The article details the escalating international scrutiny on Lawrence Bishnoi's alleged crime network, culminating in US indictments. Canadian law enforcement, particularly the RCMP, played a pivotal role, identifying the Bishnoi gang's involvement in extortion, targeted killings, and narcotics trafficking. The gang was publicly identified in 2024 and designated a terrorist entity by Canada in September 2025. This tightening net, involving cross-border investigations and collaboration with US and European agencies, highlights the growing international effort to dismantle transnational criminal organizations.
- International scrutiny on Lawrence Bishnoi's crime network intensified over two years, leading to US indictments.
- Canadian law enforcement, including the RCMP, played a crucial role in investigating the gang's activities.
- The Bishnoi gang was involved in extortion, targeted killings, and narcotics trafficking across continents.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Melbourne for the third annual summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit aims to strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, critical minerals, and education. This visit is expected to boost India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and Indo-Pacific vision, further cementing ties between the two QUAD partners and creating new opportunities for prosperity, especially for Small Island Developing States.
- PM Modi is in Australia for the third annual summit with PM Anthony Albanese to strengthen bilateral ties.
- Key discussion areas include Indo-Pacific cooperation, critical minerals, and education partnership.
- The visit aims to boost India's MAHASAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed confidence in strengthening ties with India, emphasizing economic, defense, security, and people-to-people connections. He highlighted the global geopolitical shift from a rules-based to a power-based system, advocating for India and New Zealand to jointly remake the case for a rules-based international order. Luxon noted New Zealand's welcoming stance towards Indian immigrants, viewing it as an opportunity amidst growing anti-immigrant sentiments in other Western democracies, and stressed the importance of a broader and deeper relationship between the two countries.
- New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon advocates for India and NZ to jointly promote a rules-based global system.
- Bilateral ties between India and New Zealand are strengthening across economic, defense, security, and people-to-people pillars.
- Luxon noted a global shift from a rules-based to a power-based system, necessitating a joint effort from like-minded countries.
The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar with ordering the assassination of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This development follows a US-led 'Operation Hardball' against three criminal gangs involved in transnational crimes, which led to 37 charges and 24 arrests across the US, Canada, and Europe. Canadian police stated there is "no evidence" of any official Indian government involvement in Nijjar's killing, removing a major irritant in bilateral ties with India. The operation signals deepening international cooperation against Indian-origin gang networks involved in targeted killings, extortion, and narcotics trafficking.
- The US has charged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar for ordering the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
- Canada has stated there is no evidence linking the Indian government to Nijjar's killing, easing bilateral tensions.
- A US-led 'Operation Hardball' targeted three Indian crime syndicates involved in transnational crimes.
BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime. The declaration, made by heads of anti-drug agencies, emphasized the need for timely exchange of information, intelligence, and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. Concerns were raised over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, the proliferation of synthetic drugs, and the misuse of emerging technologies. India, represented by Narcotics Control Bureau Director-General Anurag Garg, highlighted its zero-tolerance policy and a three-year roadmap (2026-29) focusing on dismantling criminal networks and mass awareness campaigns.
- BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration to enhance cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime.
- The declaration stresses timely information and intelligence exchange, adhering to national and international laws.
- Concerns include the rise of synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances, and misuse of technology in drug trafficking.
India-Australia relations, now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, have evolved beyond the traditional "Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry" to encompass "Democracy, Diaspora, and Dosti," and increasingly, "Development and Defence." Bilateral economic cooperation is thriving, with Indian exports gaining duty-free access and a shared ambition to raise trade to $100 billion by 2030. Defence cooperation is rapidly growing, marked by high-level exchanges and joint military exercises. The partnership also extends to energy, education, and innovation, with collaborations in renewable energy, critical minerals, and educational exchanges, contributing to a robust multilateral framework in the Indo-Pacific.
- India-Australia relations have expanded significantly, moving beyond traditional cultural ties to strategic cooperation in development and defense.
- Bilateral trade and investment are growing, with a target of $100 billion by 2030, facilitated by agreements like ECTA.
- Defence cooperation is robust, featuring regular high-level dialogues and joint military exercises, particularly in the maritime domain.
The Gujarat High Court upheld the death sentences for 38 members of the banned Indian Mujahideen and life imprisonment for 11 others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case. This verdict comes nearly four years after a special court convicted 49 people. The court also directed the State government to provide ₹10 lakh compensation to the next of kin of those killed and ₹5 lakh to those grievously injured, to be disbursed before March 30, 2027. The 2008 blasts involved 21 serial explosions across Ahmedabad, killing 56 and injuring over 200, notably targeting hospitals, a first in India.
- The Gujarat High Court confirmed death sentences for 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case.
- The convicts were members of the banned Indian Mujahideen.
- The court mandated compensation for victims: ₹10 lakh for fatalities and ₹5 lakh for grievous injuries.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has set a December 2026 target to make National Highway-37 "comfortably motorable." NH-37, connecting Imphal to Silchar, gained strategic importance during the Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict as a safer alternative to NH-2. The ₹1,300-crore project, sanctioned in 2022, aims to widen and upgrade 203 km of the highway, including fortifying landslide-prone areas and replacing old bridges. Despite challenges like land disputes and recurring damage during monsoons, the project is 85-90% complete, significantly reducing travel time.
- NHIDCL aims to complete the upgrade of National Highway-37 in Manipur by December 2026, making it fully motorable.
- NH-37 serves as a crucial lifeline connecting Imphal to Silchar, gaining strategic importance during ethnic conflicts.
- The ₹1,300-crore project involves widening, fortifying landslide areas, and replacing bridges along 203 km of the highway.
An LNG tanker, Al Rekayyat, travelling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, was struck by a projectile and caught fire. The British military confirmed the attack, the latest in a series targeting vessels in the narrow Persian Gulf mouth. Iranian state television implied Tehran carried out the assault after the tanker ignored warnings, though no official claim was made. Qatar condemned the attack as an "unacceptable" violation of international law and energy security. This incident escalates tensions, especially as talks between Iran and the U.S. were on hold, and highlights the precariousness of global energy supply routes.
- An LNG tanker, Al Rekayyat, was struck by a projectile and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman.
- The incident is part of a series of attacks targeting vessels in the region, raising global energy security concerns.
- Iranian state television implied Tehran's involvement, while Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of international law.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in global turbulence. This stance was part of a joint statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, expressing "deep concern" over the West Asia war. The leaders also signed 14 agreements, including defense deals for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missiles for Indonesia, and discussed deepening cooperation on globally important issues.
- Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- The statement was made during his three-nation tour, starting in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
- India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements, including significant defense deals.
China test-fired a "strategic" missile carrying a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean, prompting immediate condemnation from New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. New Zealand described it as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile. This rare display of military might occurred on the same day Australia and Fiji signed a major defense treaty. Concurrently, China began its annual joint naval exercises with Russia off Qingdao. Regional nations expressed serious concerns, viewing China's actions as destabilizing and escalating tensions, while Russia defended China's sovereign right to conduct such tests.
- China test-fired a "strategic" missile with a dummy warhead from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean.
- New Zealand identified the missile as a nuclear-capable long-range ballistic missile.
- The test coincided with Australia and Fiji signing a major defense treaty, and China beginning joint naval exercises with Russia.
The Indian Navy will commission its sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38), at Visakhapatnam on July 11. This commissioning marks a significant milestone in India's indigenous warship-building program. Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, the Mahendragiri is an advanced multi-role frigate. It features advanced stealth capabilities, reduced radar signature, and a high degree of automation, enhancing operational capabilities across the Indo-Pacific and reinforcing the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
- The Indian Navy will commission its sixth indigenous Project 17A stealth frigate, Mahendragiri (F38).
- The commissioning ceremony will take place at Visakhapatnam on July 11.
- Mahendragiri was designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.
Representatives from BRICS member countries, converging in Guwahati for the Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies' Meeting 2026, emphasized the critical need for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking. Lucas Barbosa of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the long history of cooperation within the BRICS anti-drug working group and the intent to strengthen collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing. Anurag Garg, Director-General of India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), underscored that drug abuse is an international scourge requiring collective global effort. Discussions will focus on emerging challenges like darknet marketplaces, cryptocurrencies, and maritime routes for drug trafficking.
- BRICS member countries called for stronger international cooperation to combat drug trafficking at a meeting in Guwahati.
- The BRICS anti-drug working group aims to enhance collaboration in law enforcement and intelligence sharing.
- Drug trafficking is recognized as a transnational threat requiring coordinated action by all member countries.
Viral videos demonstrating the disabling of e-rickshaw batteries using mobile apps like BAT-BMS have exposed security flaws in imported Battery Management Systems (BMS) modules, primarily from China. These apps, designed for diagnostics, exploit a lack of authentication in Jiabaida BMS modules. The government's response of banning apps instead of addressing underlying supply chain vulnerabilities is criticized. The article highlights that almost all e-rickshaw components are imported, and existing regulations lack detailed standards for electronic components. Stronger supply chain oversight, security standards, and vetting of suppliers are needed to prevent such exploits.
- Viral videos show e-rickshaw batteries being disabled using mobile apps that exploit vulnerabilities in Bluetooth Battery Management Systems (BMS).
- The apps, like BAT-BMS, are designed for diagnostics but exploit a lack of authentication in imported Jiabaida BMS modules from China.
- The government's response of banning apps is criticized as it fails to address the root cause: underlying security flaws in the supply chain.
The article examines the future of the Quad, prompted by the Pentagon's renaming of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command, signaling a potential shift in U.S. priorities. Criticisms against the Quad include its reluctance to explicitly name China, its hesitation to project itself as a security-centric grouping, and the lack of a 2+2 ministerial dialogue format. While the Quad's agenda shows a heavy focus on security-related domains (23 out of 37 initiatives), its funding patterns disproportionately favor health and climate, with a visible gap in capital commitment for resilient supply chains and critical technologies.
- The Pentagon's renaming of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command back to the U.S. Pacific Command raises questions about the Quad's future and U.S. commitment.
- Criticisms include the Quad's reluctance to explicitly name China and its hesitation to fully embrace a security-centric identity.
- Despite 23 out of 37 initiatives being security-related, funding disproportionately favors health and climate, with a gap in capital for critical technologies and supply chains.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed, chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and its proxy The Resistance Front (TRF), in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, 2025. This attack resulted in the deaths of twenty-six civilians. The chargesheet details Pakistan's conspiracy, Saeed's role, and supporting evidence. LeT and TRF have been charged as legal entities for their role in planning and executing the attack, with the NIA continuing its probe into Pakistan's sponsorship of terrorism on Indian soil.
- The NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against Hafiz Saeed, LeT chief, and The Resistance Front (TRF) for the Pahalgam terror attack.
- The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, led to the deaths of twenty-six civilians.
- The chargesheet outlines Pakistan's conspiracy, Saeed's involvement, and supporting evidence gathered through scientific investigation.
A cargo ship in the Red Sea reported being under attack by unknown armed assailants off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen. A skiff approached the bulk carrier and opened fire, prompting the ship's security guards to return fire. The skiff then retreated to a larger vessel with its automatic identification system switched off. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident, stating that the cargo ship and its crew were reported safe. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
- A cargo ship was attacked by unknown armed assailants off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen, in the Red Sea.
- A skiff opened fire on the bulk carrier, to which the ship's security guards responded with fire.
- The skiff retreated to a larger vessel that had its automatic identification system switched off.
India is set to host the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati, starting Monday. Organized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the meeting aims to transform BRICS cooperation from dialogue-centric to action-oriented. Key focus areas will include combating synthetic drugs, strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing operational coordination, and capacity building. India, as chair, seeks to foster collaboration through information exchange on clandestine laboratories, emerging drug trends, precursor chemicals, and joint training programs to tackle drug-related threats effectively.
- India is hosting the two-day BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies meeting in Guwahati.
- The meeting aims to shift BRICS cooperation towards action-oriented collaboration in combating drug-related threats.
- Key focus areas include synthetic drugs, intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building.
India has eased emergency gas supply curbs as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments normalize following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The government had invoked emergency powers in March to prioritize gas supplies to essential sectors due to threats to traffic through the waterway, which affected about 65% of India's LNG imports from West Asia. While crude oil purchases were diversified, LNG supplies remained vulnerable. The easing of curbs indicates a restoration of normal supply chains and a reduction in the immediate threat to energy security.
- India has eased emergency gas supply restrictions following the normalization of LNG shipments.
- The curbs were imposed in March due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy imports.
- About 65% of India's LNG supplies from West Asia pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the country vulnerable to disruptions.
India announced that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in "abeyance" until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" ceases its support for cross-border terrorism. This statement by the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, came in response to a recent international conference in Pakistan that called for the treaty's restoration. India had previously put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, citing Pakistan's long-standing promotion of cross-border terrorism. India emphasized that "water and blood cannot flow together," intensifying its rhetoric against Pakistan, especially amidst protests in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
- India has declared that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably stops cross-border terrorism.
- This stance was reiterated following a conference in Pakistan advocating for the treaty's restoration.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security had previously put the IWT in abeyance after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for defence acquisition proposals worth nearly ₹52,000 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. For the Army, approvals include Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Electronic Warfare System Akash Tarang, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), MRSAM, V-SHORADS, Active Protection Systems for tanks, and jet-based Kamikaze drone systems. The Navy will acquire Multi Influence Ground Mines (MIGM) and Naval Shipborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (NSUAS), and establish a Land Based Testing Facility (LBTF). The Air Force will receive Fixed-Wing High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (FW-HAPS).
- The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved defence acquisition proposals worth approximately ₹52,000 crore.
- The acquisitions are intended to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Key procurements for the Army include anti-drone systems, anti-tank missiles, air defence systems, and Kamikaze drones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi emphasized a "free and rules-based Indo-Pacific" as a common priority during Takaichi's first visit to India. Both leaders stressed the need for strategic cooperation, with Takaichi stating the two countries are "perfectly aligned." India and Japan agreed on co-development projects in defence, including a naval radio antenna, and will jointly develop technologies for maritime security and regional peace. An economic session saw Indian and Japanese companies sign 129 MoUs on technology, investment, and AI. Japan is also set to invest $1 trillion across various Indian states.
- India and Japan consider a "free and rules-based Indo-Pacific" a shared priority and are committed to strategic cooperation.
- The two nations have initiated their first defence co-development agreement, focusing on a naval radio antenna.
- Joint efforts will be made to develop technologies for maintaining maritime security and regional peace.
Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth unveiled "VIJAY," a roadmap to transform the Indian Army into a technology-enabled, future-ready force capable of operating across multiple domains. Inspired by the Defence Minister's vision for the Decade of Transformation, the roadmap's acronym stands for Vigilance (operational readiness), Innovation and Transformation (modern doctrine, cutting-edge technologies), Jointness and Integration (synergy among services and military-civil fusion), Atmanirbharta (indigenous technologies), and Yodha First (soldier welfare and training). This initiative aims to strengthen national security and adapt to evolving warfare, ensuring the Army remains prepared for emerging security challenges.
- General Dhiraj Seth unveiled the "VIJAY" roadmap to modernize the Indian Army.
- The roadmap aims to create a technology-enabled, future-ready force capable of multi-domain operations.
- "VIJAY" stands for Vigilance, Innovation and Transformation, Jointness and Integration, Atmanirbharta, and Yodha First.
General Dhiraj Seth has assumed charge as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), succeeding General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after more than four decades of distinguished service. General Seth's extensive command assignments include leadership roles in an armoured regiment in the desert sector, an armoured brigade in the Western Theatre, and a counter-insurgency force in Jammu and Kashmir. At the Army Headquarters, he played a crucial role in strategic planning and capability development, contributing significantly to the Army's modernization roadmap, force restructuring, and the integration of emerging technologies for future warfighting capabilities.
- General Dhiraj Seth is the 31st Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
- He succeeded General Upendra Dwivedi, who retired after over four decades of distinguished service.
- His command experience includes armoured regiments and counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.