1. India Successfully Test Fires Indigenous AK 203 ‘Sher’ Assault Rifle

India has made and successfully test-fired its first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, called ‘Sher,’ at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) Korwa facility in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi. The AK 203 “Sher” is primarily intended to replace the Indian Army’s ageing INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) 5.56 mm assault rifles.

The rifle uses 7.62×39mm ammunition and is based on the reliable Kalashnikov design. It can fire around 700 rounds a minute, has an effective range of up to 800 metres and also uses a detachable 30-round magazine.

2. India, Vietnam Coast Guards Begin 2nd Edition of Joint Exercise Sahyog HOP TAC in Chennai

The Vietnamese Coast Guard Ship CSB8002 has arrived in Chennai for the 2nd edition of Joint Exercise Sahyog HOP TAC, accompanied by a six-member delegation. The engagement aims to strengthen operational ties between the Indian and Vietnamese Coast Guards through professional exchanges.

The engagement strengthens operational cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard through professional exchanges and sharing of best practices in Marine Pollution Response & Maritime Law Enforcement.

3. Jaishankar to Co-Chair 27th India Russia Inter-Governmental Commission in Moscow

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will co-chair 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov in Moscow today. He will also meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and exchange perspectives on regional and global issues.

4. India, New Zealand Hold 2nd Defence Strategic Dialogue to Deepen Maritime Cooperation

Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad and Deputy Secretary, New Zealand Ministry of Defence, Mr Richard Schmidt co-chaired the 2nd India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue in Wellington, New Zealand on August 24, 2026. The Dialogue focused on advancing maritime security, joint training and defence co-operation, while furthering the objectives of the ‘Roadmap 2030.

5. NSA Ajit Doval to Visit China for Special Representatives’ Talks with Wang Yi

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will travel to China next week for the India-China Special Representatives (SR) talks with Chinese Foreign Minister and Special Representative Wang Yi. The high-level dialogue is expected to focus on border management, maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and advancing efforts to stabilize bilateral relations. The meeting comes as both sides continue diplomatic and military engagements aimed at improving ties and managing outstanding issues.

6. IAF Concludes Multinational Exercises Pitch Black and Udara Shakti 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully concluded its participation in two pivotal international flight engagements- Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia and Exercise Udara Shakti 2026, in Malaysia. The dual-nation deployment underscored the IAF’s operational reach, advanced tactical coordination, and commitment to strengthening strategic defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.

7. Rajnath Singh Lays Foundation for Five GRSE & Yantra India ₹3,500 Crore Expansion Projects

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh today virtually laid the foundation stone for five brownfield expansion projects of Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Yantra India Limited (YIL) in West Bengal. West Bengal Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari was also present on the occasion. The five projects, comprising three projects of GRSE and two facilities of YIL, involve an investment of nearly Rs. 3,500 crores.

Chakra Desk

Chakra News is a specialised digital media platform committed to in-depth coverage of India’s defence, national security, geopolitics, and critical technologies.