Mizoram is facing a severe refugee crisis, housing over 40,000 shelter-seekers from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. The latest influx of 4,000 people from Myanmar's Chin State followed clashes between anti-junta armed groups. Mizoram's dominant Mizo community shares ethnic ties with the Chins, Bawms, and Kuki-Zos, leading the state government to prioritize humanitarian grounds over pushing back refugees, despite limited resources and central government's tepid response. India lacks a specific national law on refugees, dealing with them under foreigners' laws. The state is now feeling pressure from the influx, raising concerns about national security, demography, and local resources.
- Mizoram is currently hosting over 40,000 refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur.
- The recent influx from Myanmar's Chin State was triggered by armed clashes between anti-junta groups.
- The dominant Mizo community shares ethnic and familial ties with the Chin, Bawm, and Kuki-Zo groups, influencing the state's humanitarian approach.
The Defence Ministry has identified an Indian firm to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 air defence system in India. Russia's Almaz-Antey, the manufacturer of the S-400, will collaborate with this Indian firm. This 'landmark move' aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign entities for critical defence systems, aligning with the 'Make In India' initiative and overcoming challenges posed by international sanctions and supply chain disruptions. India currently operates three S-400 systems, named 'Sudarshan Chakra', which proved crucial in Operation Sindoor against Pakistani drones and missiles. The remaining two S-400s are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
- An Indian firm has been selected to establish an MRO facility for the S-400 air defence system in collaboration with Russian manufacturer Almaz-Antey.
- This initiative is a significant step towards self-reliance in defence and aligns with the 'Make In India' program.
- The move will mitigate risks associated with international sanctions and supply chain disruptions for critical defence equipment.
The Indian Navy has inducted INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), from Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. This warship, measuring 118 meters and weighing nearly 10,000 tonnes, is equipped with advanced diving equipment capable of deep-sea saturation diving up to 300 meters. With nearly 75% indigenous content, the induction of INS Nistar marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's ongoing efforts towards indigenous construction and self-reliance in defense capabilities.
- The Indian Navy has inducted INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
- The ship was constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) in Visakhapatnam.
- INS Nistar is equipped for deep-sea saturation diving up to 300 meters, enhancing the Navy's underwater capabilities.
India played a key role in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report, "Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks," which for the first time recognized state sponsorship as a means of funding terrorism. This reinforces India's long-held position, particularly regarding Pakistan, identified as a source of terror financing since 2022. The report highlights that governments can provide financial, logistical, and training support to terrorist organizations, posing a threat to international peace. The findings are expected to influence National Risk Assessments (NRAs) of other countries, with the U.S. already noting terror threats from Pakistan. This will increase scrutiny and cost of doing business for Pakistani entities.
- India was a key contributor to the FATF report that, for the first time, explicitly recognized state sponsorship as a method of terrorist financing.
- This FATF finding significantly strengthens India's stance against Pakistan, which India has identified as a source of terror financing since 2022.
- The report details various forms of government support for terrorist activities, including direct financial aid, logistical assistance, and training.
The 17th BRICS Summit, which included newly inducted members like Egypt, Ethiopia, UAE, Iran, and Indonesia, demonstrated the group's cohesion despite internal rivalries and external pressures. The Rio declaration addressed critical geopolitical issues, including attacks on Gaza and Iran, terror financing, cross-border terrorism, and U.S. tariffs. India played a significant role in shaping the joint statement, ensuring condemnation of terror attacks like Pahalgam. As India prepares to lead the BRICS grouping next year, which represents about half the global population, 40% of global GDP, and a quarter of global trade, it aims to fulfill the vision of "Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability."
- The 17th BRICS Summit, with new members, demonstrated cohesion among its members despite global challenges and internal differences.
- The Rio declaration addressed critical geopolitical issues, including conflicts in Gaza and Iran, terror financing, and U.S. tariffs.
- India played a significant role in shaping the joint statement, ensuring condemnation of terror attacks like Pahalgam.
Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, driven by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. NATO's pledge to increase member nations' defence expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035 is a key driver. The US, China, Russia, Germany, and India are the top five spenders. This increased militarisation is criticized for crowding out domestic health spending, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It also negatively impacts the UN's budget, which is facing cuts due to insufficient funding, partly from US foreign aid reductions. Furthermore, rising military spending hinders progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty eradication, health, and climate change.
- Global military spending reached $2,718 billion in 2024, marking a 9.4% increase, the highest since 1988, primarily due to ongoing conflicts.
- NATO members have pledged to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target.
- Increased military spending is shown to crowd out domestic health spending, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and negatively impacts the UN's budget and its ability to fund humanitarian aid.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report, 'Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks', highlights that accused in two recent terror attacks in India utilized online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In the 2022 Gorakhnath Temple attack, a lone actor transferred ₹6,69,841 via PayPal for ISIL support and used VPNs for detection evasion. For the 2019 Pulwama attack, materials like aluminium powder for the IED were procured through Amazon. The report notes terrorists exploit e-commerce platforms as multiple buyers/sellers and use trade-based money laundering techniques like over/under invoicing to transfer value.
- The FATF report indicates that terrorists in India are exploiting online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and VPNs for financing and operational activities.
- In the Gorakhnath Temple attack (2022), an individual used PayPal to transfer funds for ISIL support and VPNs to evade detection.
- Materials for the Pulwama attack (2019), specifically aluminium powder for the IED, were procured via Amazon.
A conflict between two ethnic armed groups, the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H), in Myanmar has forced approximately 4,000 Chin people to seek refuge in Mizoram, India. The refugees, primarily women and children, are taking shelter in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages, crossing the border at Zokhawthar and the Tiau river. Local villagers and NGOs are providing basic needs. This influx adds to over 30,000 refugees from Myanmar and Bangladesh already living in Mizoram, alongside 5,000 Kuki-Zo people displaced by Manipur ethnic violence since 2023. The conflict is over control of strategic border trade areas, with both groups being part of the People's Defence Force resisting Myanmar's military junta.
- Around 4,000 Chin people from Myanmar have taken refuge in Mizoram due to armed conflict between ethnic groups.
- The conflict involves the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and the Chinland Defence Force-Hualngoram (CDF-H) fighting for control of border trade areas.
- The refugees are concentrated in Zokhawthar and Vaphai villages, with local support for their basic needs.
India's cautious response to the Israel-Iran conflict, including calls for restraint and de-escalation, reflects its strategic autonomy and commitment to national interests. Under PM Modi's leadership, India has provided humanitarian aid, voted for a Gaza ceasefire at the UNGA, and evacuated citizens from conflict zones. The article argues that India's "strategic silence" is a sign of growing stature, allowing it to engage with all sides and assert its interests deliberately, especially in West Asia where it has significant economic and defense ties. India's foreign policy prioritizes its growth story, security, and value system, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape where some nations re-hyphenate India-Pakistan relations or engage with unelected military regimes for strategic access. India advocates for a stable West Asia through arms control and regional cooperation.
- India's diplomatic approach is characterized by strategic autonomy and a measured response to global conflicts like the Israel-Iran tensions.
- The government prioritizes national interests, providing humanitarian aid, advocating for peace, and evacuating citizens from conflict zones.
- India's growing credibility allows it to engage with all parties in volatile regions like West Asia, where it has significant economic and defense ties.
Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban's government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021. This decision followed Moscow's removal of the Taliban from its list of outlawed organizations. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that it had received credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan, stating that official recognition would foster "productive bilateral cooperation." Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry welcomed this as a historic step, with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "good example" for other countries. China also welcomed Russia's decision, advocating for Afghanistan's inclusion in the international community.
- Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since 2021.
- This recognition followed Russia's removal of the Taliban from its list of outlawed organizations.
- The Russian Foreign Ministry cited the aim of fostering "productive bilateral cooperation."
Despite a Supreme Court ruling on May 23 to "progressively reduce" the deputation of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) within two years, the Union Home Ministry continues to appoint IPS officers to senior posts. The Supreme Court, in the Sanjay Prakash & Others versus Union of India case, recognized Group A officers of CAPFs as "Organised Services" and mandated the reduction of IPS deputation posts, particularly in Senior Administrative Grade and Inspector-General ranks. Currently, 20% of DIG and 50% of IG posts in CAPFs are reserved for IPS officers, leading to stagnation for CAPF officers who face significantly longer promotion timelines.
- The Union Home Ministry continues to appoint IPS officers to senior CAPF posts, despite a Supreme Court order to reduce such deputations.
- The Supreme Court ruled that Group A officers of CAPFs are "Organised Services" and mandated a progressive reduction of IPS deputation posts within two years.
- A significant percentage of DIG (20%) and IG (50%) posts in CAPFs are currently reserved for IPS officers.
The first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the U.S. is scheduled for delivery to India by July 15, with another batch expected by November. This follows a recent India-U.S. Defence Ministers' dialogue where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed ongoing defence cooperation with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Singh also emphasized India's right to pre-empt cross-border terror attacks and sought timely delivery of General Electric engines for the Tejas light combat-Mk1A aircraft, along with setting up a production unit for jet engines in India. The Apache induction is part of the Indian Army's Aviation Corps modernization.
- The first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the U.S. will be delivered to India by July 15.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed defence cooperation and timely delivery of GE engines for Tejas aircraft with his U.S. counterpart.
- India reiterated its right to pre-empt and deter cross-border terror attacks.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved 10 capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 lakh crore, exclusively through indigenous sourcing. This decision, the first after Operation Sindoor, aims to enhance the armed forces' capabilities and boost indigenous design and development. Approved procurements include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, Integrated Common Inventory Management System, Surface-to-Air Missiles, and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems for the Indian Army. Naval procurements like Moored Mines and Mine Counter Measure Vessels were also cleared to mitigate risks to maritime assets.
- The DAC approved indigenous defence procurement worth ₹1.05 lakh crore for 10 capital acquisition proposals.
- The move aims to enhance the operational preparedness of the armed forces and promote indigenous design and development.
- Key procurements include Armoured Recovery Vehicles, Electronic Warfare Systems, and Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) systems.
The Quad Foreign Ministers, representing India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S., unequivocally condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and demanded that its perpetrators be brought to justice without delay. A joint statement, issued after their meeting in Washington, reaffirmed the Quad's commitment to counterterrorism cooperation and condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism. This meeting, the first formal Quad FMM under the Trump administration, also established a new agenda. The focus areas include maritime security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response, with a sharper geographical emphasis on the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Quad Foreign Ministers condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and urged all UN Member States to cooperate in bringing perpetrators to justice.
- The joint statement reaffirmed Quad's commitment to counterterrorism and condemned cross-border terrorism.
- The Quad has adopted a new agenda focusing on maritime security, economic prosperity, critical technologies, and disaster response.
The eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise, 'Shakti 2025', concluded in France. This joint military exercise, which began on June 18, involved over 500 legionnaires and military personnel from various units of the French Army, Foreign Legion, Air and Space Force, and Navy. The Indian contingent comprised 90 personnel, including a battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Exercise Shakti serves as a crucial platform for Indian and French military personnel to enhance joint operational preparedness and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
- The eighth edition of the Indo-French Army exercise, 'Shakti 2025', has concluded in France.
- The exercise involved a significant number of military personnel from both Indian and various French forces.
- It aims to boost joint operational preparedness and interoperability between the two nations' armed forces.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Tamal (F71), a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, in Kaliningrad, Russia. This commissioning is significant as Tamal is the last foreign-built major warship to be inducted into the Indian Navy, aligning with the government's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" and "Make in India" initiatives focused on indigenisation. Tamal is the eighth ship in the Project 1135.6 series (Talwar class) and the second of the follow-on Tushil-class frigates. It symbolizes the deep Indo-Russian defence partnership, being the 51st ship produced under this collaboration over 65 years, and is equipped with dual-role BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
- INS Tamal, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, has been commissioned in Russia.
- It marks a pivotal moment as the last foreign-built major warship to be inducted by the Indian Navy, emphasizing a shift towards indigenisation.
- The commissioning highlights the long-standing and deep Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.
The Indian Navy has inducted INS Udaygiri, the second stealth frigate of Project 17A, delivered in a record 37 months. This induction showcases India's growing military manufacturing capabilities and enhances its naval power. Project 17A frigates are successors to the Shivalik-class (Project 17) frigates and are being built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers. INS Udaygiri, a modern avatar of its predecessor, is equipped with enhanced stealth features and an advanced weapon and sensor suite, representing a significant leap in the Indian Navy's in-house design capabilities for blue-water operations.
- INS Udaygiri, the second Project 17A stealth frigate, has been delivered to the Indian Navy in record time.
- This induction signifies a major advancement in India's indigenous military manufacturing and naval design capabilities.
- Project 17A frigates are designed for blue-water operations, capable of handling conventional and non-conventional threats.
Following insights from 'Operation Sindoor' regarding the need for enhanced precision surveillance, the Union government has fast-tracked the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites. These satellites aim to provide round-the-clock monitoring of coastlines and land borders, with a particular focus on the Pakistan and China borders and the Indian Ocean Region. Under the SBS-III programme, ISRO will manufacture and launch the first 21 satellites, while private companies will handle the remaining 31. The new satellites will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) for smarter decision-making and improved performance, with the first set expected to be launched by 2026, enhancing India's self-reliance in surveillance.
- India is accelerating the launch of 52 dedicated surveillance satellites to bolster precision monitoring of its borders and coastlines.
- This initiative stems from the lessons learned during 'Operation Sindoor', which highlighted critical surveillance needs.
- The SBS-III programme involves ISRO launching 21 satellites and private companies launching the remaining 31.