Military, borders & national security
Pakistani quadcopters attempted to violate Indian airspace along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on March 1, 2026, marking the second incursion in three days. Army troops fired over a dozen rounds between 5:45-6:10 AM, forcing the drone to retreat. Search operations found no evidence of weapons or narcotics airdropping.
In response to Israeli and American strikes, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles targeting Israeli territory and US-linked facilities across the Gulf region. Iran's arsenal includes ballistic missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km, cruise missiles reaching 3,000 km, and multiple UAV variants capable of precision strikes and kamikaze attacks. The strikes demonstrate Iran's three-decade weapons development programme that accelerated following the 1980s Iran-Iraq War.
Shri B.P. Singh took over as Director General of Naval Armaments on March 2, 2026, according to the Press Information Bureau. This appointment is part of routine senior naval leadership transitions and affects India's defense procurement and weapons systems development strategy.
INSV Kaundinya, an Indian Navy sailing vessel, completed its first foreign deployment to Oman, welcomed back by Defence Minister on March 2, 2026. The deployment strengthens India's maritime presence in the Arabian Sea and demonstrates naval capability in regional waters. The mission marks a significant step in India's 'Act East' and 'Neighbourhood First' policy initiatives.
INS Sudarshini, India's indigenously-built sailing vessel, successfully transited the Suez Canal on March 2, 2026, reaching Alexandria as part of a major operational deployment. The passage marks a significant milestone for India's naval presence in the Mediterranean and demonstrates the capability of India's indigenous shipbuilding program. The vessel is undertaking a strategic voyage connecting Indian Ocean operations with global maritime routes.
Jammu and Kashmir witnessed widespread protests on March 1-2, 2026 following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes. Stone-pelting and clashes erupted in Srinagar's Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk areas, prompting police to deploy teargas shells. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm while coordinating with India's Ministry of External Affairs regarding the safety of J&K residents and students in Iran.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Kaundinya, a new naval vessel, at Mumbai port on March 2, 2026 with official flag hoisting ceremonies. The ship strengthens India's coastal defense and maritime surveillance capabilities in the Arabian Sea. This is part of the Navy's modernization program to expand its operational fleet.
The Indian Navy formally commissioned INSV Kaundinya at Mumbai on March 2, 2026, marking the addition of an advanced survey vessel to the fleet. The ship will conduct hydrographic surveys, coastal mapping, and oceanographic research across Indian waters. This enhances India's maritime domain awareness and self-reliance in naval infrastructure.
