Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday alleged that a “big personality” was connected to the company linked to the plane crash that killed his uncle, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and others in Baramati last month.

Addressing reporters after holding a protest, Rohit Pawar demanded the resignation of Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu. He alleged that the minister’s party had financial links to the company involved in the crash and said he should step down from his post.

“The owner of VSR company is close to very powerful leaders. Many people in Maharashtra are connected to this. There is a clear attempt to protect VSR because some ‘big personality’ is involved in this,” Rohit Pawar said.

Demand for wider probe

The fatal aircraft accident occurred in Baramati on January 28. Following the incident, the investigation into the accidental deaths of Ajit Pawar and others was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Pune Police, considering the gravity of the case.

Rohit Pawar questioned the progress of the probe and said the public must be informed about the steps taken so far. He pointed out that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) examines technical aspects of an aviation mishap, but not possible criminal angles.

Additional Director General of Police Sunil Ramanand said the CID investigation is exploring multiple aspects, including whether there was any foul play or sabotage behind the accident, whether criminal negligence played a role, and whether there was any larger conspiracy. He added that the AAIB report would be incorporated into the CID’s findings once received.

Family voices concerns

Referring to concerns raised by family members, Rohit Pawar said that Jay Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s son, had expressed doubts on social media regarding the aircraft’s black box. Sunetra Pawar, Ajit Pawar’s wife, has sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

Speaking emotionally about his relationship with his uncle, Rohit Pawar said Ajit Pawar had guided him politically and personally. He added that Ajit Pawar had wished to reunite with Sharad Pawar and had recently spoken to him.

The CID continues its investigation, while awaiting the technical report from the AAIB.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after Islamabad declared “open war” on the Afghan Taliban government following renewed clashes along their shared border.

Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia on Friday, hours after Afghan forces attacked Pakistani border troops. The Taliban government described its cross-border assault as retaliation for earlier Pakistani airstrikes this week.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif posted on X that Islamabad’s “patience has reached its limit” and announced the launch of Operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s account

According to Taliban officials, at least three explosions were heard in Kabul. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistan also conducted strikes in Kandahar and Paktia province. There were no immediate confirmed reports of casualties in Kabul from the airstrikes.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said its forces had launched an offensive late Thursday across the border into Pakistan, claiming it was in response to deadly Pakistani airstrikes last Sunday. It claimed to have captured more than a dozen Pakistani army posts and reported that eight Afghan soldiers were killed in the land operation, with 11 others wounded.

An Afghan official in Nangarhar province said a mortar shell hit a refugee camp near the Torkham border crossing, injuring several civilians, including women. Afghan authorities later said 13 civilians were wounded in a missile strike on the camp.

Afghanistan also claimed its forces shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet and released video footage of a burning aircraft. The footage could not be independently verified.

Pakistan’s account

Pakistan’s military said it targeted Afghan military facilities in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia, allegedly destroying brigade and corps headquarters as well as ammunition and logistics installations.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the Afghan cross-border action as “unprovoked firing” and said Pakistan was giving a “strong and effective response.” He initially said two Pakistani soldiers were killed and three wounded, while 36 Afghan fighters had died.

Later, Mosharraf Ali Zaidi, spokesperson for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claimed at least 133 Afghan fighters were killed and more than 200 wounded. He denied that any Pakistani soldiers had been captured and said 27 Afghan posts were destroyed and nine fighters taken into custody.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Afghan Taliban for allegedly targeting civilians, stating that Pakistan’s armed forces had responded “befittingly” to what he termed open aggression.

Mismatch in casualty figures

Both sides have reported sharply differing casualty figures.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others captured, claiming it destroyed 19 Pakistani posts and two bases. Pakistan, however, maintained that only two of its soldiers were killed and rejected claims of captured personnel.

Exchanges of fire were also reported in the Torkham border area, with residents on both sides moving to safer locations. Pakistani police said mortars fired from Afghanistan landed in nearby villages, though no civilian casualties were reported there.

Rising regional tensions

The latest violence follows months of heightened tension between the two neighbours. Deadly clashes in October had already claimed the lives of soldiers, civilians and suspected militants.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to protect civilians and resolve differences through diplomacy, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

A Qatar-mediated ceasefire between the two countries had largely held in recent weeks, despite sporadic exchanges of fire. However, recent strikes and retaliatory actions have placed the truce under significant strain.

Pakistan has said militant violence within its territory has surged in recent years, blaming the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatist groups. Islamabad accuses the TTP of operating from inside Afghanistan, an allegation denied by both the group and Kabul.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence, trade and security cooperation, marking a significant step forward in India-Israel relations during Mr Modi’s visit to Tel Aviv.

Addressing Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Mr Modi described defence cooperation as an “important pillar” of the bilateral partnership and stressed the need for closer collaboration in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

“In today’s uncertain world, a strong defence partnership between trusted partners like India and Israel is of vital importance,” he said.

Defence deal likely on agenda

During the visit — Mr Modi’s first to Israel in nine years — discussions are expected to include a major order for Israeli-made missile systems. An official in New Delhi familiar with the matter indicated that details of the potential deal may not be publicly disclosed, as both governments are keen to keep the spotlight on broader strategic ties.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not commented on the reported missile purchase.

Israel has long been among India’s key arms suppliers. Over the years, the defence relationship has evolved into joint manufacturing projects, including drones and missile systems. Ahead of the visit, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, said both sides are working towards a more comprehensive defence and security framework that could open doors for cooperation on more sensitive projects.

Focus on trade and investment

Trade and investment featured prominently in the leaders’ discussions. Mr Modi said both governments are committed to expanding bilateral trade, boosting investment flows and promoting joint infrastructure projects.

Israeli negotiators recently travelled to India to begin formal talks on a proposed free-trade agreement, building on terms agreed in November. Such a pact could provide Israel greater access to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

According to Israel’s Economy and Industry Ministry, India is Israel’s second-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade estimated at $5 billion in 2025, excluding defence transactions.

India is also the largest buyer of Israeli defence equipment, accounting for up to 34% of Israel’s total arms exports, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Regional security and Gaza ceasefire

The visit comes amid shifting regional alliances and ongoing security challenges. Referring to last year’s ceasefire in Gaza, Mr Modi said the truce created an opportunity for closer cooperation.

He also welcomed the US-brokered peace plan for Gaza, later endorsed by the United Nations, saying it holds the promise of a just and durable peace, including progress on the Palestine issue. However, uncertainty remains over the future of the truce with Hamas, with key governance and security questions yet to be resolved.

Strategic observers note that both leaders see their countries as operating in complex neighbourhoods marked by security threats and geopolitical shifts.

Connectivity push through IMEC

Connectivity initiatives also featured in the discussions. Mr Netanyahu told the Knesset that India and Israel are working on developing a maritime and land corridor linking India to Israel’s port of Haifa and onward to Europe.

The plan builds on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor initiative unveiled in September 2023. Although the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict soon after raised concerns about the project’s future, Israeli officials have indicated that the corridor remains viable.

Haifa port, partly acquired by India’s Adani Group, is expected to play a key role as the Mediterranean endpoint of the corridor.

As India and Israel seek to reinforce strategic, economic and security ties, the visit underlines the growing convergence between New Delhi and Tel Aviv in defence, trade and regional connectivity.