The Indian Navy has successfully escorted two LPG tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, through the volatile Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions in the Gulf. Conducted under Operation Sankalp, the operation saw multiple warships safeguarding the vessels’ transit from the Gulf of Oman. Satellite imagery confirmed the naval deployment, reflecting India’s proactive approach to securing its maritime interests.

The tankers carry a total of 92,700 tons of LPG and are scheduled to reach Mundra and Kandla ports on 16 and 17 March. This shipment meets roughly 1.25 days of India’s national cooking gas demand, providing relief after a two-week blockade disrupted supplies. The operation underscores the Navy’s critical role in preventing household shortages.

Diplomatic engagement was key to the mission’s success. Iran granted safe passage following direct discussions with Indian authorities. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, highlighted Tehran’s commitment to facilitating Indian-bound vessels, citing the countries’ “longstanding friendship” and shared interests. While restrictions remain for ships associated with certain adversarial nations, this cooperation demonstrates a pragmatic approach amid regional tensions.

India’s energy dependence on the Gulf is significant, with about 60% of LPG imports, and 85–90% of them transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Any prolonged disruption directly threatens domestic energy security. The recent two-week blockade had already spiked daily LPG orders to 88.8 lakh cylinders, prompting government appeals against panic buying.

The operation also carries economic implications. Conflict in West Asia has sharply raised war-risk insurance premiums, in some cases five to twenty-five times higher, increasing costs for tanker operators and potentially fueling inflation in India’s energy sector. Indian ports prioritized berthing for these vessels to speed unloading and distribution. Operation Sankalp, initiated in response to previous maritime threats, showcases India’s strategic maritime doctrine. Naval escorts protect Indian-flagged ships while reinforcing freedom of navigation in international waters. The mission builds on past successes, demonstrating India’s capacity to secure critical sea lanes responsible for over 80% of its oil and gas imports.

The safe passage of Shivalik and Nanda Devi sets a precedent for the remaining 22 Indian-flagged vessels in the Gulf. Continued diplomacy and naval protection could stabilize shipping, normalize insurance rates, and ensure steady energy flows. Indian authorities remain in close contact with regional governments to coordinate future transits.

However, renewed hostilities could threaten these vessels, leading to LPG shortages, stockpiling, and emergency measures like rationing or airlifting. India may respond by diversifying suppliers, including the U.S., Australia, and African spot markets, to reduce Gulf reliance. The episode underscores the intersection of naval power, diplomacy, and energy security. Iran’s cooperation reflects shared economic interests, even amid sanctions and regional conflicts. For India, balancing relations with Iran, Gulf states, and Western allies will remain crucial for long-term maritime stability. Operation Sankalp exemplifies India’s resolve to safeguard its economy and energy supplies amid an evolving Gulf landscape, with implications for household and industrial stability nationwide.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

The Chief of Army Staff of India, General Upendra Dwivedi, recently welcomed Lieutenant General Joel B Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, in New Delhi. The meeting highlighted the growing defence partnership between India and the United States amid changing regional security dynamics. Talks focused on security issues across the Indo-Pacific region, with both sides discussing ways to improve military interoperability through joint exercises. These exercises remain a key element of the two nations’ defence cooperation.

The leaders also explored new opportunities for military collaboration, including cooperation in logistics and intelligence sharing to address common security challenges. According to the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, the meeting emphasised regional security, joint training initiatives, and deeper engagement between the two armies.

The discussions come at a time when India is dealing with tensions along its northern borders and growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean. Strengthening defence ties with the United States supports India’s strategy of maintaining balanced relations with major global powers. The Indian Army also conducted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange with the French Army on 9 and 10 March 2026. The two-day interaction focused on professional military cooperation and improving understanding of modern warfare.

Discussions covered the use of long-range vectors and precision-guided munitions. Both delegations shared views on operational strategies, evolving doctrines, and global developments in precision strike capabilities. Such exchanges enable friendly countries to share expertise and technological knowledge while strengthening defence cooperation without forming formal alliances, aligning with India’s strategic autonomy. The exercise builds on ongoing India–France military collaboration, including joint exercises like Exercise Shakti and Exercise Garuda.

These engagements highlight India’s active defence diplomacy. While cooperation with the United States enhances interoperability across the Indo-Pacific, collaboration with France supports specialised military knowledge and capability development. Security concerns, including expanding Chinese military presence and emerging non-state threats, are encouraging these partnerships. Joint exercises improve operational readiness, while expert exchanges help refine strategies for future high-intensity conflicts.

Technological collaboration is also significant. Insights on precision-guided weapons and long-range strike systems may support India’s indigenous defence programmes led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, including systems such as the Pinaka rocket artillery. Exercises like Yudh Abhyas strengthen India–US operational coordination, while French cooperation enhances India’s long-range strike capabilities. Such defence engagements often lead to broader cooperation, including defence trade, with platforms like the Dassault Rafale already part of India’s arsenal. As global conflicts evolve—from the war in Ukraine to tensions in the Middle East—India’s focus on precision and deep-strike capability strengthens its strategic position. Under the leadership of General Dwivedi, the Indian Army continues to build partnerships that enhance operational capability and strategic depth.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

A software malfunction in the onboard computer has been identified as the cause of the TEJAS fighter jet incident on 7 February 2026, prompting a full software update across all 35 TEJAS aircraft currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), according to The Tribune. During the incident at a forward base along India’s western frontier, the single-seater jet veered off the runway into a mud ditch during takeoff. The pilot survived but sustained injuries. Subsequent inspections confirmed that no mechanical or metallurgical issues contributed to the mishap, pinpointing the problem entirely to the aircraft’s software.

Sources indicate that the IAF, in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has already addressed the glitch. A new software version is undergoing trials, with a fleetwide rollout planned to prevent recurrence. While such software issues are not uncommon in advanced avionics, they are typically resolved quickly through updates. Checks included undercarriage metallurgy, electromagnetic braking systems, and core software protocols to ensure no additional vulnerabilities existed.

HAL had initially referred to the February incident as a “minor technical event on the ground” rather than a crash, stressing its ongoing coordination with the IAF and highlighting the TEJAS’s strong safety record among comparable fighter jets worldwide. An ongoing IAF Court of Inquiry will examine the sequence of events in detail, likely guiding enhanced operational protocols for indigenous platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

The February mishap is the third TEJAS-related accident since the aircraft’s induction in 2016. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer when a jet crashed after a firepower demonstration, with the pilot ejecting safely. The second, in November 2025 at the Dubai Air Show, resulted in the death of Wing Commander Namansh Syal during aerobatic maneuvers. These incidents underscore ongoing challenges despite the platform’s operational maturity.

Of the 40 TEJAS MK-1 jets ordered, HAL has yet to deliver two, leaving the IAF with 38 prior to recent setbacks. Two aircraft have been lost to crashes, and the February incident aircraft’s future—repair or write-off—is still under review. Delays also affect the TEJAS MK-1A variant, of which 180 units are ordered. Deliveries are running two years behind schedule. This upgraded variant is expected to feature improved engines, radars, and electronic warfare systems, essential for strengthening IAF squadrons amid aging legacy fleets.

The software fix comes at a critical time for India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as TEJAS is a key indigenous aerospace asset. However, repeated incidents could undermine confidence in HAL’s delivery schedules. The IAF’s thorough post-incident procedures demonstrate robust fleet management, yet timely MK-1A inductions and stable software systems will be crucial to maintaining operational readiness along contested borders. Experts expect the inquiry’s findings to refine risk mitigation strategies and may lead to the integration of AI-based diagnostics for real-time detection of software anomalies in future updates.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.

The Indian Army and the French Army held a Subject Matter Expert Exchange on March 9 and 10 to strengthen military cooperation and improve understanding of modern warfare developments. The discussions focused on key operational areas relevant to current battlefields, particularly the use of Long Range Vectors and Precision Guided Munitions. These engagements allow defence professionals from partner nations to share operational knowledge, doctrinal perspectives and technological advancements influencing modern conflicts.

The Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army said the exchange centred on the operational use of long range strike systems and precision weapons in contemporary warfare. Delegations from both armies shared insights on operational applications, doctrinal evolution and global trends related to precision strike and deep strike capabilities, helping to strengthen professional learning and defence cooperation.

The interaction also highlighted the growing significance of precision strike systems in modern military operations. Long Range Vectors and Precision Guided Munitions enable forces to carry out accurate attacks on strategic targets while reducing collateral damage. Experts from both countries discussed operational experiences, emerging technologies and doctrinal changes shaping the use of such systems in present day conflicts.

Subject Matter Expert Exchanges are aimed at enhancing professional understanding between partner armies and improving interoperability. These interactions also help militaries remain informed about evolving global defence trends, technological innovations and strategic thinking that influence military planning.

India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G Balasubramanian, met Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi to discuss strengthening the India Maldives strategic partnership. According to the Indian Army, the meeting reviewed the evolving regional security environment and explored ways to deepen defence and diplomatic cooperation, while highlighting the importance of continued engagement to maintain stability and security in the Indian Ocean region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @adgpi.

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

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

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

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

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