In recent years, China attempted to build an image of a major defence industrial powerhouse that produces cheaper weapons and military systems but more powerful than Western arms. But recent conflicts around the world have exposed the hollow claims of China regarding its military systems like never before.
A study reveals that over 100 PLA officers have been purged since 2022, raising concerns about China’s military preparedness and effectiveness, particularly regarding potential operations against Taiwan.
India’s foreign ministry has halted funding for Chabahar port in 2026-27 due to US tariffs on Iranian trade, reallocating resources amidst changes in foreign aid and budget adjustments.
Claims by Pakistan that it shot down Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale fighter jets during a brief but intense aerial standoff have come under sharp scrutiny, with a leading defence analyst arguing that the narrative is riddled with unanswered questions and cannot be used to judge Chinese versus Western military technology.
A New York Times investigation reveals a Cold War secret about a lost CIA nuclear surveillance device on Nanda Devi peak, India, from 1965. Concerns over radiation, environmental risks, and geopolitical implications persist. The device, tied to an abandoned mission amid a blizzard, remains unfound, haunting local communities with potential contamination fears.
On December 7, 2025, India launched 125 Border Roads Organisation projects worth INR 5,000 crore, greatly enhancing troop mobility and border security across strategic regions, especially in Ladakh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the projects’ role in national security and economic growth, highlighting improved infrastructure as critical for military readiness and humanitarian efforts.
Field Marshal Asim Munir has shifted Pakistan’s image from an unreliable partner to a vital counterterrorism ally for the U.S., leveraging external relationships to consolidate military power domestically. While this partnership brings financial aid, it perpetuates political oppression and economic hardship for citizens, reflecting a cyclical dependency on foreign patronage rather than genuine progress.
Russia has ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistic Support (RELOS) pact with India, enhancing military cooperation ahead of President Putin’s New Delhi visit. This agreement facilitates mutual access to military bases, streamlining logistics for operations. It strengthens India’s naval capabilities while offering Russia strategic access in the Indian Ocean, amidst geopolitical tensions.
At the BWC 50th anniversary conference, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar warned of evolving biological threats outpacing governance, especially for the vulnerable Global South. He emphasized the need to modernize the BWC and called for global cooperation to enhance biosecurity, highlighting India’s strong public health capacity and commitment to support developing nations.
In 2024, global arms sales hit USD 679 billion, but India and China’s defense industries diverged significantly. India saw its defense revenue rise 8.2% due to domestic orders, while China experienced a 10% decline due to corruption issues. This shift indicates India’s potential for greater global defense influence amidst China’s challenges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4-5, 2025, is significant amid shifting geopolitics and India’s strategic recalibration. The focus will be on defence cooperation, particularly concerning the S-400 air defence system. Both nations seek to adapt their partnership while addressing new challenges and pressures from the West.
India and Indonesia reinforced their defence and strategic partnership on November 27, 2025, focusing on Indo-Pacific security. Both nations pledged to enhance military collaboration, technology transfer, and maritime security. The dialogue, influenced by recent high-level visits, aims to address regional tensions and promote stability while deepening bilateral cooperation in various domains, including Scorpene submarine building.
Pakistan’s military operations in Afghanistan conducted in October 2025 reveal a clear pattern: Militarised approach to foreign policy is indicative of profound domestic crises, including economic vulnerability, political illegitimacy, and institutional decay, rather than serving as a viable resolution to these issues.
The Indian Navy expresses concerns over China’s naval expansion and submarine deliveries to Pakistan, viewing it as a challenge to regional stability. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan emphasizes readiness and monitors developments. India’s response includes plans for advanced guided-missile destroyers and continued naval modernization amidst growing regional tensions.
On November 19, 2025, the US approved military deals worth over USD 92 million for India, including Excalibur artillery shells and Javelin anti-tank missiles, enhancing India’s precision-strike capability amid US-India tensions. These acquisitions aim to improve India’s military readiness along its borders with Pakistan and China, reinforcing defense collaboration despite ongoing tariff disputes.
