On 3 June 2025, India achieved a historic milestone in its maritime and research capabilities as Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Norwegian firm Kongsberg during the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Norway. The agreement marks the beginning of construction for India’s first Polar Research Vessel (PRV).

The PRV will support India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and enhance India’s role in climate change research, ocean studies, and polar exploration. Designed by Kongsberg and built by GRSE in Kolkata, the vessel will be equipped with advanced scientific instruments.

Sonowal also presented India’s new MAHASAGAR maritime strategy, upgraded from SAGAR, and highlighted programs like Sagarmala 2.0 and the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund to attract global investments. He also engaged with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) to expand collaboration in green shipping, ship recycling, and digital maritime technologies.

On 3 June 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government approved a 20% reservation for Agniveers in recruitment for the state police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) after their 4-year military service under the Agnipath scheme.

This decision, made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, applies to roles like constable, mounted police, and fireman. Additionally, age relaxation of up to 3 years will be granted to eligible Agniveers.

This initiative aims to support Agniveers’ transition to civilian life and offer job security. UP Police is set to recruit for around 28,000 posts, significantly benefiting Agniveers. Haryana had earlier implemented a similar reservation policy.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) hosted its 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) from June 1-3, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India. This prestigious event marked the return of the IATA AGM to India after 42 years, last held in 1983.

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Address: PM Modi emphasized India’s rapid aviation growth, stating that the country is now the third-largest domestic aviation market.
• India’s Aviation Transformation: The success of the UDAN scheme has enabled 15 million passengers to experience affordable air travel.
• Global Participation: Over 1,700 delegates, including airline CEOs, government officials, and industry leaders, attended the event.
• Future of Aviation: Discussions focused on sustainable aviation fuel, financing decarbonization, and air connectivity.

India’s Role in Global Aviation

PM Modi highlighted India’s three pillars driving aviation growth:
1️⃣ A vast market – Reflecting India’s aspirational society.
2️⃣ Strong talent pool – Innovators in AI, robotics, and clean energy.
3️⃣ Supportive policy ecosystem – Enabling industrial expansion.

Looking Ahead

With 240 million passengers flying annually, India’s aviation sector is projected to reach 500 million passengers by 2030. The summit reinforced India’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global cooperation in aviation.

On 1 June 2025, the Indian Army began trials of next-generation defence technologies at key sites across the country, including Pokhran, Babina, and Joshimath. These trials, conducted under near-combat conditions with electronic warfare simulations, are meant to rigorously test the performance of new systems.

Air defence demonstrations are also being held in Agra and Gopalpur.

Technologies being tested include:

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• UAV-launched Precision-Guided Munitions
• Loitering Munitions
• Low-Level Lightweight Radars
• Electronic Warfare Platforms
• Vertical-launch Drones

These systems are developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with active participation from multiple defence industry partners. The goal is to ensure rapid integration of emerging battlefield technologies.

The 17th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise, Nomadic Elephant, began on 31 May 2025 at the Special Forces Training Centre in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and will continue until 13 June 2025.

Key dignitaries at the opening ceremony included India’s Ambassador to Mongolia Atul Malhari Gotsurve and Major General Lkhagvasuren Ganselem of Mongolia. Both expressed hopes that the joint training would deepen defence ties and improve operational cooperation between the two nations.

This year’s exercise features:

• Counter-terrorism operations in semi-mountainous terrain.
• Training for UN peacekeeping operations, simulating real-world multinational scenarios.

The expanded scope reflects increased defence cooperation and aims to boost interoperability, coordination, and mutual trust between the armed forces of India and Mongolia.