During a recent meeting in New Delhi, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, to stop arms supplies and military technology transfers to Pakistan, which India accuses of supporting terrorism. Singh highlighted that equipping Pakistan with defence systems undermines regional stability and security in South Asia, emphasizing India's persistent struggle against Pakistan-backed terrorism, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.

He stressed that nations maintaining friendly ties with India should refrain from supporting a known terrorism sponsor. The discussion also addressed the Netherlands' past military assistance to Pakistan, including mine-hunting vessels and offshore patrol ships. Singh expressed concern over ongoing collaborations between Dutch companies and the Pakistani military, particularly in naval capabilities.

Besides arms trade concerns, the two ministers explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding, security, artificial intelligence, and space technology. Singh's call for restraint aligns with India's broader diplomatic efforts to counter terrorism and promote regional security. He also reaffirmed India's commitment to enhancing defence ties with the Netherlands while advocating for integrating Indian defence suppliers into Dutch military supply chains.

The meeting reflects India’s proactive approach to global security and responsible arms trade, urging allied nations to consider regional peace before engaging in defence deals. Singh reiterated that fostering deeper strategic ties should be based on mutual security concerns and shared interests, ensuring that defence collaborations do not indirectly aid threats to regional stability.

India remains committed to engaging diplomatically with global partners while addressing security risks associated with arms proliferation. By urging the Netherlands to reconsider its defence agreements with Pakistan, India continues to push for responsible arms trade policies that support long-term peace and security in South Asia.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X.

The rise of China as a major economic and strategic power has introduced new complexities and intensified competition, making it harder for India to assert itself as a natural leader of the Global South, said Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Sunday. Speaking at the Gen Bipin Rawat Memorial Lecture in Delhi, Gen Dwivedi emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 presents a significant opportunity for India to claim its rightful place in the evolving global security landscape. He also touched upon the close ties between China and Pakistan, describing their "near absolute collusivity" as a growing security concern for India. Referring to the two-front challenge posed by both nations, he reiterated that India must acknowledge and prepare for this reality. The Army chief cautioned against falling into the Thucydides Trap, a concept that suggests rising powers inevitably come into conflict with established ones. He posed a critical question: Can India, with pressing social sector needs, afford to be drawn into such a geopolitical rivalry? At the same time, can it ignore the volatility of its neighborhood? Reflecting on the legacy of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, the late General Bipin Rawat, Gen Dwivedi highlighted his strategic foresight. He recalled Rawat's warning that with unresolved borders in both the north and west, India must be prepared for conflicts on multiple fronts. Discussing recent global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Gaza, he observed how nations have aligned themselves based on realism, idealism, or even religious motivations. He also pointed to broader global threats such as terrorism, radicalization, cyber warfare, and a growing shift from democracy to authoritarianism. Gen Dwivedi analyzed the evolving world order, noting China's challenge to the established system through initiatives like the Belt and Road project. Meanwhile, the U.S. has reinforced alliances like AUKUS and Quad, Europe is struggling to balance its human rights principles with its diplomatic engagements, and the Global South is asserting itself in favor of a multipolar world. Amid these shifting dynamics, he highlighted India's strategic shift from a traditional policy of non-alignment to one of multi-alignment, reflecting both its growing strength and the expectations placed upon it. He stressed that in today's security environment, merely doing more is not enough—India must think differently and act innovatively. True security, he argued, is not just about military deterrence but a combination of diplomatic, informational, military, economic, and technological (DIME-T) strength. India’s future security framework, he said, must integrate civilian and military capabilities, build a self-reliant defense industry, and leverage dual-use technologies. He also underscored the increasing importance of technological superiority, calling it the new currency of deterrence, and noted that data has become a crucial asset in both trade and security. Finally, Gen Dwivedi warned that the growing militarization of space, particularly led by China, is adding new risks, including an increase in orbital debris. His speech underscored the urgent need for India to reimagine its security strategy, balancing its developmental aspirations with its responsibility to safeguard national interests in an increasingly unpredictable world. Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI

The 2nd India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting took place in the capital on Friday. This council, launched in February 2023, is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, boosting trade and investment, and leveraging the strengths of both India and the EU to maintain technological and industrial leadership while upholding shared values. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared on X that he participated in the meeting alongside his cabinet colleagues Piyush Goyal and Ashwini Vaishnaw. He expressed gratitude to Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy of the European Commission, as well as Maros Sefcovic and Ekaterina Zaharieva from the EU, for their partnership. Jaishankar highlighted the progress made in digital partnerships, clean and green energy initiatives, and trade and investment. He also discussed emerging opportunities in sectors like semiconductors, AI, 6G, electric vehicles, and green hydrogen. Confident about the discussions, he believes they will lead to stronger economic, trade, and technological ties between India and the EU. The India-EU TTC was first announced in April 2022 during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to India. It serves as a platform for both sides to collaborate on key issues at the intersection of trade, technology, and security. Notably, this is only the second such council for the EU and the first of its kind for India. The TTC is co-chaired by India's Ministers for External Affairs, Commerce & Industry, and Communications & IT. Under this framework, three working groups have been established, including one focused on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance, and Digital Connectivity, which is led by the Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Business Standard.

Brigadier-General (BG) Cai Dexian has been appointed as the next Chief of Army (COA) for Singapore and will officially take over the role on 21 March 2025. He is currently serving as the Commander of the 3rd Singapore Division and will succeed Major-General (MG) David Neo, who has held the position since March 2022. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has stated that this transition is part of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) ongoing leadership renewal process. MG Neo, who is 47 years old, was the first Commando officer to be appointed as the Chief of Army. Having joined the SAF in 1996, he has held a variety of command and staff positions throughout his career. His leadership roles have included commanding the First Battalion Singapore Guards, the 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade, and the 3rd Singapore Division. In addition to his operational leadership, he has served in strategic roles such as Head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department, Director of Joint Operations, and Deputy Secretary (Technology) at MINDEF. During his tenure as Chief of Army, MG Neo played a key role in modernizing the Singapore Army and ensuring its continued operational readiness. He was instrumental in implementing the Army 2040 transformation plan, which introduced new warfighting strategies, improved coordination between the different branches of the SAF, and enhanced the army’s technological capabilities. Under his leadership, the army successfully resumed large-scale local and overseas training exercises that had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also strengthened international military cooperation by working closely with regional and global defense partners. In addition to these strategic efforts, MG Neo oversaw several significant operations, including the disposal of one of the largest wartime bombs ever found in Singapore and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. His leadership ensured that the Singapore Army remained well-prepared to respond to both national security threats and humanitarian crises. BG Cai Dexian, who is 40 years old, has been a part of the SAF since 2003 and began his military career as an SAF Overseas Scholar. As an Armour Officer, he has taken on multiple leadership roles throughout his service, including Commanding Officer of the 48th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment, Commander of the 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, Head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department, and Director of Personnel Policy. His extensive experience in both operational command and strategic planning has prepared him for this new leadership position. As the Commander of the 3rd Singapore Division, BG Cai has been actively involved in developing new military capabilities and advancing the SAF’s transformation efforts. He played a crucial role in establishing the SAF’s Digital and Intelligence Service, which focuses on cybersecurity and modern intelligence operations. He was also a key contributor to the SAF 2040 long-term plan, which outlines the future direction of Singapore’s defense strategy. Beyond his contributions to military transformation, BG Cai has also represented the SAF in international operations. In 2012, he was deployed to Afghanistan as part of Singapore’s efforts to support global reconstruction initiatives. His experiences in both combat training and international cooperation have shaped his approach to military leadership. The Ministry of Defence has expressed its deep appreciation for MG Neo’s service and leadership, recognizing his contributions to strengthening the Singapore Army’s operational effectiveness and strategic vision. As BG Cai prepares to step into the role of Chief of Army, the SAF is expected to continue evolving and adapting to meet the security challenges of the future. Disclaimer: This image is taken from Ministry of Defence.

Prince Andrew finds himself embroiled in controversy once more, this time over a meeting with businessman Yang Tengbo, who has denied allegations of spying for China. The incident has raised concerns in the UK Parliament about potential espionage infiltration within British institutions, while prompting outrage in Beijing. For Prince Andrew, the controversy resulted in him skipping the royal family's Christmas dinner at Sandringham. The allegations against Yang Tengbo have sparked significant debate and tension, as reported by Dan Sabbagh and David Pegg. Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from The Guardian.

For nearly three years, Myanmar has been governed by military rule following a coup. However, on October 27, 2023, a collaborative effort between resistance forces and ethnic armed groups initiated an offensive against the military. CNA's Leong Wai Kit discusses with Teresa Tang the advancements made by these groups and the future trajectory of the country. Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.