nuclear deterrence

National Technology Day in India is a tribute to the groundbreaking 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests, symbolizing the nation's incredible journey in technological innovation. With a sophisticated nuclear triad now established, India stands tall with 172 warheads managed by the Strategic Forces Command, integrating air, land, and sea capabilities for unmatched security against any adversarial threats.

India's recent MIRV-equipped Agni missile test propels its strategic program into global focus. This advancement, a culmination of decades of indigenous development, significantly bolsters India's nuclear deterrence, ensuring survivability and credible retaliation against evolving threats. The Agni series now forms a crucial pillar of India's nuclear triad, reflecting its growing technological prowess and geopolitical ambitions.

India's nuclear journey began with the 1974 'Peaceful Nuclear Explosion' at Pokhran, making it the sixth nation to harness atomic power for defence. Driven by regional security concerns, India conducted the 'Operation Shakti' tests in 1998, solidifying its status as a nuclear power. These advancements underscore India's strategic capabilities and technological prowess.

Russia has successfully tested its new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile, dubbed 'Satan II' by NATO. President Putin hailed it as the world's most powerful nuclear weapon, capable of carrying multiple warheads and evading missile defenses.

An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, or ICBM, is a long-range missile designed to travel more than 5,000 km. Unlike cruise missiles, which fly through the atmosphere using engines throughout their journey, ballistic missiles spend much of their flight outside the atmosphere, which means the missile actually leaves Earth’s air atmosphere and travels through space for part of its journey.

India has successfully test-fired the 5,000 km-range, nuclear-capable Agni-5 missile with an MIRV system, joining an elite group of nations including the US, Russia, and China

Pakistan's Fatah-3 missile test sparks debate, potentially challenging India's BrahMos dominance in precision strikes. Analysts question if it's a Pakistani leap or Chinese hardware, highlighting China's growing military influence. Operation Sindoor showcased India's advanced capabilities, underscoring the importance of integrated systems beyond just missile technology.

Following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir, India launched precision strikes on militant camps in Pakistan, escalating tensions to a full military standoff. Despite Pakistan's nuclear threats, India maintained a strong stance, ultimately leading to a ceasefire after significant damage to Pakistani military assets.

While President Trump maintains a gentle approach in his dialogue with China, the US military is gearing up for any possible scenarios. Strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific, America is reactivating established bases and fortifying partnerships.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

And that’s the trap that ‘Philosopher King’ Xi Jinping wants to avoid when coming up against Don Tzu, but who is Thucydides anyway? What trap did he lay? And will the US and China go to war?

Fresh reports reveal internal Pentagon discussions exploring punitive measures against Nato allies, including Spain, for perceived lack of support during the Iran conflict. These discussions, alongside President Trump's continued questioning of US commitment, expose deep divisions within the alliance, raising questions about its future and European security.

India’s answer to Claude Mythos is one or more homegrown AI models as powerful as, if not more powerful than, Mythos. For this, Government of India needs to take the lead. Time is of the essence here

Iran and the US remain locked in a standoff, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz and the US imposing a naval blockade. Both actions disrupt global commons, while escalating rhetoric and social media influence commodity prices worldwide. India, heavily reliant on regional energy flows, faces significant economic fallout from this 'dual blockade'.

Operation Sindoor, a year after its execution, is remembered as India's firm response to terrorism, marked by precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan. This high-tech military action showcased India's advanced arsenal, including Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and loitering munitions, demonstrating a shift towards modern, precision warfare.

As a two-month conflict with Iran escalates, cracks are appearing in the US-Israel alliance. While both nations initially targeted Tehran, their post-strike objectives diverge, with Washington seeking negotiation and Jerusalem aiming for regime change. This fundamental difference, exacerbated by past events and differing pressures, raises questions about their long-term alignment.

The April 2025 terror attack triggered a decisive shift in India’s security posture — from restraint to calibrated retaliation. The country formalised a more assertive approach, integrating military, technological, and diplomatic tools

China's secret nuclear expansion in Sichuan, revealed by satellite imagery, signals a significant jump in its production capabilities. This build-up, including new high-security complexes, directly impacts India's strategic balance and exposes gaps in global nuclear governance. The developments raise concerns of a renewed arms race as rules appear to be applied unevenly.

Submarine propeller designs are highly classified due to their critical role in acoustic stealth and survivability. Cavitation noise from propellers is a major vulnerability, and advanced designs aim to minimize it. Insights into these designs, even from recovered parts, have significantly impacted anti-submarine warfare tactics and strategic deterrence.

High-stakes diplomatic talks between U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Iran in Pakistan concluded without an agreement, deepening uncertainty over a Gulf ceasefire. Vance acknowledged the failure, stating Iran rejected Washington's "final and best offer," while Iran cited U.S. unwillingness to recognize its "legitimate rights and interests."

Each side blamed the other for the failure of the 21-hour-long negotiations in Pakistan to end fighting that has killed thousands and sent global oil prices soaring since it began over six weeks ago. Here's what we know

As the United States Navy is tasked to blockade Iranian ports, it is likely to look towards the work horse of its surface fleet, the Arleigh Burke-Class destroyers. These ships have been in US naval service since they entered service in 1991. The ships if this class were at the forefront of offensive operations against Iraq and Syria. The ships were also in the thick of the action during the missile and drone offensive against international shipping and against Israel.

India's naval might is significantly bolstered today with the commissioning of INS Aridaman, a 7,000-ton nuclear-powered submarine. This advanced vessel, larger than its predecessors, enhances India's sea-based nuclear deterrent with a greater missile payload and improved stealth capabilities. INS Aridaman is a crucial step towards achieving continuous at-sea deterrence.

A fragile two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, has temporarily halted US-Israel strikes on Iran, shifting focus to fundamental changes and the truce's durability. While Iran has absorbed significant military pressure and its apparatus continues functioning, the conflict has inflicted heavy economic and civilian costs, impacting regional security.