1. Indian Pilot Helps Avert Disaster After Flydubai Cockpit Stabbing

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar helped regain control of a Flydubai flight after the other pilot allegedly stabbed him and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls while the aircraft was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 descended nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds before passengers and crew intervened. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both pilots were taken to hospital.

2. PM Modi, Trump Discuss Trade, Defence and Energy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on September 30 and discussed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

3. Indian Navy Asked to Maintain Combat Readiness

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asked the Indian Navy to maintain a high level of combat readiness and strengthen maritime surveillance during the Naval Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi. He also highlighted the Navy’s role in safeguarding India’s energy security amid the prevailing situation in West Asia.

4. India-ASEAN Maritime Exercise Begins in Philippines

The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2026) began at Subic Bay in the Philippines on September 28, with INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish participating alongside maritime forces from ASEAN countries. The exercise includes professional exchanges, operational coordination and a sea phase involving coordinated maritime exercises.

5. India Seizes ₹3,000 Crore Narcotics Consignment in Arabian Sea

The Indian Coast Guard, in coordination with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad, intercepted an Iranian dhow carrying around 526 kg of heroin and methamphetamine in the Arabian Sea west of Lakshadweep on September 25. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were apprehended and the seized narcotics were valued at more than ₹3,000 crore, according to the Ministry of Defence.

6. India, South Korea Discuss Defence Industry Cooperation

India and South Korea held the 10th Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Industries and Logistics Cooperation in New Delhi on September 29. The two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and discussed expanding collaboration in defence production and logistics, with companies including L&T, BEML, Hanwha Aerospace, Korean Air and KAI participating.

Savio Rodrigues

Savio Rodrigues is a Research Analyst at Escape Velocity MediaWorks Pvt Ltd and writes for Chakra News on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Mumbai.