News for 'Defence Ministry'

Beware Pak, China! India test fires missile 'Pralay'

Beware Pak, China! India test fires missile 'Pralay'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

India successfully test-fired the newly-developed tactical missile Pralay, capable of carrying conventional warheads, from APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha. The missile, developed by DRDO, has a range of 150 to 500 km and a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg.

Govt slams Sonia Gandhi over 'Nehru papers', seeks return to PMML

Govt slams Sonia Gandhi over 'Nehru papers', seeks return to PMML

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The government has criticized Sonia Gandhi for holding '51 cartons of Jawaharlal Nehru papers' and has requested their return to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) for public access.

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Senior officials from India and the US engaged in virtual talks to discuss bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, critical minerals, and energy security, including civil nuclear cooperation.

India test-fires Agni-5, missile capable of hitting 5,000 km targets

India test-fires Agni-5, missile capable of hitting 5,000 km targets

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

India successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate range ballistic missile, capable of reaching targets up to 5,000 km, validating its operational and technical parameters.

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India and Russia are poised to sign multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade and healthcare, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Discussions will also address the Ukraine conflict and efforts to increase Indian exports to Russia.

Launch Of Stealth Frigates: Navy Makes History

Launch Of Stealth Frigates: Navy Makes History

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri marks the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants constructed at two different shipyards were commissioned simultaneously.

Goldman Sachs bets on Indian aerospace, prefers private firms

Goldman Sachs bets on Indian aerospace, prefers private firms

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

Goldman Sachs is bullish about Indian aerospace and defence, preferring private companies over public sector units (PSUs) as the country ramps up its export target for the sector to Rs 50,000 crore by FY29 from Rs 23,600 crore last year. The American investment bank's top 'buy' recommendations include Solar Industries, Bharat Electronics, Data Patterns and PTC Industries, while Bharat Dynamics is rated 'sell'.

Have broken middlemen-defence ministry nexus: Parrikar

Have broken middlemen-defence ministry nexus: Parrikar

Rediff.com27 May 2016

The nexus between middlemen, arms agents and government officials has been broken, according to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India has declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms, aiming to establish integrated theatre commands to enhance synergy among the three armed forces and transform the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. The reforms will also focus on streamlining acquisition procedures, promoting collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.

SC wants insurance cover for 'braveheart' disabled defence cadets

SC wants insurance cover for 'braveheart' disabled defence cadets

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to explore providing insurance covers to defence cadets who suffer injuries or disabilities during training, emphasizing the need to support these 'braveheart cadets'.

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

On the table are additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which India used with immense success during Operation Sindoor. India could buy at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets plus joint production of S-500 air defence systems.

Ethiopia PM drives Modi to his hotel in Addis Ababa

Ethiopia PM drives Modi to his hotel in Addis Ababa

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ethiopia on a bilateral visit, engaging with Ethiopian leadership to strengthen partnerships in various sectors. He was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and participated in cultural events, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.

Defence ministry, Dassault to hold talks on aircraft deal

Defence ministry, Dassault to hold talks on aircraft deal

Rediff.com5 Apr 2013

Amid fears of delay in the 126 combat aircraft deal, defence ministry and French Dassault Rafale will hold talks on Friday to iron out differences between them over the responsibilities to be given to the state-run HAL in the contract estimated to be worth USD 15 billion.

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry disposed of the petition filed by the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha and others seeking a stay on the release of the movie, which is based on the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Centre to decide on a representation challenging the certification and release of the film '120 Bahadur'. The petitioners allege historical inaccuracies in the movie's portrayal of the Battle of Rezang La.

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day visit to India from December 4 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is expected to produce a plethora of significant outcomes, including in the defence sphere, to further solidify the bilateral strategic ties.

India test-fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II, Agni-I missiles

India test-fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II, Agni-I missiles

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast, demonstrating its strategic deterrence capability. The test-firing of the missiles, conducted by the elite Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters.

Putin's India visit: Rahul takes 'insecurity' jab at Centre

Putin's India visit: Rahul takes 'insecurity' jab at Centre

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleges the government discourages foreign dignitaries from meeting the Leader of the Opposition due to insecurity, breaking established traditions.

'Parrikar who?' asks Ajit Pawar about former Goa CM

'Parrikar who?' asks Ajit Pawar about former Goa CM

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar faced criticism after questioning 'who Parrikar?' when a woman suggested he emulate the late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's surprise visits to address civic issues.

Cash crunch? Who cares? It's shopping time for defence ministry

Cash crunch? Who cares? It's shopping time for defence ministry

Rediff.com10 Jan 2014

Notwithstanding the financial constraints, the defence ministry has been on a drive to procure and upgrade military assets over the last five years for which it spent a whopping amount of Rs 3.25 lakh crore.

How Pak Army Chief convinced Lankan players to stay back

How Pak Army Chief convinced Lankan players to stay back

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Pakistan military chief directly intervened to salvage the home series involving Sri Lanka following the suicide attack in Islamabad, the country's interior ministry said on Thursday.

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

'Thar Desert Will Reach Delhi Soon'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

'The natural barrier that is Aravalli, you are demolishing it, then who will stop the desert?' 'In future, I predict that people will roam around with oxygen cylinders in Delhi because they won't be able to breathe.'

Parliamentary panel refuses discussion on Red Fort blast

Parliamentary panel refuses discussion on Red Fort blast

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs refused to discuss the Red Fort blast during a meeting, citing the pre-set agenda of 'Disaster Management'.

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military projects worth approximately Rs 67,000 crore, including drones, radars, and missile systems, aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities.

China ran smear campaign against Rafale after Operation Sindoor: Report

China ran smear campaign against Rafale after Operation Sindoor: Report

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

French officials believe the campaign against Rafale was part of a coordinated disinformation drive by China and Pakistan, although their State involvement has not been established.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have resumed peace talks in Istanbul, aiming to address cross-border terrorism and prevent further escalation. The talks follow recent clashes and a temporary ceasefire, with Pakistan demanding that Afghan soil not be used for terrorism.

HC allows video recording of US witness in Official Secrets Act case

HC allows video recording of US witness in Official Secrets Act case

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Delhi High Court has allowed the recording of evidence of a US-based prosecution witness through video conferencing in a 2012 case related to the Official Secrets Act involving arms dealer Abhishek Verma and his wife. The court outlined safeguards to protect sensitive material during the proceedings.

The defence Budget for this year is...

The defence Budget for this year is...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Under capital expenditure, Rs 48,614 crore has been set aside for aircraft and aero engines while Rs 24,390 crore has been allocated for the naval fleet.

Is Imran Khan dead? PTI urges Pak govt to clarify

Is Imran Khan dead? PTI urges Pak govt to clarify

Rediff.com27 Nov 2025

The appeal follows repeated refusals in recent weeks to allow Imran's sisters to meet him at Adiala jail, prompting them to question his whereabouts and stage sit-ins outside the facility.

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

China punishes 9 military officials for graft, top general under probe

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

China's second-ranked general, He Weidong, is under investigation for corruption, along with nine other senior military officers punished for discipline violations and work-related crimes. This crackdown comes ahead of a key Communist Party conclave.

CPC plenum backs Xi Jinping's leadership, military purge

CPC plenum backs Xi Jinping's leadership, military purge

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The Chinese Communist Party reaffirmed President Xi Jinping's leadership and backed a major purge of top military officials during a key meeting. The meeting also endorsed a new 5-year plan focused on domestic market resilience and self-reliance.

Govt allocates Rs 2.29 lakh crore to the Defence Ministry

Govt allocates Rs 2.29 lakh crore to the Defence Ministry

Rediff.com10 Jul 2014

For the modernisation of the armed forces, the Finance Minister allocated an additional Rs 5,000 crore.

Rajnath okays made-in-India 5G fighter jet programme

Rajnath okays made-in-India 5G fighter jet programme

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the "execution model" for the indigenous development of a fifth-generation deep penetration advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) for the Indian Air Force. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will execute the programme through industry partnership, with equal opportunities for both private and public sectors. The project is a major step towards "Aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in the aerospace sector and is expected to cost around Rs 15,000 crore.

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistani posts

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistani posts

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan responded to what it called 'unprovoked' attacks by Afghan forces in border areas, destroying several Afghan border posts, training camps, and terrorist hideouts, security sources said on Sunday.

If India is to rule the waves, defence ministry must change its ways

If India is to rule the waves, defence ministry must change its ways

Rediff.com3 Apr 2018

Though the government says public and private shipyards compete on equal terms, public shipyards feast at the high table with the defence ministry, with only scraps being tossed to private shipbuilders.

Amid strained ties, India, US set for military exercise in Alaska

Amid strained ties, India, US set for military exercise in Alaska

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Indian and US military contingents will participate in a joint exercise in Alaska, focusing on tactical drills and integrated use of military systems.

Defence Ministry staffer sent to police custody in corporate espionage case

Defence Ministry staffer sent to police custody in corporate espionage case

Rediff.com24 Feb 2015

A defence ministry staffer, involved in the corporate espionage case, was remanded to one-day police custody.

Any Sir Creek move by Pak will change its history, geography, warns Rajnath

Any Sir Creek move by Pak will change its history, geography, warns Rajnath

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says India achieved all objectives of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that escalating the situation to war with Pakistan was not the aim. He highlighted India's fight against cross-border terrorism and the successful exposure of Pakistan's air defense system.

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Indian Air Force is set to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh. The event will mark the end of an era for the aircraft that has been a key part of the IAF's combat fleet for over six decades.