Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth inaugurated the MSME Defence Conclave 2026 in Adityapur, Jharkhand. The two‑day event aims to connect small‑scale enterprises with the defence sector, highlighting export opportunities and current demand. Participants from DRDO, HAL and Mahindra Defence showcased products and discussed partnerships. The minister emphasised defence exports to over 92 countries and the growing role of MSMEs in manufacturing. Organisers expect B2B meetings, seminars and exhibitions to help local firms integrate into national and international supply chains.
Event: MSME Defence Conclave 2026
Location: Adityapur Auto Cluster, Jharkhand
Lead: Sanjay Seth (MoS Defence)
Focus: MSME integration with defence sector
Outlook: increased exports and local manufacturing
Jan 16, 2026
Union Minister Sonowal welcomes Kaundinya crew in Muscat
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, welcomed the crew of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Kaundinya at Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat. He described the voyage as more than a voyage, symbolizing civilizational ties and enduring friendship between India and Oman. The ship completed its maiden voyage from Porbandar, marking a milestone in marine diplomacy and naval heritage. The event underlined bilateral relations, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. The visit followed India-Oman diplomatic engagements that emphasise cooperation in maritime security, trade, and people-to-people links across the region.
Sonowal welcomed Kaundinya crew in Muscat.
Voyage highlights India-Oman civilizational ties.
Kaundinya completed maiden voyage from Porbandar.
Event underscores maritime cooperation and people-to-people links.
Diplomatic momentum in regional maritime affairs.
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor appointed ITBP chief; Praveen Kumar to head BSF
Senior IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990-batch officer, was appointed director general of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on January 15, 2026, according to a Personnel Ministry order. He will succeed incumbent Praveen Kumar, who has been named the new chief of the Border Security Force (BSF). Kapoor is presently posted in Haryana and will lead ITBP for a tenure up to his superannuation on October 31, 2026. The ITBP guards India’s northern borders with China and Nepal and reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Kumar’s assignment to BSF follows routine cadre rotations that aim to ensure leadership across front-line security agencies.
Kapoor named DG, ITBP; tenure till 31 October 2026.
Succeeds Praveen Kumar, who becomes BSF chief.
Kapoor is a 1990 batch IPS, currently in Haryana cadre.
ITBP guards India's northern borders with China and Nepal.
BSF leadership shift follows routine central postings.
Japan-Philippines defence pact signed amid rising China pressures
Japan and the Philippines signed a defence pact to facilitate the provision of ammunition, fuel, food, and other essentials during joint exercises and disaster response. The agreement aims to bolster deterrence against China’s assertive actions in the region and to improve disaster preparedness. Both nations face ongoing tensions in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The pact complements existing security arrangements with the United States and regional partners, reflecting a broader shift toward enhanced multilateral defense collaboration in response to evolving regional security challenges.
Japan-Philippines defence pact approved for joint operations support.
Facilitates supply of ammunition, fuel, and essentials during training and disasters.
Aims to deter China’s regional influence; improves disaster preparedness.
Part of broader regional security realignments with allies (e.g., U.S.).
Signals stronger bilateral defense cooperation in Asia.
Rakesh Aggarwal named DG of National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Senior IPS officer Rakesh Aggarwal was appointed director general of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Aggarwal, a 1994 batch officer from the Himachal Pradesh cadre, is currently the special director general of the agency and has held additional charge of the DG post. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment for a tenure up to August 31, 2028, the date of his superannuation. The NIA leads national investigations into terrorism and related offences, operating under the Home Affairs Ministry. The decision aligns leadership at India’s central anti-terror agency with ongoing security priorities.
Rakesh Aggarwal appointed DG, NIA; tenure until Aug 31, 2028.
1994 batch IPS, Himachal Pradesh cadre; currently SDG.
Aggarwal previously held additional charge of DG, NIA.
NIA focuses on counter-terrorism investigations.
Appointment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Jan 15, 2026
Coast Guards of India and Japan discuss maritime cooperation
The Coast Guards of India and Japan held a high-level meeting to explore enhanced maritime cooperation, including search and rescue, marine pollution response, and law enforcement. The delegations, led by Paramesh Sivamani (ICG DG) and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi (Japan Coast Guard), reaffirmed a strong bilateral maritime partnership. A Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team will visit Mumbai to conduct joint exercises with ICG’s pollution response unit, focusing on hazardous substances response. The discussions emphasized information sharing, interoperability, and continued engagements under the existing memorandum of cooperation to strengthen regional maritime security.
ICG-JCG high-level meeting on maritime cooperation
Focus on search and rescue, pollution response, law enforcement
NST to conduct joint exercises in Mumbai
Emphasis on interoperability and structured engagements
Air Force Station Pune hosts 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day
Air Force Station Pune marked the 10th Defence Forces Veterans Day on January 14, honouring the service of veterans from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. The event featured a wreath-laying ceremony and interactions with veterans and their families. Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister, Chandrakant Patil, attended as chief guest along with senior officers from the Southern Command and NDA. The gathering underscored ongoing commitments to veterans’ welfare and a continuing legacy of defence service. The day showcased the importance of veteran communities in national security and resilience.
Defence Forces Veterans Day observed in Pune
Wreath-laying and veterans’ interactions held
Attended by government and defence leaders
Emphasizes ongoing support for veterans
ADMM-Plus experts meet in Delhi to discuss CT cooperation
The 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism and Final Planning Conference opened in New Delhi. Co-chaired by India and Malaysia, the session united defence officials from ASEAN member states and 7 dialogue partners to strengthen regional security and counter-terrorism cooperation. The event will run from January 14 to 16, with a focus on coordinated strategies, information sharing, and joint exercises. India highlighted its significant role in leading CT planning while continuing collaboration with partner nations to address evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter Terrorism in New Delhi
Co-chaired by India and Malaysia
Participants from ASEAN and 7 partners
CT planning and joint exercises on the agenda
Jan 14, 2026
Garuda Aerospace and BEL sign MoU for defence UAS supply
Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on supplying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to Indian Defence Forces, Central Police Organizations, and security agencies. BEL will act as team leader and lead bidder, while Garuda will serve as technology and teaming partner. The agreement sets a framework for collaboration on future procurement, production, and integration of UAS capabilities to enhance India’s defence and security operations. The pact reflects ongoing efforts to build domestic capabilities in advanced aerospace systems.
Garuda Aerospace and BEL sign UAS cooperation MoU
Target: defence forces, CPOs, and security groups
BEL as Team Leader; Garuda as technology partner
Framework for procurement and production of UAS
Supports domestic aerospace capability development
Jan 12, 2026
Western Command holds 2026 Investiture Ceremony recognizing gallantry and service
Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar presided over the Western Command Investiture Ceremony 2026 in Delhi Cantt. The event recognised 100 awardees for bravery and distinguished service, including six Yudh Seva Medals and 30 Sena Medals (G) with four posthumous honours. The ceremony also awarded 44 Vishisht Seva Medals and featured a display of in-house drone capabilities. General Katiyar addressed awardees and families, stressing professional excellence, innovation and readiness to safeguard India’s frontiers. The gathering highlighted the Army’s focus on valor, sacrifice, and modernisation in support of national security.
Western Command Investiture Ceremony 2026 honoured 100 awardees.
Awards included six Yudh Seva Medals, 30 Sena Medals (Gallantry), and four posthumous.
44 Vishisht Seva Medals awarded; drones showcased by troops.
General Manoj Kumar Katiyar presided; emphasis on innovation and readiness.
Ceremony reinforces army ethos and national security commitments.
Sanjha Shakti: Indian Army conducts civil–military exercise in Southern Command
The Indian Army conducted the Sanjha Shakti exercise to boost civil–military coordination in the Southern Command. The joint Military–Civil Fusion exercise at the Dighi Hills Range involved more than 350 personnel and 16 civilian agencies, including police, fire and disaster response units from Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. The aim was to test interoperability, communication, decision-making and rapid response under realistic scenarios, strengthening civilian resilience during emergencies. Lt Gen DS Kushwah highlighted the importance of close civil–military collaboration, with an emphasis on preparedness and joint action to safeguard public safety and security.
Sanjha Shakti is a civil–military fusion exercise in Southern Command.
Involves 350+ personnel and 16 civilian agencies from multiple states.
Focus on interoperability, communications and rapid-response planning.
Exercises conducted at Dighi Hills Range; scenario-based training.
Lt Gen Kushwah underscored civilian–military cooperation for public safety.
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