News for 'Defence Ministry'

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Why Gen Naravane's Book Sparked Row In Lok Sabha

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

General Manoj Mukund Naravane's memoir has triggered a controversy by revealing behind-the-scenes decision-making during the 2020 India-China standoff in Ladakh. Its candid account of military and political responses at a critical moment has reignited debate over civil-military relations, accountability, and the limits of disclosure in matters of national security.

IAF sends proposal to govt for 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets

IAF sends proposal to govt for 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The proposal, expected to be worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, including the indigenous content of more than 60 percent, is expected to be taken up for discussion by the Defence Procurement Board headed by the defence secretary in the next few weeks.

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the 'Octopus' interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protections against Iran's Shahed drones.

India to seal 2 mega subs deals worth Rs 1 lakh cr by 2025

India to seal 2 mega subs deals worth Rs 1 lakh cr by 2025

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

The first project that is being negotiated is for the procurement of three Scorpene submarines, which will be jointly constructed by state-run Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) and French defence major Naval Group.

Stay sharp, adapt and innovate, CDS Gen Chauhan tells IAF commanders

Stay sharp, adapt and innovate, CDS Gen Chauhan tells IAF commanders

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan addressed IAF commanders, emphasizing professional competence, operational readiness, and continuous adaptation in the evolving security environment. The conference focused on enhancing the IAF's capabilities and commitment to national security.

Dubai airport hit, Burj Al Arab hotel damaged in Iranian strikes

Dubai airport hit, Burj Al Arab hotel damaged in Iranian strikes

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates intercepted several Iranian missiles and drones, resulting in casualties and damage to infrastructure, including the Dubai airport and Burj Al Arab.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Pakistan Declares 'Open War' After Airstrikes on Afghan Taliban

Pakistan Declares 'Open War' After Airstrikes on Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Pakistan declared an 'open war' with Afghanistan following airstrikes targeting Taliban fighters in response to alleged cross-border attacks. The situation has drawn international concern, with calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.

DRDO goes private for 7 new defence projects

DRDO goes private for 7 new defence projects

Rediff.com11 Jul 2024

India's premier defence research organisation DRDO has awarded seven new projects to private entities to develop key military assets including underwater launched unmanned aerial vehicle and long-range remotely operated systems.

UAE consulate in Iraq hit by drone strike

UAE consulate in Iraq hit by drone strike

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The UAE consulate in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdish region, suffered structural damage in the aerial attack. Officials said there were no casualties.

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that over 1,150 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran through land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict. The MEA also confirmed that three Indians were injured in attacks in the UAE.

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Is US using Indian ports to strike Iran? MEA clarifies

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

India has firmly denied allegations that the US Navy is using its ports to launch attacks against Iran, reaffirming its commitment to strategic autonomy and non-alignment in international conflicts.

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Hezbollah intelligence head killed in Israel's Beirut attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

IDF international spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said the Israeli military targeted several Hezbollah positions, including command and control centres, launch sites and senior operatives.

Mudh-Nyoma airbase near LAC in Ladakh operationalised

Mudh-Nyoma airbase near LAC in Ladakh operationalised

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The strategically important Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh has been operationalised, enhancing India's military capabilities near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

'US Won't Repeat China Trade Mistake With India'

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.'

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Iran launches fresh strikes on US bases

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the barrage targeted several US military facilities in the region, including bases at Sheikh Isa in Bahrain, Juffair in Bahrain, Ali al-Salem in Kuwait and Al Azraq in Jordan.

Iran claims missile attack on govt complex in Tel Aviv

Iran claims missile attack on govt complex in Tel Aviv

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The IRGC also warned residents to evacuate areas near military bases, security centres and government facilities.

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel for two days to discuss bilateral and regional issues, marking his second visit to the Jewish state and highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel.

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.

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for peace talks

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for peace talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Delegations from the US and Iran have arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations, following a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. The negotiations are being closely watched due to their potential impact on regional security and global diplomacy.

Morbi man captured in Ukraine appeals to Modi for help

Morbi man captured in Ukraine appeals to Modi for help

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

A 22-year-old man from Gujarat's Morbi town, captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for the Russian military, has sent a video message to his family here, making an emotional appeal for help from the Indian government for his release.

Centre clears Rs 79,000-cr weapons deal to boost combat readiness

Centre clears Rs 79,000-cr weapons deal to boost combat readiness

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

India has approved proposals to procure weapons and military hardware worth Rs 79,000 crore, including Nag missiles, amphibious warfare ships, and electronic intelligence systems, to enhance the military's combat capabilities.

Over 100 injured as Iranian missiles hit Israeli towns near nuclear facility

Over 100 injured as Iranian missiles hit Israeli towns near nuclear facility

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Popularly known as 'Little India', Dimona has a large Indian-Jewish population, and the community members, mostly from the state of Maharashtra, maintain strong links with India and have consistently put efforts to solidify them.

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Does The US Plan To Continue This War For 'One Or Two Years'?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

This weekend, Donald Trump has begun to say the quiet part out loud -- that he wants to take control of Iran's oil, a formulation more in line with his robber-baron style of international relations.

Will Trump Attack Yemen Next To Secure Oil Route?

Will Trump Attack Yemen Next To Secure Oil Route?

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Americans can occupy Bab el Mandeb, claim to have 'solved' the Strait of Hormuz crisis, declare victory that President Trump so desperately needs, points out Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Why Afghanistan And Pakistan Are At War

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Afghans have deep self-respect and are the last people to put up with humiliation. Is it any surprise that relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have touched an all-time low and the two countries are now at war? asks M R Narayan Swamy.

Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade

Bhairav Battalion, Suryastra: Many firsts at R-Day Parade

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

61 Cavalry, Bhairav light commando battalion, DRDO's Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and many more key military assets were part of a grand Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Easter Attacks: Will Sri Lanka Ever Nail The Guilty?

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Sri Lanka's response to the Easter attacks has been slow and politically contested, unlike India's swift institutional reforms after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, observes Colonel R Hariharan (retd).

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The defence ministry is likely to take up the proposal by the Indian Air Force for approval at a defence acquisition council meeting planned to be held on October 23, sources said.

Iranian missile hits Israeli town, 9 killed

Iranian missile hits Israeli town, 9 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Iranian missile strike targeted the town of Beit Shemesh, located west of Jerusalem, resulting in significant casualties and structural devastation, as reported by Al Jazeera. The strike caused extensive damage earlier Sunday to several buildings, with one structure completely collapsing under the impact.

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.

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Maoist debate sparks fierce NDA-UPA war of words in Lok Sabha

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The Lok Sabha witnessed a heated debate between BJP and Congress members regarding the handling of Naxalism, with the BJP accusing the previous UPA government of failing to contain left-wing extremism and the Congress defending its efforts to curb the threat.

Pak forces kill around 600 Afghan Taliban in ongoing border clashes

Pak forces kill around 600 Afghan Taliban in ongoing border clashes

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Pakistan's security forces claim to have killed hundreds of Afghan Taliban operatives in an ongoing military operation along the border, launched in response to attacks on Pakistani locations.

UK Court Upholds Nirav Modi Extradition Order After Reviewing Indian Assurances

UK Court Upholds Nirav Modi Extradition Order After Reviewing Indian Assurances

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The UK High Court has rejected Nirav Modi's attempt to reopen his extradition case, citing the Indian government's comprehensive assurances against torture as sufficient to allow his transfer to India.

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The IRGC said five missiles were launched at 'the headquarters of the US Army at the Harir Air Base in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdistan Region'.

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

West Asia conflict: 170 Indians cross into Armenia from Iran, says govt

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Indian embassy in Tehran has earlier stated that it is facilitating the safe movement of nationals who wish to leave Iran.

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

'Netanyahu Has Infiltrated Trump's Cabinet'

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

'As result, Netanyahu 'convinced' Trump to go to war with the help of overoptimistic Israeli intelligence assessments, essentially explaining to him that they only need to bomb Iran for 3-4 days, and the regime would then collapse.' 'Rather unsurprisingly, Netanyahu is ever since blaming his own intel service for the entire operation failing.'

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.