Current Affairs - Defence

Retired Commodore Jasvinder Singh assumed charge as the Director (Strategic Project) of Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) on May 1, 2026. Before joining HSL, he served as the Director (Strategic Project) in the Indian Navy. With more than three decades of operational and technical experience, he has worked on naval ships, submarines, DRDO facilities, and tri-service establishments. His educational background includes degrees in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, and Defence and Strategic Studies. At HSL, he is responsible for overseeing strategic initiatives and managing critical submarine projects for the Indian armed forces. HSL, headquartered in Visakhapatnam, is notable for building INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

Madhavan Nair, a retired Lieutenant General with extensive experience in military communications and cybersecurity, was appointed as the Strategic Defence Advisor by Synergy Quantum. He has held several key positions, including Signal Officer-in-Chief at the Indian Army Headquarters and National Cyber Security Coordinator. His expertise lies in areas such as cyber defence, signal intelligence, and post-quantum cryptography. Through this role, he is expected to contribute to strengthening India’s sovereign cybersecurity framework and advancing strategic initiatives related to national security, including proposals for specialised institutions in quantum technology and cybersecurity.

BHEL entered into a significant agreement with the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory for the transfer of technology related to the LM2500 Gas Turbine Infrared Suppression System. This system is crucial for reducing infrared signatures of naval vessels, thereby enhancing stealth and survivability in maritime operations. The agreement includes fabrication, installation, and commissioning of the system for deployment on Indian Navy ships. Developed indigenously under DRDO, this collaboration aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting self-reliance in advanced defence technologies and strengthening India’s naval capabilities.

Sri Lanka participated with India in the fourth edition of the bilateral diving exercise IN-SLN DIVEX 2026, conducted in Colombo. The exercise involved coordinated operations between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lankan Navy, focusing on advanced underwater diving techniques, rescue missions, and salvage operations. Activities included deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres and exploration of historical shipwrecks. The collaboration also highlighted strong defence ties, with India providing medical assistance under the Aarogya Maitri initiative. Such exercises strengthen regional maritime cooperation and enhance operational capabilities between the two neighbouring countries.

Meghalaya served as the host state for the inaugural multilateral military exercise Pragati, organised by the Indian Army. The exercise was conducted at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi and involved participation from 11 friendly nations. It focused on enhancing interoperability, conducting joint tactical drills, and strengthening regional security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The initiative reflects India’s commitment to fostering defence partnerships and promoting stability in a strategically important maritime zone. Hosting such exercises also boosts the strategic significance of northeastern states in India’s defence and international military collaboration efforts.