News for 'Defence Ministry'

IAF Rafale jets wrap up 10-day Red Flag exercise in Alaska

IAF Rafale jets wrap up 10-day Red Flag exercise in Alaska

Rediff.com16 Jun 2024

The IAF contingent participated in the exercise from June 4 to 14.

India-Pak tensions: Govt extends closure of 28 airports till May 15

India-Pak tensions: Govt extends closure of 28 airports till May 15

Rediff.com9 May 2025

A senior government official confirmed that after a meeting with other stakeholders, the decision has been taken and airlines and airport authorities have been informed about it.

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Indus Waters Treaty will remain in 'abeyance' until...: India

Rediff.com22 May 2025

India has asserted that the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan will remain in "abeyance" until Islamabad "credibly and irrevocably" abjures support to cross-border terrorism. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that any bilateral talks with Islamabad will only be on vacation of illegally occupied territories of Kashmir by Pakistan. He also said that India is open to discussing the handing over of terrorists whose list was provided to Pakistan some years ago. India on April 23 announced a raft of punitive measures against Pakistan including suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Dubai Crown Prince to visit India on April 8-9

Dubai Crown Prince to visit India on April 8-9

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will visit India on April 8-9, during which he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hold talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and participate in a business roundtable seeking to bolster India-United Arab Emirates ties.

Centre expects US to consider visa applications of Indian students

Centre expects US to consider visa applications of Indian students

Rediff.com29 May 2025

India on Thursday said it expects the United States to consider visa applications of Indian students on merit amid growing concerns over the Trump administration halting new student visa interviews.

Rahul's flight not cleared for landing? MoD explains

Rahul's flight not cleared for landing? MoD explains

Rediff.com1 Dec 2023

A Defence spokesperson said on Friday that the Defence Ministry had neither accorded nor denied landing permission for an aircraft carrying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the Naval airport in Kochi.

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

India, China agree to work on 'roadmap' to rebuild trust

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

India and China have agreed to work towards a "roadmap" for rebuilding mutual trust following the border standoff in eastern Ladakh, according to a statement from the Indian Defence Ministry. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with his Chinese counterpart Dong Jun in Vientiane, Laos, on the sidelines of a regional security conclave. Singh called for drawing lessons from the "unfortunate border clashes" of 2020 and emphasized the need for cooperation rather than conflict. Both sides agreed to work towards a roadmap for rebuilding mutual trust and understanding, and a meeting of the Special Representatives and Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will also take place soon.

India inks $4bn deal with US for 31 Predator drones

India inks $4bn deal with US for 31 Predator drones

Rediff.com15 Oct 2024

India is acquiring the drones primarily to crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China.

Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan's terror sponsorship: Amit Shah

Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan's terror sponsorship: Amit Shah

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that the Operation Sindoor undertaken by the Indian armed forces in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack has "completely exposed" the fact that terrorism in India is sponsored by Pakistan. Shah also said that the operation showed the "firm" political will of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "precise" intelligence inputs from agencies, and the "lethal" capabilities of the armed forces. He added that the operation was successful as it used the correct firepower and achieved its aims besides "showing the reality" to Pakistan.

French defence firm pulls out of India's P-75I submarine project

French defence firm pulls out of India's P-75I submarine project

Rediff.com3 May 2022

Naval Group's announcement comes a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris where he is scheduled meet recently re-elected French President Emmanuel Macron.

Limited choices in strategic partners in defence

Limited choices in strategic partners in defence

Rediff.com25 Sep 2019

The defence ministry has lost sight of what it intended to achieve -- which was to nurture private defence firms that would compete on equal terms with the 9 defence PSUs and the 41 Ordnance Factory Board factories.

Cabinet approves creation of chief of defence staff

Cabinet approves creation of chief of defence staff

Rediff.com24 Dec 2019

The CDS will be a four-star general and his salary will be equivalent to that of service chiefs.

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

In Riyadh, Trump Again Claims Credit For Ceasefire

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'I said, fellas, come on, let's make a deal, let's do some trading, let's not trade nuclear missiles, let's trade the things that you make so beautifully, and they both have very powerful leaders, very strong leaders, smart leaders, and it all stopped.'

Navy sails into history with 5th century stitched Ship INSV Kaundinya

Navy sails into history with 5th century stitched Ship INSV Kaundinya

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian Navy has inducted a traditionally-built stitched ship, named INSV Kaundinya, at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka. The ship is a recreation of a fifth-century vessel and is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian mariner who sailed across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia. The ship is a tangible symbol of India's long-standing maritime traditions and its induction marks a culmination of a project celebrating India's rich shipbuilding heritage. The INSV Kaundinya will embark on a trans-oceanic voyage along the ancient trade route from Gujarat to Oman later this year.

Will use weapons with full force if needed: Rajnath

Will use weapons with full force if needed: Rajnath

Rediff.com13 Oct 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt but if its interests are threatened, 'we will not hesitate to take a big step'.

'India Should Hit Pakistan Army Targets'

'India Should Hit Pakistan Army Targets'

Rediff.com11 May 2025

'There's something called deterrence by punishment.' 'That means you hit in a manner calculated to raise costs and consequences for Pakistan, so that the next time it attempts a Pahalgam-like attack, it has to think ten times.'

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Diplomatic, economic punitive actions against Pak to continue: India

Rediff.com14 May 2025

External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India will keep the IWT in abeyance until Pakistan "credibly and irrevocably" abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

India debunks news of fidayeen, drone attacks in J-K, Punjab

India debunks news of fidayeen, drone attacks in J-K, Punjab

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Indian government has dismissed claims of a suicide attack on an Army brigade in Jammu and Kashmir and a drone attack in Punjab as "fake news." The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check Unit found the claims to be false and attributed the spread of disinformation to coordinated efforts by certain social media handles and mainstream media in Pakistan. The government urged citizens to rely on verified sources and refrain from sharing unverified content.

Will BJP commit to 3% of GDP for defence spending?

Will BJP commit to 3% of GDP for defence spending?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

Neither the BJP, nor the Congress before it, made any manifesto commitments on defence spending, even though allocations have plummeted from 4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the late 1980s to less than 2 per cent today, points out Ajai Shukla.

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Trump Is Closer Than Ever To Win The Nobel

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Trump couldn't care less anymore about the Israeli demand for Iran's 'de-nuclearisation' and 'de-militarisation.' Trump pins hopes on a grand bargain with Iran as a partner in America First, argues Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Solid order book, indigenisation to keep defence stocks in demand: Analysts

Solid order book, indigenisation to keep defence stocks in demand: Analysts

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

India's total value of defence production breached Rs 1 trillion-mark in the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23), up 12 per cent year-on-year (YoY). At the bourses, this has been well reflected in related-stocks from the sector as they gained considerable ground during this period. Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, MTAR Technologies, Bharat Electronics (BEL), and Bharat Dynamics (BDL) have skyrocketed up to 160 per cent in a year, as against a 14 per cent jump in the S&P BSE Sensex.

India expels second Pak High Commission official on espionage charge

India expels second Pak High Commission official on espionage charge

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The ministry of external affairs said the official has been given 24 hours to leave the country.

Banking, oil shares drag Sensex down 156 points

Banking, oil shares drag Sensex down 156 points

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Among Sensex firms, Eternal, Tata Motors, State Bank of India, Adani Ports, NTPC, IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finance, Asian Paints, Axis Bank and Sun Pharma were the major losers. Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle and Maruti were among the gainers.

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Built consensus with India, will reach solution at early date, says China

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

China and India were able to "reduce differences" and build "some consensus" on disengaging troops from friction points to end the standoff in eastern Ladakh and agreed to maintain dialogue to reach a resolution acceptable to both sides at an "early date", the Chinese defence ministry said on Thursday.

India, Israel to expand defence ties; focus on futuristic technologies

India, Israel to expand defence ties; focus on futuristic technologies

Rediff.com2 Jun 2022

During the meeting, Gantz emphasised the opportunity to invest further in defence cooperation between the two countries.

Won't go unavenged: Govt's strong message after Kathua terror attack

Won't go unavenged: Govt's strong message after Kathua terror attack

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Five Army personnel were killed and as many injured on Monday when a group of heavily-armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party in Badnota area in Kathua.

HISTORIC: Shuks heads to ISS, 1st Indian in space in 41 years

HISTORIC: Shuks heads to ISS, 1st Indian in space in 41 years

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The Lucknow-born Shukla, former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the Axiom-4 mission that marks the return to space for the three nations.

Defence budget hiked by Rs 69,000 cr to Rs 5.94 lakh crore

Defence budget hiked by Rs 69,000 cr to Rs 5.94 lakh crore

Rediff.com1 Feb 2023

The defence budget was increased to Rs 5.94 lakh crore for 2023-24, up from last year's allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore.

Govt restricts import of 351 defence items, to be indigenised in 3 yrs

Govt restricts import of 351 defence items, to be indigenised in 3 yrs

Rediff.com29 Dec 2021

The defence ministry on Wednesday announced a fresh list of 351 sub-systems and components that will not be allowed to be imported under a staggered timeline beginning December next year.

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is new chief of air staff

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh is new chief of air staff

Rediff.com21 Sep 2024

Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh has been appointed as the next Chief of the Air Staff.

Belgian court rejects Mehul Choksi's bail plea

Belgian court rejects Mehul Choksi's bail plea

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

A Belgian court has declined the bail plea of Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case.

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

One killed, several hurt as mob attacks Bangladesh air force base

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The attack occurred hours after Home Affairs Adviser, retired Lieutenant General M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, in a pre-dawn press conference reiterated the government's commitment to maintaining law and order.

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

In his media statement following talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic, Modi said both leaders agree that "terrorism is an enemy of humanity" and is inimical to forces that believe in democracy.

No more talks, just PoK: India's firm global stance on Pakistan

No more talks, just PoK: India's firm global stance on Pakistan

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

Interacting with the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, Banerjee said, "We have been in talks with them (Pakistan) for decades, despite changes in various paradigms and governments. But one thing remains constant, the conflict with Pakistan."

Recognise Arunachal Pradesh as...: US on China's claim

Recognise Arunachal Pradesh as...: US on China's claim

Rediff.com21 Mar 2024

China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area Zangnan.

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Diplomatic front against terror: Russia, Japan, UAE pledge support to India

Rediff.com24 May 2025

India has secured international support in its fight against terrorism, with Russia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates expressing solidarity and a commitment to working together to combat the threat. This follows a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which claimed 26 lives. Multi-party parliamentary delegations from India briefed the leaderships of these countries on Operation Sindoor, India's response to the attack, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and combating radicalism. These developments highlight the growing global consensus against terrorism and the importance of international collaboration to address this shared challenge.

Pahalgam attack aimed to vitiate atmosphere: Govt to leaders

Pahalgam attack aimed to vitiate atmosphere: Govt to leaders

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The government on Thursday told an all-party meeting that the Pahalgam attack was carried out to vitiate the atmosphere at a time when the economy of Jammu and Kashmir was on the upswing and tourism was booming. Briefing reporters after the meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said all parties said they were with the government and against terror. The party leaders were briefed by Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Union Home Ministry officials on the steps being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, Rijiju said. Home Minister Amit Shah, present in the meeting, interjected wherever required as officials briefed MPs, according to sources. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and scores injured when terrorists shot them in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Pak increases range of mobile towers, alert in Rajasthan

Rediff.com14 May 2025

Amid concerns of espionage, the Rajasthan administration has intensified security measures along the India-Pakistan border, with authorities in Jaisalmer and Sri Ganganagar banning the use of Pakistani SIM cards.

What Rajnath's UK Visit Means For India's Defence

What Rajnath's UK Visit Means For India's Defence

Rediff.com8 Jan 2024

The Indian Navy, which was earlier looking towards the US for design expertise, technical know-how and operational practices, is now considering the advantages of working with the Royal Navy.

Ties depend on peace at border, Rajnath tells Chinese defence minister in Delhi

Ties depend on peace at border, Rajnath tells Chinese defence minister in Delhi

Rediff.com27 Apr 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu and is learnt to have discussed the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh.