Category Archives: World Opinion

CSIR collab with Australian agency to purify mineral ores critical to aerospace and solar technology

They are to be investigating the recovery of titanium dioxide and vanadium-bearing titanium minerals of Indian origin.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) has signed a research agreement with Australia’s national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to work with critical minerals.

They will investigate the recovery of titanium dioxide and vanadium-bearing titanium minerals of Indian origin. These minerals are critical to aerospace and solar technology.

Director, CSIR-IMMT Dr Ramanuj Narayan said: “The project aims to develop CSIRO’s innovative titanium and vanadium processing technology for extracting titanium and vanadium from ilmenite and vanadiferous magnetite ores which are abundant in India and Australia.”

He said, “India focuses on space technology, solar and electric vehicle motors. To excel in these fields, one needs to explore the critical minerals essential in these sectors. Titanium and vanadium are classified as critical minerals in both India and Australia. Titanium is widely used in metal alloys, while vanadium is also a key component in redox flow batteries, which are rechargeable and well-suited for large-scale energy storage.”

Dr Narayan said: “We stress on the beneficiation (the process of treating ore or similar material from the earth to improve its quality and make it suitable for further processing, typically by removing unwanted materials and concentrating valuable minerals process). Odisha has rich deposits of low-grade iron ore and coal. We still depend on Australia for coal. Through value addition, we can turn them into high-grade iron and coal.”

The project will advance the processing of Indian origin ores, potentially unlocking India’s vast titanium deposits — the third-largest in the world — while complementing CSIRO’s ongoing research on Australia deposits.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

Inventors from Hyderabad-based LVPEI get Australian patent for potential therapy to treat damaged corneas

Two inventors from L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) in Hyderabad have been granted an Australian patent for a cell therapy that can be used to repair damaged corneas from a variety of corneal diseases. However, the therapy needs more validation before it is used on patients.

The two inventors who were granted the patent are Sayan Basu and Vivek Singh. Dr. Basu is a corneal surgeon and a clinician-scientist at LVPEI. He is the Prof. D Balasubramanian Chair of Eye Research at the Brien Holden Eye Research Centre (BHERC); and the Director of the Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE) at LVPEI. Dr. Vivek Singh is a scientist at the Sudhakar and Sreekanth Ravi Stem Cell Biology Laboratory and Centre for Ocular Regeneration (CORE), LVPEI.

Clinical trials underway

“The patent is granted for the advanced cell compositions comprising limbal epithelial and stromal cells for treating and preventing corneal diseases, along with their production methods and therapeutic applications. The therapy was previously granted a patent by the Patent Office, Government of India , for a period of 20 years in accordance with the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970. Government of India approved clinical trials are also under way. It will need more validation before it is available for patient use,” as per a press release issued on Thursday (March 13, 2025).

What is a cornea?

Cornea is a dome-shaped, transparent outer layer of an eye which protects it from debris and more. It filters ultraviolet light.

How do corneas get scarred?

Corneal scarring happens when the cornea is damaged and turns opaque due to infection or accidents. Corneal blindness is a major cause of blindness and vision impairment, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Current and potential treatments:

Most forms of corneal blindness currently require corneal transplants, which are complex and require lifelong management. This patented composition has the potential to offer a viable alternative to transplants that uses either the person’s own, or donor corneal stem cells to repopulate the corneal surface with healthy, clear cells, as per the press release. 

Dr. Sayan Basu said, “If the clinical trials are successful, this cell-based therapy could revolutionise the treatment of various corneal pathologies.”

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The Invincibles: Unbeaten India roll past New Zealand to bring home Champions Trophy

At times, Rohit Sharma can appear too relaxed, even eccentrically so. “Tension mat lo, ho jaayega (Don’t be tense, we’ll do it),” has been his favourite message to teammates ahead of every crucial game.

Over two years, two ICC trophies — the T20 World Cup in 2024, on Sunday night, the Champions title. And don’t forget barging into the World Cup finals in November 2023. Something about Indian white ball cricket brimmeth over; it’s likely joy off multiple cups.

At times, Rohit Sharma can appear too relaxed, even eccentrically so. “Tension mat lo, ho jaayega (Don’t be tense, we’ll do it),” has been his favourite message to teammates ahead of every crucial game.

As the cricketing world kept speculating on his form and future in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, Rohit had shown little sign of being flustered. He shut out the “outside noise” and kept his focus on the team’s performance.

When Gautam Gambhir was quizzed about Rohit’s inconsistent form ahead of Sunday’s final, the head coach strongly backed his captain. “You evaluate from the stats, we evaluate from the impact,” he shot back.

Gambhir stood vindicated at the Dubai International Stadium as Rohit showed India the way forward with his fearless batting on the day it mattered most.

As fireworks lit up the skyline after the four-wicket victory, Rohit had a I-told-you-so look.

The ghost of Motera from 16 months ago seemed banished. Rohit’s men can now bask in the glory of the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy victories, shedding the disappointment of losing the ODI World Cup final to Australia.

Adding to the symbolism, the victory came just a day before the 40th anniversary of India’s 1985 World Championship of Cricket triumph.

The 252-run chase was always going to be tricky, especially if wickets kept falling. Rohit set up a 105-run opening stand with Shubman Gill before three wickets within a space of 17 runs unsettled the momentum.

Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel brought some sanity with a 61-run stand before the flamboyant Hardik Pandya and cool-headed K.L. Rahul brought India to the doorstep.

Ravindra Jadeja, who hit the winning runs, reflected: “That is how it is with me.… Sometimes a hero, sometimes a zero.”

But Rohit’s contribution eclipsed all. A six off the second ball from Kyle Jamieson signalled that he was in the mood. Two boundaries and a six from Rohit’s first 11 balls, and India were off to a superb start.

Rohit, who had raced to 50 off 41 balls, lost momentum after Gill and Virat Kohli left in quick succession. From 76 off 77, he went scoreless for six balls before falling in an attempt to come down the track and lift Rachin Ravindra over the top.

The spadework, though, had been done by India’s spin quartet, especially wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.

A 50-over contest is often decided in the middle overs. Unlike Shreyas and Axar, who absorbed the pressure by quickly rotating the strike, the New Zealand batters huffed and puffed to break the shackles.

The wider spectrum of India’s varied spin attack, compared with their opponents’ steady but one-dimensional finger spin, made the difference. This was best exemplified by Kuldeep.

The day the left-arm wrist-spinner is done with cricket and decides to reflect on his most memorable dismissals, two will stand out. His castling of Babar Azam in the 2019 World Cup and his astutely-plotted dismissal of Rachin in Dubai on Sunday.

Denied much success earlier in the tournament, Kuldeep seemed to have saved his best for the last. New Zealand were threatening to put it beyond India with 69 runs in the first Powerplay (1-10) overs with Rachin and Kane Williamson in cruise control.

But Kuldeep’s wrong’un delivered the most telling blow. The googly landed slightly back of a length on the middle stump and Ravindra was cramped for room once he realised the ball had hurried off the wicket. If flicked his back leg before changing direction and hitting the top of off stump.

Kuldeep wasn’t done and removed Williamson the next over. The ball dipped and stopped on Williamson, who defended it in front of his body. It lobbed off the outer half of the blade for Kuldeep to accept the return catch to his right.

New Zealand were suddenly caught in a spin. Varun had begun the slide by removing opener Will Young but Kuldeep’s double blow had spelt disaster.

Sensing that the dry and low surface was aiding the slow bowlers, Rohit switched to four-pronged spin. The runs dried up.

Kuldeep’s accuracy was stunning as he targeted the stumps from every angle. He was the main reason that New Zealand managed a single boundary in 81 balls after Powerplay 1.

New Zealand had been wary of Varun, who had taken five wickets against them in the group league encounter. But Kuldeep proved the surprise element while Axar and Jadeja did their bit by bowling miserly spells.

The spinners sowed doubt in the batters’ minds with their drift and subtle variations in pace. But poor catching in the outfield denied India wickets, with worst-offender Gill putting down two chances.

Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips went the conservative way as the boundaries dried up. Just when Phillips was threatening to take the game to the opposition, he was undone by a Varun googly.

It was only towards the end, when the pacers came on, did the New Zealanders begin to take a few risks, with Michael Bracewell (53 off 40) using the long handle to good effect.

The statistics show how tough it was against the Indian spinners — 104 runs were scored in just 12 overs against pace while the spinners conceded 144 in 38 overs. (Leg byes accounted for the remaining 3 runs.)

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)


CIMA Awards 2025 recognises the finest in Indian art

The latest edition of the triennial ceremony was held at Taj Bengal on February 1.

A little over three decades ago, 43, Ashutosh Chowdhury Avenue became the hub of Kolkata’s arts scene, with the establishment of the Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA). Since 1993, CIMA has become a cornerstone for bridging the gap between the world’s best creative minds and Kolkata.

February 1 saw the organisation celebrating the pinnacle of Indian art at Taj Bengal, with the CIMA Awards 2025, in association with The Telegraph Online. My Kolkata was in the audience.

CIMA director and managing trustee of the Art & Heritage Foundation, Rakhi Sarkar, gave the introductory speech for the triennial ceremony. “The CIMA Awards are the apple of our eye, acquainting us with the creative strength of young India. The awardees have been selected while maintaining the highest standards of originality and excellence, given how uniqueness and experimentation blend seamlessly at CIMA.”

The awards received more than 210 submissions by 200 artists from 22 Indian states. A jury selection jury comprised veterans, like Indrapramit Roy, Kunal Basu, Alka Pande and Shreyasi Chatterjee shortlisted the best paintings, sculptures, graphics, installations and new media. These shortlisted artworks are being exhibited at the Academy of Fine Arts (January 31 – February 18) and CIMA Art Gallery (January 31 – February 28).

“We especially looked for artworks that made us think. Art that doesn’t offend or ask questions, can’t be called art,” said Roy.

Pande added, “The CIMA Awards are a fantastic springboard for these artists to get visibility.” Basu further remarked, “We have such a diverse country, with many different Indias living within India. We can confidently say that all the works exhibited by CIMA reflect all of India.”

February 1 saw 12 big winners, along with two special awardees. While Pankaj Shah and Minakumari Raste were presented with the Sarbani Kar Lifetime Achievement Award for pioneering craft in Kutch, Birla Academy of Art & Culture was felicitated as a distinguished art institution of India. “While we weren’t comfortable with recognition, Rakhiji felt that our work could inspire others in the craft sector. We want to bring forward India’s traditional arts and crafts to the global stage, and provide due credit to the artisans who work behind the scenes to make this happen,” smiled Shah. “This award wouldn’t have been possible without my parents, who started this initiative as a private collection in their home, and then grew it into an academy,” beamed Mohta.

Supriyo Manna emerged as the winner of the CIMA Award 2025, for his moving piece titled, ‘The Harvest of Trust’. Chandan Bez Baruah was declared the first runner-up, while Sougata Das and Kalpana Vishwas jointly won the second runners-up award.

The evening’s vote of thanks was delivered by CIMA’s chief administrator, Pratiti Basu Sarkar. “The participation of these artists is what determines the quality of The CIMA Awards. The jury ensured impartiality and showed great commitment to art. All that CIMA is, comes from our great team,” she said.

source/content: telegraphindia.com (headline edited)

India leads in Global South’s response to AI and automation: Report

The GLMC’s report “Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering skills in a dynamic global labour market” emphasises India’s key role in the Global South’s response to AI and automation.

As ministers, academics and experts gather in the Saudi Arabian capital to discuss the challenges facing the global labour market, a report has positioned India as the leader in the Global South’s response to disruptions such artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.

The Global Labour Market Conference (GLMC), a flagship event of the Saudi government, has attracted participants from some 150 countries, including International Labour Organization (ILO) director-general Gilbert Houngbo and representatives of leading Indian players such as Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to discuss practical strategies for the sustainability of labour markets.

The GLMC’s report “Navigating Tomorrow: Mastering skills in a dynamic global labour market” emphasises India’s key role in the Global South’s response to AI and automation and says the country’s workers have been frontrunners in skill development and technological adaptation.

The report, which focuses on technological advancements, demographic shifts and climate change as factors reshaping employment trends across 14 countries, including India, states more than 70% of Indian professionals actively seek opportunities to upskill, making the country a global leader in technological adaptation.

While global trust in governments to support upskilling remains low at 20%, Indian respondents (31%) and Saudi Arabia respondents (35%) showed significantly higher confidence in their governments. The figures for the US (15%) and the UK (12%) were lower.

The urgency to reskill because of technological advancements is a concern among Indian professionals, with 55% fearing their skills could become partially or fully obsolete within five years. This places India in line with similar concerns expressed by 61% in Brazil and 60% in China, compared to lower levels in developed markets such as the UK (44%) and Australia (43%).

Several sessions at the GLMC have focused on disruptions caused in the global and regional labour markets by AI and the need for new strategies and training programmes to deal with these challenges. In his opening address at the conference on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s human resources minister Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi emphasised the need for “bold steps” to respond to emerging challenges.

“The world is witnessing rapid technological advancement, fundamental demographic changes and emerging issues such as climate adaptation. These developments require us to take proactive and bold steps to prepare humanity for the future,” Al-Rajhi said.

Al-Rajhi announced a key initiative – the launch of the Riyadh- based Global Labour Market Academy in partnership with the World Bank – to provide policymakers worldwide, especially in middle and low-income countries, with tools to implement effective labour market reforms.

“Our vision remains clear and our goals steadfast to work together to build a flexible and inclusive labour market that can adapt to future challenges and changes efficiently and effectively,” he said.

West Asian countries are key for the Indian labour force as they host nine million expatriates. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) each are home to almost three million Indians, including blue collar workers engaged in construction and a growing number of professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, medicine, architecture and services.

The GLMC’s report also noted that climate change has spurred upskilling or reskilling in India, with 32% of respondents identifying it as a factor influencing their reskilling decisions in the next five years.

However, barriers to upskilling or reskilling remain consistent globally, with Indian respondents citing lack of time (40%) and financial constraints (38%) as primary challenges. This was in line with patterns in Brazil, where 43% reported lack of time and 39% financial constraints, and South Africa, where 45% and 42% respectively cited these barriers.

The report said India’s proactive stance on upskilling (55%) for the next five years contrasted with trends in more developed markets such as the US (51%), UK (44%), and Australia (49%), where fewer workers reported an urgency to reskill due to technological change. Also, 26% of Indian respondents expressed anxiety about job automation, showing a more optimistic outlook compared to 36% in China, which led as the “most technologically anxious market”.

(The author Rezaul H Laskar , is in Riyadh at the invitation of the Saudi Arabian government.)

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

India’s Gongadi Trisha scripts history; becomes first centurion in the history of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup

Right-handed batter Gongadi Trisha scripted history as she became the first centurion in the history of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. 

Right-handed batter Gongadi Trisha scripted history as she became the first centurion in the history of Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. On Tuesday, the youngster smashed a ton off just 53 balls in India’s Super Six clash against Scotland at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

She eventually remained unbeaten on 110 off just 59 balls. Her innings was studded with 13 fours and 4 sixes. She and Sanika Chalke powered India to a commanding total of 208/1 in the allotted twenty overs.

Earlier, Scotland had won the toss and opted to field. India openers Kamalini G and Trisha Gongadi started the innings with a bang, hitting boundaries constantly. The duo put on 67 runs in the powerplay.

The opening batters put on a stand of 147 runs for the first wicket. Kamalini eventually lost her wicket in the 14th over of the innings as she walked back to the hut after scoring 51 off 42 balls.

The opening stand of 147 runs is the highest partnership for any wicket in the ongoing Women’s U19 T20 World Cup.

Sanika Chalke also remained unbeaten on 29 as India posted more than 200 runs on the board.

India register a commanding 150-run win

Aayushi Shukla, Vaishnavi Sharma and Gongadi Trisha took all the ten wickets between themselves to bundle out Scotland for 58 inside 14 overs.

Aayushi took four wickets, while Vaishnavi and Trisha took three wickets each. For Scotland, opening batters Pippy Kelly and Emma Walsingham were the only ones who seemed cut out to handle the pressure situation.

The rest of the batters collapsed in quick succession, and India ultimately registered a comprehensive win. Gongadi Trisha was adjudged as Player of the Match for her perfect all-round effort.

India have already qualified for the semi-finals and the defending champions will play their semi-final on Friday, January 31.

The final of the tournament is scheduled for Sunday, February 2.

source/content: hindustantimes.com / Crickit by HT (headline edited)

Indian Navy completes hydrographic survey of 25,000 sq. nautical miles of Mauritius

The fair sheet of the hydrographic survey were formally handed over to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool by High Commissioner of India to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava at a formal ceremony on Thursday.

The Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak completed the final phase of the hydrographic survey of Mauritius covering an extensive area of over 25,000 square nautical miles. The fair sheet of the hydrographic survey, along with newly prepared nautical charts and survey equipment were formally handed over to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool by High Commissioner of India to Mauritius Anurag Srivastava at a formal ceremony on Thursday (January 23, 2025).

“The creation of a new nautical chart will enable Mauritius to develop its maritime infrastructure, resource management and coastal development planning. This milestone event reflects the enduring partnership between India and Mauritius in fostering maritime development and regional cooperation,” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

In addition, Captain Tribhuvan Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Sarvekshak called on Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands, Mauritius and discussed the details of survey operations undertaken.

Indian Navy hydrographic vessels regularly assist various countries in hydrographic surveys of their exclusive economic zones (EEZs). “In line with Government of India’s SAGAR initiative, the survey ships of the Indian Navy have conducted various joint survey operations with friendly foreign nations covering an area of 89,000 sq. km. in the last five years and have produced 96 charts,” the Navy said on June 21 last year when World Hydrography Day is observed.

The Navy has also assisted them by capacity building and knowledge sharing. These efforts are undertaken by indigenously built survey ships mapping the vast Indian Ocean Region.

On the bilateral front, India and Mauritius have extensive defence cooperation spanning various domains. Mauritius has an International Liaison Officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre for Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) located in Gurugram. Mauritius also hosts radar centres that are part of India’s joint coastal radar surveillance system. Mauritius Police Force operates two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)-MkIII and one Dornier Do-228 aircraft built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

India has significantly scaled up its capacity building assistance to littoral states in the Indian Ocean as part of efforts to augment their national capacities. There has also been a particular focus on increasing defence exports in the last few years.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Kho Kho World Cup: After women, Indian men’s team also crowned champion

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

The Indian men’s team beat Nepal 54-36 in the final to win the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup title in New Delhi on Sunday (January 19, 2025).

The Indian men’s team title came after the women’s side were also crowned the champions after defeating Nepal in the final.

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap leading from the front.

Attacking first, an exceptional sky dive by Ramji Kashyap got Nepal’s Suraj Pujara. Suyash Gargate then touched Bharat Sahu to give India a great start with 10 points in just four minutes.

Sky dives were the name of the game for the Men in Blue, and this ensured a bright start for the side in Turn 1, preventing the Dream Run for their opponents. At the end of the turn, the scoreline was 26-0 in favour of the Indians.

In Turn 2, Nepal were not able to match India’s levels but did prevent the home side from going on a single Dream Run.

Aditya Ganpule and skipper Pratik Waikar carried the team through this turn, and despite regular touches from the likes of Janak Chand and Suraj Pujara, India carried a 26-18 lead into the second half of the clash.

India were in their stride in Turn 3, displaying unwavering confidence throughout. Captain Pratik Waikar shone on the mat with multiple sky dives, and with the support of Ramji Kashyap, another star of the tournament.

Aditya Ganpule was also at his finest, and the home team’s collective effort took the score to 54-18 entering the final turn of the match – and the tournament.

Nepal fought hard in Turn 4 in their bid to come back against India. But the defenders, once again led by Pratik Waikar and Sachin Bhargo proved too strong. Mehul and Suman Barman were equally impressive.

India showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, beginning with convincing victories over Brazil, Peru and Bhutan in the group stages. Their momentum continued through the knockout rounds, where they outclassed Bangladesh in the quarterfinals before overcoming a strong South African side in the semifinals.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Kho Kho World Cup: Indian women’s team crowned champion

Indian women’s team wins with a dominant 78-40 victory over Nepal, showcasing speed and skill.

The Indian women’s team emerged as champion in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup with a dominant 78-40 victory in the summit clash against Nepal here on Sunday (January 19, 2025).

On a memorable night at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium here, India produced a masterclass of speed, strategy and skill, dishing out a clinical show.

A brisk start marked Turn 1 as the Indian attackers took charge of the proceedings. Three batches in the Nepal women were out by simple touches on 7 occasions, putting 14 points to India’s kitty.

Skipper Priyanka Ingle was in the best form with multiple touch points to her name, as the hosts started off in an excellent manner. This was enough to take the Women in Blue to 34 points and preventing a single Dream Run for the Nepal team.

Manmati Dhami got Vaishnavi Pawar, and B. Samjhana eliminated Priyanka Ingle, but B. Chaithra took India’s first batch of Turn 2 into the Dream Run.

It wasn’t for long, though, as Dipa completed the ‘All Out’ just moments later. This got the side back into the game, but they only managed to score 24 points at the end of Turn 2, with an 11-point deficit at half time.

India was once again the dominant force in Turn 3, never allowing the Nepal defenders to settle in their stride. B.K. Dipa was a regular for Nepal, but it went in vain throughout, ensuring that the Indians edged closer to the trophy.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

India-U.S. joint Sonobuoy production line expected to be ready by 2027

India and the U.S. had last week announced the ‘first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production’ of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy.

The final assembly of sonobuoys from the U.S., meant for detecting submarines underwater, will be done in India and an operational production line is expected to be ready in 2027, according to the U.S. company Ultra Maritime (UM). The systems will be co-produced in India in partnership with defence public sector undertaking Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

In a significant development, India and the U.S. last week announced the “first-of-its-kind partnership on co-production” of U.S. sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy, a high-end technology that allows tracking of submarines in the deep seas and oceans. The announcement was made in the fact sheet issued at the end of U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s visit to India last week.

“Workshare will be in line with the principles of Make in India. Final assembly will be done in India. Our goal is to have an operational production line in 2027,” Ultra Maritime said in response to questions from The Hindu sent on email. “These will be U.S.-specification sonobuoys equivalent to those used on the P-8 aircraft.”

Chairman of BDL, Commodore A. Madhavarao (retd.), had stated that they are looking to set up joint production with Ultra Maritime in Vishakhapatnam.

The U.S.-based company, a world-leader in the design and production of undersea warfare capabilities, has already stated that in line with the U.S.-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) launched in May 2022, they will also pursue new sonobuoy technologies with BDL teams to optimise their acoustic performance in the unique environment of the Indian Ocean, enabling wide area search through bespoke multi-static active solutions. To a question, the company clarified that this was in addition to the initial production already envisaged.

On the future outlook, Ultra Maritime said it was working with BDL to identify opportunities for Indian suppliers to enter its global supply chain.

An Ultra Maritime statement issued last week had stated that the UM sonobuoys co-produced in India are interchangeable and interoperable between the U.S. Navy, Indian Navy and allied P-8, MH-60R and the MQ-9B Sea Guardian aircraft.

The development is of particular significance as India has over the years acquired a series of military platforms from the U.S. that are also operated by other countries in the region, especially Australia and Japan, which too are part of the Quad grouping and also hold the Malabar naval exercise. These sonobuoys are dropped from aircraft and helicopters. India is also pursuing another technology – sensors embedded on the ocean bed – and recently some progress has been made as a few Indian start-ups showcased the technology that is now undergoing trials.

As China undertakes massive expansion of its navy and also its presence in the Indian Ocean, undersea domain awareness has become critical and Indian Navy has been collaborating with countries on the region, especially the Quad group.

Indian Navy operates the P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, is inducting the MH-60R multi-role helicopters and has two MQ-9A armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems on lease. It signed a $3.5 billion contract in October 2024 for 31 MQ-9B–15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians, eight each for the Army and Air Force, with deliveries to begin from January 2029.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)