Current Affairs - Defence

INS Tarkash conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the New Zealand Navy's Anzac-class frigate HMNZS Te Kaha in the Gulf of Aden. The naval drill included a series of joint activities such as cross-deck landings, boarding operations, tactical manoeuvres, and communication exercises. This engagement was aimed at enhancing bilateral naval cooperation and improving interoperability between the Indian and New Zealand navies. Such exercises are crucial for promoting regional maritime security and fostering stronger defence ties. New Zealand's participation highlights its commitment to collaborative efforts in international waters alongside India.

INS Sunayna was the naval ship flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the IOS SAGAR initiative. This event marked the 10th anniversary of the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative and coincided with National Maritime Day. The mission underscores India’s commitment to regional maritime cooperation and includes personnel from nine Indian Ocean Region nations. The deployment of INS Sunayna symbolizes India's efforts to enhance joint training, collaboration, and maritime partnerships, making it the central element in this significant naval endeavour.

The first phase of the Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 was held in Karwar, a key strategic location on India’s western coast. During the event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Navy’s operational readiness and addressed issues concerning maritime security. Karwar’s growing importance stems from major infrastructure developments under Project Seabird, making it a vital hub for naval operations. The location served as an appropriate venue to discuss adaptive strategies in response to global geopolitical changes and highlighted the ongoing modernization efforts within the Indian Navy.

INS Trikand played a critical humanitarian role by responding to a distress call in the Arabian Sea and delivering medical assistance to a Pakistani sailor who had suffered severe hand injuries and significant blood loss while repairing an Iranian dhow engine. The naval crew, including a medical team and MARCOS personnel, conducted a complicated three-hour surgical procedure on board the vessel, ultimately saving the sailor’s fingers. This mission not only showcased the Indian Navy’s operational readiness but also highlighted its commitment to humanitarian values and regional maritime cooperation, regardless of national boundaries.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Army, successfully conducted four flight tests of the Army version of the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM). These tests took place at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha. The Defence Ministry confirmed that all the missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed aerial targets with direct hits. This achievement reflects the advanced capabilities of India’s missile defence systems and the effective partnership between DRDO and the armed forces in strengthening the country’s defence infrastructure.