News for 'Defence Staff'

ISI chief Malik appointed as Pak NSA amid escalating tension with India

ISI chief Malik appointed as Pak NSA amid escalating tension with India

Rediff.com1 May 2025

He is the country's tenth NSA, but it is for the first time that a serving ISI chief has been given the task to serve concurrently in the two key positions.

Farewell MiG-21. Flying Legend, IAF's Soul

Farewell MiG-21. Flying Legend, IAF's Soul

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21's sharp silhouette and supersonic roar will live on in the memories of those who flew it, those who maintained it, and those who watched it streak across the sky as a symbol of India's strength, asserts IAF veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd).

Gen Bipin Rawat, wife, 11 others killed as IAF chopper crashes in TN

Gen Bipin Rawat, wife, 11 others killed as IAF chopper crashes in TN

Rediff.com9 Dec 2021

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 11 others were killed when an Indian Air Force helicopter carrying them crashed on Wednesday near Coonoor in Tamil Nadu in apparently foggy conditions, killing 13 people on board, the IAF and other officials said.

CO of 109 Helicopter Unit was flying CDS Rawat's chopper

CO of 109 Helicopter Unit was flying CDS Rawat's chopper

Rediff.com8 Dec 2021

Wing Commander Prithvi Singh Chauhan was the pilot of the crashed Indian Air Force (IAF) Mi-17V5 helicopter, carrying Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 others, informed sources.

'Israel Has Been Targeting Journalists'

'Israel Has Been Targeting Journalists'

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

'The world does not know that the families of these journalists were threatened and one by one they too have been killed.'

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

'Trump Doesn't Mean Any Harm To India'

Rediff.com15 May 2025

'He is intrigued by the intractability of Kashmir issue. With his interest in dealmaking and peacebrokering, he sees it as an exciting challenge to tackle.'

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

When India Threatened Lahore To Stop Pakistan's Moves In J&K

Rediff.com28 May 2025

In what was perhaps the most critical meeting before full-scale war broke out, Shastri defined India's immediate war objectives to his defence minister, army, and air force chiefs: 'To defend against Pakistan's attempts to grab Kashmir by force and to make it abundantly clear that Pakistan would never be allowed to wrest Kashmir from India; To destroy the offensive power of Pakistan's armed forces...' A fascinating excerpt from Shiv Kunal Verma's must-read 1965: A Western Sunrise India's War With Pakistan.

England beat India in rain-marred 2nd WODI

England beat India in rain-marred 2nd WODI

Rediff.com20 Jul 2025

England beat India by eight wickets in rain-affected 2nd women''s ODI to level series 1-1

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

India Must Be Ready For Next War With Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Jul 2025

India has to fill in all the critical gaps in missiles, ammunition, sensors and stockpile in the fastest possible manner, focusing on the critical instruments that worked this time, asserts Shekhar Gupta.

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Gaganyaan To Head To Space In Early 2027

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

The Human-rated LVM3 vehicle, the Crew Escape System and the Crew Module and Service Module are all in final stages of testing and integration.

'No project completed on time', IAF chief uses Salman Khan's dialogue

'No project completed on time', IAF chief uses Salman Khan's dialogue

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh on Thursday flagged serious concerns over inordinate delays in various defence acquisition projects and failure to stick to delivery schedules for supply of key platforms even as he hailed Operation Sindoor as a 'national victory'.

Indian Navy to conduct mega war game with African nations in April

Indian Navy to conduct mega war game with African nations in April

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Indian Navy will conduct a large-scale multilateral maritime engagement exercise with African countries in April, aiming to enhance interoperability with African navies and further strengthen maritime security cooperation. The exercise, titled "AIKEYME" (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement), will see the participation of several African nations, including Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. The exercise is part of India's growing engagement with the Global South, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "MAHASAGAR" vision for mutual and holistic advancement in the region.

'India Is In A State Of 'Not War, Not Peace'

'India Is In A State Of 'Not War, Not Peace'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'And this will persist given the two-and-a-half-front threat we face.'

Trump to host Pakistan Army chief at White House today

Trump to host Pakistan Army chief at White House today

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

United States President Donald Trump will host Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir for lunch at the White House on Wednesday.

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.

No justification for...: Modi, Saudi crown prince condemn terrorism

No justification for...: Modi, Saudi crown prince condemn terrorism

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

During the talks, the two sides appreciated the deepening of the defence ties as a key pillar of the strategic partnership and welcomed the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the Strategic Partnership Council.

200-Year-Old Border Dispute Sparks India-Nepal Tensions

200-Year-Old Border Dispute Sparks India-Nepal Tensions

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Nepal's claim on Lipulekh and Kalapani reopens a 200-year-old border dispute, while historical maps and treaties show the area belongs to India, asserts Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).

'Make Iran Great Again': Trump talks regime change after strikes

'Make Iran Great Again': Trump talks regime change after strikes

Rediff.com23 Jun 2025

Trump's remarks came a day after the US launched Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three of Iran's key nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

More Top Military Officers Eligible For CDS Job

More Top Military Officers Eligible For CDS Job

Rediff.com7 Jun 2022

Any serving or retired lieutenant general, air marshal and vice admiral under the age of 62 years will be eligible for the post of Chief of Defence Staff, according to notifications issued by the government.

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Sirens blare as mock drills conducted across country

Rediff.com8 May 2025

India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills simulating multiple hostile scenarios like air raids, fire emergencies, and rescue operations across several states and union territories. The drills, dubbed 'Operation Abhyaas,' aimed to enhance emergency preparedness in light of recent terror attacks. The exercises involved coordinated efforts by various agencies, including civil defence personnel, police, fire and emergency services, and the military. Mock drills were conducted at various locations, including railway stations, malls, and high-rise buildings, showcasing the response capabilities of authorities in different emergency scenarios. The drills highlighted the importance of public awareness and cooperation in dealing with real-time emergencies.

Rajnath meets Gen Rawat's daughter, briefs PM on chopper crash

Rajnath meets Gen Rawat's daughter, briefs PM on chopper crash

Rediff.com8 Dec 2021

Sources said Singh has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the crash and the Indian Air Force chief has been asked to reach the site.

They Took The Tiranga Around The World

They Took The Tiranga Around The World

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Lieutenant Commanders Roopa A and Dilna K from the Indian Navy have stamped India's name on the high seas.

Defence Chiefs Host Farewell Banquet For President

Defence Chiefs Host Farewell Banquet For President

Rediff.com14 Jul 2022

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the President -- who is the supreme commander of Indian's armed forces -- attended a farewell banquet hosted in his honour by the Chiefs of Staff Committee in New Delhi.

Who Is Rajnath Shaking Hands With?

Who Is Rajnath Shaking Hands With?

Rediff.com19 Oct 2023

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the Indian Army's senior-most generals before he addressed the Army Commanders' Conference at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

Chinese defence minister missing, rumoured to have been detained

Chinese defence minister missing, rumoured to have been detained

Rediff.com16 Sep 2023

Speculation about the missing Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shangfu may have been removed and detained became rife after he was conspicuously absent at the meeting of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in Beijing on Friday.

All you need to know about India's new CDS Gen Anil Chauhan

All you need to know about India's new CDS Gen Anil Chauhan

Rediff.com30 Sep 2022

Military affairs experts said his key challenge will be to build consensus among the three services for the theaterisation plan as the Indian Air Force has some apprehensions about its roll-out.

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

India set for massive mock drill on Wednesday amid rising tension with Pak

Rediff.com7 May 2025

How to conduct the mock exercise with active public participation of people was discussed threadbare at a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan. Top civil and police officers of the country participated in the meeting, official sources said.

Attari-Wagah border completely shut

Attari-Wagah border completely shut

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The Attari-Wagah border crossing point between India and Pakistan was shut completely on Thursday following a week-long heavy rush of people from either side to cross over after the Union government ordered all Pakistani citizens with short-term visa to leave India in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, sources said.

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Indira Gandhi Or Modi: Who's India's Strongest PM?

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

Mrs Gandhi's power ebbed and peaked with the times. Mr Modi's has almost been constant, barring the few months of hard dip after the 240 seats of 2024, points out Shekhar Gupta.

Why is Israel Defence Minister in India?

Why is Israel Defence Minister in India?

Rediff.com3 Jun 2022

A week before he turned 63 on June 9, retired General Benjamin 'Benny' Gantz -- briefly his country's prime minister and now its defence minister -- was in New Delhi to meet with his counterpart, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.

Navy gets 1st India-made drone from Adani Defence

Navy gets 1st India-made drone from Adani Defence

Rediff.com10 Jan 2024

Hari Kumar lauded Adani's efforts in aligning their roadmap to the requirements of the Indian Navy and establishing an ecosystem of partners and capabilities to enable Aatmanirbharta in defence and security.

From Russia With Love

From Russia With Love

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Red Square and VDNKh easily rank among the most striking places I've visited -- both for their historical significance and architectural splendour.
My admiration for Russian culture, vision and ambition grew with every step as I clocked the miles, Nitin Sathe tells us after a visit to Moscow and St Petersburg.

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

'India wants goli ka jawab goli se'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

'If Pakistan has fired one bullet at us then we have to respond by firing 10 bullets at them. It is our right to do so.'

Was ready to strike during Operation Sindoor: Navy chief

Was ready to strike during Operation Sindoor: Navy chief

Rediff.com28 Jun 2025

During Operation Sindoor, Indian naval ships, submarines and aircraft were operationally ready and deployed, projecting strength and preparedness to deter any "potential actions from our western adversary" in the maritime domain, Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Friday.

Pak, Turkiye strengthen ties as Sharif meets Erdogan

Pak, Turkiye strengthen ties as Sharif meets Erdogan

Rediff.com26 May 2025

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to review bilateral relations and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership. The two leaders discussed joint ventures and enhanced bilateral investment in key sectors, aiming to achieve a $5 billion annual bilateral trade target. They also expressed gratitude for mutual support during recent tensions with India. The meeting was described as "warm and most cordial," highlighting the deep-rooted historical ties between Pakistan and Turkey.

'Have Modi And Trump Fallen Out?'

'Have Modi And Trump Fallen Out?'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'We should watch -- in the near term -- for signs that the two have totally fallen out at a personal, political level.' 'Trump and Modi know how to be dealmakers, but they also know how to hold a grudge.'

What Supreme Commander Told Officers...

What Supreme Commander Told Officers...

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

'We not only have to secure our national interests but also prepare for new national security challenges like cyber warfare and terrorism.'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

'Munir's US Visits: Something Else Is Afoot'

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

'Trump has personally weighed in to overcome doubts and reservations about Pakistan among his top advisors.'

Search to begin for next CDS, Gen Naravane frontrunner

Search to begin for next CDS, Gen Naravane frontrunner

Rediff.com9 Dec 2021

The government is set to begin the process soon to appoint the next Chief of Defence Staff with Army Chief Gen MM Naravane emerging as the front-runner for the top post that fell vacant following the demise of Gen Bipin Rawat in a helicopter crash.

Marching into history: 17 women cadets graduate from NDA

Marching into history: 17 women cadets graduate from NDA

Rediff.com30 May 2025

The first batch of women cadets joined the NDA's 148th course in 2022 after the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) allowed women to apply to the defence academy following a Supreme Court direction in 2021.