India's DRDO signed agreements with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL) for converting six A321 aircraft and developing mission systems for the AEW&C Mk-II program, significantly boosting the nation's air defense capabilities and self-reliance.
India's Kaveri jet engine, initially dropped from the Tejas programme, is being revived with a push for self-reliance in military aviation, aiming to develop sixth-generation fighter engines within 5-7 years, leveraging decades of accumulated expertise for future combat aircraft like AMCA
The Indian Navy is targeting a 200-ship fleet by 2035, driven by an atmanirbhar (self-reliant) defense strategy. Key steps include commissioning new frigates like INS Mahendragiri and enhancing indigenous design and production capabilities through collaboration with various organizations.
The Indian Navy will commission the indigenous stealth frigate Mahendragiri (F38) in Visakhapatnam, marking a milestone in India's warship design and construction capabilities. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, it features advanced indigenous weapons and sensors, including BrahMos and Barak-8 missiles, and embodies the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
PM Narendra Modi met with secretaries to discuss self-reliance and ease of doing business. Concerns were raised about cheap Chinese imports in steel and renewable energy, and the need to indigenize cybersecurity and AI systems. The meeting also touched upon integrated planning and improving government websites.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India's self-reliance, technological capability, and collective resolve will shape its global role. Addressing the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference, he highlighted Gujarat's potential as a defense manufacturing hub, citing projects like the Tata-Airbus complex and K-9 Vajra production.
PM Narendra Modi met with secretaries to discuss self-reliance and ease of doing business. Concerns were raised about cheap Chinese imports in steel and renewable energy, and the need to indigenize cybersecurity and AI systems. Defence also highlighted self-reliance in weapons.
China's State Council released a blueprint with 15 flagship programs to build the nation into an education powerhouse. The plan emphasizes vocational training, science and engineering, and global doctoral training centers to support economic and social development.
China remains dependent on the EU for strategic technologies like semiconductors, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, despite its 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizing self-reliance. Experts are skeptical of Europe's leverage, noting China's rare earths monopoly as a powerful counter-threat.
The Indian Army is adopting logistics drones to resupply remote high-altitude posts in regions like Ladakh, addressing the limitations of costly helicopter operations and slow foot transport. Domestic companies like BonV Aero and IdeaForge are developing drones meeting specific payload and altitude requirements, supported by initiatives like HIM-DRONE-A-THON and HIMTECH.
The US is withdrawing all funding for South Africa's HIV/AIDS response via PEPFAR, a program contributing $400m annually. This decision, linked to policy disagreements and concerns over minority treatment, risks undoing years of progress in prevention and support for vulnerable communities.
A survey reveals 90% of Hongkongers want old-age self-sufficiency but expect 14 years of care dependency and 17 years of financial dependence. Many are unprepared for healthcare costs and retirement funding.
PM Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenous naval vessels in Kolkata: INS Dunagiri, INS Agray, and INS Sanshodhak. He stressed self-reliance in maritime capabilities, stating India aims to be a creator and decider, not just a purchaser, highlighting the link between economic influence and naval power.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three indigenously built naval ships - INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray - in Kolkata, marking a significant step towards India's maritime strength and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
India will commission three indigenously built warships – INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray – on June 21 in Kolkata. Presided over by PM Modi, these platforms aim to enhance the Navy's combat, surveillance, and anti-submarine capabilities, boosting blue-water operations and maritime security.
The US ordered Anthropic to block foreign access to its AI models, citing national security. Allies, including France and Canada, expressed concern over US "nationalist" tech policy and called for greater European self-reliance in AI development.
The article discusses India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence, drawing lessons from Iran's missile and drone strategy and Ukraine's drone improvisation. It highlights India's diverse defence ecosystem and tailored approach, citing Operation Sindoor as an example of indigenous system success.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is launching a project to indigenously build long-range kamikaze drones with domestic partners, aiming for self-reliance in drone warfare. A tender has been issued for OWA-UAS design, development, and manufacturing, with the 5 Base Repair Depot as the nodal agency.
India's DRDO is developing an advanced Active Protection System (APS) for T-90 tanks, capable of intercepting threats over 1,500 m/s, including top-attack munitions. This indigenous system aims to enhance tank survivability against modern threats like ATGMs and drones.
India is developing indigenous laser weapons under Project Sudarshan Chakra to counter drone and missile threats from Pakistan and China. These directed-energy systems offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution for air defense, complementing existing missile and gun systems.
India is set to sign an $8 billion deal for German-designed Type 214 submarines, featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology. The move aims to bolster India's naval capabilities amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, driven by China's growing naval power and Pakistan's military ties with Beijing. The submarines will be built in India, involving technology transfer.
India's Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the northeast region, barring one or two states, may be free of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act by next year. This comes as violent incidents in the region have decreased by 80%, and the area under AFSPA has also shrunk by 80%.
Park Wan-soo, the governor-elect of Gyeongnam, is evaluated to have won the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections by relying on his own strength, minimizing support from the People Power Party's central headquarters, and countering the Democratic Party's bid to reclaim the governorship with former provincial governor Kim Kyung-soo. Park emphasized his four-year track record of growth in population, economy, and resident welfare.
Niti Aayog's governing council, led by PM Narendra Modi, will meet on June 11 to review state chief secretaries' deliberations and actions taken on reforms. A day later, Modi will chair a meeting of North-East chief ministers. The meeting occurs amidst the West Asia conflict impacting India's economy.
