In this column, Shekhar Gupta critiques India's military procurement strategy, revealing a paradox where the country struggles with insufficient armaments despite being the world's fourth-largest military force. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh's candid comments highlight critical gaps in the Indian Air Force, which are often ignored or downplayed by previous leadership. Gupta argues that India’s defence planning has been reactive rather than strategic, with defense purchases like Rafales and Apache helicopters serving as urgent fixes. This approach, rooted in fear and indecision, exacerbates the country's long-standing dependency on foreign imports.  

China has announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural goods, including rapeseed oil, aquatic products, and pork, in retaliation for Canada's October tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and steel. Effective March 20, the tariffs include a 100% duty on rapeseed products and a 25% tariff on other items. While canola exports were excluded, signaling a potential for negotiations, analysts suggest that this move reflects China's frustration with Canada's alignment with U.S. trade policies. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in global trade relationships.

King's College London is inviting Indian post-graduate students to apply for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, offering a £10,000 fee waiver for 30 students pursuing full-time, on-campus study starting in September. The awards, now in their second year, aim to support students with a vision to make a positive societal impact. Applicants must apply for their course by April end. Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor, emphasized the university's historical ties with India and highlighted the importance of the awards in overcoming financial barriers for Indian students pursuing higher education in the UK.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to engage in discussions regarding a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, contingent upon specific conditions being met. During recent talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, Putin indicated that clarity on the framework of a final peace agreement is essential before agreeing to a ceasefire. Additionally, Russia seeks detailed plans on the structure and participating nations of any proposed peacekeeping mission. Moscow has previously opposed the deployment of NATO troops on Ukrainian soil, favoring countries like China, which have maintained a neutral stance in the conflict. These developments come as the U.S. and Ukraine prepare for forthcoming discussions aimed at establishing a framework for peace and initiating a ceasefire.

A recent White House cabinet meeting erupted into a heated confrontation between Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Musk accused Rubio of insufficient staff reductions at the State Department, dismissing the 1,500 early retirements as inadequate. Rubio retorted, questioning Musk's expectations and highlighting the complexity of such measures. President Trump intervened, praising both officials and emphasizing a balanced approach to government restructuring. This incident underscores the growing internal conflicts over Musk's aggressive cost-cutting initiatives and their impact on federal operations. 

A UK court has convicted three Bulgarian nationals—Katrin Ivanova, Vanya Gaberova, and Tihomir Ivanchev—for espionage on behalf of Russia. The trio, based in London, were part of a spy network led by fugitive Austrian businessman Jan Marsalek. Their operations included surveillance of investigative journalist Christo Grozev and attempts to gather Ukrainian military intelligence. Authorities dismantled the ring in February 2023, uncovering espionage equipment and counterfeit documents. The case highlights growing Russian intelligence operations in Europe, with the convicted individuals now facing up to 14 years in prison.    

Gene Hackman, the esteemed 95-year-old actor renowned for his roles in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven," was found deceased alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26, 2025. Autopsy reports indicate Hackman died from cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a contributing factor, while Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a rare and often fatal respiratory disease transmitted by rodents. Arakawa's last known communication was on February 11, suggesting she passed away first. Due to Hackman's advanced Alzheimer's, authorities believe he may have been unaware of his wife's death, living for approximately a week afterward. Both deaths have been classified as natural causes.     

    US President Donald Trump claimed India has agreed to cut tariffs significantly, stating, “Somebody is finally exposing them.” His remarks come as India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal holds trade talks in Washington. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged India to lower tariffs, especially on agricultural imports. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed discussions on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to boost market access, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen supply chains. The deal aims to enhance India-US trade ties.

India officially inaugurated its Consulate General in Belfast, enhancing diplomatic engagement with the UK, particularly Northern Ireland. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and other dignitaries, attended the event at Clarence House. Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to expanding its diplomatic presence, supporting the Indian diaspora, and boosting trade and cultural exchanges. The consulate will provide essential services and foster economic cooperation. Business leaders, community representatives, and diaspora members participated, marking a significant step in India-UK relations.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) An-32 transport aircraft was involved in a "serious incident" after landing at Bagdogra, West Bengal. The crew is safe, sources confirmed. The Russian-origin An-32 is crucial to IAF’s transport operations. Meanwhile, a Jaguar fighter jet crashed in Haryana’s Ambala during a routine training sortie. The pilot ejected safely. The IAF is investigating both incidents. These back-to-back aviation mishaps raise concerns over aircraft safety and operational readiness. More details are awaited from official sources.