A Lowy Institute report warns that China's ability to launch direct missile strikes on Australia is growing, driven by Beijing's accumulation of long-range and hypersonic weapons and island-building in the South China Sea. The report identifies Chinese missiles fired from ships, submarines, and new intermediate-range ballistic missiles as the main threat. It projects that China's capacity to strike Australia will increase over the next decade with the growth of weapons like the Dong Feng (DF)-27 intermediate-range ballistic missile. This assessment underscores the significant shift in Australia's security landscape, prompting a military strategy focused on deterring adversaries from its northern approaches.
- A Lowy Institute report indicates China's growing capability for direct missile strikes on Australia.
- The threat is attributed to China's long-range and hypersonic weapons and island-building in the South China Sea.
- Missiles from ships, submarines, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles are identified as primary threats.
British forces intercepted and detained the sanctioned oil tanker Smyrtos, linked to Russia's shadow fleet, in the English Channel. This operation, described as the first U.K.-led action of its kind, was welcomed by Ukraine's Foreign Minister as a blow to Russia's war machine. Royal Marine Commandos boarded the Cameroon-flagged vessel, which had departed from Russia's Ust-Luga port. The U.K. has sanctioned hundreds of vessels suspected of bypassing Western embargoes on Russian oil since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The operation, supported by various helicopters and naval vessels, aims to curb Russia's ability to fund its conflict.
- British forces intercepted and detained the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel.
- The vessel is linked to Russia's "shadow fleet," which bypasses Western sanctions on oil.
- Ukraine's Foreign Minister welcomed the operation, calling Russia's shadow fleet a "tool of war."
Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sharda successfully concluded its port call in Colombo on June 13, enhancing maritime cooperation and friendship between India and Sri Lanka. The visit included various professional, training, and sporting engagements between the two navies. As part of capacity-building initiatives, Sri Lankan Navy personnel received training aboard INS Sharda in small arms handling, basic firefighting, first-aid, and rescue procedures. These engagements were designed to improve operational preparedness and foster greater interoperability between the two maritime forces, reinforcing the strategic partnership in the Indian Ocean region.
- INS Sharda concluded a successful port call in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on June 13.
- The visit aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and friendship between India and Sri Lanka.
- Professional, training, and sporting engagements were conducted between the two navies.
The Indian Army has introduced revised dress regulations, outlined in the Army Uniforms-2026 Pamphlet, to modernize military traditions and reinforce an indigenous identity. This new policy progressively removes residual colonial-era practices, terminology, and non-essential accoutrements. A key feature is the introduction of a common Uniform Numbering Scheme across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to enhance clarity and interoperability. The policy retains four broad uniform categories: Ceremonial, Working, Mess, and Combat Dress. Notable reforms include incorporating the traditional Bandi Jacket, removing the pouch belt from Mess Dress, making sword carriage optional for reviewing officers, and discontinuing outdated terms like "Royal."
- The Indian Army has introduced new dress regulations to modernize traditions and promote an indigenous identity.
- The policy aims to phase out colonial-era practices, terminology, and non-essential accoutrements.
- A common Uniform Numbering Scheme for all three services (Army, Navy, Air Force) will improve clarity and interoperability.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has trained over 7,000 personnel in drone and counter-drone operations a year after Operation Sindoor, an initiative launched amid the rising threat from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The training, conducted in conjunction with the Indian Air Force (IAF), equips CISF personnel to identify, disable, and counter hostile drones, covering piloting, aerial surveillance, and mapping. Dedicated Drone Training Schools are being established in Hyderabad, Bhilai, and Behror, with advanced academic programs in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and DIAT Pune. CISF also continues its role as a first responder for industrial disasters, successfully saving property worth ₹172.55 crore.
- CISF has trained over 7,000 personnel in drone and counter-drone operations following Operation Sindoor.
- The training, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, addresses the growing threat from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
- Personnel are trained in piloting, aerial surveillance, mapping, and neutralizing hostile drones.
Manipur Director-General of Police Mukesh Singh issued a stern warning that security forces would retaliate if attacked by armed individuals, emphasizing strict action against those trying to create unrest. This statement follows a week after CRPF Director-General Gyanendra Pratap Singh advised personnel to neutralize miscreants with weapons in civilian areas. The DGP noted that about 70% of weapons looted during the initial days of ethnic violence have been recovered. He also stated that police are monitoring online platforms to counter misinformation that could trigger ethnic tensions. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnan Khemchand Singh highlighted Manipur's growth under PM Modi's tenure.
- Manipur DGP Mukesh Singh warned that security forces would retaliate against armed individuals who fire at them.
- This warning comes after the CRPF D-G advised neutralizing armed miscreants in civilian areas.
- Approximately 70% of weapons looted during the initial ethnic violence in Manipur have been recovered.
India faces a challenge in protecting its 23,000 seafarers in the Gulf region following U.S. missile attacks on merchant vessels, which killed three Indian mariners aboard MT Settebello. The U.S. claims these foreign-flagged vessels violated blockades and transported Iranian oil, a claim disputed by ship operators. While India has protested these attacks, its options are limited as the vessels were foreign-flagged, even if they had deep Indian links. International maritime law, governed by bodies like the IMO and UNCLOS, often falls short in enforcement, with national governments frequently taking unilateral action, leaving seafarers vulnerable in geopolitical conflicts.
- Three Indian seafarers were killed in U.S. missile attacks on the MT Settebello in the Gulf.
- The U.S. justified attacks by claiming vessels violated blockades and transported Iranian oil, which ship operators deny.
- India has protested the U.S. actions but faces limited options due to the foreign-flag status of the vessels, despite their Indian links.
Iran's top negotiator questioned the U.S.'s commitment to peace efforts after Israel launched new attacks on Lebanon, casting doubt on a framework agreement to end their war. Qatari negotiators were in Tehran to finalize the deal, but Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Israel's attack showed the U.S. lacked the will or ability to fulfill its commitments. U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the Beirut strikes but maintained that a peace deal was still on track. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the country's highest security body supported negotiations despite hardliner criticism.
- Iran questioned U.S. commitment to peace efforts following Israeli attacks on Beirut, Lebanon.
- Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf expressed skepticism about the U.S.'s will to fulfill commitments.
- U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the Beirut strikes but insisted a peace deal was still imminent.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron held bilateral talks in Nice, adopting an 'Innovation Roadmap 2030' and establishing an 'Economic Security Dialogue'. Key themes included fast adoption of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), AI cooperation, and strengthening supply chain resilience, especially in critical minerals. The leaders also co-inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026, focusing on trust and cooperation in technology, with PM Modi inviting investors to "design and develop in India" for global solutions. Discussions also covered private sector participation in India's nuclear sector and the proposed sale of 114 Rafale fighter jets.
- India and France adopted an 'Innovation Roadmap 2030' and established an 'Economic Security Dialogue' during bilateral talks in Nice.
- The leaders called for fast adoption of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and agreed to create a Joint India-France AI Working Group.
- PM Modi invited global investors to "design and develop in India" to create solutions for the world, emphasizing India's role as a technology provider.
The Zojila Tunnel, India's longest bi-directional road tunnel at 13.14 km, is a game-changer for Ladakh, providing all-weather connectivity to the Kashmir Valley. Costing ₹6,800 crore and expected to open by 2028, it bypasses the treacherous Zojila Pass, which remains closed for six months annually. Strategically, it ensures faster, safer movement of the Indian Army and supplies to the border regions with China and Pakistan. Economically, it will boost tourism, trade, and local development by ensuring year-round access to essential goods and services, transforming the lives of residents in Drass and Kargil.
- The Zojila Tunnel is India's longest bi-directional road tunnel, providing all-weather connectivity to Ladakh.
- It holds immense strategic importance for the Indian Army, ensuring rapid movement of troops and supplies to border areas.
- The tunnel will significantly boost Ladakh's economy by facilitating tourism and year-round trade.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted three successful flight tests of critical defence technologies on Wednesday and Thursday. These tests included a multi-layered ballistic missile defence interceptor, an advanced air-to-air missile, and a long-range anti-ship missile. The interceptor test, conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, demonstrated the capability to engage multiple targets. The air-to-air missile test from an IAF aircraft validated its advanced propulsion and control systems. The anti-ship missile test from a naval platform confirmed its long-range strike capability. These advancements significantly enhance India's defence capabilities and promote self-reliance.
- DRDO conducted three successful flight tests of critical defence technologies.
- Tests included a multi-layered ballistic missile defence interceptor, an advanced air-to-air missile, and a long-range anti-ship missile.
- The interceptor demonstrated multi-target engagement capability.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the increasing number of women officers and their contributions to national security. Speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad, he highlighted the IAF's commitment to gender equality and the integration of women into various roles, including combat positions. He noted that the IAF has achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of its first batch of women officers into the Regiment of Air Force Police (RAFP) and the first batch of Agniveervayu women.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the IAF for integrating women into diverse roles, including combat.
- The IAF commissioned its first batch of women officers into the Regiment of Air Force Police.
- The first batch of Agniveervayu women has also been inducted, marking a significant step towards gender equality.
Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth, currently serving as the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff, has been appointed as the next Chief of the Army Staff, effective June 30. He will succeed General Upendra Dwivedi, who retires on the same day. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Lt. Gen. Seth was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1986. His distinguished career spans nearly four decades, including extensive counter-insurgency assignments and commanding various formations in diverse operational environments, such as the Sudarshan Chakra Corps and Delhi Area.
- Lieutenant-General Dhiraj Seth has been named the next Chief of the Army Staff.
- He is currently the Vice-Chief of the Army Staff and will assume the new role on June 30.
- Lt. Gen. Seth has a distinguished career of nearly four decades in the Armoured Corps.
The 13.14-kilometre-long Zojila Tunnel, a strategic infrastructure project connecting Baltal (Kashmir) and Minamarg (Ladakh), achieved a construction breakthrough. This tunnel bypasses the treacherous Zojila Pass, which is often closed for months due to extreme weather, and will provide all-weather connectivity. It is crucial for India's strategic interests, given its borders with China and Pakistan, enabling faster movement of the Army and supplies. The project, costing ₹6,800 crore, is expected to be operational by 2028 and will significantly reduce travel time, benefiting locals and potentially boosting tourism.
- The Zojila Tunnel, 13.14 km long, achieved a construction breakthrough, connecting Baltal and Minamarg.
- It will provide all-weather connectivity, bypassing the Zojila Pass, which is prone to heavy snowfall.
- The tunnel holds immense strategic value for India's defense, facilitating Army movement and supply logistics.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar that "illicit transport of Iranian oil" and violations of the American blockade on Iranian ports would not be tolerated. This warning came after India summoned a U.S. Embassy representative to protest missile attacks by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian seafarers. Jaishankar reiterated India's strong protest against these lethal actions. The U.S. Central Command claimed the attacked vessels failed to comply with directions, a claim disputed by one vessel's management. Shashi Tharoor questioned U.S. insensitivity to Indian lives.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned India against violating the American blockade on Iranian ports and transporting Iranian oil.
- India formally protested the U.S. Navy's missile attacks in the Gulf that resulted in the death of three Indian mariners.
- The U.S. claims attacked vessels failed to comply with orders, a claim disputed by shipping companies.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a deal with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday, aiming to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping. He also stated that the U.S. would "go and get" Iran's highly enriched uranium at a later stage, confirming Iran's claim that the nuclear issue would not be part of the preliminary agreement. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed frozen assets would be released, though Trump denied funds would be provided. Tensions remain high, with recent U.S. claims of Iran firing drones at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced an impending deal with Iran to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz.
- The agreement is expected to be signed on Sunday, with the nuclear issue to be addressed at a later stage.
- Trump denied providing funds to Tehran, contradicting Iran's Foreign Minister's claims about frozen asset release.
An Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 cargo aircraft crashed while attempting to land at the Jorhat airbase in Assam, resulting in the deaths of five IAF personnel. Six personnel were on board, with the co-pilot undergoing treatment for injuries. The aircraft, belonging to the 43 Squadron, lost control upon touchdown, skidded off the runway, broke into two segments, and caught fire. A court of inquiry has been constituted to determine the cause of the accident. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed condolences.
- An An-32 cargo aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed during landing at Jorhat airbase in Assam.
- The accident resulted in the death of five IAF personnel, with one co-pilot injured.
- A court of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the crash.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has lauded Project Kusha, an indigenous air defence programme, as a "game changer" for India's security architecture. He emphasized its importance, citing its successful demonstration during "Operation Sindoor," where it provided a protective umbrella. Developed by the DRDO, Project Kusha is a long-range air defence missile system designed to offer a comprehensive shield against various aerial threats. The Minister highlighted that such indigenous advancements strengthen India's technological excellence, strategic autonomy, and national security in the face of evolving modern warfare technologies.
- Project Kusha is an indigenous air defence programme developed by DRDO.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it a "game changer" for India's security architecture.
- The system's effectiveness was demonstrated during "Operation Sindoor," providing a protective umbrella.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will be withdrawn from the entire Northeast by next year, with the exception of one or two states. This statement was made after signing a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre, Assam, and Nagaland concerning mineral and oil operations in disputed border areas. Shah indicated that the reduction in areas covered under AFSPA signifies increasing peace in the region, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a developed Northeast.
- AFSPA is slated for withdrawal from most of the Northeast region by 2027.
- The withdrawal indicates improving peace and stability in the region.
- The announcement was made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah after signing a tripartite MoU.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari oversaw the breakthrough of the 13.14-km-long Zojila tunnel, hailing it as a "game-changer" for India's national security and integration. The tunnel, located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, significantly speeding up the movement of the Indian Army and supplies. Despite extreme snowfall and complex geological conditions, the project was completed at a cost of ₹6,800 crore, much lower than the initial estimate. It features unique safety measures, including modern ventilation, fire detection, CCTV surveillance, and cross-passage facilities, reducing travel time from two hours to 30 minutes.
- The 13.14-km-long Zojila tunnel has achieved a breakthrough, providing all-weather connectivity between Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- It is deemed a "game-changer" for national security, facilitating faster and safer movement of the Indian Army and supplies.
- The tunnel, located at 11,578 feet, is the world's longest single-tube, bi-directional road tunnel.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 4,398 days in office, poised to surpass Jawaharlal Nehru's record as the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India. Shah highlighted Modi's tenure as guided by public welfare. Concurrently, Mr. Shah launched the Land Port Management System (LPMS - 'VINIMAY'), designed to enhance border management. This system aims to facilitate trade, improve people-to-people connectivity, and strengthen security by providing an integrated digital platform for cargo, passengers, and vehicles, curbing illegal activities, and ensuring seamless information exchange.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister of India, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru's record.
- PM Modi's governance philosophy has been centered on public welfare.
- The Land Port Management System (LPMS - 'VINIMAY') was launched to improve border management.
The article discusses India's pragmatic engagement with Myanmar, highlighted by President U Min Aung Hlaing's visit to India. Despite Western sanctions on Myanmar's military regime, India prioritizes engagement due to Myanmar's strategic importance as a gateway to Southeast Asia and its shared 1,643-km border, which impacts India's security. The article details infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, which face delays due to internal conflicts. It also touches upon security cooperation, trade, and education initiatives, emphasizing India's role as a counterweight to China's growing influence in Myanmar.
- India maintains pragmatic engagement with Myanmar despite Western sanctions, recognizing its strategic importance for Act East and Neighbourhood First policies.
- Myanmar's instability and its shared border pose direct threats to India's security interests.
- Key infrastructure projects like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway are crucial but face delays due to internal conflicts.
The article discusses the emerging threat of "Mythos-class" AI capabilities, which can autonomously discover and exploit vulnerabilities in cybersecurity systems, posing a significant risk to critical infrastructure. It highlights that these AI models can chain low-severity vulnerabilities into destructive attacks and make cyber capabilities accessible to non-state actors. India's current digital infrastructure, relying on fragmented legacy back-end systems, is vulnerable. The author advocates for a defensive AI partnership, a dedicated India AI Safety Institute (IAISI), and a critical sector cybersecurity upgradation fund to secure India against this "Mythocalypse."
- Mythos-class AI models can autonomously discover and exploit cybersecurity vulnerabilities, including "zero-day" flaws.
- These AI capabilities can chain multiple low-severity vulnerabilities into highly destructive attacks, making advanced cyber tools accessible to a wider range of actors.
- India's digital public infrastructure, especially public sector banks and government systems, relies on outdated technology, increasing its vulnerability.
India's strategic Zojila Tunnel, a 13.14-km-long all-weather tunnel, is set to achieve its final breakthrough on June 9, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari overseeing the event. Located at an altitude of 11,578 feet, the tunnel will connect the Kashmir valley with Ladakh's Kargil, bypassing the Zojila Pass which is prone to landslides and heavy snow. This project, costing over ₹6,800 crore, is the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at such an altitude. It will significantly reduce travel time from three hours to 20 minutes between Ganderbal and Kargil, ensuring year-round mobility, economic integration, and strategic resilience, especially for ferrying goods and military stocks to high-altitude bases in winter.
- The Zojila Tunnel, a strategic all-weather project, is nearing completion with its final breakthrough scheduled for June 9.
- The 13.14-km-long tunnel will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir valley and Ladakh's Kargil, bypassing the snow-prone Zojila Pass.
- It is the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel at an altitude of over 11,500 feet.