1. Pakistan Says Mecca Pact Has “No Regional Ambitions”

Pakistan has said that the Mecca Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, has “no regional ambitions”. Islamabad said the pact is aimed at collective deterrence and defence and is not directed against any third country. The statement comes amid continued Houthi attacks and attempted attacks on Saudi Arabia.

2. India Rejects Pakistan China Boundary Commission

India has rejected the Pakistan China Boundary Joint Commission, saying it has no legal basis. The commission held its first meeting in Islamabad to discuss border management, joint surveys and trade. The MEA said India does not recognise the 1963 China Pakistan Boundary Agreement, under which Pakistan ceded territory to China.

3. Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Visits Russia

Chief of Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth began a three-day visit to Russia on September 16. He is scheduled to meet senior Russian military and defence officials. His programme includes talks on military cooperation, training and defence industry and procurement. He will also visit the Russian National Defence Control Centre and the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy.

4. US House Passes Russia Sanctions Bill

Image Source: AP/Mariam Zuhaib

The US House of Representatives passed a bill that could allow tariffs of upto 100% on countries buying Russian energy. India and China are among the countries that could face these tariffs. The bill was passed by 262 votes to 159 and has been sent to President Donald Trump.

5. Indian Coast Guard Commanders' Conference Begins

The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders' Conference begins in New Delhi today and will continue until September 19. Senior Coast Guard commanders will discuss maritime security, operational readiness, force modernisation and indigenisation. The conference will also review the Coast Guard's future capability requirements. 

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.