In a significant development, the heads of the CIA and Russia’s foreign intelligence agency, SVR, have agreed to maintain regular communication. According to Russian news reports, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and SVR Director Sergei Naryshkin spoke by phone on Tuesday, marking the first direct contact between the two agencies in several years.
China, Iran, and Russia conducted joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman, highlighting unity amid Iran's nuclear tensions and Houthi threats in Yemen. The exercises aimed to strengthen maritime security near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Observers included several countries, with the U.S. likely monitoring the situation closely.
US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard will soon travel to India for the annual meeting of intelligence chiefs hosted by New Delhi, making her the first senior Trump administration official to visit. Other attendees include Canada's intelligence chief Daniel Rogers and representatives from West Asian nations and Russia.
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan emphasized the transformative role of drones in warfare and the necessity of a unified approach to UAS terminology in the Indian armed forces. Highlighting advancements and trends, he stressed the importance of developing holistic counter-UAS systems and synergy among stakeholders to ensure India's self-reliant defence under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
CIA chief John Ratcliffe and SVR head Sergei Naryshkin have spoken by phone for the first time in years, agreeing to maintain regular contact to ease tensions between the US and Russia. The call coincided with Ukraine supporting a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire and initiating immediate talks with Russia, aiming to reduce confrontation and enhance international stability.
The Ministry of Defence has signed a $248 million contract with Russia's Rosoboronexport to procure 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks. This agreement includes the transfer of technology to Avadi's Heavy Vehicle Factory, enhancing the 'Make in India' initiative. Upgrading T-72 tanks from 780 HP to 1000 HP engines will significantly boost battlefield mobility and the Indian Army's offensive capabilities.
Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi emphasizes that India's semiconductor policy is crucial for the economy and defence manufacturing. He urges private sector involvement and notes the Ministry of Defence's significant allocation for the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme to foster startup and SME innovation.
With a high-level committee having accepted the need for getting new multirole fighters, the Indian Air Force is looking to start induction of these planes in the next four to five years through a fast tracked global tender.
