West Asia faces faith-based politics (Column: The Third Eye)

D.C. Pathak | February 4, 2024 10:00 AM

New Delhi: The turn of events involving Iran's cross-border missile attack on January 16 on the camps of Jaish-al Adl, a Sunni extremist organisation working out of Baluchistan demanding an independent Baluch nation and a retaliatory action of the same kind carried out by Pakistan on January 18 in the adjoining area of Iran - on the ground that supporters of the Salafi outfit operated from Iran as well - have more than anything else, unravelled the rapidly rising militancy attributable to the growth of extremism in the Muslim world on one hand and the inevitable outbreak of sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites resulting from it, on the other.

First Survey Vessel Large ship commissioned into Indian Navy

IANS | February 3, 2024 4:19 PM

New Delhi, Feb 3 (IANS) INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) ship, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

Biden admin is close to strike Iran-backed militants: US Defence Secy

T. N. Ashok | February 2, 2024 2:14 PM

Washington, Feb 2 (IANS) US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has scotched reports and uncertainties coming out of his recent health condition and surgery as he was backing the Biden administration's reportedly closer move to a deadly drone strike as a strong response to the Jordan attack that killed three US troops.

US addressing 'questions' lawmakers have on drone deal with India

Yashwant Raj | February 1, 2024 7:52 AM

Washington, Feb 1 (IANS) A US State Department Spokesperson on Wednesday did not deny or confirm a news report that the proposed sale of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones to India was being blocked by lawmakers but did say that officials "routinely consult" with members of the foreign relations committees of the US Congress and address any "questions" that they may have before they are formally notified in the final stage of the approval process.