1.INS Tamal and INS Surat arrive at Jeddah

INS Tamal and INS Surat, the two ships of the Indian Navy, arrived at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the late of August 27 respectively.. The crew of the two ships engaged with the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) and Border Guards through sports fixtures, familiarisation with naval facilities and discussions towards fostering Indo-Saudi Arabian relations. The Indian side hosted a cultural exchange for senior dignitaries of the RSNF, Border Guards, diplomats, prominent members of the diaspora and local government officials. The visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening defence collaboration and friendly ties with Saudi Arabia.

2. India, Saudi Arabia discuss expanding defence cooperation

India and Saudi Arabia reviewed ways to expand defence cooperation at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi on 29 August.

The talks focused on training, industrial partnerships, maritime cooperation, and military exercises, according to the Ministry of Defence. India also offered training for Saudi armed forces and discussed collaboration in cyberspace, information technology, disaster management, and tactical communications.

3. Mahindra Aerostructures awarded a contract by Airbus for H125 Fuselage

Mahindra Aerostructures Pvt. Ltd. (MASPL), part of the Mahindra Group, has been awarded a major contract by Airbus Helicopters to manufacture and assemble the main fuselage of its H125 light single-engine helicopter.

This builds on the earlier contract for the H130 helicopter, announced in early 2025. The announcement was made in the presence of Wouter van Wersch, Executive Vice President International, Airbus; Jürgen Westermeier, President & Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia; and Arvind Mehra, Managing Director & CEO of MASPL.

The award further strengthens India’s ‘Make in India’ drive and cements Mahindra’s role as a trusted partner in the global aerospace supply chain.

4. India–Bangladesh hold border talks

The BSF and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) concluded their bi-annual talks in Dhaka on 28 August.

The BSF raised issues of cross-border attacks by Bangladeshi criminals, drone intrusions, and the need for early construction of a single-row fence along the border. This was the first Indian delegation visit since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August last year.

Earlier, a BGB delegation visited New Delhi for the February 17–20 round of talks.

5. Army rescues 308, including 56 BSF personnel

On 29 August, the Army deployed 20 columns to accelerate rescue operations from Jammu to Gurdaspur, evacuating 308 people, including 56 BSF personnel, from flood-hit areas in Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab.

With this, the number of people rescued since Tuesday has risen to 943. The Rising Star Corps continues to lead relief efforts in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur districts.

6.BEML begins manufacturing Light Armoured Multipurpose Vehicle (LAMV)

BEML Ltd began assembly of its indigenously designed and developed LAMV on 29 August at its Kolar Gold Fields facility. The launch was attended by CMD Shri Shantanu Roy, Functional Directors, and senior leadership.

Developed with 100% indigenous design and manufacturing, the LAMV will undergo extensive trials with the Indian Army, including in high-altitude regions such as Eastern Ladakh. Once inducted, it will enhance the operational strength of the Army’s Recce & Support Battalions, furthering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

7. China conducts patrols in South China Sea

China’s military and coast guard conducted joint patrols on 29 August around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

The coast guard said it had increased law enforcement patrols in the area since early August to “safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.”

Separately, the Southern Theatre Command stated that Chinese naval and air forces carried out “combat readiness” patrols in the surrounding waters and airspace.

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.