On May 17, 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor confirmed his participation in India’s global diplomatic outreach to counter terrorism, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor. Tharoor will lead one of seven all-party delegations visiting key global capitals to present India’s unified anti-terror stance. Stressing national interest over politics, Tharoor stated, “I will not be found wanting.” The initiative aims to build international support against cross-border terrorism and highlight Pakistan’s alleged involvement. The outreach reflects India’s intent to present a bipartisan front on national security and seek global accountability on terror issues. (PC: PTI)

India is set to launch its first manned deep-ocean mission, Samudrayaan, by the end of 2026. The mission will explore depths of up to 6,000 meters using Matsya-6000, an indigenously developed submersible by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in collaboration with ISRO. Matsya-6000 is a 25-tonne vehicle with a 2.1-meter titanium sphere capable of carrying three scientists and withstanding extreme underwater pressure. It has 12 hours of operational and 96 hours of emergency endurance. Samudrayaan aims to harness deep-sea resources, contributing significantly to India's blue economy and oceanic scientific advancement. (PC: India Today)

In response to intensified cross-border shelling by Pakistani forces, the Indian Army has launched essential relief operations in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir. The shelling severely impacted civilian infrastructure, damaging homes, schools, and religious places, leading to injuries and displacements. The Army is providing critical aid including medical treatment, food supplies, and temporary shelter to the affected population. These efforts aim to stabilize the region and support civilians during the crisis. Meanwhile, the Army remains on high alert to prevent further hostilities and ensure the safety of local residents. (PC: ANI)

On May 17, 2025, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested two ISIS-linked fugitives at Mumbai Airport. The suspects were wanted in connection with a 2023 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) case and had a combined bounty of ₹6 lakh on their heads. They were allegedly involved in managing a bomb-making facility and had been evading law enforcement for months. Their arrest marks a significant success in the NIA's crackdown on ISIS sleeper cells operating within India, highlighting ongoing efforts to neutralize domestic terror threats and enhance national security. (PC: The Hindu)  

The Congress has welcomed the Centre’s decision to include party MP Shashi Tharoor in a global parliamentary outreach to expose Pakistan’s role in promoting terrorism. The initiative, involving around 40 MPs from parties including BJP, TMC, and DMK, will begin with visits to various countries from May 22–23. Congress leaders praised Tharoor’s selection, claiming it highlights the BJP’s “talent vacuum” and need to rely on opposition leaders for diplomatic credibility. The mission follows Operation Sindoor and aims to present concrete evidence of Pakistan’s terror links to the global community. (PC: ANI)

Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, showcased India’s most aggressive military response in decades. In retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, India struck nine terror hubs and 11 Pakistani airbases using BrahMos missiles launched from Sukhoi-30 MKIs. The offensive was backed by indigenous systems like Akashteer, Barak-8, and the Russian S-400, which successfully neutralised Pakistan’s retaliatory drone and missile attacks. Coordinated by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), this operation highlighted India’s evolving defence capabilities and self-reliance in modern warfare. The precision and depth of the operation dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s military infrastructure and strategic confidence. (PC: India Today)

BSF jawan Purnam Kumar Shaw, who returned to India on May 14 after three weeks in Pakistani detention, is reportedly suffering from severe mental trauma. Shaw had inadvertently crossed the border on April 23 and was held by Pakistan Rangers. While no physical torture was reported, sources revealed he endured sleep deprivation, denial of bathroom access, and repeated blindfolding, leading to psychological distress. He was also interrogated about sensitive BSF deployment details. His debriefing is ongoing. The jawan was released after diplomatic negotiations and reunited with his family via the Attari-Wagah border, where he was handed over at 10:30 am. (PC: News18)

Turkey-based airport ground handler Celebi has filed a legal challenge in the Delhi High Court after India revoked its security clearance citing national security concerns. The move follows Turkey's public support for Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor. Celebi contends the decision threatens 3,791 jobs and investor confidence, calling the government's justification vague and unsupported. The company insists it's not politically affiliated and operates as an Indian enterprise. Celebi previously operated at major Indian airports, including Delhi and Bengaluru. Delhi Airport has officially ended ties with the firm. The government cited public pressure and national interest behind the revocation. (PC: News18)

Tensions flared in Jammu and Kashmir as CM Omar Abdullah reignited debate over the Tulbul Navigation Barrage following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack. Abdullah called for reviving the long-stalled project, claiming it would benefit J&K's water rights and energy needs. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti strongly opposed the move, calling it “dangerously provocative” amid Indo-Pak tensions. She warned against "weaponising water" and risking international fallout. Abdullah hit back, accusing her of ignoring J&K’s interests for political optics. The Tulbul project has now become a fresh flashpoint in the region’s volatile political landscape. (PC: PTI)

India has introduced ‘Akashteer’, a cutting-edge, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Designed to modernize the Army’s air defence, Akashteer integrates radar, sensors, and communication systems into a real-time network for detecting and responding to aerial threats. It features mobile, vehicle-based control centres and uses AI to reduce human error and improve response time. Integrated with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS, it promotes joint operations. With 107 units delivered and 455 planned by 2027, Akashteer signifies a leap in India's self-reliant defence capability. (PC: ANI)