Operation Sagar Bandhu
• India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu to deliver emergency relief supplies to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka.
• First consignment was sent via INS Vikrant (aircraft carrier) and INS Udaygiri (stealth frigate).
• Part of India’s Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR policy, reaffirming support to Sri Lanka in its crisis.
• Nearly 100 people killed and many missing in Sri Lanka due to torrential rain, strong winds, and severe flooding.
• 20 of 25 districts badly hit; over 60,000 families and 2,00,000 people affected; island-wide red alert issued.
• Worst-affected areas include the Eastern coast (Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee) and Central Province (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale).
Defence Agenda: What’s Happening
During Putin’s visit, Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh and Andrey Belousov will meet (December 4, New Delhi).
Key agenda items include:
(A) S-400 Air Defence System
• India had ordered 5 S-400 units.
• 3 units already delivered.
• Remaining 2 units to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
• India is setting up a domestic Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400.
(B) Possible Acquisition of S-500
• India is exploring the possibility of acquiring Russia’s next-generation S-500 system, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles up to 600 km and airborne targets up to 400 km.
Agenda includes studying:
• S-500 acquisition
• Additional S-400 units
• Strengthening joint defence development, especially in shipbuilding and weapons systems.
Context
• Q2 FY26 Real GDP growth: 8.2%
• Highest in six quarters.
• Q1 FY26 Real GDP growth: 7.8%
• First half (H1) FY26 growth average: 8%
• Same quarter last year (Q2 FY25): 5.6%
• Previous highest quarter before this:
• Q4 FY24 (Jan–Mar 2024) — last time growth was faster.
• Nominal GDP growth (Q2 FY26): 8.7%
• Economists say it indicates subdued underlying activity.
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