US-India NSAs to meet, focus on deepening military-tech ties
New Delhi:In a significant diplomatic move, the second round of the initiative of Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) dialogue between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is set to commence on June 17-18. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's re-election.
The discussions will center around a variety of key projects initiated during the previous meeting in Washington, including the transfer of technology for GE-414 jet engines intended for India's Tejas Mark II fighters. Additionally, plans for a new bilateral Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap will be a focus, aimed at accelerating joint technological ventures such as jet engines, loitering ammunition, and semiconductor production.
A US delegation is already in India, negotiating the sale of 31 MQ-9B armed Predator drones, underscoring the depth of defense cooperation between the two nations. Concurrently, French counterparts are in talks for a deal involving 26 Rafale-Maritime fighters for India's INS Vikrant, highlighting India's broadening military alliances.
The agenda also includes discussions on enhancing cooperation in space technology, quantum computing, and next-generation telecommunications, reflecting both countries' strategic interests amid regional challenges, notably from an assertive China in the Indo-Pacific.
Ahead of the meeting, western media speculations regarding alleged incidents involving proscribed individuals have not dampened the momentum, as affirmed during recent interactions between PM Modi and US President Joe Biden at the G-7 summit in Apulia. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to advancing Indo-US ties despite external distractions.
In parallel, NSA Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Paris on June 20-21 to strengthen military relations with France, further underscoring India's proactive diplomatic engagements across multiple fronts.
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Woman dies by suicide amid alleged social boycott, five booked in Yadgir
Yadgir (Karnataka) (PTI): A 46-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide after facing sustained social boycott and harassment by members of her community, police said on Thursday.
An FIR has been registered in Yadgir district based on the complaint lodged by Yellappa Suryavamshi (50).
Suryavamshi alleged that the victim Kamalamma (46), a resident of Girinagar area in Yadgir, allegedly jumped into the Bhima river near Joladadagi village between the evening of March 14 and the morning of March 15, following alleged mental harassment linked to a social boycott imposed on her family.
Suryavamshi alleged that their family had been ostracised by members of their community over an unverified accusation involving their son.
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“A village panchayat held on September 8, 2025, had directed the family not to interact with a relative and imposed a 10-year social boycott, asking them to vacate the village,” Suryavamshi said in his complaint.
Following the decision, the family had shifted to a rented house in Yadgir town.
However, earlier this month, when the woman returned to their native locality, a group of individuals allegedly confronted her and reiterated the boycott, the FIR said.
“Despite the earlier boycott, she was again prevented from staying in the village and was subjected to continued mental harassment,” the complainant said.
The complainant further alleged that even relatives who offered shelter to the woman were threatened with similar social ostracism.
“Those who gave her refuge were warned of facing a fresh boycott by convening another panchayat,” Suryavamshi alleged.
Unable to bear the alleged humiliation and pressure, the woman is said to have taken the extreme step, police said.
Her body was recovered from the river on March 15 and shifted to the district government hospital mortuary in Yadgir, police said.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against five individuals under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
