News for 'Defence Ministry'

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, DGMO behind Pak ceasefire talks, gets additional post

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, DGMO behind Pak ceasefire talks, gets additional post

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

It is considered one of the most crucial appointments within the Indian Army, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

India may seal 26 Rafale marine jets, 3 Scorpene deal with France

India may seal 26 Rafale marine jets, 3 Scorpene deal with France

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

India is expected to finalize the procurement of 26 naval variant Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines from France in the coming weeks, further bolstering its naval capabilities. The deals, which are in the final stages of approval, could be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris next month for an AI summit. The procurement of the Rafale (M) jets will be based on an inter-governmental agreement (IGA). The Indian Air Force is considering acquiring additional Rafale fighter aircraft squadrons. The deal for three Scorpene submarines follows the successful construction of six Scorpene submarines in India under Project 75. The defense and strategic partnerships between India and France have been strengthening in recent years, with both countries collaborating on joint development projects for jet and helicopter engines and advanced defense technologies.

Stealth Fighter Test Flight Scheduled For 2028

Stealth Fighter Test Flight Scheduled For 2028

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Private and public defence players can bid to participate in the stealth fighter development programme independently, as a joint venture, or as consortia.

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In his address, Singh said there should be "no double standards" in combating terrorism and urged the SCO member nations to condemn the menace with unity.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

'Human error' blamed for crash that killed Gen Bipin Rawat

'Human error' blamed for crash that killed Gen Bipin Rawat

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A parliamentary panel report has attributed the December 8, 2021, helicopter crash that killed India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, and his wife, to "human error." The report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, also revealed that 34 Indian Air Force aircraft accidents occurred during the 13th Defence Plan period, including nine in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19.

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Weeks before the Pahalgam attack, Munir said Pakistan will not forget the issue of Kashmir, asserting, "It was our jugular vein." His comments were trashed by India.

Border row with India will take time to settle, open to talks: China

Border row with India will take time to settle, open to talks: China

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his meeting with Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Qingdao on June 26, proposed that India and China should solve the "complex issues" under a structured roadmap comprising steps to de-escalate tensions along the frontiers and rejuvenate the existing mechanism to demarcate the borders.

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The central government has empowered the Army Chief to call out 'every officer and every enrolled person' of the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or to be embodied to support or supplement the regular Army.

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

R-Day parade: UP's Maha Kumbh tableau wins 1st prize

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The best marching contingent among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces was the Delhi Police team.

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

In Rio, BRICS to echo India's voice on terror, condemn Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

The formulations in the declaration in reference to terrorism is going to be to our "satisfaction", Dammu Ravi, secretary (economic relations) in the external affairs ministry said on Monday.

China welcomes Modi to SCO Summit; calls meet a symbol of unity

China welcomes Modi to SCO Summit; calls meet a symbol of unity

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

China welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), expressing hope that the event will be a 'gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results'.

In a first, tri-services tableau showcases synergy at Kartavya Path

In a first, tri-services tableau showcases synergy at Kartavya Path

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's Republic Day parade featured a tri-services tableau showcasing the country's increasing focus on enhancing synergy among its armed forces. The tableau, themed "Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat" (strong and secure India), displayed a battlefield scenario with indigenous military equipment, including the Arjun main battle tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, and the destroyer INS Visakhapatnam. The display highlighted the Ministry of Defence's commitment to boosting tri-services synergy and jointness in preparation for future conflicts.

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

What Wednesday's mock security drill will cover

Rediff.com6 May 2025

India will conduct nationwide civil defense mock drills on Wednesday, including air-raid warning sirens and training civilians to protect themselves in the event of a "hostile attack." The drills come amid rising tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all states and union territories to participate in the exercise, which will be conducted up to the village level.

Budget hikes defence budget by 4.72%, focuses on 'deep tech'

Budget hikes defence budget by 4.72%, focuses on 'deep tech'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The defence budget was on Thursday increased to Rs 6.21 lakh crore for 2024-25 in a modest hike of 4.72 per cent from last year's allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore amid India's continuing border row with China in eastern Ladakh as well as concerns over evolving security situation in the strategic waterways.

Netanyahu fires his defence minister over 'lack of trust'

Netanyahu fires his defence minister over 'lack of trust'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Gallant, who was a longtime rival from within the Likud Party, will be replaced by Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Minister without Portfolio Gideon Sa'ar will replace Katz, as per Times of Israel.

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'We remain in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain.'

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

'Ab papa wapis aayenge,' martyr's son as he gets Kirti Chakra

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Kabir, the son of Col Manpreet Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Kashmir, believes his father will return home after receiving the Kirti Chakra. The 10-year-old boy, who lit his father's pyre 19 months ago, clings to the hope that his father is alive and well, despite the reality of his death.

'On Beijing, Delhi Will Sleep With One Eye Open'

'On Beijing, Delhi Will Sleep With One Eye Open'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'New Delhi is not naive about its foreign policy choices.'

India's Defence, Aerospace Exports Treble

India's Defence, Aerospace Exports Treble

Rediff.com21 Dec 2022

the defence ministry told Parliament on Monday that foreign procurement in defence has risen to Rs 50,061 crore (Rs 500.61 billion) in 2021-2022 from Rs 37,030 crore (Rs 370.30 billion) in 2017-2018.

War is not your Bollywood movie, should be last resort: Ex-Army chief

War is not your Bollywood movie, should be last resort: Ex-Army chief

Rediff.com12 May 2025

'Still, people are asking why we have not gone for a full-out war. As a military man, if ordered, I will go to war, but that will not be my first choice'

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Why Is The US So Fond Of Asim Munir?

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Sections in the US State Department and Pentagon have always felt more comfortable dealing with all powerful Pakistani generals instead of elected civilians, points out Rana Banerji, who headed the Pakistan desk at RA&W.

Iranian missiles strike Haifa as Israel targets Tehran

Iranian missiles strike Haifa as Israel targets Tehran

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

A large fire was reported on Saturday night at a strategic complex near Haifa in northern Israel after Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones, MEHR News Agency reported, citing local media.

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Rediff.com8 May 2025

In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

271 people admitted to hospital following Iran strikes: Israel

271 people admitted to hospital following Iran strikes: Israel

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

So far, most of the injured have been released. Currently, 106 people are being treated in hospitals, and another 149 are being treated in the emergency room.

Army chief to protest defence ministry treatment of ex-servicemen

Army chief to protest defence ministry treatment of ex-servicemen

Rediff.com15 Jan 2014

On the eve of Army Day, Army Chief General Bikram Singh says he will raise this issue with the Rajya Raksha Mantri, Jitendra Singh, who oversees the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, reports Ajai Shukla.

Taiwan claims 47 Chinese jets enter air defence zone

Taiwan claims 47 Chinese jets enter air defence zone

Rediff.com26 Dec 2022

The incursions, according to Taiwan, were made by aircraft, including 12 J-11, 6 J-10, 18 J-16, six SU-30, CH-4, WZ-7, Y-8 EW, Y-8 ESW and KJ-500.

Big Tech May Miss Out on IndiaAI Mission Support

Big Tech May Miss Out on IndiaAI Mission Support

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

'Taxpayers' money cannot be given to these companies which can access the market and buy GPUs at a competitive price from any vendor.'

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

By threatening to punish India with high tariff, Trump is actually planting a tantalising thought in the Indian mind that the Modi government should suitably 'incentivise' him, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Govt nod for 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets among defence buys worth Rs 45K cr

Govt nod for 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets among defence buys worth Rs 45K cr

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

A total of nine procurement proposals were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, officials said.

'He hit me till I bled': SpiceJet staffer recalls Army officer's assault

'He hit me till I bled': SpiceJet staffer recalls Army officer's assault

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

A SpiceJet employee, Mudasir Ahmad Khan, claims he was assaulted by an army officer at Srinagar airport for enforcing baggage rules. He demands action against the officer, while the army says it is cooperating with the investigation.

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Tehran open to peace talks if..., says Iranian envoy; seeks India's help

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

In an interaction with PTI Videos in New Delhi, Iran's deputy chief of mission to India Mohammad Javad Hosseini also said Americans should "put pressure" and bring the other side back to the negotiating table.

Republic Day: CRPF awarded highest number of 21 gallantry medals

Republic Day: CRPF awarded highest number of 21 gallantry medals

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been awarded the highest number of police gallantry medals, 21, including two Shaurya Chakras, on the eve of Republic Day. A total of 95 bravery medals were awarded to personnel from state and central police forces, fire service, home guard, civil defence, and correctional services. The CRPF's medals included 11 for operations in Jammu and Kashmir, seven for anti-Maoist operations, and one for an operation in the northeast. The second-highest number of medals went to Uttar Pradesh (17), followed by Jammu and Kashmir (15), Chhattisgarh (11), and the Border Security Force (5).

Iran attacks US military bases in Qatar, Iraq

Iran attacks US military bases in Qatar, Iraq

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

A major escalation unfolded in West Asia on Monday after Iran reportedly launched multiple missiles targeting United States military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar -- the largest US military installation in the region, according to a CNN report.

Govt okays maritime aircraft among Rs 84,560-cr defence buy

Govt okays maritime aircraft among Rs 84,560-cr defence buy

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

The proposals cleared by the DAC include new-generation anti-tank mines, air defence tactical control radar, heavy-weight torpedoes, medium-range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft, flight refueller aircraft and software-defined radios.

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Arming Armed Forces: India's Choice Not Trump's

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

We need to equip the Indian Armed Forces, not 'commercial' as Trump wants, but 'operationally' looking at growing Chinese military capabilities, asserts Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

India Foils Pakistan's Attempt To Attack Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur

Rediff.com9 May 2025

India on Thursday night swiftly foiled Pakistan's attempts to hit various key Indian installations including military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur with drones and missiles, the defence ministry said.

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Border states hold mock drills simulating air raids, drone attacks

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Mock drills were conducted on Saturday in states and Union territories adjoining the western border -- from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat -- to enhance wartime emergency preparedness and response capabilities, officials said.

'In two years, there hasn't been a single case of corruption in the defence ministry'

'In two years, there hasn't been a single case of corruption in the defence ministry'

Rediff.com23 May 2016

'The cost of the Rafale contract will be substantially lower than being talked about.' 'If you throw away the price they demand, our coffers will soon become empty.' 'When it comes to spending the nation's money I am very careful and stingy.'

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

'Whole World Is Under A Cloud Of Uncertainty'

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The CII Business Summit 2025's inaugural session witnessed a rousing standing ovation and a felicitation ceremony for the defence top brass sending a strong message about India's rising military industrial complex and hghlghting that security is a top-of-the-mind issue for India Inc.