Current Affairs - Defence

India and the United States signed a landmark 10-year Defence Framework Agreement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the US–India Major Defence Partnership by outlining long-term cooperation in areas such as defence technology, joint military exercises, and information sharing. The framework aims to enhance strategic collaboration between the two nations while contributing to regional and global security. The choice of Malaysia as the signing venue underscores its importance as a neutral ground for fostering international defence partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

President Droupadi Murmu took her historic Rafale fighter jet sortie from Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana on October 29, 2025. This event marked a significant milestone as she became the first Indian President to fly in the Rafale jet. Ambala, known as the base of the IAF’s 17 Squadron “Golden Arrows,” has been central to India’s Rafale operations since 2020. The sortie, lasting around 30 minutes, underscored her role as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and strengthened the bond between civilian leadership and military operations.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to jointly produce SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India. This collaboration represents a landmark achievement for India’s aviation sector, as the SJ-100 will become the first complete passenger aircraft manufactured domestically. The initiative aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) vision by strengthening indigenous manufacturing capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign imports, and positioning India as a key player in the global civil aviation production ecosystem.

The second edition of the biannual Naval Commanders’ Conference 2025 concluded in New Delhi after a three-day session that focused on strategic discussions and technological advancements within the Indian Navy. During the conference, a new digital platform named ‘NIPUN’ (Naval Intellectual Portal for Unified Knowledge) was launched to serve as an online hub for naval research and intellectual contributions. Additionally, five key naval publications were released, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to knowledge sharing, modernization, and enhancing operational readiness across India’s maritime domain.

The Indian Navy’s hydrographic vessel INS Sutlej successfully completed the 18th joint hydrographic survey with Mauritius, mapping around 35,000 square nautical miles of Mauritian waters. This mission, conducted under the 2005 India-Mauritius MoU on hydrographic cooperation, strengthened maritime safety, environmental management, and regional security. Equipped with advanced instruments such as multibeam echo sounders and side-scan sonar, INS Sutlej also conducted joint EEZ surveillance and anti-piracy patrols alongside the Mauritius National Coast Guard. The initiative reflects India’s broader MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual & Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across the Regions—promoting sustainable maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean.