1. Please ask Pakistan : US Government on Pak F-16 Loss

The US government on being asked about the loss of Pakistani F-16  during Operation Sindoor has declined to comment on it.

We refer you to the government of Pakistan to discuss its F-16s," the US State Department said.Washington maintains continuous oversight of Pakistan's F-16 

fleet through US contractors stationed in the country around the clock.

These teams monitor the fighter jets' use under detailed end-use agreements between Islamabad and Washington, which stipulate combat deployment conditions and form the basis for ongoing US maintenance support.

The US state dept's current stance contrasts with 2019, when two US defence officials told Foreign Policy magazine that all of Islamabad's F-16s were accounted for after India claimed to have shot down one during the Balakot air strikes.

2. Pak PM announces creation of Rocket Force

Pakistan will create a new force in the military to supervise missile combat capabilities in a conventional conflict, apparently a move to match its neighbouring arch-rival India.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the creation of the Army Rocket Force on Wednesday at a ceremony held in Islamabad to commemorate the worst conflict in decades with India in May.

It will be equipped with modern technology," Sharif said in a statement from his office, adding that the force will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the combat capability of Pakistan's army. A senior security official, however, said that the force will have its own command in the military which will be dedicated to handling and deployment of missiles in any event of a conventional war. "It is obvious that it is meant for India," he said.

3. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit India on August 18

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India on Monday August 18 where he will hold talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval under the Special Representatives mechanism on the boundary question. 

The discussions are expected to focus on the ongoing border situation and measures to maintain stability along the Line of Actual Control. This mechanism, led by the NSA from the Indian side and the Foreign Minister from the Chinese side, has been a key channel for high-level engagement on boundary matters.

Wang's visit to New Delhi also comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected trip to China for the SCO summit from August 31 to September 1.

4. India US to conduct joint exercise Yudh Abhyas in September

Amid heightened tensions between New Delhi and Washington, and a growing synergy between the Pakistan government and US President Donald Trump, Indian and American troops will undertake a joint military exercise next month.

India conducts most of the exercises with the US than any other country.

Termed ‘Yudh Abhyas’, the annual exercise from 1 to 16 September in US’ Alaska will see an all-arms contingent going from the Indian Army led by the Madras Regiment.

The joint exercise comes at a time when Pakistan and the US have come closer than ever before under the Trump administration. The US President hosted Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House to undertake joint anti-terror talks with Islamabad, both sides have a long way from 2018 when Trump had described Pakistan as a “safe haven for terrorists”.

5. Arms and ammunition recovered by security forces in J&K’s Kupwara

Security forces on Wednesday have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition

from a forest area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district. 

Search operation was launched at Awoora by the security forces and during search operation significant quantity of arms and ammunition, including four UBGL grenades, three Pakistan made hand grenades, one Chinese pistol, one IED, 30 mine fuse with wires and a hand bag with a Pakistani address inscribed in Urdu were recovered.

The forces also recovered 16 packets containing some substance suspected to be brown sugar.

6. Kulgam encounter in its final stages :IGP Jammu & Kashmir 

The Kulgam encounter which has been going on since August 1 has entered its final stage and it is the 13th day of the operation.This is the longest anti-terror operation in the Kashmir Valley in recent years.

Two Army soldiers have been killed and nine injured since the operation began on August 1 in the Akhal forest area.Two terrorists have also been killed in the encounter. The identities and group affiliation of the slain terrorists have not been revealed so far.

"The Akhal operation has entered the final stages," Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, V K Birdi, told reporters on the sidelines of the full dress rehearsal for the Independence Day celebrations at the Bakshi Stadium here.

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.