News for 'Indian Defence Ministry'

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.

85 Indians freed from Russian military, 20 more await release: Govt

85 Indians freed from Russian military, 20 more await release: Govt

Rediff.com22 Oct 2024

The Indian side is in "very close touch" with interlocutors in the foreign and defence ministries of Russia on the issue of Indians "who were, illegally or otherwise, contracted into fighting in the Russian Army", Misri said at a media briefing on Modi's visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit.

Enemies Beware! Indian Army Set To Boost Long-Range Firepower

Enemies Beware! Indian Army Set To Boost Long-Range Firepower

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

The ATAGS has a range of 35-45 kilometres, depending on the ammunition used, and achieved a 47-km firing range during trials.

'Some people think we would have gone for PoK, but...'

'Some people think we would have gone for PoK, but...'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Lieutenant General Vinod Khandare (retired), former principal adviser to the Ministry of Defence, discusses the implications of Operation Sindoor, including its impact on India's diplomatic relations and the need for improved civil defense.

How India Is Dealing With Trump's Barbs, Threats

How India Is Dealing With Trump's Barbs, Threats

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

'We are a responsible nation, and would prefer to deal with sensitive issues with the maturity they deserve rather than take to social media.'

Will Modi Meet Xi In Tianjin?

Will Modi Meet Xi In Tianjin?

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'Prime minister is expected to hold some bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the SCO summit.'

China denies sending military supplies to Pakistan

China denies sending military supplies to Pakistan

Rediff.com13 May 2025

The Chinese military on Monday denied reports that its largest military cargo plane has carried arms supplies to Pakistan and warned legal action against those spreading such rumours.

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

What's Trump's Real Game Plan Against India?

Rediff.com1 Aug 2025

By threatening to punish India with high tariff, Trump is actually planting a tantalising thought in the Indian mind that the Modi government should suitably 'incentivise' him, explains Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

3 crew members killed as Coast Guard helicopter crashes in Gujarat

3 crew members killed as Coast Guard helicopter crashes in Gujarat

Rediff.com5 Jan 2025

Three crew members were killed after a helicopter of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) crashed and caught fire at an airport on the outskirts of Gujarat's Porbandar city, police said.

Security stepped up across Delhi after Pak drone attacks

Security stepped up across Delhi after Pak drone attacks

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Heavy security has been deployed at vital installations in Delhi, including government buildings and areas with high footfalls, following Pakistan's drone attacks on Indian military sites. Police have strengthened vigil in areas with high footfalls and have canceled leaves for all Delhi Police personnel. The developments come after India swiftly thwarted Pakistan's attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles.

Wangchuk's wife trashes 'Pak link' charge, blames forces for violence

Wangchuk's wife trashes 'Pak link' charge, blames forces for violence

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Terming the charge that Wangchuk incited the violence in Leh as 'misplaced', she claimed that he has been protesting in the "most Gandhian way possible" and the "situation escalated" on September 24 due to the actions of the CRPF.

Aero India 2025: US F-35 and Russian Su-57 to debut

Aero India 2025: US F-35 and Russian Su-57 to debut

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

In a first, the 'Aero India' mega event will witness participation of two of the world's most advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft equipped with stealth capabilities -- the Russian Su-57 and the American F-35 Lightning II, the Defence Ministry said on Sunday.

Time To Tackle The Digital Fraud Surge

Time To Tackle The Digital Fraud Surge

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

We propose an expert group be set up to form a national strategy on digital fraud. This group would bring together skills in financial regulation, security economics, cyber defence, and public communications, and an understanding of the Indian financial and security systems. It should lay the foundations of a coordinated approach by the Indian State in fighting digital fraud, suggest Ajay Shah and Nandkumar Saravade.

'You'll weather it': Fiji PM backs Modi over US tariff move

'You'll weather it': Fiji PM backs Modi over US tariff move

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka discussed US tariffs on Indian goods with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that "somebody is not very happy with you." The discussion occurred during Rabuka's visit to India to strengthen ties.

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, DGMO behind Pak ceasefire talks, gets additional post

Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, DGMO behind Pak ceasefire talks, gets additional post

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

It is considered one of the most crucial appointments within the Indian Army, according to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Why India-Pak clash in Asia Cup will go on as planned

Why India-Pak clash in Asia Cup will go on as planned

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

In multilateral contests, it would go by the Olympic Charter, which prohibits any discrimination based on political issues, which is why the government has stated that it would not stop Pakistan from coming to India for international events.

Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab

Debris resembling parts of missile found in Punjab

Rediff.com9 May 2025

Debris resembling parts of a missile was found in a field in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, while metal parts of unidentified objects were discovered at two locations in Bathinda, sparking panic among locals. The incidents come after India successfully thwarted Pakistan's attempts to target military installations with drones and missiles across the country.

Modi to visit China for SCO summit after 7 yrs amid thaw in bilateral ties

Modi to visit China for SCO summit after 7 yrs amid thaw in bilateral ties

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking his first visit in over seven years. The visit signals a potential improvement in India-China relations after recent tensions.

Air raid alert sounded in Chandigarh for an hour

Air raid alert sounded in Chandigarh for an hour

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The Chandigarh administration on Friday sounded a fresh air raid siren, appealing to people to remain indoors. The development came amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan.

'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.'

India may seal 26 Rafale marine jets, 3 Scorpene deal with France

India may seal 26 Rafale marine jets, 3 Scorpene deal with France

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

India is expected to finalize the procurement of 26 naval variant Rafale jets and three Scorpene submarines from France in the coming weeks, further bolstering its naval capabilities. The deals, which are in the final stages of approval, could be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris next month for an AI summit. The procurement of the Rafale (M) jets will be based on an inter-governmental agreement (IGA). The Indian Air Force is considering acquiring additional Rafale fighter aircraft squadrons. The deal for three Scorpene submarines follows the successful construction of six Scorpene submarines in India under Project 75. The defense and strategic partnerships between India and France have been strengthening in recent years, with both countries collaborating on joint development projects for jet and helicopter engines and advanced defense technologies.

6 Pak aircraft shot down in Operation Sindoor: Air chief

6 Pak aircraft shot down in Operation Sindoor: Air chief

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The Air Chief revealed information about India's damage to Pakistan's defence capabilities while addressing an event at the Hal Management Academy in Bengaluru on Saturday.

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Modi And The Art Of Practising External Affairs

Rediff.com3 Sep 2025

'Personalities are temporary, policies provide for stability.' 'With the former, when personalities change so does the nature of the relationship.' 'Policies and structures, on the other hand, are idiot-proof, as well as maverick-resistant,' explains Saisuresh Sivaswamy.

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.

'Human error' blamed for crash that killed Gen Bipin Rawat

'Human error' blamed for crash that killed Gen Bipin Rawat

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A parliamentary panel report has attributed the December 8, 2021, helicopter crash that killed India's first Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, and his wife, to "human error." The report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, also revealed that 34 Indian Air Force aircraft accidents occurred during the 13th Defence Plan period, including nine in 2021-22 and 11 in 2018-19.

Army officer assaults airline staff over baggage charges

Army officer assaults airline staff over baggage charges

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

SpiceJet on Sunday said a senior Army officer, who was to board a flight to Delhi, assaulted four airline ground staffers at the Srinagar airport on July 26, and one of them suffered a spinal fracture.

Right, not generosity: HC upholds disability pension for soldiers

Right, not generosity: HC upholds disability pension for soldiers

Rediff.com5 Jul 2025

The Delhi High Court has dismissed petitions from the Ministry of Defence challenging disability pension orders for armed forces personnel, emphasizing that such pensions are a right, not an act of generosity, and should not be denied based solely on the location of disability onset or claims of lifestyle diseases.

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Pahalgam attack: Cong alleges intelligence failure, blames Amit Shah

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Congress leaders maintained that Indian defence forces had attained complete superiority and dominance over Pakistan before the sudden "ceasefire" was announced by US President Donald Trump.

Chinese FM Wang Yi to visit India for border talks on Monday

Chinese FM Wang Yi to visit India for border talks on Monday

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India for border talks with NSA Ajit Doval, ahead of PM Modi's visit to China for the SCO summit. The visit aims to improve bilateral ties after recent tensions.

Stealth Fighter Test Flight Scheduled For 2028

Stealth Fighter Test Flight Scheduled For 2028

Rediff.com28 May 2025

Private and public defence players can bid to participate in the stealth fighter development programme independently, as a joint venture, or as consortia.

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Will wait for India to build dam on Indus river, then...: Pak Army chief

Rediff.com11 Aug 2025

Weeks before the Pahalgam attack, Munir said Pakistan will not forget the issue of Kashmir, asserting, "It was our jugular vein." His comments were trashed by India.

'In two years, there hasn't been a single case of corruption in the defence ministry'

'In two years, there hasn't been a single case of corruption in the defence ministry'

Rediff.com23 May 2016

'The cost of the Rafale contract will be substantially lower than being talked about.' 'If you throw away the price they demand, our coffers will soon become empty.' 'When it comes to spending the nation's money I am very careful and stingy.'

Govt okays maritime aircraft among Rs 84,560-cr defence buy

Govt okays maritime aircraft among Rs 84,560-cr defence buy

Rediff.com16 Feb 2024

The proposals cleared by the DAC include new-generation anti-tank mines, air defence tactical control radar, heavy-weight torpedoes, medium-range maritime reconnaissance and multi-mission maritime aircraft, flight refueller aircraft and software-defined radios.

Budget hikes defence budget by 4.72%, focuses on 'deep tech'

Budget hikes defence budget by 4.72%, focuses on 'deep tech'

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The defence budget was on Thursday increased to Rs 6.21 lakh crore for 2024-25 in a modest hike of 4.72 per cent from last year's allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore amid India's continuing border row with China in eastern Ladakh as well as concerns over evolving security situation in the strategic waterways.

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

'Longstanding demand met,' Patel on Sports Bill

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

Patel emphasised that one of the most important features of the bill is the establishment of a dedicated tribunal for resolving disputes, reducing the burden on the judiciary and ensuring quicker justice.

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam as missiles hit sites in Pak, Pok

Rediff.com8 May 2025

In a strong retaliation to the Pahalgam massacre, India's armed forces early Wednesday destroyed nine terror sites including that of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using deep strike missiles in a 25-minute-long 'measured and non-escalatory' mission.

India warns Pakistan of 'painful consequences'

India warns Pakistan of 'painful consequences'

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

India has issued a strong warning to Pakistan against continuing its 'hateful' rhetoric and any potential misadventures, following recent nuclear threats and remarks from Pakistani leadership.

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Govt empowers COAS to call Territorial Army for help

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The central government has empowered the Army Chief to call out 'every officer and every enrolled person' of the Territorial Army (TA) to provide for essential guard or to be embodied to support or supplement the regular Army.

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

MEA Pushes For Quick Resolution To China's Rare Earth Curbs

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

'We remain in touch with the Chinese side, in Beijing as well as in Delhi, to bring predictability in the supply chain.'

Israel rescues Indian workers held hostage in West Bank

Israel rescues Indian workers held hostage in West Bank

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Ten Indian construction workers were rescued from a West Bank village where they had been held for over a month after being stripped of their passports. Palestinians lured the workers to the village with the promise of work and then took their passports and tried to use them to cross into Israel. The workers were rescued in an overnight operation led by the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority, the IDF, and the Justice Ministry. They have been transferred to a safe location until their employment status is determined.