India and China held their 35th Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting in Beijing. Both sides reviewed the border situation, expressed satisfaction with progress in maintaining peace and tranquillity, and discussed issues related to border delimitation, management, mechanism building, and cross-border cooperation. The Indian delegation emphasized the need for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers. They agreed to continue diplomatic and military-level exchanges and prepare for the 25th round of Special Representatives (SR) Talks, aiming to implement consensus reached in previous rounds on the boundary question.
- The 35th WMCC meeting between India and China focused on border delimitation, management, and cooperation.
- Both nations acknowledged progress in maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border, contributing to bilateral relations.
- India specifically called for an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on Trans-border Rivers.
The article defines brinkmanship as a strategy of pushing a dangerous situation to the brink of conflict to force concessions, a legacy of the Cold War. It discusses its resurgence in the post-Cold War era, particularly through terrorism and proxy conflicts, citing examples like Hamas-Israel and Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade. It also analyzes how major powers like the U.S., Russia, China, and North Korea employ brinkmanship, noting its impact on global stability and the displacement of traditional diplomacy. The author suggests India's strategic DNA eschews such tactics, emphasizing the need for global introspection on this dangerous trend.
- Brinkmanship involves pushing a conflict to the edge to compel an adversary to yield, a tactic with roots in the Cold War era.
- The article highlights the use of brinkmanship by non-state actors (terrorism) and in proxy conflicts, exemplified by Hamas-Israel and Pakistan/Iran's actions.
- Major powers like the U.S., Russia, China, and North Korea utilize various forms of brinkmanship, from economic coercion to military posturing, impacting global geopolitical stability.
The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme to three shortlisted bidders. This marks a significant step towards India's self-reliance in advanced combat aviation. The AMCA is envisioned as a stealth combat aircraft with advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and reduced radar signature. The government plans to build five prototypes, with the selected private defense entity partnering with the Aeronautical Development Agency. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has been kept out of this process.
- The AMCA project is a major step towards India's self-reliance in fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft development.
- The Ministry of Defence has issued an RFP to three private bidders for the project.
- The AMCA will feature advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and reduced radar signature.
India's critical national infrastructure faces increasing vulnerability due to digital transformation, IoT, and AI, which, while enhancing efficiency, also expand the risk of remote disruptions and cyberattacks. The article highlights the 'IT, OT, and IoT' triad, where a compromised IoT layer can manipulate physical processes. It emphasizes the need for robust critical infrastructure security beyond conventional cybersecurity, particularly focusing on trusted devices and secure supply chains. The author calls for stricter policy enforcement, rigorous certification, preference for indigenous technologies, and continuous vigilance across government and industry to protect national security and economic stability. The question is not whether to adopt connected technologies, but how to deploy them securely.
- Digital transformation and IoT increase the vulnerability of India's critical national infrastructure to cyber threats.
- The IT, OT, and IoT triad creates new risks, as compromised IoT can manipulate physical processes.
- Robust critical infrastructure security must extend beyond traditional cybersecurity to include trusted devices and secure supply chains.
The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards combating illegal sand mining in the Chambal region. This immunity, akin to that for armed forces, would protect them from prosecution for bona fide actions taken in the line of duty. The directive, issued under Article 142 of the Constitution, aims to ensure 'complete justice' and environmental safeguards, following brutal murders of forest guards by miners. The court also ordered immediate steps to augment field-level enforcement, fill vacancies within a year, and establish carpet surveillance with CCTV cameras and live streaming to protect the ecologically sensitive Chambal gharial sanctuary.
- The Supreme Court has directed three states to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards in the Chambal region.
- The immunity is intended to protect guards from prosecution for bona fide actions against illegal sand miners.
- The directive was issued under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure 'complete justice' and environmental safeguards.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's four-day visit to India aimed to mend bilateral ties, which had been strained by issues such as US tariffs, visa restrictions, sanctions on India's energy procurement, and critical remarks by President Trump. India faced immense economic worries due to regional conflicts and the Hormuz Strait blockade. Despite hopes for significant repair, the visit yielded few notable outcomes beyond a critical minerals cooperation agreement. The article suggests that the US failed to acknowledge India's concerns, but the upcoming Modi-Trump meeting at the G-7 Summit in France offers another opportunity to address these frayed relations, particularly in economic, energy, and regional security domains.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit aimed to repair strained India-US bilateral ties.
- Key issues causing strain included US tariffs, visa restrictions, and sanctions on India's energy procurement.
- India faced significant economic and energy security concerns due to regional conflicts and the Hormuz Strait blockade.
The Centre has constituted a high-level committee to study demographic changes arising from illegal immigration and other 'abnormal reasons.' Headed by retired Supreme Court judge Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar, the panel is tasked with recommending appropriate institutional mechanisms for 'population stabilisation.' It will submit its report within a year and also recommend a streamlined mechanism for the legal, fair, and time-bound identification, detention, and deportation of illegal immigrants. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that demographic change is a serious problem linked to national security, law and order, social structure, and the protection of tribal societies.
- A high-level committee has been formed to study demographic changes due to illegal immigration and other abnormal reasons.
- The committee will recommend mechanisms for population stabilization and for identifying, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.
- Demographic change is considered a serious issue impacting national security, law and order, and social structures.
The Quad grouping pledged to enhance cooperation in maritime and energy domains at the 11th Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Key initiatives launched include the Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration and the expansion of the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness, providing near real-time commercial maritime data. These measures respond to challenges in the Persian Gulf and South China Sea, emphasizing freedom of navigation in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. India will host the next 'Quad at Sea mission,' and the grouping also announced the Quad Initiative on Indo-Pacific Energy Security and the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership.
- Quad nations pledged enhanced cooperation in maritime and energy security.
- New initiatives include Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration and expanded Maritime Domain Awareness.
- The context for these plans includes tensions in the Persian Gulf and South China Sea, with an emphasis on freedom of navigation.
The West Bengal government has directed District Magistrates to establish holding centers for detained illegal foreigners and released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation. This directive, issued via a notification from the Home and Hill Affairs Department, aligns with guidelines from the Union Home Ministry. The move follows Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's announcement of a "detect, delete and deport" policy for "illegal infiltrators" not covered under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The State police will arrest such individuals and hand them over to the BSF for deportation, particularly targeting Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
- West Bengal government ordered District Magistrates to set up holding centers for detained illegal foreigners.
- The initiative follows Union Home Ministry guidelines and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's "detect, delete and deport" policy.
- The policy targets "illegal infiltrators" not covered by the CAA, specifically mentioning Bangladeshi and Rohingya nationals.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi asserted the Quad's continued relevance as a "vital framework" for countries sharing fundamental values and strategic interests, despite concerns about its diminishing importance. He indicated that cooperation on critical minerals for green energy and high technology would be a top agenda item for the upcoming Quadrilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi. The meeting is expected to address conflicts in West Asia, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and U.S. President Trump's visit to China, while also setting the agenda for the Quad Summit.
- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasized the Quad's importance as a "vital framework" for shared values and strategic interests.
- Critical minerals cooperation for green energy and high technology is a key agenda item for the Quad meeting.
- The Quad meeting will discuss regional and global situations, including West Asia conflicts and the Strait of Hormuz blockade.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for safe and unimpeded maritime commerce, particularly in the context of disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio clarified that U.S. "tactical" relations with other countries would not undermine its strategic partnership with India. U.S. President Donald Trump also spoke via phone, calling PM Modi a "great friend" and assuring India of 100% U.S. support. Bilateral discussions included energy, bilateral trade, and visa issues for skilled Indian workers.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EAM S. Jaishankar highlighted the shared interest in ensuring safe and unimpeded maritime commerce.
- Rubio stated that U.S. tactical relations with other nations would not compromise its strategic alliance with India.
- The U.S. accused Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz and sponsoring proxy terror groups.
Senior U.S. and Iranian officials indicated they are nearing a breakthrough in talks to strike a draft deal, though caution remains regarding ending the conflict in West Asia. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed progress, stating the two sides were 'getting a lot closer' to an agreement. Concurrently, Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to bolster mediation efforts, meeting Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation. The situation is considered sensitive, with speculation fueled by Trump's decision to skip his son's wedding due to 'government circumstances.'
- U.S. and Iranian officials are reportedly close to a breakthrough in talks for a draft deal.
- Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, visited Tehran to mediate and prevent further escalation in West Asia.
- U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged significant progress in the negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that India plays a crucial role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific policy during his visit to New Delhi. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and extended an invitation for Modi to visit Washington later this year. Rubio's four-day trip includes bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and attendance at the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He emphasized that one of his missions was to 'renew' Quad engagement, crediting Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump as key drivers of the India-U.S. engagement.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted India's significant role in the U.S. Indo-Pacific policy.
- Rubio met PM Narendra Modi and invited him to Washington later this year.
- His visit aims to renew Quad engagement and strengthen India-U.S. ties.
India and Cyprus have elevated their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing "respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity," interpreted as support for Cyprus regarding Northern Cyprus. The two nations also signed a roadmap for defence cooperation, with Cyprus interested in buying Indian defence items. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides presented Cyprus as an entry point for India's wider relationship with the EU. Discussions included Cyprus providing transhipment facilities for global traffic affected by the U.S.-Israel war and energizing the IMEEC project, aiming to restructure eastern Mediterranean security.
- India and Cyprus have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.
- A roadmap for defence cooperation was signed, with Cyprus showing interest in Indian defence products.
- India's stance on "sovereignty and territorial integrity" is seen as support for Cyprus concerning Northern Cyprus.
Recent conflicts highlight a shift towards cyber operations alongside conventional military action, raising questions about legal accountability. While international law principles like the prohibition on the use of force (UN Charter Article 2(4)) and state responsibility apply to cyberspace, establishing the threshold for an internationally wrongful act is difficult. Key challenges include attribution, as cyber operations are secretive and routed through multiple networks, making legal proof difficult. The lack of appropriate forums, states' avoidance of litigation to prevent escalation, and complex evidence further hinder accountability, leading to a growing mismatch between frequent cyber incidents and rare legal consequences. India needs to actively shape cyber norms given its reliance on digital infrastructure.
- Cyber operations are increasingly integrated with conventional military action, posing challenges for international legal frameworks.
- Establishing the threshold for what constitutes an internationally wrongful act in cyberspace is a major difficulty.
- Attribution of cyber attacks to specific states is complex due to their secretive nature and routing through multiple jurisdictions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held comprehensive bilateral discussions with South Korea's Minister of National Defence Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul. Both sides agreed to expand defence cooperation across various sectors including industry, maritime security, emerging technologies, logistics, and military exchanges. Several MoUs were signed to deepen cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, and training exchanges, further broadening the India-South Korea strategic partnership. Two significant MoUs focused on future-oriented projects like self-propelled air defence systems and directed energy weapon systems, with a strong 'Make in India' focus, reflecting growing convergence in strategic visions.
- India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited South Korea for bilateral defence talks.
- Both nations agreed to expand cooperation in defence industry, maritime security, and emerging technologies.
- MoUs were signed for defence, cybersecurity, and training exchanges, enhancing the strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni elevated India-Italy relations to a "Special Strategic Partnership" during Modi's multi-nation Europe trip. Both leaders reiterated the call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. Key outcomes include a "Defence Industrial Road Map," an MoU on cooperation in critical minerals, and an agreement for agricultural research. The partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, defence, clean energy, and mobility of skilled workers. They also agreed to work on trilateral initiatives with African partners in areas like DPI, agriculture, and healthcare.
- India and Italy have upgraded their bilateral ties to a "Special Strategic Partnership."
- A "Defence Industrial Road Map" and an MoU on critical minerals were signed.
- Cooperation will be enhanced in trade, technology, defence, clean energy, and mobility of skilled workers.
Delhi Police has urged the Supreme Court to refer the issue of UAPA bail restrictions to a larger bench, citing two conflicting judgments. This comes after the Supreme Court's May 18 ruling granting interim bail in a narco-terror case, which voiced "serious reservations" about a January 5 judgment denying bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The police argue that the presumption of innocence takes a backseat under UAPA's statutory bail bar, and the issue requires consideration by a larger bench to reconcile the conflicting interpretations of Section 43D(5) of the UAPA, especially concerning prolonged incarceration and delay in trial.
- Delhi Police has requested the Supreme Court to constitute a larger bench to review the statutory bail restrictions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The request follows conflicting judgments regarding the interpretation of UAPA's Section 43D(5) concerning bail, particularly in cases of prolonged incarceration.
- The Supreme Court's May 18 ruling, granting interim bail in a narco-terror case, expressed reservations about a January 5 judgment that denied bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam.
Russia launched extensive missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities Odesa and Dnipro, damaging residential buildings and injuring dozens. Ukrainian officials reported 524 drones and 22 missiles were launched by Russia. Concurrently, Ukraine targeted Russian cities like Belgorod and Rostov with drones, causing two deaths and injuries in Belgorod. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for reliable protection against ballistic missiles. Russian drones also hit three foreign-flagged ships in the Black Sea heading to Odesa ports, including a Chinese-owned vessel, escalating maritime tensions.
- Russia conducted widespread missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities Odesa and Dnipro, causing significant damage and casualties.
- Ukraine retaliated with drone attacks on Russian cities, including Belgorod and Rostov, resulting in deaths and injuries.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for robust air defense against ballistic missiles.
India-South Korea defence cooperation is rapidly evolving beyond conventional weapons to innovation-driven partnership. Driven by high-level visits, it includes joint manufacturing (K9 Vajra-T), submarine collaboration (lithium-ion battery, AIP tech), aerospace (KF-21, FA-50), shipbuilding, and defence electronics. The proposed KIND-X accelerator aims to foster innovation. The partnership, grounded in shared security concerns and geopolitical stability, seeks to address emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific, including North Korea's nuclear capabilities, China's naval assertiveness, and South Korea's demographic challenges. It emphasizes moving beyond industrial ties to a broader strategic convergence for regional stability.
- India-South Korea defence cooperation is expanding into a multidimensional strategic partnership.
- Key areas of cooperation include joint manufacturing (K9 Vajra-T), submarine technology, aerospace, and shipbuilding.
- The proposed Korea-India Defence Accelerator (KIND-X) aims to boost innovation in defence.
The Centre recently hiked retail petroleum product prices, highlighting India's vulnerability due to inadequate strategic petroleum and gas reserves. Despite warnings since 2018 about high crude prices, India's public sector oil marketing companies have been bleeding. The country's import dependence, especially for crude oil, has increased, with reserves only sufficient for 20 days of consumption, compared to China's 900 million barrels. The article criticizes the government's failure to build adequate reserves and diversify sources, making India susceptible to global price shocks and geopolitical events like the Russia-Ukraine war.
- India's strategic petroleum and gas reserves are inadequate, making the country vulnerable to global price shocks.
- Public sector oil marketing companies have faced financial strain due to high crude prices and insufficient reserves.
- India's current reserves are only sufficient for about 20 days of consumption, significantly less than China's 900 million barrels.
India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, condemned attacks on commercial shipping, endangering civilian crew, and impeding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as 'unacceptable' at a UNECOSOC meeting. His remarks followed an attack on an India-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman. Harish emphasized that international law regarding freedom of navigation must be fully respected and highlighted India's approach to the energy and fertilizer crisis caused by the West Asia conflict, advocating for a combination of short-term, structural measures, and international cooperation.
- India condemned attacks on commercial shipping and impediments to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as unacceptable at the UN.
- The statement was made by India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, at a UNECOSOC meeting.
- The remarks followed a recent attack on an India-flagged commercial vessel off the coast of Oman.
Thousands of Kuki-Zo people in Manipur protested, demanding the unconditional release of hostages and justice for three church leaders killed in an ambush. They submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, calling for the reimposition of President's Rule in the State. The protests coincided with an extended shutdown. Demands include an NIA probe into the killings, permanent security guarantees, special security zones, and expedited political engagement with Kuki-Zomi extremist groups. Civil society groups also expressed concern over continued violence, displacement, and insecurity, linking it to "proxy attacks."
- Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur are protesting against ongoing violence and the killing of church leaders.
- A key demand is the reimposition of President's Rule in Manipur to address the deteriorating law and order situation.
- Protesters also seek the unconditional release of hostages and the establishment of special security zones for civilians.
India and the UAE signed a framework defence cooperation agreement and pacts on building India's strategic petroleum reserves and LNG supplies during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief stopover in Abu Dhabi. PM Modi met UAE President Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ) and condemned attacks on the UAE, praising its restraint. The Strategic Defence Cooperation Framework aims to strengthen collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology, equipment, and industrial cooperation, including maritime security and cyber-defence. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company signed MoUs for crude oil storage in India and potential storage facilities in UAE, boosting India's energy security.
- India and the UAE signed a framework defence cooperation agreement and energy pacts during PM Modi's visit to Abu Dhabi.
- The defence agreement focuses on collaboration in manufacturing, technology, equipment, and industrial cooperation, including maritime security and cyber-defence.
- Energy pacts include MoUs with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for crude oil storage in India and potential storage facilities in UAE.