1. Indian Navy set to commission INS Taragiri stealth frigate

The Indian Navy is preparing to commission its latest stealth frigate, Taragiri (F41), on 03 April 2026. The ceremony, scheduled to be presided over by the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, will serve as a powerful testament to the nation’s journey towards becoming a completely self-reliant naval power.

It is a 6,670-tonne embodiment of the ‘Make in India’ spirit and the sophisticated engineering capabilities of indigenous shipyards. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai, it features a significantly reduced radar cross-section, allowing it to operate with enhanced stealth.

With indigenous content exceeding 75 per cent, it is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plant. INS Taragiri is designed for ‘high-speed, high-endurance’ versatility and multi-dimensional maritime operations. The ship’s weapon suite is world-class, featuring supersonic surface-to-surface missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, and a specialised anti-submarine warfare suite.

2. INS Trikand participates in Exercise LAMITIYE with SDF

INS Trikand participated in the first tri-services edition of Exercise LAMITIYE 2026, along with personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF).

Exercise LAMITIYE marks the maiden tri-service exercise between India and Seychelles. It was conducted at the Seychelles Defence Academy from 9 to 20 March.

INS Trikand also handed over critical spares and essential stores to the Government of Seychelles. The ship departed Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 20 March.

3. INS Nilgiri participates in Exercise Kakadu 2026

INS Nilgiri, a stealth guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, is participating in Exercise Kakadu 2026.

Exercise Kakadu is the Royal Australian Navy’s premier multinational maritime engagement activity, conducted biennially to strengthen maritime security cooperation, enhance interoperability, and build partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

The exercise has grown in size and complexity since its inception in 1993. In 2026, the exercise area expands from Darwin to Cairns and down the eastern coast to Jervis Bay, New South Wales.

More than 20 vessels and supporting aircraft from Australia and 18 partner nations will participate. At its peak, over 6,000 personnel will take part in an International Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour.

4. “If the US attacks us, we’ll nuke India”: Former Pakistani envoy

Former Pakistan envoy to India Abdul Basit has said, “If the US attacks us, we’ll nuke India.”

He made the remarks on his ABN News show Decipher with Abdul Basit, arguing that Pakistan’s missiles cannot reach the US, making India the default target in such a scenario, amid the ongoing US–Israel–Iran war that began in late February 2026.

5. Another F-15E Strike Eagle targeted by IRGC; US CENTCOM denies

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) released footage on 22 March showing an F-15E Strike Eagle being targeted by a surface-to-air missile (SAM). The aircraft was operating over Hormuz Island in the Persian Gulf.

While the IRGC has claimed it was downed, US CENTCOM (United States Central Command) has denied the claim. It stated that US forces have flown more than 8,000 combat flights during Operation Epic Fury, and no US fighter aircraft have been shot down by Iran.

6. Donald Trump gives 48-hour ultimatum on Strait of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Posting on Truth Social, he said: “If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST.”

Chakra Desk

Chakra News is a specialised digital media platform committed to in-depth coverage of India’s defence, national security, geopolitics, and critical technologies.