News for 'Minister of Defence'

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com14 hours ago

What we are watching is something different: A fog manufactured and maintained by the people who started the war, so that the question of why it was started never has to be answered, observes Prem Panicker in his must read blog on the war in the Middle East.

Was Modi briefed on Iran attack during Israel visit?

Was Modi briefed on Iran attack during Israel visit?

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Israel initiated military action against Iran shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, capitalising on a fleeting opportunity and years of strategic preparation, according to Israel's ambassador to India.

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Pakistan Claims Targets Achieved in Afghanistan Operation

Rediff.com7 days ago

A close aide to Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claims that Pakistan has achieved its targets in the recent military operation against Afghanistan, following attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along the border.

Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Escalation

Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Escalation

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to express solidarity amidst escalating regional tensions following attacks in Iran and the Gulf region.

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Modi convenes CCS meeting amid escalating tension after Iran attack

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) in Delhi to discuss the global situation following the attack on Iran and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

India and France Elevate Ties to 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have elevated their relationship to a 'special global strategic partnership,' with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and technology. The leaders also inaugurated a helicopter assembly line in Karnataka.

Pakistan Reviews Security Amid Regional Tensions

Pakistan Reviews Security Amid Regional Tensions

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review regional and internal security in light of recent events in Iran and Afghanistan.

The India-Russia Defence Link That Lasts

The India-Russia Defence Link That Lasts

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Russia, being bogged down by the Ukraine war and prioritising the requirements of its own armed forces, along with India's consistent diversification policy, will remain a major challenge to the bilateral partnership, note Harsh V Pant and Aleksei Zakharov.

SEE: Netanyahu 'surprises' Modi by wearing Indian attire

SEE: Netanyahu 'surprises' Modi by wearing Indian attire

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, 'Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire.'

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Starmer Calls for Iran Settlement, Sends More Jets to West Asia

Rediff.com7 days ago

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a negotiated settlement with Iran and deployed additional fighter jets to West Asia to strengthen the UK's defensive operations.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com7 days ago

Two members of the Pawar family, Sharad Pawar and his grandnephew Parth, are contesting Rajya Sabha seats from Maharashtra, marking a potential first where both serve simultaneously in Parliament.

Nine Directors Arrested After Nagpur Explosives Factory Blast

Nine Directors Arrested After Nagpur Explosives Factory Blast

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Police in Nagpur have arrested nine directors of SBL Energy Limited following a deadly explosion at their explosives manufacturing facility that killed 18 workers. A case has been registered against 21 directors and shareholders, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast and identify safety violations.

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Iranian drone strikes British Air Force unit in Cyprus

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, an Iranian drone struck a British RAF base in Cyprus, prompting the UK to allow US defensive operations and consider evacuation plans for British citizens in the region.

Major reshuffle in Bangladesh army, India adviser called back

Major reshuffle in Bangladesh army, India adviser called back

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Following the new government's assumption of power, the Bangladesh Army has undergone a significant reshuffle, including the appointment of a new Chief of General Staff and changes in key strategic commands.

Did India provide intel on Iranian warship to US?

Did India provide intel on Iranian warship to US?

Rediff.com6 days ago

Top government sources in India have dismissed claims that the Indian Navy provided intelligence to the US regarding an Iranian frigate that was sunk by a US submarine.

Operation Sindoor pilot among 2 killed in Su-30 crash in Assam

Operation Sindoor pilot among 2 killed in Su-30 crash in Assam

Rediff.com6 days ago

An Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam during a training mission, prompting an immediate search operation for the missing pilots.

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

'First after WWII': US submarine sinks Iranian ship off Sri Lanka

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

At least 101 people are missing and 78 are injured after a suspected submarine attack on an Iranian naval ship off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday, Reuters quoted sources in Sri Lanka's Navy and defence ministry as saying.

India denies links to transnational violence in Canada amid Nijjar case

India denies links to transnational violence in Canada amid Nijjar case

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

India has categorically rejected allegations of its involvement in transnational violence or organised crime in Canada, following a media report linking Indian officials to the killing of Sikh extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

President Murmu to Fly in indigenous combat helicopter Prachand

President Murmu to Fly in indigenous combat helicopter Prachand

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

President Droupadi Murmu will fly in the indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) 'Prachand' at the Jaisalmer Air Force Station. She will also attend the IAF's mega firepower demonstration 'Vayu Shakti' at the Pokhran Field Firing Range.

Russia agrees to boost joint defence manufacturing in India

Russia agrees to boost joint defence manufacturing in India

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

India and Russia have agreed to encourage joint manufacturing of military hardware and spare parts in India, aiming to improve maintenance of Russian-origin defence equipment and boost overall bilateral defence cooperation.

Govt clears Rs 79K cr defence buys; Pinaka rockets, drones, radars in focus

Govt clears Rs 79K cr defence buys; Pinaka rockets, drones, radars in focus

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of long range rockets, missiles, radar systems and military platforms worth Rs 79,000 crore to bolster the military's combat prowess.

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Pakistan denies halting military operation against Afghan Taliban

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A Pakistan minister refuted social media reports about the conclusion of the operation against Afghan Taliban, stating that the operation is continuing with full intensity.

'Intelligence failure': HC pulls up Navy over high-rise near INS Shikra

'Intelligence failure': HC pulls up Navy over high-rise near INS Shikra

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

The Bombay High Court criticized the Navy for an intelligence lapse regarding a high-rise building near INS Shikra, questioning why it went unnoticed and raising concerns about selective opposition to construction projects.

India granted emergency docking to Iranian naval ship

India granted emergency docking to Iranian naval ship

Rediff.com6 days ago

India granted emergency docking to an Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, in Kochi due to technical issues, accommodating its crew amidst regional naval activity and tensions.

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Be alert, stay indoors: India to citizens in Israel, Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

India has issued an advisory for its citizens in Israel to exercise utmost caution and remain vigilant at all times, following a joint attack by Israel and the US against Iran.

Does PM support Khamenei's assassination, asks Rahul

Does PM support Khamenei's assassination, asks Rahul

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the escalating conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, particularly regarding the alleged assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Gandhi emphasised the need for India to uphold international law and advocate for peaceful resolution.

Court to Decide on Bail for Couple Accused of Racially Abusing Neighbours

Court to Decide on Bail for Couple Accused of Racially Abusing Neighbours

Rediff.com3 days ago

A Delhi court has reserved its order on the bail plea of a couple accused of hurling racial slurs at their neighbours from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The arguments were presented by both parties, with the court set to deliver its decision on Tuesday.

Mark my words...: Iran FM's warning after US sinks Iranian warship

Mark my words...: Iran FM's warning after US sinks Iranian warship

Rediff.com7 days ago

Amid rising tensions, Iran threatens retaliation after the United States confirms sinking its warship, IRIS Dena, in international waters, escalating conflict in the region.

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Sri Lanka lets second Iranian ship dock in Trincomalee, evacuates 208

Rediff.com7 days ago

Sri Lanka is deliberating appropriate action after a second Iranian ship sought entry to its territorial waters, following an attack on an Iranian frigate near the island nation. The government is focused on safeguarding lives and regional peace.

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Sonia slams Centre's silence on Khamenei's killing

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, arguing it raises doubts about India's foreign policy direction and credibility.

President Witnesses IAF's Vayu Shakti

President Witnesses IAF's Vayu Shakti

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Vayu Shakti-2026 showcased the Indian Air Force's readiness for combat operations in both day and night conditions.

18 killed, 24 injured in Nagpur explosives factory blast

18 killed, 24 injured in Nagpur explosives factory blast

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

A blast at an explosives manufacturing factory in Nagpur, Maharashtra, resulted in the death of 17 people and injuries to 18 others. Rescue operations are underway.

Badshah's Haryanvi song 'Tateeree' sparks row; singer apologises

Badshah's Haryanvi song 'Tateeree' sparks row; singer apologises

Rediff.com5 days ago

Rapper Badshah is facing legal scrutiny and a potential travel ban after his latest Haryanvi music video, Tateeree, sparked outrage over its lyrics and visuals, prompting police to investigate and issue a Look Out Circular.

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Over 200 killed as Israel, US strike Iran; Tehran retaliates across Middle East

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israel and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

India to buy 114 Rafale jets in largest-ever arms push

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets from France, a significant step towards bolstering the Indian Air Force's combat capabilities. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India.

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Calls for Women's Day to Reflect Indian Values

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Calls for Women's Day to Reflect Indian Values

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Rashtra Sevika Samiti emphasizes the importance of guiding International Women's Day with Indian cultural values, focusing on social awareness, mindset change, and women's empowerment through unity and family values.

Modi to move to new office, PMO gets new address: Seva Teertha

Modi to move to new office, PMO gets new address: Seva Teertha

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

For decades, several key government offices and ministries functioned from fragmented and ageing infrastructure spread across multiple locations in the Central Vista area.

Iran yet to elect successor to Khamenei as process still underway

Iran yet to elect successor to Khamenei as process still underway

Rediff.com7 days ago

A senior Iranian official has stated that Iran has not yet elected a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, following his assassination. The process to elect a new leader is underway, with several candidates being considered.

'Geopolitical Realities Have Turned Afghanistan And Pakistan Into Enemies'

'Geopolitical Realities Have Turned Afghanistan And Pakistan Into Enemies'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

'Islamabad feels it has no alternative, but to address the challenges from the Afghan-Taliban through an open war.'

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Vietnam Emerges As India's Key Defence Partner

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

The 15th India-Vietnam Defence Dialogue signalled a move from routine talks to deeper cooperation, with new deals on submarine rescue and defence industry to support stability in the Indo-Pacific, notes Dr Rajaram Panda.