1. Indian Army contingent departs for Seychelles for Exercise LAMITIYE

The Indian Army contingent has departed to participate in the 11th edition of the India–Seychelles Exercise LAMITIYE, scheduled from 9 to 20 March at the Seychelles Defence Academy. This first Tri-Services edition will focus on enhancing joint operational capabilities in semi-urban terrain to counter hostile threats. The exercise reflects the deepening defence cooperation and enduring partnership between India and Seychelles in the Indian Ocean Region.

2. Solar Industries lays foundation of UAV factory

Solar Group has taken a significant step into deep-tech manufacturing with the Bhoomi Pujan of its AI-powered Industry 5.0 Robotics & UAV Manufacturing Facility at MIHAN. The upcoming facility will focus on autonomous systems, AI-driven manufacturing and next-generation defence technologies, strengthening India’s defence innovation and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

The ceremony was performed by Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways.

This milestone reflects the vision and leadership of Padma Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, Chairman of Solar Group, and Manish Nuwal, Managing Director & CEO, as the company advances towards the future of robotics, UAV technology and Make in India.

3. India and Thailand navies conduct coordinated patrol

The 41st edition of the Indo-Thai CORPAT between the Indian Navy and the Royal Thai Navy was conducted from 28 February to 6 March 2026 in the Andaman Sea, reflecting strong operational synergy and bonhomie.

Ships of the Andaman and Nicobar Command: INS Kora and INS Chetlat along with HTMS Krabi, participated in the exercise. The harbour phase at Sri Vijaya Puram featured cross-deck visits, yoga, sports and interactions that enhanced camaraderie. The sea phase involved coordinated activities reinforcing the commitment to safe and secure seas. The exercise culminated at Phuket, reaffirming the enduring India–Thailand maritime partnership.

4. India–EU Security and Defence Dialogue held in Delhi

The first India–EU Security and Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Dr Amit Telang and Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence Ms Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss.

Discussions focused on advancing defence cooperation and leveraging synergies between India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the European Union’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, in order to strengthen the partnership as a force multiplier.

5. Defence Secretary meets Singapore Defence Ministry official

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met Deputy Secretary (Policy), Ministry of Defence, Singapore, Brigadier General Frederick Choo. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and deepening strategic engagement across areas of mutual interest, reinforcing the growing partnership between the two nations.

6. UAE air defences intercept ballistic missiles and UAVs

UAE air defences on 8 March detected 17 ballistic missiles, of which 16 were destroyed, while one missile fell into the sea. A total of 117 UAVs were also detected, with 113 intercepted, while four UAVs fell within the country’s territory.

Since the start of the Iranian attacks, 238 ballistic missiles have been detected. Of these, 221 were destroyed, 15 fell into the sea, and two landed within the country. A total of 1,422 Iranian UAVs have also been detected, of which 1,342 were intercepted, while 80 fell within the country’s territory. Eight cruise missiles were also detected and destroyed.

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.