Defense

Named after the historic coastal town of Malvan in Maharashtra, the warship is the first Indian naval vessel to be commissioned at Karwar and the seventh ship inducted into the Navy during the year. It is one of eight Mahe-class vessels being constructed by Cochin Shipyard Limited and incorporates more than 80 per cent indigenous content.

Hosted by the Southern Naval Command, the programme is being conducted under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 in partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces. The engagement includes 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives of four international organisations and subject-matter experts.

Under the new provisions, 50 per cent of the vacancies in these recruitment categories will be reserved for former Agniveers. The measure is intended to provide a structured employment pathway for personnel completing their term of service under the Agnipath recruitment scheme.

The IAF contingent includes experienced pilots, engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers and other specialists. India will deploy its Rafale multirole fighter aircraft, supported by C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft, which will play key combat support roles throughout the exercise.

India has taken a major step towards securing its strategic communication networks against future cyber

The commissioning ceremony will be presided over by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. Senior naval officers, representatives of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi, veterans, and other distinguished guests will also attend the event.

Addressing the Border Roads Organisation Strategic Infrastructure Conclave in New Delhi on July 16, 2026, he said modern military capability depends on the infrastructure required to move soldiers, weapons, fuel and supplies to operational areas.

Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani is understood to be preparing to present the proposed framework to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Following consideration by the Ministry of Defence, the proposal would require approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security before the new command architecture could be implemented. General Subramani assumed charge as India’s third Chief of Defence Staff in May 2026, succeeding General Anil Chauhan.

INS Mahendragiri has joined the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, also known as the Sunrise Fleet. The frigate will strengthen India’s maritime combat capabilities along the eastern seaboard and extend the Navy’s operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.