Israel has signalled a major escalation in Lebanon after fresh strikes across southern areas, with Defence Minister Israel Katz proposing a security buffer up to the Litani River. Hezbollah has warned the move would be an existential threat and vowed resistance. The plan could place large parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli control, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. As strikes intensify and displacement grows, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah are rapidly escalating.

During the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, for a high-level bilateral dialogue. The two leaders discussed regional security, counter-terrorism, and military cooperation, emphasising peaceful dispute resolution and Indo-Pacific stability. Their ceremonial exchange of gifts symbolised ongoing diplomatic efforts despite complex India-China relations.