Digest for 17 August, 2025
China Delivers Third Advanced Submarine to Pakistan, Bolstering Naval Power
China has delivered the third of eight Hangor-class submarines to Pakistan, a move that significantly enhances Islamabad's naval capabilities in the Indian Ocean. The launch ceremony for the advanced diesel-electric submarine was held in Wuhan. This delivery is part of a broader military-technical cooperation that has seen China become Pakistan's primary defense supplier, providing over 81% of its military hardware, including modern frigates and fighter jets. The development raises strategic concerns for India regarding regional power dynamics and maritime security.
Chinese Foreign Minister to Visit India for Border Talks
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from August 18-19 for the 24th round of talks on the long-standing boundary dispute. Wang, a member of the Communist Party's Politburo, will meet with his counterpart, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who are the Special Representatives for the dialogue. The high-level meeting aims to continue discussions on resolving border tensions and comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
NCERT Module Blaming Congress for Partition Sparks Political Firestorm
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has released a special module on the Partition, attributing responsibility to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Congress party, and Lord Mountbatten. The text, released for Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, claims the Congress accepted Partition to avoid communal violence. The module has ignited a political controversy, with the Congress demanding its withdrawal and accusing the NCERT of historical distortion, while the BJP defended the content as factual.
US-Russia Summit Ends with Potential Reprieve for India on Sanctions
A high-stakes summit in Alaska between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded without a definitive peace agreement on Ukraine, but with signals that the US may delay imposing secondary sanctions on countries like India for purchasing Russian oil. While the meeting was described as a starting point for resolution, the outcome offers potential relief for New Delhi, which has faced US tariffs over its continued energy trade with Moscow. India welcomed the talks, reiterating its stance on diplomacy.
Rahul Gandhi Launches 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar Amid Voter Roll Controversy
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a 16-day 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' (Voter Rights March) across Bihar to protest the alleged disenfranchisement of voters through a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The campaign, spanning over 20 districts, challenges the Election Commission's process, which the opposition claims could remove lakhs of Dalit, migrant, and poor voters from lists ahead of state elections. The yatra aims to build momentum for the INDIA bloc and ensure a clean voter list.