1. Trump Signs Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Possible Tariffs

Photo Credit: AP

US President Donald Trump has signed a legislation giving his administration powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue significant purchases of Russian oil and gas. India & China are among the major buyers of Russian crude and could be affected by any such action. The law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on India. Any tariff would require further action by the US administration.

2. US Drone Firm Signs India Deal Despite Pakistan Cooperation

Photo Credit: Moneycontrol

US autonomous systems company Powerus signed an agreement with India's Paras Defence in June 2026 to manufacture and commercialise its Guardian 1 counter-drone system in India. This comes when the same company has also recently entered into a defence arrangement with Pakistan involving drone systems. The India agreement gives Paras Defence manufacturing and commercialisation rights for the system in India.
 
3. India, Sri Lanka Begin SLINEX 2026 Sea Phase

The 13th edition of the India Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX 2026, is being held at Visakhapatnam. The Indian Navy is participating with INS Kavaratti and INS Jyoti, while Sri Lanka has deployed SLNS Sindurala. The exercise includes naval operations focused on interoperability and operational coordination.

4. India Conducts Three Major Military Exercises with Partners

India is simultaneously conducting military exercises with Japan, the United States and Sri Lanka. Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 with Japan is being held at Jodhpur, Yudh Abhyas 2026 with the US is being conducted at Auli and Mahajan, and SLINEX 2026 with Sri Lanka is being held at Visakhapatnam. The exercises cover air operations, land warfare and maritime operations.

5. Japanese Air Chief Flies Tejas During Veer Guardian 2026

Photo Credit: PTI

Japan Air Self Defence Force Chief General Takehiro Morita flew a Tejas twin seater with IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh during Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Jodhpur. Morita is reported to be the first Asian air force chief to fly the Indian fighter aircraft. Japan has deployed F 2A fighters for the exercise.

Savio Rodrigues

Savio Rodrigues is a Research Analyst at Escape Velocity MediaWorks Pvt Ltd and writes for Chakra News on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Mumbai.