News for 'Defence Ministry'

DRDO successfully tests fighter escape system at 800 km/h

DRDO successfully tests fighter escape system at 800 km/h

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

The DRDO conducted the test in collaboration with the Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

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.

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.

Tensions flare as Chinese, Philippine ships collide near South China Sea

Tensions flare as Chinese, Philippine ships collide near South China Sea

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

China calls the shoal Huangyan Dao. China has already deployed some of its biggest CCG vessels in the area to assert its claims.

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.

India to procure more Israeli Heron MK-II drones post Op Sindoor

India to procure more Israeli Heron MK-II drones post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The sources declined to specify the number of drones the Navy plans to acquire but said the focus is now on manufacturing the MK-II in India through partnerships with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Elcom.

Court orders charges against Karti Chidambaram in Chinese visa case

Court orders charges against Karti Chidambaram in Chinese visa case

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Besides Karti Chidambaram, the Lok Sabha MP from Sivaganga, the CBI had named his alleged close associate and chartered accountant, S Bhaskararaman, Talawandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), a subsidiary of Vedanta, and Mumbai-based Bell Tools, through which bribes were allegedly routed.

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, 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, China militaries hold high-level talks on LAC peace

India, China militaries hold high-level talks on LAC peace

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Indian and Chinese militaries held a fresh round of high-level military talks focusing on maintaining peace and security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

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.

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'.

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.

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India has rejected China's response to the detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at the Shanghai airport, asserting that the border state is an integral part of the country. The incident involved Pema Wang Thongdok, who was detained for 18 hours for holding an Indian passport.

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'.

Kremlin Didn't Know About Modi Gesture

Kremlin Didn't Know About Modi Gesture

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Russians have termed Putin's visit to India, his first to this country since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, as 'Druzhba Dosti', which means 'friendship' in Russian and Hindi respectively.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Defence ministry scraps Rs 6,000-cr tender for light choppers

Defence ministry scraps Rs 6,000-cr tender for light choppers

Rediff.com29 Aug 2014

The defence ministry on Friday scrapped a scam-tainted tender worth over Rs 6,000 crore to procure 197 light helicopters from foreign vendors and decided to allow indigenous players to manufacture these choppers for the armed forces.

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.

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.

'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.

Pak SC issues notice to former ISI chief, defence ministry

Pak SC issues notice to former ISI chief, defence ministry

Rediff.com29 Feb 2012

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to former Inter-Services Intelligence chief Asad Durrani and the Defence Ministry as it resumed hearing a petition against the funding of politicians by the spy agency after a gap of over 12 years.

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.

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.

VVIP chopper deal: Defence ministry hands over court documents to CBI

VVIP chopper deal: Defence ministry hands over court documents to CBI

Rediff.com10 Jul 2013

The defence ministry has handed over some documents received from an Italian court to the Central Bureau of Investigation to verify if there was any breach of contractual obligations by Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland in the Rs 3,600 crore deal for 12 helicopters, official sources said on Tuesday.

Defence ministry opposes hike in FDI limit

Defence ministry opposes hike in FDI limit

Rediff.com12 Apr 2010

The new Consolidated Foreign Direct Investment Policy, effective from April 1, limits FDI in defence units to 26 per cent. But the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion of the commerce ministry is in favour of raising this limit.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

'Adarsh land not owned by defence ministry'

'Adarsh land not owned by defence ministry'

Rediff.com24 May 2011

In a severe blow to the Ministry of Defence, a defence estate official on Tuesday told a judicial panel, probing the Adarsh Housing Society scam, that the land where the controversial high-rise stands, is not owned by it and belongs to the Maharashtra government.

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.

Republic Day: Govt names defence personnel for honorary commissions

Republic Day: Govt names defence personnel for honorary commissions

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

Several Indian Army personnel, including those from the Armoured Corps, Regiment of Artillery, and other units, will be awarded honorary commissions to the rank of Honorary Captain or Honorary Lieutenant ahead of Republic Day 2025. The Ministry of Defence released a draft gazette containing the names of those who will be receiving the honor. This prestigious award recognizes their contributions to the military and signifies their elevation to a higher rank.

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.

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.