Melbourne, April 18 (IANS) Japan and Australia on Saturday said that they have signed the contracts to jointly deliver three of the 11 ships for the Australian Navy. These ships are based on the upgraded Mogami-class frigate of Japan, as reported by a Japanese news outlet. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Australian counterpart Richard Marles, who also doubles as Deputy Prime Minister, announced this deal in Melbourne, Kyodo news reported.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., which…
Latest Indo-Pacific News & Updates
Washington, April 17 (IANS) China’s rapid military expansion and technological advances dominated a US Congressional hearing, with top intelligence officials warning that Beijing is accelerating capabilities across all domains to challenge American power. Lawmakers were told that China remains the foremost strategic concern, with its military modernisation unfolding at an “alarming pace”.Lieutenant General James Adams III, Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), said the C…
Beijing, April 15 (IANS) China’s rising concern over Japan’s strategic trajectory showcases a fear that Tokyo is transforming into “Israel of Asia”, a small but technologically advanced nation, backed by the US, prepared to deal with a larger authoritarian neighbour. This analogy showcases China’s concern that Japan could become a permanent, militarised outpost of the US in Asia similar to how Israel demonstrates American influence in West Asia, a report has stated. Israel’s role in West Asia ha…
Washington, April 15 (IANS) Amidst growing concerns over Donald Trump’s stance on the alliance and tensions linked to the Iran war, Europe is drawing up a contingency plan to defend the continent using NATO’s existing military structures if the United States reduces its role, a media report said.Officials are working on proposals some have referred to as a “European NATO”, seeking to place more Europeans in the alliance’s command-and-control roles and supplement US military assets with…
New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could create strategic openings for China to expand its influence across Asia, particularly at a time when the United States is heavily “engaged in another theatre,’ according to a report.”The war in the Middle East… is also reshaping the strategic environment in ways that extend far beyond the region,” the report by Japan Forward said, adding that by tying down American attention and resources, the conflict is leaving other …
New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) As Myanmar gets a new President, Min Aung Hlaing, the Southeast Asian nation needs to advance bilateral talks with India in a “give‑and‑take” spirit and expand the Indian Rupee-Kyat settlement, a new report has said.The report from The Secretariat said the new presidency presents huge room to elevate the partnership as Myanmar stands at the confluence of India’s three key foreign policy initiatives, namely, “Act East. Neighbourhood First. Indo-Pacific.”“It …
New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) As India seeks to position Southeast Asia as a key market for the BrahMos missile, the supersonic cruise weapon – jointly developed by India and Russia – has generated significant interest in the region amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Its speed, precision strike capability, and multi-platform deployment – from land and sea to air and submarine – make it a formidable weapon for enhancing regional defence capabilities.According to a rep…
Florida, April 11 (IANS) US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on Saturday said that Washington and New Delhi will closely work together across key sectors, including trade, defence and energy. Taking to X following his meeting with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Florida, Gor said, “It was a pleasure to host Vikram Misri tonight at Mar a Lago! From trade and defence to energy, India and the United States stand ready to work closely together in the months and years ahead.”India and the United Stat…
Washington, April 11 (IANS) The US and India reaffirmed their strategic defence partnership during high-level talks between their air force chiefs, focusing on interoperability, training and regional deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, a media release said.US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach hosted Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh for an official counterpart visit on April 8.Singh received a full honours arrival at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and later held me…
Washington, April 11 (IANS) India and the United States expanded cooperation on energy, critical technologies and defence during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meetings with senior US officials this week, signalling closer strategic alignment.On the final day of his hectic three-day engagements, energy cooperation featured prominently, with Misri meeting US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.The Indian Embassy in Washington said Misri “called on Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Discussions focuse…