General Awareness

DEFENCE - December 2024

Dec 2024

Jan 20, 2026

INS Sudarshini sets off on Lokayan 26 voyage; training and diplomacy

Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini began its Lokayan 26 flagship voyage, a 10‑month transoceanic mission starting January 20, 2026. The vessel will cover more than 22,000 nautical miles and visit 18 ports across 13 countries, with 200+ trainees undergoing advanced seamanship and navigation training. The voyage includes participation in Escale à Sète (France) and SAIL 250 (New York, USA), showcasing India’s maritime heritage and international naval cooperation. The mission supports government strategic goals of MAHASAGAR and expands international naval exchanges with partner nations.

INS Sudarshini begins Lokayan 26 voyage
Duration: 10 months; 22,000+ nautical miles
Ports: 18 across 13 countries; 200+ trainees
Events: Escale à Sète and SAIL 250
Aligns with MAHASAGAR and naval diplomacy goals

Jan 19, 2026

INS Sagardhwani Flagged Off for Sagar Maitri Fifth Edition

INS Sagardhwani, a naval oceanographic research vessel of the DRDO, was flagged off from Kochi for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative. The voyage retraces the route of INS Kistna that served in the 1960s and aims to build sustained ocean research collaboration with eight Indian Ocean Rim nations. The MAHASAGAR framework supports socio economic engagement and scientific partnership. DURING the mission INS Sagardhwani will collect critical oceanographic and acoustic data to enhance Underwater Domain Awareness for maritime security. Commissioned in July 1994, Sagardhwani has contributed to India s maritime science capabilities.

Flag off location: Kochi
Purpose: Sagar Maitri fifth edition
Retains historic Kistna route from 1962–65
Partners: eight IOR countries
Role: DRDO and Navy collaboration

Operation Sagar Bandhu Builds Third Bailey Bridge in Sri Lanka

As part of Operation Sagar Bandhu, Indian Army Engineers completed a 120 foot Bailey bridge across 15 kilometres of the B-429 highway in Sri Lanka. The bridge connects the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring a lifeline disrupted by Cyclone Ditwah. Earlier Bailey bridges were installed in Jaffna and Kandy. The operation shows tri service cooperation and rapid deployment of engineering assets to support civilian infrastructure and relief work. The bridge improves access for residents and relief services, demonstrating continued humanitarian engagement and regional solidarity in the wake of natural disasters.

Bridge length: 120 feet, location on B-429 highway
Connections: Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts
Third Bailey bridge after Jaffna and Kandy
Context: Cyclone Ditwah aftermath
Significance: civilian access and relief capability

Trilateral DOSTI 17 Maritime Exercise Begins in Maldives

The trilateral maritime exercise DOSTI-17 began officially in the Maldives, bringing together coast guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Inaugurated in Malé on 17 January 2026, the exercise aims to enhance maritime cooperation, coordination, and security in the Indian Ocean region. Senior defence officials and diplomats attended the opening, underscoring growing regional collaboration. DOSTI-17 includes coordinated patrol planning, information sharing, and joint exercises to improve interoperability among participating nations. The exercise strengthens maritime domain awareness and demonstrates ongoing security engagement with IOR partners.

Inauguration: 17 January 2026, Malé
Participants: India, Sri Lanka, Maldives
Objectives: cooperation, coordination, security
Activities: information sharing, joint exercises
Significance: regional maritime interoperability

Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Ammunition Facility in Nagpur

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new Medium Calibre Ammunition Manufacturing Facility at Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited in Nagpur. The facility will manufacture 30 mm ammunition for the Indian Army and Navy. Singh stressed the government push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence and greater private sector participation. He also inspected the Pinaka Rocket manufacturing facility and flagged off the first tranche of guided Pinaka rockets exported to Armenia, signaling growing defence exports. The event highlights efforts to address past shortages and strengthen national security through domestic manufacturing.

Facility: 30 mm ammunition production
Location: Nagpur
Policy focus: Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence
Export note: Pinaka rockets to Armenia
Impact: domestic production and security resilience

Jan 18, 2026

India–Sri Lanka Navy conclude 13th staff talks on maritime security

The 13th edition of the Indian and Sri Lankan Navy staff talks concluded in Colombo, with discussions on strengthening bilateral engagements and maritime security in the Indian Ocean. The talks were co‑chaired by Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI) of the Indian Navy, and Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena, Director General Training of the Sri Lankan Navy. Both sides emphasized continuing cooperation and joint exercises, with a focus on anti‑ piracy, search‑and‑rescue, and information sharing. The communiqué highlighted ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration across the security, training and capability domains to ensure regional stability.

Event: 13th India–Sri Lanka Navy staff talks
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Co‑chairs: Rear Admiral Srinivas Maddula; Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena
Focus areas: maritime security, training, exercises
Outlook: enhanced bilateral cooperation

MSME Defence Conclave 2026 launches in Jharkhand

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

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