News for 'Defence Ministry'

India 'possibly' won't import any defence items going forward: MoD official

India 'possibly' won't import any defence items going forward: MoD official

Rediff.com30 Mar 2022

In the last four months, the Centre has been reviewing all the "Buy-Global" cases that are in the contracting phase right now, Jaju said.

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

'Prabhakaran's Biggest Blunder Was Rajiv Gandhi's Murder'

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

'This was a decision taken and executed by Prabhakaran and his intelligence chief Pottu Amman. Both were convinced that the assassination would not be linked to them.'

Amid hunt for CDS, govt asks tri-services for names of top defence officers

Amid hunt for CDS, govt asks tri-services for names of top defence officers

Rediff.com26 May 2022

At a time when the process to appoint the new chief of defence staff is on, the government has sought the names of senior serving and retired officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

India plans to be among top 5 defence producers by 2025

India plans to be among top 5 defence producers by 2025

Rediff.com31 Oct 2019

The defence ministry is shooting to achieve an annual export target of $5 billion by 2025.

Modi may visit US in Feb amid Trump's tariff threat

Modi may visit US in Feb amid Trump's tariff threat

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

India is working with the US on an "early" visit to Washington by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to further deepen the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries, the External Affairs Ministry said on Friday. Following a phone conversation with Modi this week, US President Donald Trump said the Indian prime minister "is going to be coming to the White House, over next month, probably February". It would be Modi's first bilateral visit to Washington after Trump became US president for a second term. While confirming discussions between India and the US on the proposed visit, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal did not mention any possible time-line for the trip. In their phone conversation on January 27, Modi and Trump vowed to work towards a "trusted" partnership with a focus on boosting India-US cooperation in areas of trade, energy and defence. "PM Modi and President Trump had a telephone conversation recently. The two sides are working on an early visit of the PM to the US to further deepen India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing while replying to a question. "Specific dates for the visit would be announced at the appropriate time," he said. It is learnt that both sides were initially looking at the window between February 12-14 for Modi's visit but there has been no finality on it yet. The prime minister is set to travel to Paris to attend the Artificial Intelligence Action summit on February 10 and 11. Though the US president has also been invited to the summit, his participation is not yet confirmed.

With eyes on China, India, Japan agree to bolster defence ties

With eyes on China, India, Japan agree to bolster defence ties

Rediff.com8 Sep 2022

India and Japan on Thursday agreed to enhance military exercises and defence cooperation as the two countries emphasised that the bilateral special strategic and global partnership plays a crucial role in ensuring a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific, amidst China's aggressive behaviour in the region.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: Engaging The Indian Diaspora Is A Must

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

The Indian Diaspora has been able to carve a niche in their adopted countries as a result of their talent, perseverance and hardworking nature, asserts Rup Narayan Das.

Sirens go off as Israel strikes down 'suspicious aerial targets'

Sirens go off as Israel strikes down 'suspicious aerial targets'

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

The tensions between the two countries continue to remain high as several suspected drones launched from Lebanon were shot down by Israeli air defences on Sunday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said.

Defence procurement to be made more transparent

Defence procurement to be made more transparent

Rediff.com11 Mar 2013

Stung by the alleged scam in the AgustaWestland VVIP helicopter deal, the defence ministry is now busy tweaking the defence procurement policy that it hopes to unveil in mid-April this year.

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

'CBI should reveal discoveries from Swizz evidence on Bofors payoffs'

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

Journalist and author Chitra Subramaniam has demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) make public its findings from the "box of evidence" received from Switzerland regarding the Bofors payoffs. Subramaniam, author of 'Boforsgate: A Journalist's Pursuit of Truth', expressed concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the evidence, questioning who opened the box, when it was opened, and what it contained. She also raised doubts about the official narrative regarding the alleged bribe in the Bofors case, suggesting the sum of Rs 64 crore may not reflect the full extent of the corruption. Subramaniam also alleged that the CBI planted stories about Hindi film actor Amitabh Bachchan to derail the investigation and launched a political vendetta against the Bachchans. She recalled that Bachchan had come to her home and asked if she had seen his name. The CBI has recently requested assistance from the United States in the case, seeking information from private investigator Michael Hershman, who claims to have crucial details about the scandal. The Bofors scandal, a major bribery case involving the Indian government and the Swedish arms manufacturer Bofors in the 1980s, pertains to allegations of a Rs 64-crore bribe in a Rs 1,437-crore deal for the supply of 400 155mm field Howitzers.

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

A few final steps to be completed: Misri on Rana's extradition

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

The United States has approved the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, accused of involvement in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, to India. The decision was announced by President Donald Trump during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the White House. India is currently working on the logistics of Rana's surrender and extradition, with several final steps to be completed before he is sent back to India. The joint statement issued by India and the US during Prime Minister Modi's visit reaffirmed their commitment to fighting terrorism and eliminating terrorist safe havens. The leaders also called on Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks. Rana, a Canadian national of Pakistani origin, is currently lodged at a metropolitan detention center in Los Angeles. He is associated with Pakistani-American terrorist David Coleman Headley, one of the main conspirators of the 26/11 attacks.

Private sector involvement in defence R&D made easier

Private sector involvement in defence R&D made easier

Rediff.com20 Oct 2020

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday unveiled a new version of the procurement manual of the premier military research institute Defence Research and Development Organisation featuring simplified procedures for the involvement of the private sector in various research and development projects.

Pune bus rape accused sent to police custody till Mar 12

Pune bus rape accused sent to police custody till Mar 12

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

A 37-year-old man accused of raping a woman inside a bus at Swargate bus station in Pune was arrested after a days-long manhunt. The accused, Dattaray Ramdas Gade, was hiding in a paddy field in his native Shirur tehsil. Police used drones and sniffer dogs to track him down.

Rajnath Singh: A constant feature of Modi cabinets

Rajnath Singh: A constant feature of Modi cabinets

Rediff.com9 Jun 2024

A strategist and a quintessential political leader with grassroots connect, Rajnath Singh is credited with expanding the Bharatiya Janata Party's organisational network in the Hindi heartland state of Uttar Pradesh in the 1990s and the subsequent decades.

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Assam CM may order SIT probe into 'Pak links' of Gogoi's wife

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of Pakistan links of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi's British wife Elizabeth Colburn. Sarma alleged that Colburn had visited Pakistan after her marriage and that there are apprehensions of ISI infiltration into the Chief Minister's Office when Gogoi's father, the late Tarun Gogoi, was the chief minister. Sarma also shared screenshots of social media posts by Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, an advisor of the Pakistan Planning Commission and a former colleague of Colburn, claiming that the relationship between the Gogois and Sheikh appeared to be "deeply rooted." Sarma's allegations have been rejected by the Congress as "laughable and entertaining."

Defence equipment: To lease or not to lease?

Defence equipment: To lease or not to lease?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2020

Admiral describes it as 'a path-breaking change'; defence ministry official disagrees.

My son is being framed, says father of Saif stabbing accused

My son is being framed, says father of Saif stabbing accused

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

The father of Shariful Islam, the Bangladeshi man accused of stabbing actor Saif Ali Khan, claims his son was framed and is seeking help from the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry and the Indian High Commission for his release. He alleges that Shariful was living in India illegally without proper documentation and was in fear of arrest. Ruhul claims his son was not the person seen in the CCTV footage and believes there might be a conspiracy. He says Shariful left Bangladesh after the re-election of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, fearing for his safety.

Return to positions: Russia to advancing rebels

Return to positions: Russia to advancing rebels

Rediff.com24 Jun 2023

The statement of the Russian Defence Ministry comes after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed to have taken control of military facilities in two Russian cities.

Ukraine apologises for Goddess Kali tweet

Ukraine apologises for Goddess Kali tweet

Rediff.com2 May 2023

The country's deputy foreign minister Emine Dzhaparova said that Ukraine 'regrets' the defence ministry's depiction of goddess Kali in a 'distorted manner' and that the European country 'respects unique Indian culture and highly appreciates support from India'.

High-level panel set up to fast-track infra projects along China border

High-level panel set up to fast-track infra projects along China border

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

The government on Tuesday decided to set up a committee of secretaries to fast-track implementation of infrastructure projects along the border with China.

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Taliban appoint acting consul in Mumbai mission, first such move in India

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

The Taliban regime has appointed Ikramuddin Kamil as the acting consul in the Afghan mission in Mumbai, Afghan media has reported. This is the first such appointment made by the Taliban set up to any Afghan mission in India. The appointment, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, is seen as an effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with India and enhance its presence abroad. Kamil, who holds a PhD degree in international law, is expected to facilitate consular services and represent the interests of Afghanistan in India.

India to buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpene subs from France during PM's visit

India to buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpene subs from France during PM's visit

Rediff.com10 Jul 2023

In a major development, India is planning to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from France.

Border situation 'generally stable': China on Modi's remarks

Border situation 'generally stable': China on Modi's remarks

Rediff.com25 Apr 2024

The Chinese military on Thursday said the situation along the India-China border 'at present' is 'generally stable' and both sides have maintained 'effective' communication to resolve the military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

No pension hike for retired Army captains under OROP, Centre tells SC

No pension hike for retired Army captains under OROP, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

The Indian government has refused to accept recommendations for a 10% pension increase for retired regular Army captains under the One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. The Supreme Court heard an appeal by the government challenging an Armed Forces Tribunal order that mandated a decision on pension for retired captains. The government's decision not to accept the recommendations has led to a delay in resolving pension anomalies for these officers. The case will be heard again on December 12, 2023.

Night launch of nuclear capable Agni Prime missile successful

Night launch of nuclear capable Agni Prime missile successful

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

The defence ministry said the test-flight was carried out on Wednesday evening and it met all the trial objectives, validating the reliable performance, as confirmed from the data captured by a number of range sensors deployed at different locations.

Chinese Jets Trying To Scare Quad Leaders?

Chinese Jets Trying To Scare Quad Leaders?

Rediff.com25 May 2022

As Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi, United States President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met at the Kantei palace in Tokyo on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, to give the Quad a boost, Chinese and Russian warplanes on Tuesday conducted joint air patrols over the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the West Pacific Ocean.

As India pulls out, China moves into Maldives with free military aid

As India pulls out, China moves into Maldives with free military aid

Rediff.com4 Mar 2024

China on Monday signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Maldives to provide free military assistance to foster "stronger" bilateral ties with Male, weeks after President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his island nation.

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Time Services Acted On Modi Diktat!

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Almost five years later, the three services have still not fully understood that joint/theatre commands are not a discussion point; they are the prime minister's diktat on a military reform measure that is in line with what armed forces around the world have implemented, points out Ajai Shukla.

'Move away': Israel warns Lebanese people, 182 killed in strikes

'Move away': Israel warns Lebanese people, 182 killed in strikes

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

Lebanon's health ministry said that women, children and medics were among those who were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, according to CNN report. Earlier, the Israeli army announced it struck about 300 targets across Lebanon on Monday.

Phishing link mimicking MoD found in Indian cyberspace, targets govt data

Phishing link mimicking MoD found in Indian cyberspace, targets govt data

Rediff.com5 Sep 2024

The advisory has asked government staffers to delete such an e-mail if received in their inbox.

Antony evaluates state of defence preparedness

Antony evaluates state of defence preparedness

Rediff.com18 Dec 2008

In order to review the security situation and the state of preparedness of the armed forces, Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday held a meeting with the three service chiefs and senior defence ministry officials. "The minister held a meeting with the chiefs of the three services and the defence secretary to review the overall security situation and to take stock of the state of preparedness of the armed forces," a defence ministry official said.

India to buy 200 BrahMos, MiG 29 engines in Rs 39K cr deal

India to buy 200 BrahMos, MiG 29 engines in Rs 39K cr deal

Rediff.com1 Mar 2024

The contracts for the procurement of the platforms and weapons systems were signed in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and defence secretary Giridhar Aramane, under whose guidance these deals fructified, an official readout said.

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Artificial rain in Delhi? AAP govt seeks Centre's nod to combat air

Rediff.com19 Nov 2024

Amid Delhi's worsening air quality, which has plunged into the severe plus category with an AQI consistently above 450, Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday called for immediate intervention from the central government.

Can Sitharaman get the defence dinosaur moving?

Can Sitharaman get the defence dinosaur moving?

Rediff.com13 Sep 2017

The defence minister has 20 months to learn the military's ethos, culture and to publicly bat for an organisation that feels increasingly marginalised and underappreciated.

Nuclear emergency drug developed with DRDO tech gets approval

Nuclear emergency drug developed with DRDO tech gets approval

Rediff.com14 Mar 2023

A critical drug developed on a DRDO technology for radiological and nuclear emergencies has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the defence ministry said on Tuesday.

Indian ammunition enters Ukraine despite Russia's protest? MEA reacts

Indian ammunition enters Ukraine despite Russia's protest? MEA reacts

Rediff.com20 Sep 2024

India described as "inaccurate" a media report that said artillery shells sold by Indian arms manufacturers have been diverted by European customers to Ukraine and New Delhi has not intervened to stop it.

Defence min examining Jaya's demand on Lankan personnel

Defence min examining Jaya's demand on Lankan personnel

Rediff.com25 Aug 2012

The defence ministry is considering the demand made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha to send back two Sri Lankan officers training in the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington in the state.

IAF's New Transport Aircraft Makes Maiden Flight

IAF's New Transport Aircraft Makes Maiden Flight

Rediff.com9 May 2023

The Airbus C-295 can carry up to 71 troops, or 50 paratroopers with battle loads. It can ferry supplies to locations inaccessible to the IAF's heavy transport fleet.

Can Doval change defence planning in India?

Can Doval change defence planning in India?

Rediff.com22 Apr 2018

'Defence does not new 'planning commissions'; it needs an implementation commission.'

An Agenda for the Defence Minister

An Agenda for the Defence Minister

Rediff.com4 Jun 2019

The new minister must commit himself to supporting long-term defence plans or else defence modernisation will continue to lag and the growing military capabilities gap with China will assume ominous proportions, warns Brigadier Gurmeet Kanwal (retd).