Kolhapur (Mahrashtra) :Reiterating that India’s security landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past 12 years in PM Narendra Modi’s tenure, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said security agencies have established dominance over terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and peace has returned to large parts of North-East.

Addressing a public rally in Ichalkaranji in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district, Shah said regions that were once affected by violence and instability have witnessed substantial improvements in the security situation.

He said the Centre’s policies and the efforts of security forces had helped curb terrorism in Kashmir, while peace had returned to large parts of the North-East.

Shah also stated that the decades-old challenge of Left-wing extremism had been largely overcome.

The union Home Minister said that stability has been strengthened across several regions of the country, including Ladakh, Punjab and the North-East, as a result of sustained security and development initiatives undertaken by the Narendra Modi government.

Highlighting the government’s focus on defence preparedness, Shah said India’s armed forces have been modernised and equipped with indigenous capabilities.

He noted that the country, which once relied heavily on imports for defence requirements, is now manufacturing advanced military equipment, including missiles, under the push for self-reliance.

The senior BJP leader also referred to key political decisions taken during the Modi government’s tenure, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Shah said the Prime Minister had simultaneously focused on strengthening the cooperative sector and promoting technological and scientific advancements. Referring to India’s space achievements, he said the successful landing of Chandrayaan near the Moon’s south pole demonstrated the country’s growing capabilities in space exploration.

On welfare measures, the home minister said farmers have received direct financial assistance through central government schemes.

He said funds have been transferred directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries under various programmes aimed at supporting the agricultural sector.

Shah also highlighted the creation of dedicated institutional mechanisms for cooperatives and dairy development, saying these initiatives have contributed to strengthening rural economies.

Marking more than 12 years of the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, Shah said the BJP would continue working towards Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He expressed confidence that the NDA would continue receiving public support in the years ahead

New Delhi, Srinagar: A high-level team of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) led by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is likely to visit Jammu and Kashmir regions for two-days on June 20 and 21 to assess preparedness especially security arrangements for forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3.
Quoting sources media reports said that the team will comprise heads of paramilitary forces, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and Intelligence Bureau and other key wings of the MHA. “Officers will review security arrangements for 57-day-long yatra in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. The MHA meeting in Jammu is expected on June 20 followed by a similar meeting in Kashmir division on June 21,” sources added.
Pertinently, on June 12 Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi to review security preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. He directed the top security brass to focus on ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage for devotees. “Safety of pilgrims remains the top priority of the PM Modi-led government,” Shah said.
The Union Home Minister directed officials to put in place a comprehensive, multi-layered security grid along the Yatra routes through close coordination between Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security agencies.
Shah laid emphasis on integrating modern technology with traditional security mechanisms.
During the meeting officials were directed to ensure extensive deployment of drones, CCTV surveillance, and advanced monitoring systems to further strengthen situational awareness and threat response capabilities.
The Home Minister also instructed that senior officers from CAPFs and the Jammu and Kashmir Police be deployed at key camp locations to maintain continuous oversight of arrangements on the ground throughout the duration of the Yatra.
Apart from the Yatra routes, HM Shah asked officials to ensure enhanced security arrangements at other major tourist locations across Jammu and Kashmir so that visiting pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year to the Himalayan shrine, is set to commence on July 3, with authorities working to ensure tight security and smooth management amid challenging terrain and weather conditions

In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh said Indian citizens were closely watching whether Modi would firmly convey India’s concerns during his upcoming interaction with the US President, whom he described as the Prime Minister’s “self-declared good friend.”

“Prime Minister Modi is set to meet his self-declared good friend President Donald Trump shortly,” Ramesh wrote. “The question that is uppermost on the minds of all Indian citizens is whether PM Modi will raise (i) India’s strongest condemnation to the killing of three Indian sailors in a US attack on a ship off the Oman Coast; and (ii) the threatening and really unacceptable language used by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on June 12, 2026.”

The Congress leader also targeted the Modi government’s handling of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, noting that US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is expected to visit India soon to advance discussions on a bilateral trade agreement.

Ramesh recalled that the framework for what he described as an interim trade agreement had been announced by President Trump on February 3, 2026, and alleged that the arrangement involved significant concessions by India.

“The ‘framework for an Interim Agreement regarding reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade’ was announced by President Trump — on what he said was at the specific request of PM Modi,” Ramesh said. He further claimed that the agreement was reached when the Prime Minister was facing criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Parliament over the government’s approach towards China.

According to Ramesh, the proposed trade arrangement posed risks to India’s agricultural and industrial sectors. “The ‘deal’ which was more like a steal saw the Modi Government unilaterally make enormous concessions that threaten our farmers and industries,” he alleged.

The Congress general secretary also referred to developments in the United States, claiming that some countries had reconsidered trade arrangements linked to the tariff regime introduced by the Trump administration after legal challenges to those tariffs.

He accused the Modi government of remaining silent despite what he described as growing concerns over the trade negotiations and alleged commitments regarding increased imports from the United States.

“The Modi Government has not only failed to renounce this trade deal which endangers the futures of crores of India’s farmers but has instead sat mute and helpless while Secretary of State Rubio has proclaimed that the Modi Government has committed to purchasing $500 billion in US goods over the next five years — effectively doubling our annual US imports,” Ramesh said.

Calling for a tougher response from New Delhi, the Congress leader argued that the government should postpone the proposed visit of the US Trade Representative in light of recent diplomatic developments and ongoing concerns surrounding the trade agreement.

“In light of the Rubio-Jaishankar interaction, the US Supreme Court’s overturning of President Trump’s tariff system, and the patent unfairness of the trade deal, the least India must do is to put off the visit of the U.S. Trade Representative,” he said.

Ramesh further asserted that India must take stronger steps to defend its sovereignty and national interests. “Any self-respecting nation will do more than mere phone calls and press statements to defend its sovereignty against bullies,” he wrote.

The remarks add to the Congress party’s escalating criticism of the Modi government’s handling of relations with the United States following the deaths of three Indian sailors in an American military action near Oman. Over the past several days, Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have questioned the government’s response to the incident, accused it of failing to adequately defend India’s sovereignty, and demanded greater transparency and accountability regarding both the deaths of the seafarers and the broader trajectory of India-US relations. UNI

‎In a series of posts on X marking 12 years of his government at the Centre, Modi highlighted the achievements of his administration and reiterated its commitment to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

‎“Dedication and a spirit of service towards nation-building have been our invaluable assets. It is through continuous efforts over the past 12 years, inspired by the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with All, Development for All), that today we are moving towards a strong and self-reliant India,” the Prime Minister said.

‎In another post, Modi said his government’s journey over the past 12 years has been centred on trust, development and the welfare of citizens.

‎“Our government’s past 12 years have been dedicated to trust, development, and public welfare. Guided by the blessings of 1.4 billion Indians and the spirit of ‘Nation First,’ we have left no stone unturned in empowering our youth, women, and farmer brothers and sisters,” he said.

‎The Prime Minister credited his government’s initiatives across sectors for enhancing India’s global standing and transforming the country’s development landscape.

‎“It is the result of our relentless efforts that the country has gained a new identity across the world today, from infrastructure development to the digital revolution,” Modi said, adding that the government would continue to work towards realizing the goal of a developed India.

‎“We will continue to move forward on this path of service, good governance, and prosperity to realize the vision of a Developed India,” he said.

‎The remarks came as the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance completed 12 years in power at the Centre, a period during which the Modi government has frequently highlighted achievements in infrastructure expansion, welfare delivery, digital governance, financial inclusion, manufacturing and economic reforms. The government has also made the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” a central theme of its policy agenda, aiming to transform India into a developed nation by the centenary of Independence.

Lucknow : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that the Indian Navy maintained strategic pressure on Pakistan during ‘Operation Sindoor,’ ensuring the neighboring country’s naval forces were locked down during the conflict.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Nausena Shaurya Vatika—an open-air naval museum in Lucknow—Singh highlighted the Navy’s crucial role following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 civilian lives. In response to that attack, Indian armed forces had launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7 last year, striking terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

During his address, the Defence Minister said “The Navy remained deployed with full operational readiness in the Arabian Sea and exerted continuous pressure on the adversary,” Singh said. “As a consequence, Pakistan’s naval assets largely remained confined to their ports.”

Singh, who was joined by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, explained that the inland museum aims to boost public awareness about how maritime security directly impacts India’s economy, trade, and energy interests. He noted:

“The security of the oceans is linked to the prosperity of every citizen. Sailors who protect India’s maritime interests come from all parts of the country, including inland regions,” he said.

A major attraction at the museum is the decommissioned warship INS Gomati, whose preserved components are on display. Singh also emphasized India’s significant growth in indigenous defence manufacturing and exports over the past decade, while praising Uttar Pradesh’s recent development trajectory.

New Delhi : India on Saturday rejected the latest award issued by the Court of Arbitration (CoA) on the Indus Waters Treaty dispute with Pakistan, maintaining that the tribunal had been constituted “illegally” and New Delhi doesn’t recognise its authority or jurisdiction.

Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically rejects the award issued by the so-called Court of Arbitration on May 15 regarding matters linked to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

He said India has consistently opposed the establishment of the arbitral body and considers all proceedings and decisions issued by it as “null and void”.

“The illegally constituted so-called Court of Arbitration has issued what it termed an award concerning maximum pondage supplemental to the award on issues of general interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty,” Jaiswal said.

He added that India had never recognised the constitution of the tribunal and reiterated that the country’s decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance would continue.

India had earlier announced that the treaty would remain in abeyance following the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were killed.

Pertinently, the Indus Waters Treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 with the mediation of the World Bank, governs the sharing of waters of the Indus river system between the two countries. Under the agreement, the waters of the eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — were allocated to India, while Pakistan received rights over the western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab — with certain usage provisions granted to India.

The current dispute relates to hydroelectric projects being developed by India on western rivers, including the Kishanganga and Ratle projects, which Pakistan has challenged under the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanism.

India has maintained that disputes under the treaty should first be addressed through the mechanism of a Neutral Expert, as provided under the agreement, and has objected to parallel proceedings before the Court of Arbitration constituted under the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague.

New Delhi has argued that initiating arbitration proceedings without following the agreed dispute resolution sequence amounted to a violation of the treaty provisions.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, headquartered in the Netherlands, facilitates arbitration and dispute resolution between states and international entities. India, however, has refused to participate in the proceedings related to the Indus Waters Treaty dispute

The high-intensity Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast that rocked the national capital on 10th November 2025 had also caused extensive damage to the property.

All 10 accused, including the main perpetrator, Dr Umer Un Nabi (deceased), were linked to the organisation Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH) – an offshoot of the Al-Qaida in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), as per the charges filed before the NIA special court at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi. AQIS and all its manifestations were notified as a terrorist organisation by the Ministry of Home Affairs in June 2018.

The charge sheet has been filed under relevant sections of the UA(P) Act 1967, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, Explosive Substances Act 1908, Arms Act 1959, and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act 1984.

Charges against Pulwama-based Dr Umer Un Nabi (deceased), an ex-Assistant Professor of Medicine at Al-Falah University in Faridabad (Haryana), have been proposed to be abated. Apart from Dr Nabi, others named in the chargesheet are: Aamir Rashid Mir, Jasir Bilal Wani, Dr. Muzamil Shakeel, Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather, Dr. Shaheen Saeed, Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay, Soyab, Dr Bilal Naseer Malla, and Yasir Ahmad Dar.

The chargesheet is based on an extensive investigation spread across the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the Delhi NCR region. It includes detailed evidence in the form of 588 oral testimonies, more than 395 documents, and over 200 seized material exhibits.

The NIA, which has unravelled a major Jehadi conspiracy through detailed scientific and forensic investigation, has found the accused, some of whom were radicalised medical professionals, to have been inspired by AQIS/AGuH ideology to carry out the deadly attack.

At a clandestine meeting in Srinagar in 2022, the accused had reconstituted the AGuH terror outfit as “AGuH Interim” following a failed Hizrat to Afghanistan via Turkey. Under the umbrella of the newly constituted outfit, they had launched “Operation Heavenly Hind,” aimed at overthrowing the democratically established Indian Government and imposing Sharia rule.

The NIA investigation revealed that, as part of the Operation Heavenly Hind, the accused had recruited new members, actively propagated the violent Jehadi ideology of AGuH, stockpiled arms and ammunition, and manufactured explosives on a large scale using commercially available chemicals. The accused had also fabricated and tested various types of IEDs, NIA found during its investigation in the case.

The explosive used in the blast was Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), which was manufactured by the accused, clandestinely procuring constituent ingredients and conducting experiments to perfect the explosive mixture.

The NIA, which had taken over the investigation from the Delhi Police, had established the identity of the deceased accused as Dr. Umer Un Nabi through DNA fingerprinting.

Evidence collected from the scene of the crime, as well as various locations identified by the accused in and around the Al Falah University in Faridabad, as well as Jammu & Kashmir, was subjected to thorough forensic examination, voice analysis, etc, as part of the investigation.

The NIA probe had further revealed that the accused had also been involved in illegal procurement of prohibited arms, including an AK-47 rifle, a Krinkov rifle, and country-made pistols with live ammunition. They had experimented with rocket and drone-mounted IEDs to target security establishments in the state of Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of India.

It was also revealed during the investigation that the accused procured laboratory equipment, including specialised items like MMO Anode, electric circuits, and switches from various offline and online sources. The accused also had plans to expand their operations in other parts of the country, which were foiled by the busting of the terror module.

A total of 11 people have so far been arrested in the case, in which NIA is continuing with its efforts to track absconders whose role had surfaced during the investigation.