Current Affairs - Defence

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Miniratna Category-I status for three Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). These companies originated from the former Ordnance Factory Board, which was restructured in October 2021. The recognition of Miniratna status allows these companies more financial and operational autonomy, helping them to perform more efficiently in a competitive defence manufacturing landscape.

The 2025 edition of the joint military exercise NOMADIC ELEPHANT is being held in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. This marks the 17th edition of the bilateral defence collaboration between India and Mongolia, aiming to strengthen military cooperation and enhance tactical synergy. The Indian Army contingent, primarily from the Arunachal Scouts, will train alongside 150 Special Forces personnel from the Mongolian Armed Forces. The exercise focuses on semi-conventional operations in mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate, showcasing both nations’ commitment to international peacekeeping and regional stability through structured military engagement.

INS Tarini was the sailing vessel used by Lieutenant Commander Roopa A and Lieutenant Commander Dilna K of the Indian Navy to accomplish a historic circumnavigation of the globe under the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission. The journey, lasting eight months and covering 25,400 nautical miles, stands as a remarkable testament to both seamanship and Nari Shakti. The mission promoted gender inclusion, maritime capability, and India’s commitment to oceanic exploration. Facing extreme weather, the crew navigated the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans, stopping at critical global ports before returning to Mormugao Port in Goa for the flag-in ceremony on May 29, 2025.

The Indian Navy is set to induct a unique, traditionally constructed stitched ship at its Naval Base in Karnataka. This ship is a recreation of a 5th-century maritime vessel, inspired by ancient Indian shipbuilding techniques depicted in paintings from the Ajanta Caves. The vessel does not use nails or rivets but is held together with rope stitching, reflecting maritime craftsmanship from centuries ago. Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat will preside over the ceremony. The event not only showcases India’s naval heritage but also underscores Karnataka’s growing importance as a hub for maritime and cultural initiatives.

India is set to participate in LIMA 2025, the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, which will be held in Malaysia. The Indian delegation will be led by Sanjay Seth, who will inaugurate the Indian Pavilion and engage in talks with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin. This participation is part of efforts to enhance bilateral defence cooperation between India and Malaysia under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting the importance of defence ties in the region and fostering collaboration in the maritime and aerospace sectors.