Current Affairs - Defence

India launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate its nationals from Iran following the escalating tensions arising from the Iran-Israel conflict. The operation is aimed at ensuring the safety of Indian citizens, particularly in volatile regions. As part of the initial efforts, the Indian Embassy in Tehran successfully evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran and facilitated their safe passage into neighbouring Armenia. This operation demonstrates India’s proactive approach in responding to international crises to safeguard its citizens abroad, reflecting a strong commitment to citizen welfare and crisis diplomacy.

India is conducting the joint military exercise 'Shakti 2025' with France. This marks the eighth edition of the biennial Indo-French military drill, taking place from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac in France. The exercise involves 90 Indian Army personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles and 90 troops from the French Army’s 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, sub-conventional warfare, and peacekeeping operations under UN mandates, fostering greater military interoperability and mutual trust between the two nations.

INS Arnala, commissioned on June 18, 2025, is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) inducted into the Indian Navy, marking a major milestone in coastal defence enhancement. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in collaboration with L&T Shipbuilders, this indigenously designed vessel is part of a 16-ship series and boasts over 80% indigenous content. It is named after Arnala Fort off the coast of Maharashtra and is equipped with advanced technology to detect and counter enemy submarines in littoral waters. Its commissioning significantly boosts India’s maritime security and underscores the nation’s commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The Indian Defence Cyber Agency launched a 12-day cybersecurity training initiative called ‘Cyber Suraksha’ starting on June 16, 2025. This comprehensive, multi-phase exercise is designed to simulate real-world cyber threats and test the defensive response capabilities of over 100 participants from various national defence and security agencies. The training integrates hands-on simulation, strategic leadership conclaves, and gamified attack scenarios to enhance practical readiness and decision-making under pressure. ‘Cyber Suraksha’ is a key step in aligning India’s cyber defence preparedness with the objectives of the Cyber Security Policy 2020 and reinforces a security-first culture within the armed forces.

The joint military exercise "Tiger Claw" marked the first-ever collaboration between the Indian Air Force's Garud Special Forces and the United States Air Force Special Forces. Conducted from May 26 to June 10, 2025, across North India, the exercise aimed to enhance interoperability, combat readiness, and exchange of operational expertise between the two nations' elite air units. This event symbolized a significant step in strengthening India–US defence relations and advancing their strategic cooperation in special operations. The involvement of the United States in this high-level military exercise highlights the growing defence partnership between the two democracies.