News for 'Defence Ministry'

Parliamentary panel to review defence preparedness

Parliamentary panel to review defence preparedness

Rediff.com22 Apr 2012

Against the backdrop of Army Chief Gen V K Singh raising the issue of shortage of equipment, a Parliamentary panel has decided to carry out a "comprehensive" review on the issue of defence preparedness and bring out a report.

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.

India's defence export at all-time high, ten-fold jump in 6 yrs

India's defence export at all-time high, ten-fold jump in 6 yrs

Rediff.com1 Apr 2023

The key platforms that India has been exporting are Dornier-228 aircraft, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), Brahmos missiles, Akash missile system, radars, mine protected vehicles, armoured vehicles, Pinaka rockets and launchers, ammunition, thermal imagers and various components of avionics and small arms.

Rajnath to hold meet with visiting Chinese counterpart

Rajnath to hold meet with visiting Chinese counterpart

Rediff.com26 Apr 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu on the sidelines of the SCO defence ministerial conclave in Delhi, people familiar with the matter said.

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."

Ukraine war delayed S-400 missile supplies, may get system in 1 year: IAF chief

Ukraine war delayed S-400 missile supplies, may get system in 1 year: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2023

The IAF had signed a contract for five squadrons of the S-400 air defence missile systems of which three units were received in time but two squadrons have not yet been supplied.

India to deploy Pralay missiles along China border

India to deploy Pralay missiles along China border

Rediff.com25 Dec 2022

At present, the Pralay ballistic missiles can take out targets from 150 to 500 km and are extremely difficult to intercept for the enemy through interceptor missiles.

Telecom Ministry wants Defence PSU status for ITI

Telecom Ministry wants Defence PSU status for ITI

Rediff.com20 Dec 2011

If the status is approved for ITI, it will get preference in the supply of technology products required by the defence services.

Jaitley gets charge of defence after Parrikar's resignation

Jaitley gets charge of defence after Parrikar's resignation

Rediff.com13 Mar 2017

Parrikar submitted his resignation after BJP staked claim to form an alliance government in Goa.

India launches ballistic missile from Nuclear-powered submarine

India launches ballistic missile from Nuclear-powered submarine

Rediff.com14 Oct 2022

India's nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant on Friday carried out a successful launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in the Bay of Bengal with a 'very high accuracy', the defence ministry said.

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.

PM to be briefed on defence indigenisation, other projects

PM to be briefed on defence indigenisation, other projects

Rediff.com1 Mar 2021

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, along with all the Commander-in-Chief rank officials from the three services will be attending the conference.

'Defence must give DoT 3G spectrum'

'Defence must give DoT 3G spectrum'

Rediff.com3 Nov 2009

Communications Minister A Raja has shifted responsibility for holding auctions for third generation or 3G telecom services to Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee by requesting him, in a letter last week, to ensure that the defence ministry releases the spectrum it had promised on time.

'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.'

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.

R-Day parade: UP wins best tableau award

R-Day parade: UP wins best tableau award

Rediff.com4 Feb 2022

The defence ministry said Maharashtra was voted as the best tableau among the states/union territories in the popular choice category.

18 killed in Russian city as Ukraine retaliates after Moscow's airstrike

18 killed in Russian city as Ukraine retaliates after Moscow's airstrike

Rediff.com31 Dec 2023

This attack came after Moscow launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine.

Defence budget raised to Rs 5.25 lakh crore

Defence budget raised to Rs 5.25 lakh crore

Rediff.com1 Feb 2022

In the Union Budget presented in Parliament by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a total of Rs 1,52,369 crore has been set aside for capital expenditure that includes purchasing new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware.

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.

President confers distinguished service awards on 84 serving, retired personnel

President confers distinguished service awards on 84 serving, retired personnel

Rediff.com27 Jun 2023

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday conferred Distinguished Service Awards, including 52 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, on 84 serving and retired personnel of the armed forces and the Indian Coast Guard.

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.

Is India's defence establishment ROTTING?

Is India's defence establishment ROTTING?

Rediff.com5 Apr 2012

The civil-military confrontation shows that integrating the defence ministry and reforming procurement are overdue, says senior journalist B G Verghese

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.

'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.

Lapsed tenders hurt Modi's 'Make in India' defence industry push

Lapsed tenders hurt Modi's 'Make in India' defence industry push

Rediff.com8 Apr 2015

Irked by India's status as the world's biggest arms importer, Modi wants to build an advanced defence industry

Make Indian, buy Indian: Defence Minister's mantra

Make Indian, buy Indian: Defence Minister's mantra

Rediff.com13 Jan 2016

At least 40% of a product must be manufactured in India for it to qualify for the Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured category.

How ocean scientists came upon IAF aircraft missing for 7.5 years

How ocean scientists came upon IAF aircraft missing for 7.5 years

Rediff.com13 Jan 2024

Over seven years after an IAF AN-32 aircraft went missing in 2016, scientists at the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) stumbled upon its debris when they were testing the instruments of their newly-acquired autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for seabed mapping in December.

India to buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpenes in govt-to-govt deal, terms to be decided

India to buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpenes in govt-to-govt deal, terms to be decided

Rediff.com13 Jul 2023

India on Thursday approved proposals for purchasing 26 Naval variant of Rafale jets from France and procuring three French-designed Scorpene class submarines, a day ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.

Antony rules out cuts in defence budget

Antony rules out cuts in defence budget

Rediff.com8 Nov 2012

The defence ministry is not very hopeful about getting an additional Rs 40,000 crore for modernisation of the armed forces, with Defence Minister A K Antony on Thursday saying he was struggling to get even the Rs 1.93 lakh crore allotted by the government in the budget. "Now I am struggling to get the budgetary amount," he told reporters when asked if he was hopeful of getting the additional Rs 40,000 crore sought by his ministry for the modernising of the three services.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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."

Sanctions on Russia unlikely hit India's defence sector: Niti member

Sanctions on Russia unlikely hit India's defence sector: Niti member

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

'Russia has got inherent military strength, they have a very good military equipment manufacturing infrastructure and by and large they are self-sufficient in their production capabilities'

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.

76 Indian military personnel replaced by civilians: Maldives

76 Indian military personnel replaced by civilians: Maldives

Rediff.com11 May 2024

However, the Maldives government has no intention of removing the doctors from India at Senahiya, a media report said.

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.

Modi, Biden discuss N-energy, 6G and AI; vow to 'deepen, diversity' defence ties

Modi, Biden discuss N-energy, 6G and AI; vow to 'deepen, diversity' defence ties

Rediff.com9 Sep 2023

In a post on X, Modi said, "Happy to have welcomed @POTUS @JoeBiden to 7, Lok Kalyan Marg. Our meeting was very productive."

India, US to ink landmark defence pact on Tuesday

India, US to ink landmark defence pact on Tuesday

Rediff.com26 Oct 2020

On Tuesday, Pompeo and Esper will hold the 2+2 talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, covering the entire expanse of defence and security ties as well as key regional and global issues.