News for 'Defence Ministry'

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Waqf Bill brazen assault on Constitution: Sonia Gandhi

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, calling it a 'brazen assault' on the Constitution and part of the BJP's strategy to keep society in a 'permanent state of polarization.' She also spoke out against the One Nation, One Election Bill, calling it a 'subversion of the Constitution.' Gandhi further accused the Modi government of ignoring the women's reservation bill and other demands for reservation, and of 'dragging the country into an abyss' where the Constitution will only exist on paper. She also criticized the government for limiting the speaking time of the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and for not allowing discussions on important issues like the working of the defense and external affairs ministries and the challenges posed by China on the border.

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Modi to visit US on Feb 12, to meet Trump amid tariff war

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

It would be the prime minister's first bilateral visit to the US after Trump became president for a second term.

65 Ukrainian PoWs among 74 killed in Russian military plane crash

65 Ukrainian PoWs among 74 killed in Russian military plane crash

Rediff.com24 Jan 2024

Officials said that Moscow has dispatched a panel of inquiry to probe into the incident.

Centre reveals why R-Day tableaux of Punjab, Bengal rejected

Centre reveals why R-Day tableaux of Punjab, Bengal rejected

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

In its response, the Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying tableaux proposals from states and Union territories and central ministries or departments are evaluated by an 'expert committee' comprising eminent persons in the fields of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture and choreography among others.

Moscow says Ukrainian strike in Donetsk kills 63 Russian soldiers

Moscow says Ukrainian strike in Donetsk kills 63 Russian soldiers

Rediff.com2 Jan 2023

The Russian defence ministry said that Ukrainian forces hit six rockets of HIMARS at the temporary deployment point of one of the units of Russian armed forces in Makiivka region of Donetsk.

India tests Agni-5 missile capable of deploying multiple warheads

India tests Agni-5 missile capable of deploying multiple warheads

Rediff.com11 Mar 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists over the first flight test of indigenously developed Agni-5 missile, capable of deploying multiple warheads.

US Defence Secretary to visit India from March 19 to 21

US Defence Secretary to visit India from March 19 to 21

Rediff.com10 Mar 2021

It will be the first visit by a top US official after the Joe Biden administration took charge.

Army unveils comprehensive roadmap for 2036 Olympics

Army unveils comprehensive roadmap for 2036 Olympics

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

The conclave drew valuable insights from former athletes and Olympians, including celebrated ones such as Anju Bobby George, Mary Kom, and Tarundeep Rai, all of whom shared their personal experiences and perspectives on what it takes to excel at the highest levels of sports.

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Modi, Macron fly together to Marseille, open new Indian consulate

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for enhancing trade and investment ties between their countries and committed to further deepening their engagement in the Indo-Pacific. They discussed a full spectrum of bilateral relations, including key global and regional issues, and stressed the urgent need for reform in the United Nations Security Council. The leaders also underscored their commitment to ensuring the global AI sector can drive positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

PM slams Central Vista critics as he inaugurates new defence offices

PM slams Central Vista critics as he inaugurates new defence offices

Rediff.com16 Sep 2021

He also asserted that ease of living and ease of doing business were behind the spirit of the work being done under the Central Vista project.

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Meet Nirmalaji's Budget Team

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

This will be the first full-year Budget of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government since it came to power for a third consecutive term in July last year.

76th Republic-Day Parade: India displays military might, cultural diversity

76th Republic-Day Parade: India displays military might, cultural diversity

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's rich cultural diversity, military prowess, economic progress and the strides it has taken in sectors, such as science and technology, were on full display at the 76th Republic-Day celebrations on Kartavya Path on Sunday, in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

How China retaliated against Trump's tariffs

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

China on Tuesday retaliated US President Donald Trump's imposition of 2nd round of ten per cent tariffs on its export by slapping an additional 15 per cent tariffs on American goods and initiated legal action against Washington in WTO while leaving the door open for talks to address each other's concerns.

No 'median line': China sends 103 warplanes around Taiwan

No 'median line': China sends 103 warplanes around Taiwan

Rediff.com18 Sep 2023

China on Monday dismissed the existence of a 'median line' in the volatile Taiwan Strait after Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected a record 103 Chinese warplanes flying around the self-ruled island in a 24-hour period.

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Modi dials Trump, says 'delighted to speak to dear friend'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump on Monday vowed to work towards a 'trusted' partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence in their first phone conversation since the American leader's inauguration last week.

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

SEE: Macron bids farewell to Modi as he departs France

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has concluded his visit to France, which included co-chairing an AI summit and bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. He is now headed to the US for a bilateral meeting with President Trump. Modi's visit to France included discussions on trade, defense, energy, and cultural linkages. He also inaugurated India's new consulate in Marseille. During his visit to the US, Modi will also interact with business leaders and members of the Indian community.

Govt nod for Rs 7,800-cr purchase to enhance forces' operational capabilities

Govt nod for Rs 7,800-cr purchase to enhance forces' operational capabilities

Rediff.com24 Aug 2023

The defence ministry said the proposals approved by the DAC included one on procurement of 7.62x51 mm light machine gun and another on acquisition of weapons MH-60R helicopters of the Indian Navy.

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Don't cross the red line: Taliban warn Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Following Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan's Barmal district of Paktika province, which left 46 dead and six injured, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan on Wednesday summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul.

27 Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan air defence zone during Pelosi visit

27 Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan air defence zone during Pelosi visit

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

China has also announced that it would hold six live-fire military drills in waters around Taiwan.

Debris of IAF plane found in Bay of Bengal 7.5 years after crash

Debris of IAF plane found in Bay of Bengal 7.5 years after crash

Rediff.com13 Jan 2024

The wreckage of a transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been located at the depth of around 3.4 km in the Bay of Bengal, nearly seven-and-a-half years after the plane with 29 personnel on board went missing.

US sanctions 15 Indian entities for backing Russia

US sanctions 15 Indian entities for backing Russia

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

The United States has imposed sanctions on 275 individuals and entities, including 15 from India, for allegedly supporting Russia's military-industrial base.

Tejas Gets More Sophisticated

Tejas Gets More Sophisticated

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

The Mark-1A will be more sophisticated and capable than the Tejas Mark-1.

Construction of 2 nuke submarines okayed: Navy chief

Construction of 2 nuke submarines okayed: Navy chief

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

The government has approved the construction of two indigenously designed nuclear attack submarines and is expected to ink contracts next month to procure 26 naval variant of Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi said on Monday.

2nd batch of Indian military personnel leaves Maldives

2nd batch of Indian military personnel leaves Maldives

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

The second batch of Indian military personnel manning a helicopter gifted by India to the Maldives has left the island nation as demanded by him, President Mohamed Muizzu has said.

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Bangladesh foreign secy meets Indian envoy over border tensions

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Bangladesh has summoned the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka over border tensions, accusing India of violating a bilateral agreement by constructing fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border. The development comes after Bangladesh officials alleged that India had halted construction of barbed wire fencing due to strong opposition from the Border Guard Bangladesh and local residents.

Indian civilian team in Maldives to replace military personnel

Indian civilian team in Maldives to replace military personnel

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

There are 88 military personnel manning the three Indian platforms that have been providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives for the last few years using two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.

Cricket Diplomacy: Aus Deputy PM to attend WC final

Cricket Diplomacy: Aus Deputy PM to attend WC final

Rediff.com18 Nov 2023

Australian Deputy PM Marles to watch India-Australia World Cup cricket final in Ahmedabad

China renames 30 more places in Arunachal Pradesh

China renames 30 more places in Arunachal Pradesh

Rediff.com1 Apr 2024

India has been rejecting China renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country and assigning "invented" names does not alter this reality.

Understand actions in self-defence: MEA on Iranian strike on Pak

Understand actions in self-defence: MEA on Iranian strike on Pak

Rediff.com18 Jan 2024

At the same time, external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it is a matter between Iran and Pakistan.

Another Indian dies in Ukraine war, MEA asks Russia to...

Another Indian dies in Ukraine war, MEA asks Russia to...

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

India on Tuesday pressed Russia to release all the Indians recruited by the Russian military, following the death of another Indian national in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, taking the death toll to 10.

Remembering Parrikar, the defence sector reformer

Remembering Parrikar, the defence sector reformer

Rediff.com18 Mar 2019

His background as an Indian Institute of Technology graduate and as a chief minister with an excellent track record as an administrator equipped him to initiate defence industry and policy reforms that are only now beginning to bear fruit.

How India enhanced its military might in 2023

How India enhanced its military might in 2023

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

India also went on an overdrive in expanding its military engagement with like-minded countries in its neighbourhood and beyond in the face of China's relentless attempts to become a regional hegemon and establish its primacy in South Asia.

Govt to Defence Services: 'No urgent need for money'

Govt to Defence Services: 'No urgent need for money'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2018

Defence already accounts for one-third of the national capital spend, the government says.

12 Indians serving in Russian military killed, 16 missing: Govt

12 Indians serving in Russian military killed, 16 missing: Govt

Rediff.com17 Jan 2025

India has confirmed that 12 Indian nationals have died while serving in the Russian military during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Another 16 Indians, who were serving in the Russian armed forces, are listed as missing by Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a total of 126 Indians were serving with the Russian military and 96 of them have so far been discharged.

Pak-Afghan border tension escalates as 8 Taliban killed in retaliation

Pak-Afghan border tension escalates as 8 Taliban killed in retaliation

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple Pakistani border posts in the Upper Kurram district, killing one Frontier Constabulary (FC) soldier and injuring 11 others. The incident came after Pakistan targeted terrorist positions in Afghanistan to punish the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) militants. Pakistani forces retaliated, inflicting heavy casualties on the Afghan side.

Where A Heroic Battle Against The Chinese Was Fought

Where A Heroic Battle Against The Chinese Was Fought

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The Battle of Lhagyala on November 23, 1962, fought by the 4 Rajput Regiment against the Chinese PLA, remains a forgotten chapter of heroism, with no survivors left to tell their story.

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Foreign secretary Misri reaches Beijing for talks with Chinese officials

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit during which he will hold talks with Chinese officials. The visit comes amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and to resume bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

India, China complete 80-90% troop disengagement in Demchok, Depsang

Rediff.com28 Oct 2024

Defence sources stated that the disengagement involves removing infrastructure and withdrawing troops from both sides. The process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

India, Qatar to double trade in next 5 yrs; discuss Israel-Hamas issue

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

India and Qatar on Tuesday agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership and double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani signed agreements and MoUs to strengthen economic cooperation, including a revised double taxation avoidance agreement. The strategic partnership will cover the "entire spectrum" of the bilateral relationship, including trade, energy security, and regional and international cooperation. Both leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen and broaden the energy partnership, including "exploring mutual investments." The Amir's visit provided an "excellent opportunity" for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss and "cement a strategic partnership for enhanced future cooperation."

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Days after Modi's visit, Chinese military reiterates claim over Arunachal

Rediff.com17 Mar 2024

Zhang made the remarks in response to India's enhancement of its military readiness through the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, according to a report posted on the Chinese defence ministry's website on Friday.