In Our Defence

Earlier this week, communal violence erupted in Haryana, spreading to Gurugram and other areas with reports of vandalism. The clashes in Nuh during a religious procession resulted in six deaths. The violence allegedly stemmed from rumors that a cow vigilante, Monu Manesar, involved in previous killings in Bhiwani, would attend the procession. However, as reported, Manesar did not show up at the ev...

For close to three months now Manipur has been burning. Unfortunately, it was a viral video that sparked outrage across India. The video depicted several men parading and assaulting two Kuki women, sparking widespread condemnation. But what specific factors led to both state and centre administration's failure to contain the conflict between the Meiteis and the Kukis? Why did it require a...

In this captivating landscape, a complex web of questions surrounds the tale of Pakistani citizen Seema Haider and her partner Sachin Meena. Could their relationship be an authentic love story, or is Seema concealing a covert life as a spy? And this is what has been dominating the mainstream media space for weeks now! Theories abound, but the undeniable truth is that Seema's entry into India was "...

The Indian Defense Ministry has recently approved plans to procure 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines for the Indian Navy from France. In this episode, host Dev Goswami and "Def Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla delve into the significance of this deal and its implications for the concerned countries.  “India's defense acquisitions are entering an exciting phase,...

During the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US from June 21 to 24, India successfully finalized a significant government-to-government deal with the United States. The agreement involves the procurement of 31 Predator drones, amounting to a value exceeding USD 4 billion.  In this episode, host Dev Goswami and  "Def Savvy” Abhishek Bhalla, discuss why this is a big deal...

Amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, a surprising internal strife has erupted between the Russian military and the Wagner mercenary group, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Did Putin foresee the possibility of creating a powerful private military company that could challenge the Kremlin's forces? With Wagner turning against Putin, does this development a...

Join host Dev Goswami and "Def-Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla, who are joined by a special guest Col. Rajvir Sharma, a distinguished infantry officer from the 15 Jat Regiment, as they delve into the requirements and qualities necessary to become an officer in the Indian Armed Forces. Col. Sharma, who served the Indian army for over 30 years in challenging regions like the Line of Control, high-altitude ar...

In this episode, host Dev Goswami engages in a discussion with , "Def Savvy," Abhishek Bhalla about the distressing series of ethnic violence currently plaguing Manipur. Abhishek emphasizes the allure of the North East, describing it as a “civilization with a deeply rooted heritage and pride”. The ongoing issues in Manipur, he suggests, “directly relate to this pride”. The duo lists reasons behind...

In this episode, "Def Savvy," Abhishek Bhalla and host Dev Goswami delve into two significant defense acquisitions. Firstly, India and the US are on the brink of finalizing a groundbreaking defense deal. This deal aims to facilitate a partnership between India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the American firm General Electric (GE) for the joint manufacturing of indigenous jet e...

India has been developing border villages in its north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh as tourist hubs to assert dominance over China near the line of actual control (LAC). How does the Centre's Vibrant Villages Programme aim to ensure environmental and energy security and promote tourism in the border villages? What are the concerns raised by Indian border forces regarding Chinese model villag...

Join "Def-Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla and host Dev Goswami as they delve into the reports suggesting Beijing's interest in recruiting Nepal's renowned Gorkhas into the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). The Indian Army's routine intake of the Gorkhas came to a halt after the Agnipath scheme was introduced. So, what factors contribute to the desirability of Gorkhas in the military forces of various nations,...

The Indian Army has made a significant decision to introduce a standardized uniform for Brigadier and above rank officers, regardless of their parent cadre or appointment. This change comes after extensive deliberations during the Army Commanders' Conference. Different uniforms and accoutrements in the Indian Army have traditionally represented specific arms, regiments, and services, fostering a s...

On May 9, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), was arrested outside the Islamabad High Court by paramilitary rangers. And after 50 hours of his arrest, the Pakistan Supreme Court declared the arrest illegal. However, Khan’s arrest led to unprecedented protests between Khan's supporters and the police, resulting in six deaths and numerous injuries acr...

Amidst the spotlight of a momentous event, the Indian Army's commissioning of five women in their Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Rekha Singh's extraordinary story shines through. Overcoming tragedy, Singh's unwavering determination after losing her husband, Naik Deepak Singh, during the Galwan clash has set her on a path to honor his legacy. On June 15, 2020, Naik Deepak Singh was killed in action...

Two recent events have thrust India's security into the spotlight, raising important inquiries. The first incident involved a Naxal attack that claimed the lives of ten District Reserve Guard (DRG) personnel and their driver in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, a terrorist assault orchestrated by seven individuals from Pakistani nationalist groups resulte...

Def-Savvy Abhishek Bhalla and Dev Goswami discuss the controversial nature of "encounter killings" and "shoot-outs, exploring the history of the term, including its glorification by the press during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Abhishek also shares his own experiences covering the 2008 Batla House encounter. The conversation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in law...

The incident at the military station in Bathinda has left the nation reeling with shock and grief. The lack of clarity surrounding the events raised more questions than answers, making it one of the most intriguing and mysterious incidents in recent times. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and there was no confirmation on whether the perpetrators were army personnel or civilians. How...

The renaming of these places in Arunachal Pradesh is not a new development, as China has been making territorial claims over the region for several decades. However, this recent move by China is seen as a provocative and aggressive action, as it not only challenges India's sovereignty over the region but also threatens to escalate tensions between the two countries. In this episode, "Def-Savvy ''...

What was the messaging of the exercise ? What’s the experience in an airstrike exercise? Why does Abhishek call it “vague”? What was the larger aim of this exercise? The grouping of these nations, how is that determined? And what are the few interesting things that Abhishek lists, which he says, the Indian airforce wont state out officially, tune in to know!

In the latest edition of "In Our Defence," the show's host, Dev Goswami, and "Def-Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla continue their conversation with special guest Major Samar Toor, a decorated veteran with extensive experience serving in Siachen, South Sudan, and during the conflict in Kashmir. Major Toor describes the challenges of operating in a war-torn environment in South Sudan, where everything and eve...

In celebration of the 50th episode of "In Our Defence," the show's host, Dev Goswami, and "Def-Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla are joined by special guest Major Samar Toor. With extensive experience serving in Siachen, South Sudan, and during the conflict in Kashmir, Major Toor offers unique insights into the cultural dynamics of the Indian army. In the first part of the discussion, the trio engages in a t...

Abhishek Bhalla, the “Def-Savvy” national bureau head of India Today TV, is back after spending a day on-board INS Vikrant. The development of the indigenous aircraft carrier comes as a big shot in the arm for India’s fledgling defence manufacturing industry. With INS Vikrant, India joins a club of select nations that possess the wherewithal to build their own aircraft carriers. On this episode of...

On February 26, 2019, fighter jets of the Indian Air Force bombed a terrorist camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The Balakot airstrike – as the operation came to be known – was the first time since the 1971 war that Indian warplanes attacked a target inside Pakistan. The cross-border bombing raid was in response to the February 14, 2019 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The alr...

In the latest episode of "In Our Defence," Dev Goswami, the show's host, and "Def-Savvy" Abhishek Bhalla, the national bureau chief, delve into the pressing need for cybersecurity. Abhishek's recent visit to Israel's CyberTech Global conference, a prestigious gathering of delegates from across the world, provides the perfect backdrop for this insightful conversation. The duo explores why cybersecu...

As Feb 14 marks the fourth anniversary of the gruesome Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF members, we bring you a detailed and insightful discussion with Lt. Gen KJS. Tiny Dhillon, who played a critical role in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack in February 2019. Listen to the full discussion with him and Abhishek Bhalla on the attack, Kashmir After 370, his Twitter entry sag...