Pakistan has announced the sale of JF-17 Block III fighter jets to Azerbaijan, strengthening defense ties between the two countries. The deal, which reflects Pakistan’s commitment to bolstering Azerbaijan’s air power, comes amidst growing cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, particularly in defense and military matters.
US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill aiming to elevate India’s status to that of close allies like Japan, Israel, and NATO partners, facilitating technology transfers and bolstering military cooperation. The bill also seeks to block security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to sponsor terrorism against India. While the bill’s immediate passage is unlikely, it signals growing bipartisan support for strengthening US-India relations and countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
India has refuted allegations by Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon that Indian military helicopter pilots conducted an unauthorized operation in the Maldives in 2019. The High Commission of India in the Maldives clarified that Indian aviation platforms operate with due authorization and that the specific sortie on October 9, 2019, was approved by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The clarification comes amid strained relations between India and the Maldives following the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country. The Maldivian government had requested the removal of Indian troops, and the final group left on the agreed deadline in February. Despite the departure of Indian military personnel, the Maldives remains a crucial maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean Region and holds significance in India’s regional initiatives.
India and Maldives held the fourth round of High-Level Core Group meetings, addressing the withdrawal of Indian military personnel by May 10th. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made in this regard, with India agreeing to replace all military personnel by the deadline. The talks also covered defense cooperation and the presence of a Chinese vessel in Maldivian waters, with India emphasizing its commitment to safeguarding its national and economic security. Despite recent strains in the relationship, India continues to maintain a soft diplomatic approach and has invested heavily in various development projects in Maldives.
The US and India are exploring a new Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) that would grant US warships access to repair services at Indian ports. This is part of a broader effort to make India a major hub for US Navy maintenance and repair in the Indo-Pacific region. Last year, the US Navy signed MSRA deals with Larsen and Toubro Ltd and Cochin Shipyard Ltd, providing the US Navy access to key Indian ports. Talks are also underway for a similar agreement with Goa Shipyard Ltd. Under these agreements, Indian shipbuilders will gain commercial benefits from undertaking repairs, and the presence of US Navy ships in Indian shipyards will strengthen the defense relationship between the two countries. This agreement reflects the growing defense partnership between New Delhi and Washington, which includes joint military exercises, foundational defense agreements, and plans for defense industry collaboration.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Masood Khan, emphasized the ongoing threat of terrorism and the necessity for continued collaboration between Pakistan and the US to ensure regional peace and stability. He highlighted the significance of maintaining defense ties and investing in both security and non-security areas.
US and South Korean forces engaged in live-fire drills as part of ongoing military exercises, demonstrating their combined readiness in the face of potential threats. The drills involved the use of live ammunition and weaponry, highlighting the proficiency and coordination between the two nations’ troops.
