BrahMos Missile Deal Signed with Vietnam, Indonesia Pact in Final Stages; Philippines was First Foreign Buyer ($375M, 2022)

Indonesia-China Naval Drill Near Taiwan Tests Jakarta's Non-Aligned Foreign Policy

Indonesian warship KRI I Gusti Ngurah Rai conducted a passing exercise with a Chinese PLAN frigate off Taiwan's east coast during Taiwan's Han Kuang drill. This has raised questions about Indonesia's 'free and active' non-aligned foreign policy, especially as both the US and China vie for Jakarta's strategic partnership.

India-US Sign Javelin Missile LOA Via FMS Route for Indian Army

India signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the US to procure the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. This marks India becoming an official customer of the Javelin and deepens the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership, opening avenues for co-production.

India-Philippines Strategic Partnership: BrahMos Deal, CDRI Join, BRICS Summit 2026

India and Philippines are rapidly deepening their Strategic Partnership across defence, trade, space, and tech. Key developments include the 2022 BrahMos missile deal, Manila joining the CDRI, and a new 2025-29 roadmap for maritime security cooperation, driven by shared concerns over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea.

IAF & JASDF Chiefs Fly Tejas in Veer Guardian 2026; First JASDF Fighters on Indian Soil

India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian showcases indigenous Tejas fighter, as both air chiefs flew in formation. This marks the first time JASDF fighters operated from Indian soil, strengthening bilateral defence ties and highlighting India's growing defence exports potential.

India Signs LOA for US Javelin ‘Fire-and-Forget’ Anti-Tank Missile System via FMS

India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the US Javelin anti-tank guided missile system under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process. The fire-and-forget missile, with a range of 2.5 km and top-attack capability, is a proven battlefield asset, notably used by Ukraine to counter Russian tanks. This deal strengthens US-India defence ties and opens co-production possibilities.

India-Vietnam Agree to Co-Produce Defence Equipment, Deepen Strategic Partnership Under Act East Policy

India and Vietnam have agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including co-production of Indian defence equipment. This move strengthens the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership under India's Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, with a clear focus on countering China’s assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region.

IAF Hosts Tarang Shakti-26: 40 Nations, 8 Forces, Advanced Jets (F-35, Rafale) from Sep 26

The IAF is hosting the second edition of its largest multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-26, from Sep 26 to Oct 12 in Jodhpur. With 40 nations, 8 participating forces including the US, France, and UAE, and advanced aircraft like F-35 and Rafale, the exercise focuses on interoperability and multi-domain operations. This is a key event for India's defense diplomacy and showcases indigenous platforms under Atmanirbharta.

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.