Govt Releases Names of 6 Personnel Killed in Operation Sindoor; First Official Disclosure of Casualties

Defence Ministry Annual Report 2025-26 Details Operation Sindoor and LAC Situation with PLA Reduction

The Defence Ministry's annual report for 2025-26 highlights Operation Sindoor as a calibrated military response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack, involving precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK. It also records a significant reduction in PLA deployment along the LAC during 2025, alongside renewed diplomatic and military engagement with China. The report signals a shift towards integrated, network-centric operations and a review of capability gaps.

US-Iran Hold First Shuttle Talks in Months; Brent Crude Below $100 Amid West Asia War

The US and Iran held their first shuttle talks in months via a Qatari mediator on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, raising hopes for progress in ending the West Asia war (Operation Epic Fury). The diplomatic opening helped keep oil prices near two-week lows with Brent crude holding below the $100-a-barrel threshold.

India Formally Names 27 Locations in Arunachal Pradesh; China Slams Move as Unilateral

India formally identified 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names on its official map, countering China's frequent renamings. China's state media slammed the move as 'self-deception', warning it could harm improving bilateral ties. This is a key flashpoint in the India-China boundary dispute, with implications for border negotiations and bilateral relations.

US Envoy Gor Affirms J&K as Integral Part of India in First Standalone Visit Since 2019

US Ambassador Sergio Gor's declaration from Srinagar that Jammu & Kashmir is an 'important part of India' marks a significant diplomatic reaffirmation of India's position post-Article 370 and Operation Sindoor. This is the first standalone visit by a US ambassador to the Valley since 2019, signaling deepening strategic ties and a clear message to Pakistan and China.

US Sanctions 4 Indian Firms Under 'Operation Economic Outcast' for Iran Oil Imports Worth $119 Mn

The US has sanctioned four India-based companies for facilitating Iranian petroleum imports under a new campaign 'Operation Economic Outcast'. This move broadens secondary sanctions risk, directly impacting India's energy trade and testing its diplomatic balancing act between Washington and Tehran.

US Sanctions 'Operation Economic Outcast' on Iran; Resistance Economy & Strait of Hormuz Leverage Limit Impact

The US announced sweeping new sanctions on Iran, dubbed 'Operation Economic Outcast' and 'Economic D-Day', targeting 60 entities across multiple sectors. However, historical patterns, Iran's institutionalized 'resistance economy', and its strategic leverage over the Strait of Hormuz suggest these sanctions will have limited coercive effect, potentially hardening Tehran's resolve and improving its bargaining position.

US Strikes IRGC Targets in Strait of Hormuz; 5 Killed in Wedding, Oil Prices Cross $95/Barrel

The US and Iran have exchanged significant military strikes, ending a month-long lull. US Central Command targeted IRGC air-defence and maritime sites in response to attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran retaliated with missiles and drones, hitting a wedding venue in southern Iran, killing five and wounding dozens. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted, pushing Brent crude above $95/barrel and raising global energy security concerns.

Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Mecca Defence Pact Faces First Test After Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement (signed Aug 7, 2026) between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey faces its first real test after Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia wounded 73. Pakistan's defence minister hinted at activation, but foreign ministry downplayed immediate military action. The pact's ambiguity and implications for India's oil security and Gulf diaspora make it a key exam topic.