicles.

Its blast radius is deliberately contained to approximately five metres. That may sound like a limitation, but it is by design. The tight kill zone allows operators to neutralise a specific asset — say, a radar dish inside a contested military compound — without levelling everything around it. In densely populated conflict zones or areas near civilian infrastructure, that distinction matters enormously.

What Are Kamikaze Drones?

Loitering munitions, colloquially called kamikaze drones, are single-use weapons that combine the endurance of a reconnaissance drone with the terminal effect of a guided missile. The name draws from the Japanese suicide pilots of World War II who crashed their aircraft into Allied warships.

Unlike conventional missiles fired in a straight trajectory, loitering munitions can circle a target area for an extended period — sometimes hours — waiting for the right moment to strike. Onboard cameras and sensors allow operators to confirm target identity before the drone commits to its terminal dive.

Their appeal lies in cost-effectiveness, precision, and operational flexibility. They have been used to devastating effect in conflicts in Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Middle East, where they have neutralised armoured columns, air defence systems, and supply depots.

A Boost for Atmanirbhar Bharat

The delivery is being viewed as a tangible output of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat push in defence. While India has significantly increased domestic defence production in recent years, fielding a turbojet-powered loitering munition with this performance envelope is a notable milestone.

The timing is also noteworthy. With India having recently demonstrated its willingness to use precision strike capabilities in Operation Sindoor, the induction of 106 Agniveg drones signals that the Army is actively building out a layered unmanned strike architecture — one that can operate across ranges and threat environments.

Further deliveries and potential orders from other services have not been officially confirmed, but the successful induction is expected to generate considerable interest within the armed forces.

New SIPRI Yearbook 2026 reveals India expanded its nuclear stockpile to around 190 warheads by early 2026, while defence spending climbed to $92.1 billion, placing it fifth globally.

India has quietly but steadily expanded its nuclear arsenal over the past year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute's annual yearbook released Monday. The SIPRI Yearbook 2026 puts India's warhead count at approximately 190 by early 2026, up from earlier estimates, with New Delhi increasingly training its long-range deterrent capabilities toward China even as its strategic posture continues to be shaped by the rivalry with Pakistan.

The report, one of the most closely watched annual assessments of global military and nuclear trends, paints a picture of an India that is simultaneously building up its deterrent, spending more on defence than ever before, and navigating one of the most dangerous military crises in its recent history.

Op Sindoor: An 'Unusually Severe' Moment

SIPRI's characterisation of Operation Sindoor — India's military strikes against Pakistan in May 2025 — is notable. The institute described the confrontation as "an unusually severe military crisis" between two nuclear-armed neighbours, a rare and pointed assessment in diplomatic language.

According to the yearbook, India's strikes targeted Pakistani air and missile bases that were "likely to have nuclear-related roles." That detail alone underscores how close the two sides came to crossing lines that have historically been treated as inviolable. SIPRI did note, however, that both governments took visible steps to prevent the situation from spiralling further.

Perhaps equally significant was what the report said about cyber operations. For the first time, India and Pakistan incorporated cyberattacks into active military conflict during the crisis — a development SIPRI flagged as a marker of how deterrence and military competition in South Asia are evolving well beyond conventional munitions.

Fifth-Largest Defence Spender

India's defence expenditure rose to $92.1 billion in 2025, a jump of 8.9 per cent over the previous year. Only the United States, China, Russia, and Germany spent more. The figure reflects both ongoing modernisation programmes and the operational demands of a more assertive posture across multiple fronts.

India also held its position as the world's second-largest importer of major arms over the 2021–25 period, accounting for 8.2 per cent of global arms imports. Among the top five importers — Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan — those nations together absorbed 35 per cent of all major weapons systems traded globally during the period.

A World Leaning Harder on Nuclear Weapons

The broader picture SIPRI draws is sobering. The nine nuclear-armed states — the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel — are collectively leaning more heavily on their arsenals as instruments of national power. The institute described this as a reversal of decades of arms-reduction efforts.

As of early 2026, those nine states held a combined 12,187 nuclear warheads. Of these, 9,745 were in active military stockpiles, 4,012 were deployed with operational forces, and between 2,100 and 2,200 were on ballistic missiles in a state of high alert. The United States and Russia together accounted for roughly 86 per cent of the global total.

While the overall number of warheads worldwide continues to fall, SIPRI noted that this decline is driven almost entirely by the US and Russia dismantling old, retired weapons — not by any reduction in active capability.

China and Pakistan Also Building Up

China expanded its stockpile from around 600 to approximately 620 warheads during 2025, continuing a major modernisation programme. Pakistan, too, was accumulating fissile material and developing new delivery systems throughout the year, with SIPRI suggesting its arsenal could grow significantly over the coming decade.

The report also pointed to submarine-based nuclear delivery as a growing priority, particularly among the four nuclear-armed states in the Indo-Pacific — a category that directly implicates India, China, and Pakistan.

India has primarily relied on plutonium for its warheads, a production pathway it shares with Israel, according to SIPRI.

Nearly ten months after the Pahalgam terror attack claimed 26 lives, the National Investigation Agency has uncovered fresh evidence pointing to a well-coordinated cross-border conspiracy. Forensic examination of mobile phones recovered from the attackers shows they had stored precise geographical data of the Baisaran Valley days before the assault.

Chinese phones shipped to Karachi, Lahore

According to NIA sources, two Chinese-made handsets used by the terrorists were traced through supply chain records to delivery addresses in Karachi and Lahore. The devices contained navigation app data marking Baisaran's coordinates, along with screenshots saved on April 15 and 16, 2025.

Investigators believe the attackers conducted reconnaissance roughly a week before the attack, which unfolded on April 22, 2025. The valley, located about 6 km from Pahalgam, saw 26 tourists and one local resident killed. Sixteen others were injured.

 Pakistan-based handler directed operation

The chargesheet filed by NIA on December 15, 2025, names Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Saifullah alias Saifullah Sajid Jatt alias Langda as the mastermind. A resident of Kasur near Lahore, he allegedly remained in constant touch with the three attackers during the operation.

Investigators said Langda sent them the Baisaran location and provided real-time directions throughout the attack. He reportedly crossed into Kulgam, south Kashmir, in 2005 and now uses a prosthetic leg after being shot. The nickname 'Langda' stuck.

 GoPro camera trail leads to China

The investigation has also traced an action camera recovered from the terrorists. US-based GoPro Inc informed the agency that the device had been shipped to one of its authorised distributors in China. From there, it somehow reached LeT operatives.

NIA officials say terror outfits in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly using body cameras to record attacks for propaganda purposes. Tracing the camera's route could expose networks supplying funds and equipment.

 Tourist guides arrested for not alerting security

The chargesheet notes the attack might have been prevented. Tourist guides Parvez Ahmad Jothar and Bashir Ahmad Jothar had reportedly seen the terrorists in Baisaran but did not inform security agencies. Both have been arrested.

A day before the attack, the three terrorists allegedly sought help in the name of God and ate food at Parvez's hut. They took bread and vegetables with them. Before opening fire, they ate under a tree in Baisaran Valley, investigators said.

 Operation Sindoor: India's response

In retaliation, India carried out airstrikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the night of May 6-7, 2025. Named Operation Sindoor, the strikes targeted nine terrorist hideouts. Indian authorities reported over 100 terrorists killed, including family members and associates of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar.

The three Pakistani terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack were killed by security forces on July 28, 2025, during Operation Mahadev in the Dachigam forests. Langda, carrying a ₹10 lakh bounty, remains wanted in multiple attacks including the Z-Morh Tunnel firing and the Reasi bus attack.

‘Operation Sindoor was stopped voluntarily’: Rajnath rules out nuclear fear  

Defence Minister says India called off Operation Sindoor on its own terms, asserts readiness for long conflict if needed.  

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India voluntarily halted Operation Sindoor and was not forced into the decision by Pakistan’s nuclear threats. Speaking at the ANI National Security Summit 2.0 in the capital, Singh described the operation as a deliberate, measured response — not a sign of hesitation.  

No pressure from nuclear threats  

Singh rejected suggestions that Islamabad’s nuclear brinkmanship influenced the government’s calculus. “Pakistan had threatened a nuclear attack, but India was not afraid of it,” he said. The Minister added that the Indian Army’s surge capacity — its ability to rapidly escalate troop and firepower strength — is now stronger than ever before.  

Operation timeline and scale  

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, hours after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam killed several tourists. According to military assessments shared by officials, the operation struck nine major terrorist launchpads across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Over 100 militants were reportedly killed in the cross-border strikes.  

“This was a turning point,” Singh said. “It showed the world that India is no longer a country that only makes statements, but one that takes direct action.”  

‘Long conflict’ readiness  

Without naming specific scenarios, the Defence Minister said India is fully prepared for a protracted engagement against Pakistan if circumstances demand. “We stopped on our terms, voluntarily,” he reiterated. “If needed, we are ready for a long conflict.”  

Sources familiar with the matter told reporters that the decision to end the operation was based on achieving tactical objectives — not external pressure.  

Terrorism’s root cause  

Singh drew a sharp contrast between the two neighbours. “India is known today for Information Technology. Pakistan is seen as the centre of ‘IT’ — International Terrorism,” he said.  

The Defence Minister stressed that terrorism cannot be eliminated without uprooting its ideology and political patronage. “The root lies in its ideology and political support. Without removing this, terrorism cannot be fully wiped out,” he added.  

Clear policy under PM  

Singh said the government’s post-Uri and post-Pulwama doctrine remains unchanged: no terrorist attack will go unanswered. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, he added, direct action will follow if needed — without seeking permission or signalling intent beforehand.  

What next  

While cross-border calm has largely held since the operation wound down early this summer, officials indicate surveillance along the Line of Control remains heightened. Intelligence inputs suggest Pakistan has not fully vacated forward launchpads, though no fresh mobilisation has been detected in recent weeks.  

India set to receive 4th S-400 missile unit from Russia next month

Shipment of the advanced Triumf system expected to bolster IAF air defense following its critical role in Operation Sindoor.

New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s long-range air defense capabilities, the fourth unit of the S-400 Triumf surface-to-air missile system is expected to arrive from Russia by next month. Sources within the security establishment confirmed on Tuesday that the shipment is already in transit and is slated to reach Indian shores within the coming days.

The arrival of the fourth unit comes at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to consolidate its edge in the region. The S-400 systems have already proven their mettle on the ground, having played a decisive role during 'Operation Sindoor'. While three units are already operational, the remaining two from the original contract are expected to be integrated into the IAF's grid by the end of this year.

Delivery timeline and shipment updates

Initial reports indicate that the fourth unit has been cleared for delivery following recent high-level technical inspections. Despite the ongoing global geopolitical tensions and logistical hurdles involving Russian shipments, the delivery schedule appears to be back on track.

According to officials familiar with the development, the fourth squadron will be deployed to a strategic location to cover specific high-threat sectors. The fifth and final unit of the initial $5 billion contract signed in 2018 is currently scheduled for delivery by November under an updated timeline agreed upon by both New Delhi and Moscow.

Impact of Operation Sindoor

The strategic value of the Triumf system was highlighted during the brief but intense military conflict with Pakistan between May 7 and 10. During what has been termed 'Operation Sindoor', the IAF utilized the S-400’s advanced tracking and interception capabilities to maintain air superiority.

The performance of the system during those high-pressure days reportedly influenced the government's decision to expand the fleet. It is learnt that the effectiveness of the radar sweeps and the deterrent value provided by the existing three units provided the necessary confidence to push for additional acquisitions.

Fresh batch of S-400s cleared

Moving beyond the original five-unit agreement, New Delhi recently cleared the procurement of a fresh batch of five additional S-400 systems. This follow-on order will eventually take the IAF’s total tally to 10 units.

"The decision to double the fleet underscores the military's reliance on this specific platform for long-range saturation coverage," a source said. This new batch is expected to feature minor software updates based on the feedback from Indian operators who have been trained in Russia over the last few years.

Navigating the CAATSA shadow

India’s insistence on completing the S-400 deal has remained a point of contention with Washington. The US had previously warned that the contract could trigger sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

However, South Block remains confident that the "follow-on" nature of the new order, combined with India's unique security requirements, will prevent any significant diplomatic or economic blowback. Local authorities have consistently maintained that India pursues an independent defense procurement policy based on national interest.

Advanced air defense capabilities

The S-400 is widely regarded as one of the world's most sophisticated long-range surface-to-air missile systems, capable of engaging aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and ballistic and cruise missiles at ranges of up to 400 km.

With the fourth unit's arrival, the IAF will be able to plug existing gaps in its multi-layered air defense umbrella. As the shipment nears Indian ports, ground crews and specialized technical teams are reportedly being readied for the assembly and induction process, which typically takes a few weeks after the hardware arrives.

India's Biggest Military Overhaul Since 1947: Joint Theatre Commands Blueprint Ready

Centre to integrate Army, Air Force, Navy under unified commands targeting Pakistan and China threats; Deputy CDS post among key additions

Blueprint Sent to Rajnath Singh

New Delhi: India is on the verge of its most far-reaching military restructuring since independence. The Department of Military Affairs has finalised a blueprint to establish Joint Theatre Commands — integrated operational structures that will bring the Army, Air Force, and Navy under a single, unified chain of command for the first time.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the proposal is now headed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and will subsequently require clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Three Commands, Two Frontiers

The new architecture envisages three distinct theatre commands. The Western Theatre Command, to be headquartered in Jaipur, will manage all operations along the Pakistan border and the Line of Control. The Northern Theatre Command, with its base in Lucknow, will be tasked with addressing threats from China along the Line of Actual Control. A Maritime Theatre Command will be stood up to secure India's interests across the Indian Ocean Region.

All three will function under the authority of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan.

Deputy CDS Post on the Cards

The proposed restructuring would also introduce a new post — the Deputy CDS — who will hold a four-star rank, matching the service chiefs. This would bring the total number of four-star officers in the restructured military to five, alongside the CDS and the three service chiefs.

Sources indicated that the announcement may coincide with General Chauhan's tenure ending in late May 2026. Plans for dedicated Space and Cyber Commands are also part of the broader reform framework.

Lessons From Five Conflicts

The blueprint, as per reports, has been shaped directly by observations drawn from five major military confrontations over the past decade — the 2016 surgical strikes, the 2019 Balakot air strikes, the 2017 Doklam standoff, the 2020 Galwan clash, and the 88-hour Operation Sindoor in 2025.

Officials involved in the planning process noted that independent service actions repeatedly exposed friction points — communication gaps, resource overlap, and coordination delays between the three forces.

Operation Sindoor, however, marked a turning point. According to officials, it was the first time all three services operated in genuine integration within a compressed timeframe, combining missile strikes, drone swarms, electronic warfare, and ground forces in a single coordinated campaign.

Service Assignments Under New Structure

Under the proposed model, the Air Force will take command of the Western Theatre, with an Army officer as Deputy Commander. The Northern Theatre will be Army-led, with an Air Force officer as deputy. The Maritime Command will be under the Navy, with the Deputy Commander post rotating between the Army and Air Force.

Each theatre will also house cyber, space, and special operations sub-commands, a unified supply chain covering all three services, and intelligence fusion centres designed to ensure faster, cleaner information flow.

Four New Forces to Be Raised

Alongside the theatre commands, the government is preparing to raise four new specialised forces: a Defence Geo-Spatial Agency, and three action forces covering Data, Drone, and Cognitive Warfare. The Cognitive Warfare Force will focus on psychological operations and information-domain capabilities — an area that gained significant attention following the lessons of Operation Sindoor.

'Theatre-Ready by May 2026'

Retired Lieutenant General S.L. Narasimhan described the restructuring as the single largest military reform India has undertaken since 1947. Once the first theatre command becomes operational, India's armed forces will shift from being joint to being truly theatre-ready — a qualitative leap he compared directly to the integrated performance witnessed during Operation Sindoor.

Annual joint exercises — at least two per theatre per year — and protocols for simultaneous two-front war scenarios are also expected to be embedded within the new framework, along with an automated system for cross-service resource sharing.

The first theatre command is expected to go live by May 2026, marking the beginning of a structural transformation that has been debated and delayed for nearly two decades.

PM Modi Slams Congress for Backing Infiltrators in Barpeta Rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of openly supporting infiltrators while addressing a large public gathering in Assam’s Barpeta on Monday. The sharp attack formed the centrepiece of the BJP’s election campaign ahead of the April 9 Assembly polls.

PM Modi Barpeta Address Sparks Row

The Prime Minister told the crowd that the Congress was not only shielding illegal migrants but also planning legislation that could punish anyone merely uttering the word “infiltrator”. “Congress is openly supporting the infiltrators,” Modi declared. He added that the party was “opposing action against illegal occupation” and pushing a law in Assam that would “jail even those who utter the word infiltrator”.

Congress Accused of Aiding Infiltrators

Modi’s remarks came as the BJP steps up efforts to retain power in the state. He asked the audience directly: “Should the infiltrators be sent back or not?” The question drew loud cheers from the gathering. The Prime Minister also criticised the Congress for its stand during Operation Sindoor, claiming the party “sang the song written, composed and loved by Pakistan” even as Indian forces acted decisively.

Illegal Occupation Row Intensifies

The infiltration debate has dominated Assam’s political discourse for weeks. Senior BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, have repeatedly accused Congress functionaries of sourcing material from Pakistani social media handles to target his family. Sarma alleged that Pakistan has shown unusual interest in the Assam polls, citing 11 talk shows on Pakistani channels in the past ten days that favoured the Congress.

Proposed Law on ‘Infiltrator’ Term

Modi warned that the Congress’s alleged plan to criminalise the use of the word “infiltrator” reflected a dangerous softness on border security. He contrasted this with the BJP’s long-term vision for development and said the Congress only worked in short cycles to enable corruption. The Prime Minister also touched upon the Women’s Reservation Bill, announcing that a special Parliament session would begin on April 16 after consultations with all parties.

Operation Sindoor Criticism Raised

In the same address, Modi recalled the swift success of Operation Sindoor and accused the Congress of undermining national resolve. He asserted that the people of Assam had already made up their mind on two counts — development under the BJP and a hat-trick for the BJP-NDA government.

BJP Eyes Hat-Trick in Assam

State BJP leaders echoed the confidence. Minister and candidate Ashok Singhal claimed the NDA was on course to win around 95 seats, with special focus on tea garden workers. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address two more rallies later in the day at Hojai and Dibrugarh to bolster party candidates.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi held a separate rally in Puducherry, criticising the BJP on different fronts, including alleged remote control of the Union Territory and plans involving the Karaikal Port. The contrasting campaigns underlined the high-stakes nature of the current political season across multiple states.

The Barpeta rally has once again brought the sensitive issue of infiltration to the forefront of the Assam election narrative. With polling just days away, both sides are sharpening their attack lines on border security and governance. Political observers expect the infiltration debate to shape voter sentiment in lower and central Assam in the final stretch.

PM Modi Barpeta address has added fresh momentum to the BJP’s campaign even as the Congress continues its counter-offensive on other issues. The coming days will show how these competing narratives play out on the ground.