Shruti Jagtap

Finally back on X after the COVID era exiled me like a sanctioned state.🙃 Old account? Gone like a failed regime (RIP 1k followers 🪦) But hey, if you love world drama and my unhinged life updates, follow along. Let’s rebuild this alliance!🌐🤝🥹

Massive Protests Erupting in POK Against Pakistan Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (POK) has erupted in its largest uprising, with thousands led by the Awami Action Committee in a “shutter down and wheel-jam” strike. The Pakistani Government has responded with crackdowns, army deployment, and an internet blackout, exposing its fragile grip. These protests reflect rejection of years of exploitation and neglect, as Islamabad’s forceful response further alienates the people it claims as its own.

Trump’s Push for Bagram Air Base: Strategic Stakes in Afghanistan Trump’s warning that ‘bad things will happen’ if Bagram is not returned signals his bid to reclaim U.S. influence, with Afghanistan’s strategic location providing a watchful vantage over critical regional corridors. Trump emphasises Bagram’s strategic importance, citing nearby Chinese nuclear facilities, more likely a reference to Lop Nur Range, 2,000 km away, making the claim largely rhetorical than factual. Beyond China, the base offers surveillance reach across Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia. The Taliban have categorically rejected Trump’s demand, declaring that “not even an inch” of Afghan soil is negotiable and warning any pressure will draw the “strongest response.”

Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact: Mutual or Unequal? Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed their defence agreement again, in another notable page of their longstanding security collaboration. Pakistan receives much-needed economic and diplomatic support while Saudi Arabia receives Pakistan's military access. Following the template of the NATO agreement, an attack on one equals an attack on all, it encompasses military training, intelligence exchange, and the possibility of joint exercises. It comes around the time of regional volatility and recent Israeli airstrikes against Doha. For Pakistan that agreement is lifeline support, for Saudi, it's merely additional security insurance. Saudi-Pakistan defence cooperation has particular significance for India. Strengthening of Saudi-Pakistan relations can complicate India’s Gulf policy as India forges its own commercial and diplomatic presence with Saudi. It may oblige India to shift its regional perspective to maintain its interests in the face of changing security alignment. The defence agreement appears to be bilateral, yet a strategic imbalance is ensured all the same. Saudi Arabia will not risk its relations with India if Pakistan is attacked. But if Israel attacks Saudi Arabia, Pakistan will likely stand up for it religious purpose and for the agreement. The agreement also puts Pakistan's economic vulnerability out in the front, as it relies so heavily upon Saudi financial aid. While Pakistan is eager to prove its value as an ally, the imbalance of the agreement treats Pakistan more like a subcontractor rather than an ally.

INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED FDI INVESTOR India has always found a loyal investor in Singapore. From agro-based businesses to food industries, Singapore has made significant investments in diverse Indian companies. With Singapore's investment in India's market potential, the partnership continues to set new benchmarks in regional development.

BEIJING'S POLICY THINKING ON SERVICES TRADE The Geostrata in collaboration with China Policy is hosting a webinar session on "Straight Talk on Trade: Beijing's Strategies on Trade and Services". The session will host Mr Alex Wong, Macroeconomic & Trade Analyst, China Policy to understand China's external economic and trade policy. Register now to explore how Beijing views services trade as a driver of global engagement. Tap link in story or bio to register now! Date: Friday, 19 Sept Time: 12:00 PM IST | 2:30 PM Beijing

NIA TRACES TRF TERROR FUNDING ROUTES TO HAWALA NETWORKS IN MALAYSIA AND PAKISTAN The National Investigation Agency (@NIA_India) has uncovered that The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, received funds through hawala networks from Malaysia and Pakistan ahead of the Pahalgam terror attack. Investigations revealed that these funds were used for logistics, recruitment, and operational planning aimed at destabilizing the Kashmir region. The findings highlight the role of cross-border networks in sustaining terrorism in India. The NIA is intensifying its crackdown on financial conduits and overground workers linked to TRF.

INS Varsha to Secure India’s Submarine-Based Nuclear Arsenal INS Varsha represents a transformative step in India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent architecture, solidifying its second-strike capabilities under the “No First Use” doctrine. Strategically located near Rambilli on the eastern coast, the base provides secure shelter to Arihant-class SSBNs (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) and future SSNs(Ship Submersible Nuclear), eliminating vulnerabilities posed by shared civilian-military infrastructure at Visakhapatnam Port. Its underground pens, hardened tunnels, and satellite-shielded infrastructure ensure survivability from pre-emptive strikes and aerial surveillance. This stealth capability becomes vital as China expands its maritime presence through bases in Djibouti, Hambantota, and regular submarine patrols in the Indian Ocean.

@CIGIonline @KalashYash @TheGeostrata Amazing one!✨️

From Fiat to Fintech: CBDCs could reshape economies, policy & global relations. CIGI’s @KalashYash joins @TheGeostrata to unpack their promises & pitfalls. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/Xb59joeMXko?si… #CBDCs #Fintech

BIGGEST NEWSBREAK SINCE SINDOOR American F-16s on the ground were destroyed. Five Pakistani fighter jets were shot down in the air by the S-400 system. One AWACS/ELINT aircraft was downed in the air. An AWACS parked in a hangar at Bholari was destroyed.

Prime Minister Modi is set for a historic visit to meet President Xi in China. NSA Ajit Doval touches down in Moscow for high-stakes strategic talks.

FROM OCEANS TO ALLIANCES: REDEFINING THE INDO-PACIFIC WITH QUAD In collaboration with the AIIA (@AIIAVIC), The Geostrata presents an insightful panel discussion on the evolving landscape of the Indo-Pacific and the Quad's role in shaping it. Join distinguished experts Dr. @SamuelBashfield, Dr. Teesta Prakash (@Teesta_P), Prof. (Dr.) Gitanjali Sinha Roy and Dr. Apila Sangtam (@ApilaMongzar) engage in a crucial conversation. Date: Wednesday, 13 August 2025 Time: 5:30 PM for 6-7 PM AEST Venue: Hybrid Event | Level 13, 356 Collins St, Melbourne

Comparative Analysis of Economic development between J&K and PoJK This infographic gives us a comparative analysis of the economic development between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir based on budget allocation, per capita spending, and population size. The analysis shows us a stark disparity in public spending between Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir. While Jammu and Kashmir benefits from higher public investment and structural development, PojK lags both in investment and infrastructural growth, showcasing how governance models shape regional progress.

I am pleased to share my first published article with Geostrata, titled "The Covert Affairs of Weapons of Mass Destruction: Espionage, Allies, and Power." The piece explores the complex nexus of intelligence operations, strategic alliances, and global security dynamics.

Growth of Jammu & Kashmir Since the historic abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a paradigm shift in infrastructural growth, marking a new era of progress. This growth is marked by road connectivity, rail expansion, healthcare upgrades, improved education, and mega hydroelectric projects. This Geoinfomap presents Jammu and Kashmir’s journey from isolation to integration, symbolising that the region is reclaiming its future through development and inclusion.

Fractured Past of South Asia Today’s conversation is based on the Book “Shattered Lands: Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia” by Mr Sam Dalrymple (@SamDalrymple123). The book is an extremely rich research work on how the partition of 1947 was not the only partition of Britain’s Indian Empire, but one of 5 partitions which culminated in the independence of 12 nations in Asia. The work deals with the colonial administration’s obsession with control, and imperial policies which unmade its Empire in India, ushering in a new map across Asia. Sam Dalrymple is a Delhi-raised Scottish historian and award-winning filmmaker. Click here to watch the full conversation: youtu.be/WlkGOxdf6xg

Inside Putin's Killer Drone Factory Russia has unveiled the look inside its factory where it is developing the Russian version of the Iranian Shaheed-136 drones, which are being utilised in its war on Ukraine. With Putin threatening to launch hundreds or thousands of drones on Ukraine daily, drone warfare is no longer the future but the present. As the nations of the world unleash a new wave of lethal drones, wars are no longer guided by old norms. Modern warfare is quick, advanced, and lethal, making it nearly impossible to contain.

My analysis on China's 815A Spy Ships and it's presence in maritime landscape.🌐

Operation Sindoor: India’s Victory Against Terrorism As the discussion on Operation Sindoor rages in Parliament, fiery addresses and speeches have been delivered by the Minister of Defence, the Minister of External Affairs and other members. The speeches emphasised India’s victory against terrorism and how the military asserted its position in the region. The Special Discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Monsoon Session of the Parliament came after several disruptions and was witness to many other blazing speeches given by both the ruling party and members of Opposition.

Operation Mahadev: 3 Terrorists with Suspected Links to Pahalgam Attacks, Neutralised On 22nd April 2025, a Pakistan-backed terror group, The Resistant Front, carried out a brutal attack on civilians in Pahalgam, targeting them soleley on the basis of their religion. This cowardly act drew widespread condemnation from around the world. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a swift and decisive counter-offensive, which successfully destroyed multiple terrorist training centres in Pakistan. The Indian Army launched Operation Mahadev. In the early hours of 28th July, three terrorists were neutralised with suspected links to the Pahalgam Attack.