Two fronts, one ocean.
Two nuclear neighbours, one ocean and the partners in between.
Terror is an act of war.
- A response on India’s terms. Any terror attack will get a strong response, at a time and in a way India chooses. PMO, address to the nation, 12 May 2025
- No nuclear blackmail. India will not tolerate nuclear threats as cover for terror. PMO, address to the nation, 12 May 2025
- No distinction. Terrorists and the governments that shelter them will be treated alike. “Terror and talks cannot go together.” PMO, address to the nation, 12 May 2025
- Halted, not ended. The Defence Minister told Parliament Operation Sindoor has only been halted. PIB, Lok Sabha, 28 Jul 2025
- The ocean. SAGAR (2015) became MAHASAGAR in Mauritius in Mar 2025: security and growth across the regions. ORF
Who sits on each border.
- China
- A 3,488 km border. Patrolling restored in Oct 2024. In Aug 2025 both sides agreed an expert group on an early harvest in boundary delimitation and reopened border trade at Lipulekh, Shipki La and Nathu La. MHA · MEA, 19 Aug 2025
- Pakistan
- About 80% of its arms imports in 2021-25 came from China. The Indus Waters Treaty has been held in abeyance since 23 Apr 2025. India rejects the Court of Arbitration’s jurisdiction. SIPRI, Mar 2026 · All India Radio
- Bangladesh
- BNP won a two-thirds majority in Feb 2026. PM Tarique Rahman has been invited to India. All India Radio
- Nepal
- Balendra Shah sworn in as Prime Minister on 27 Mar 2026 after the Gen Z protests. All India Radio
- Sri Lanka
- Hambantota was leased to a Chinese firm for 99 years in 2017. Its ban on foreign research vessels lapsed after 2024. ORF
- Afghanistan
- India’s mission in Kabul became an embassy again on 21 Oct 2025. All India Radio
- The Indian Ocean
- China’s base in Djibouti opened in 2017. India opened an airstrip and jetty on Agalega with Mauritius in 2024 and has access at Duqm in Oman. PMO, 29 Feb 2024
Many friends, no allies.
- United States
- A new 10-year framework for the defence partnership, signed in Kuala Lumpur on 31 Oct 2025. PIB, 31 Oct 2025
- Russia
- Still the largest supplier at 40% of imports in 2021-25, and the S-400 that did the long-range work in 2025. SIPRI, Mar 2026
- France and Israel
- The second and third suppliers: 29% and 15% of imports in 2021-25. SIPRI, Mar 2026