India has finalized a major ₹63,000 crore agreement with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M fighter jets, enhancing its maritime strength significantly. This government-to-government deal, signed on Monday, includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater trainer variants, with delivery expected by 2031.

The deal not only covers the procurement of the jets but also includes comprehensive fleet maintenance, logistical support, and training for Navy personnel. In a notable boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, indigenous manufacturing of several components will be undertaken under offset obligations.

The Rafale M, currently operated only by the French Navy, is renowned for its superior capabilities among naval fighter jets globally. It features Safran Group’s reinforced landing gear, folding wings, and a robust undercarriage designed to endure the tough conditions of carrier-based operations.

The Indian Navy plans to deploy these new Rafale-M fighters aboard its aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, replacing the ageing fleet of MiG-29K aircraft. This move is expected to significantly bolster India’s maritime defense capabilities, especially amid rising security challenges in the Indian Ocean region.

In December, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi emphasized a strategic shift to “negate” any infringement in India’s operational areas, highlighting the preparedness to counter threats from neighboring regions.

India’s Air Force, which already operates 36 Rafale ‘C’ variant jets from northern bases, will also benefit indirectly through upgrades to systems like the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refueling capability, allowing fighter jets to stay airborne for extended missions.

Looking ahead, the Navy is also progressing toward the induction of indigenous fifth-generation, twin-engine deck-based fighters, being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These fighters will complement the Air Force’s upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), further strengthening India’s air and maritime security architecture.

In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered an emotional speech in the state Assembly, underscoring the collective grief and resilience of the nation. Reading out the names and states of all 26 victims, he said the entire country — from Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, and Kashmir to Kerala — has been touched by this tragedy.

The National Conference leader asserted that the Valley stood united against terrorism, calling the event a potential “beginning of the end” of such violence in the region. Abdullah acknowledged the bravery of the local people, many of whom rushed to assist the injured tourists during the attack.

Opposition and ruling parties join hands in rare solidarity

In a remarkable moment of unity, Opposition leaders, including BJP’s Sunil Sharma, praised Omar Abdullah’s swift and composed response. An all-party meeting was convened, and a special Assembly session was organized, reflecting a bipartisan resolve against terror.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the inability to protect the tourists, stating that though security is not under the elected government’s control, as the host and tourism minister, the responsibility ultimately lay with him. “I had no words to apologise to the victims’ families,” Abdullah said, recounting heartbreaking stories of survivors, including a newly-widowed Navy officer’s wife.

Strong condemnation of terrorists and call for public trust

Omar Abdullah sharply criticised the terrorists, questioning their claim of acting on behalf of the people of Kashmir. “None of us is with this attack,” he declared, emphasizing the collective rejection of violence by Kashmiris.

Highlighting an unprecedented reaction, he noted that from Kathua to Kupwara, people spontaneously protested against the attack, sending a strong “Not in my name” message. This, he said, is a beacon of hope and a vital sign that lasting peace can be achieved if public trust remains strong.

Tribute to local heroes and calls for cautious optimism

Paying tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator who sacrificed his life protecting tourists, Abdullah hailed the courage shown by many locals. From offering free food to providing transport and shelter, countless Kashmiris extended their support to the victims without expecting anything in return.

While acknowledging that some Kashmiri students faced problems in other parts of the country following the attack, Abdullah also expressed gratitude towards state governments that managed to control tensions effectively.

With his heartfelt address, Omar Abdullah called for cautious optimism, urging the administration to act wisely and foster the people’s spontaneous solidarity into a sustained movement against militancy.

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels, which together had a subscriber base of around 63 million. The Union Home Ministry recommended the action, citing concerns over the spread of inflammatory and misleading narratives that could disturb communal harmony.

The list of banned platforms features prominent Pakistani media organizations such as Dawn, ARY News, Bol News, Geo News, Raftar, Samaa TV, and Suno News. Additionally, personal YouTube channels run by journalists including Irshad Bhatti, Asma Shirazi, Umar Cheema, and Muneeb Farooq were also taken down. Channels like The Pakistan Reference, Samaa Sports, Uzair Cricket, and Razi Naama have also been restricted.

Authorities have accused these channels of circulating misinformation, spreading false narratives about India’s armed forces and security agencies, and provoking tensions following the tragedy in which 25 tourists and a local Kashmiri citizen lost their lives to terrorist gunfire.

Users trying to visit these YouTube pages in India are now greeted with a message indicating the content is blocked in the country due to government orders concerning national security or public order. Further details are available on Google’s Transparency Report portal.

India strengthens diplomatic response

Following the Pahalgam incident, India has taken a tougher diplomatic stand against Pakistan. New Delhi has put a hold on the Indus Waters Treaty and suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals. Meanwhile, Islamabad has responded by suggesting it might review other bilateral agreements, including the historic Simla Agreement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation, vowed that those behind the attack would face unprecedented consequences. Emphasizing the resilience of India’s spirit, he declared that the willpower of 140 crore citizens would defeat terrorism and dismantle any remaining terror safe havens.

He remarked, “This brutal attack was not merely an assault on tourists but an attack on India’s very soul. The time has come to wipe out what remains of the terrorist infrastructure.”

BBC cautioned over controversial Kashmir coverage

Meanwhile, the Indian government has also conveyed a strong objection to BBC over its reporting related to the Pahalgam attack. Officials objected to a headline that read, “Pakistan suspends visas for Indians after deadly Kashmir attack on tourists,” arguing it could mislead readers about the nature of the attack.

India’s External Publicity Division has formally expressed displeasure to BBC India’s chief, Jackie Martin. Additionally, a letter was sent criticizing BBC’s usage of terms such as “militants” instead of “terrorists” when referring to the perpetrators. Sources said India’s monitoring of BBC’s future reportage would be intensified.