India and Indonesia strengthen defence ties, emphasizing maritime security and military equipment production. Recent meetings and visits aim to enhance cooperation in defence industry, research, and joint production capabilities.
Experts predict that the successful use of ballistic missile defenses in recent high-stakes combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea, and Ukraine will lead to increased global investment in these systems. The U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors, as well as the MIM-104 Patriot batteries, have demonstrated effectiveness against missile attacks, encouraging more countries to invest in similar defense systems. This trend is expected to intensify missile arms races, particularly in regions like Asia, where countries are already heavily investing in missile technology.
Indian Navy's trials of advanced submarines in a Rs 60,000 crore tender involve partnerships with foreign vendors, emphasizing indigenous content and AIP systems for more capable and larger vessels.
India has strongly protested against China's construction activities in the Shaksgam valley, which India considers a part of its territory. The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that India has never accepted the 1963 China-Pakistan boundary pact that attempted to cede the area to Beijing. India has registered its protest with China and reserved the right to take necessary measures to safeguard its interests. The Shaksgam valley is strategically important and is currently part of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
South Korea's intelligence agency warned of potential "terrorist" attacks by North Korea targeting South Korean officials and citizens abroad. The agency detected signs of North Korean preparations in countries like China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This is believed to be linked to defections by elite North Koreans who are avoiding returning home. South Korea raised its anti-terrorism alert for diplomatic missions in five countries. North Korea has a history of aggressive actions, including assassination attempts and attacks on South Korean assets abroad.
Experts predict that the successful use of ballistic missile defenses in recent high-stakes combat scenarios in Israel, the Red Sea, and Ukraine will lead to increased global investment in these systems. The U.S. SM-3 and Israeli Arrow interceptors, as well as the MIM-104 Patriot batteries, have demonstrated effectiveness against missile attacks, encouraging more countries to invest in similar defense systems. This trend is expected to intensify missile arms races, particularly in regions like Asia, where countries are already heavily investing in missile technology.
In 2023, India ranked as the world's fourth-largest military spender, with a total expenditure of $83.6 billion, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year. This data comes from a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which also revealed a global rise in military spending, reaching $2,443 billion, a 7% increase from 2022. The top 10 spenders, including the United States, China, and Russia, all boosted their military expenditures.
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has claimed dozens of rockets and drone attacks on U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria and on targets in Israel in the more than six months since the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7.
