SIDE-2025 Seminar to Boost India-Seychelles Defence Ties
The High Commission of India in Victoria, Seychelles, organised the Seminar on Indian Defence Equipment (SIDE-2025), a virtual event aimed at strengthening defence collaboration between India and Seychelles. The seminar, held in partnership with the Department of Defence Production and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), showcased India's cutting-edge defence technologies through presentations by eminent Indian defence manufacturing firms. The event was attended by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Seychelles, Brigadier Michael Rosette along with senior officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), highlighting its significance in deepening bilateral military ties.
The SIDE-2025 seminar, conducted virtually, provided a platform for Indian defence companies to demonstrate their latest innovations to Seychelles' military leadership. This initiative builds on the success of previous engagements, such as the 2nd Bharat Seychelles Defence Exhibition (SIDE), reflecting India's commitment to expanding avenues of collaboration with Seychelles under its "Make in India" and "Make for the World" vision. The virtual format enabled seamless participation from leading Indian firms, offering a glimpse into advanced systems ranging from radars and UAVs to naval equipment and small arms—capabilities that align with Seychelles' maritime security needs in the Indian Ocean Region (I0R).
MoD Seals Deal with Bharat Forge & Tata for India's Next-gen ATAGS Artillery
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) finalised contracts with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited to enhance the Indian Army's artillery capabilities. These deals, worth approximately Rs. 6,900 crore, will provide the Army with 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles. The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The ATAGS is designed to replace the Army's ageing artillery guns with a more advanced and powerful system.
Mar 25, 2025
India's Second Stealth Frigate Tavasya
India marked a significant milestone in its indigenous naval shipbuilding program, with the launch of 'Tavasya', the second stealth frigate under the Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships. The ceremony took place at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). The ship was ceremonially launched by Mrs. Neeta Seth in a traditional naval ritual, and the event was attended by Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh, Indian Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, which is responsible for India's maritime security along the western seaboard.
Project 1135.6, also known as the Talwar-class frigate program, originates from the Russian Krivak III-class design and is the result of Indo-Russian naval cooperation.
Assam Rifles Celebrates 190 Years of Glorious Service
Assam Rifles, India's oldest and most prestigious paramilitary force, proudly celebrated its 190th Raising Day on March 24 at its headquarters in Shillong. This monumental milestone marked nearly two centuries of unwavering dedication, valour, and commitment to safeguarding India's borders.
Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, led the homage ceremony at the War Memorial in Shillong, honouring the brave hearts who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Gen. Lakhera also addressed the gathering, praising the force's outstanding contributions in combating insurgency in the Northeast and Kashmir.
The ceremony's highlight was the presentation of the prestigious DGAR Banner for 2023-24 to top-performing units. 4 Assam Rifles emerged as the winner of the coveted banner, while 3 Assam Rifles and 36 Assam Rifles were awarded the first and second runners-up positions, respectively.
Mar 23, 2025
Paras Defence & Space Technologies Bags Order to Develop Anti-drone Laser System
Defence engineering company Paras Defence & Space Technologies Ltd secured a contract worth Rs. 142.31 crore from DRDO arm CHESS to develop a high-powered anti-drone laser system. Centre for High Defence Systems & Sciences (CHESS) is a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The development roadmap for the project is set to be executed in 24 months. Paras Defence is proud to be the first company in India to develop such a state-of-the-art system, the company said.
Mar 20, 2025
Tata Advanced Sysytem's WhAP Deal with Morocco Expands with New Varants
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a key player in India's defence manufacturing sector, secured a significant export deal with Morocco for its Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), a versatile 84 armoured vehicle. The agreement, which includes both exporting the WhAP and establishing local production in Morocco, received a further boost with the Royal Moroccan Army unveiling plans to develop multiple variants based on the WhAP baseline.
These include configurations with 105mm and 120mm cannons, as well as a specialized medical variant, signalling a deepening partnership between TASL and Morocco's defence ecosystem.
India-Australia Deepen Defence Interoperability across Every Position
India and Australia agreed to strengthen their defence cooperation and interoperability across the maritime, land, and air domains. The discussions took place during the 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi. Both nations emphasised enhancing maritime domain awareness, reciprocal information sharing, and science and technology collaboration. The meeting also reviewed past defence dialogues and set priorities for upcoming engagements, including the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Australia.
The Indian delegation was led by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence.
Australian delegation was led by Bernard Philip, First Assistant Secretary, International Policy Division.
Philippines Eyes Expansion of Squad Group to India and South Korea
The Philippines and its allies are trying to expand the Squad grouping of nations to include India and South Korea to counter China in the Indo-Pacific region, the Philippines' Armed Forces chief General Romeo S. Brawner said.
The "Squad" grouping is a strategic alliance formed by the United States in collaboration with Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. This coalition has been established with the primary objective of countering China's growing influence and assertive actions in the Indo-Pacific region; particularly in areas such as the South China Sea.
Mar 19, 2025
Delhi Police Launches 'Shishtachar' Squad to Combat Eve-Teasing
To enhance women's safety in public spaces, the Delhi Police has launched 'Shishtachar' squads across all districts. These anti-eve-teasing squads aim to curb harassment through active patrolling, surprise checks, and public outreach. Supervised by senior officials, the initiative focuses on prevention, intervention, and victim assistance to create a secure environment for women in the capital.
Each district will have at least two squads which will be supervised by the ACP of the Crime Against Women (CAW) cell in the respective district.
The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, a symbol of the strong maritime partnership between India and France, is set to take place from March 19 to March 22, 2025. Established in 2001, this annual exercise has become a key platform for enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy between the two nations.
VARUNA 2025 will witness an impressive display of maritime capabilities across multiple domains, featuring aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, along with fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine.
The exercise aims to improve coordination in air defence, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat, reinforcing the shared commitment to a free, open, and secure maritime environment.