General Awareness

DEFENCE - November 2023

Nov 2023

Mar 30, 2026

India Hosts IONS Maritime Exercise in Kochi

Under the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), India hosted a major maritime exercise at the Maritime Warfare Centre in Kochi. The event brought together naval representatives from multiple IONS member nations to address non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. Participants included Bangladesh, France, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Timor-Leste. The exercise highlights India’s growing role in regional maritime cooperation and security and occurred as India has been chairing IONS since 20 February 2026.

Event: IONS Maritime Exercise in Kochi
Participants: 16 IONS nations including Bangladesh, France, Maldives, Singapore
Purpose: address non-traditional maritime security challenges
Context: India chairs IONS since 20 February 2026
Location: Maritime Warfare Centre, Kochi

INS Sunayna Harbour Phase: March 2026 Multinational Training

Harbour training operations associated with multinational maritime engagement continued in March 2026 as part of India’s IONS-related activities. The exercise included joint drills, professional training, and operational coordination among participating navies. The focus remained on interoperability, maritime security, and disaster-response readiness in the Indian Ocean region. The training concluded with coordinated exercises near Kochi, demonstrating India’s capability to lead coalition maritime efforts and strengthen regional defence cooperation.

Context: IONS-related maritime training
Location: near Kochi/coastal drills
Aim: interoperability and regional security
Participants: multiple navies under IONS framework
Outcome: enhanced multinational defence cooperation

Mar 28, 2026

Operation Urja Suraksha: Indian Navy's energy-security mission near the Strait of Hormuz

Operation Urja Suraksha is India's naval mission to safeguard energy security amid rising tensions in West Asia. The Indian Navy has deployed multiple frontline warships, including destroyers and frigates, to escort India-bound vessels through the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz. The operation aims to ensure the safe movement of cargoes such as crude oil, LPG, and LNG, at a time when nearly 20 vessels are at risk due to conflict. The mission demonstrates India's proactive stance to protect critical energy supplies and maintain maritime trade routes essential for the economy and power generation.

Operation Urja Suraksha launched to protect energy shipments.
Multiple frontline ships deployed near the Strait of Hormuz.
Vessels carry crude oil, LPG, and LNG; around 20 ships at risk due to conflict.
Aims to ensure safe movement of energy cargoes and preserve trade routes.
Reflects India’s energy-security strategy in a volatile region.

Surya Kiran aerobatic team to perform two-day air show in Chandigarh on March 27–28, 2026

The Indian Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team will perform a two-day air show over Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh on 27 March 2026 and 28 March 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on both days. Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav chaired a review meeting with stakeholder departments to ensure flawless execution. The event, aimed at engaging the public and showcasing IAF aerobatic capabilities, underscores the force's outreach. Spectators have been urged to follow safety directions and use designated viewing areas. The show highlights the IAF's air-display tradition and demonstrates precision formation flying under the Surya Kiran banner.

Two-day air show by Surya Kiran Team scheduled for 27–28 March 2026, 10:00–11:30 AM.
Location: Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh.
Chandigarh DC chaired inter-departmental review for smooth execution.
Event aims to raise public awareness of IAF capabilities.
Public urged to follow safety guidelines and viewing area rules.

Mar 23, 2026

INS Taragiri Set for Commissioning in Indian Navy

INS Taragiri (F41), the fourth Nilgiri-class stealth frigate under Project 17A, is scheduled for commissioning on 3 April 2026. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Taragiri follows INS Nilgiri, INS Himgiri and INS Udaygiri in the class. The ship embodies advanced stealth design and multi-mission capabilities, including surface warfare, air defence and anti-submarine operations. Taragiri’s delivery underscores India’s push to expand indigenous shipbuilding and enhance maritime deterrence in the Indian Ocean region. Sea trials were completed late 2025, with formal commissioning planned in early April 2026.

Taragiri is the fourth Nilgiri-class frigate under Project 17A.
Commissioning planned for 3 April 2026; built by MDL.
Follows Nilgiri, Himgiri and Udaygiri in the class.
Features advanced stealth and multi-mission capabilities.
Reflects India’s focus on indigenous shipbuilding and deterrence.

Mar 21, 2026

Exercise Amogh Jwala demonstrates Indian Army combat readiness

Exercise Amogh Jwala, conducted by the Indian Army’s Southern Command at the Babina Field Firing Ranges, showcased high readiness in mechanised warfare. The drill featured integrated operations across land, air, and technology-driven assets, underscoring advances in multi-domain warfare. Attacks involved attack helicopters, fighter aircraft, drones, and counter-drone systems, with real-time surveillance and target acquisition enabled by data links. The exercise highlighted Electronic Warfare, Air Defence, and night-fighting capabilities, illustrating a shift toward a network-centric force. Participants demonstrated synchronized maneuvers, precision strikes, and rapid decision-making, reaffirming readiness for contemporary security scenarios; the drill also tested interoperability with allied units and civilian agencies.

Location: Babina Field Firing Ranges
Showcased multi-domain warfare with land, air, and tech assets
Assets included helicopters, fighters, drones, counter-drone systems
Emphasis on EW, Air Defence, and night-fighting capabilities
Interoperability with allied units and civilian agencies tested

Mar 19, 2026

Indian Navy launches IOS SAGAR Initiative 2026

The Indian Navy launched the second edition of the IOS SAGAR initiative on 16 March 2026. The programme brings together sixteen member nations to strengthen maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. IOS SAGAR aligns with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and supports the expanded MAHASAGAR framework for maritime security. The initiative provides an operational platform for joint exercises, information sharing, and capacity building in regional waters. It highlights India's active role in regional defense and broader maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing cooperation with partner navies and international organizations.

Second edition launched on 16 March 2026
Sixteen member nations involved
Aligns with SAGAR and MAHASAGAR
Platform for joint exercises and information sharing
Enhances regional maritime security and cooperation

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