India Observes 17th Anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai Attacks with Nation-wide Tributes

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lost radar contact on Thursday evening while flying over Assam, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation by defence authorities. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Air Force Station in Assam and was last in contact with ground control at around 7:42 pm, according to officials. Shortly afterward, radar and communication contact with the jet was lost. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the aircraft was reported overdue and that search teams have been deployed to trace its last known location. Rescue units, along with local authorities, are participating in the operation to locate the aircraft and determine what caused the sudden loss of contact. The Su-30MKI, a twin-engine multirole fighter jet, is among the main combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force and is widely deployed in the northeastern region. Officials said further details regarding the aircraft’s mission and the crew onboard will be shared once more information becomes available. © Images used for illustrative purposes only. Copyrights belong to their respective owners.

New data released today shows that India has secured a place among the top global military spenders for 2024-25, ranking just behind major powers whilst outpacing many large economies in its region. The upward trend in defence expenditure is attributed to ongoing modernisation programmes, acquisitions of advanced equipment, focus on shore-and-air capabilities and heightened geopolitical vigilance. Government sources highlight that investments include indigenous systems, strategic deterrents and logistical infrastructure, signalling a shift from conventional bulk purchases to integrated defence ecosystems. Analysts say this development reflects India’s ambition to secure its strategic footprint amid evolving regional dynamics. However, they also caution that rising defence spend must be balanced with domestic priorities such as education, health and infrastructure. The juxtaposition of military budgeting with socio-economic demands presents a complex challenge for policymakers. Moreover, the high ranking gives India diplomatic leverage, enhances its deterrence posture and may influence future partnership or arms-transfer negotiations. For students and aspirants in communications and strategy roles, this story offers rich insight: how national branding, capability signalling and budgetary narratives converge in public discourse. In summary, India’s presence in the global top-ten military spenders is both a reflection of current ambitions and a pivot point for future policy debates on defence versus development.