News for 'Minister of Defence'

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

How Jana Sangh Was Born 75 Years Ago

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

'As we read and assess what is going on around us in the India of 2025, it is instructive to do this through the lens of 75 years ago and the events that led to the formation of the BJP as we know it,' recalls Aakar Patel.

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.

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Dialogue, not battlefields, key to global peace: Modi in Croatia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

In his media statement following talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic, Modi said both leaders agree that "terrorism is an enemy of humanity" and is inimical to forces that believe in democracy.

Iran will pay very heavy price for targeting civilians: Netanyahu

Iran will pay very heavy price for targeting civilians: Netanyahu

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

He made the comments while visiting the site of an early morning Iranian missile strike in the city of Bat Yam, close to Tel Aviv.

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.

'What the...': Drone attacks resume as Pak violates ceasefire

'What the...': Drone attacks resume as Pak violates ceasefire

Rediff.com10 May 2025

A series of blasts took place in Srinagar city as the security agencies brought down a drone that was seen hovering over Batwara area of the city, close to an army installation, officials said.

Jammu, parts of south Kashmir go dark after blasts, sirens sounded

Jammu, parts of south Kashmir go dark after blasts, sirens sounded

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Drones were sighted and explosions were heard in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, a day after India thwarted attempts by the Pakistan military to attack Indian military installations using drones and missiles. The drones were also engaged in Udhampur and Nagrota of Jammu and Punjab. Heavy cross-border shelling started along the International Border in Suchetgarh and Ramgarh sectors of Jammu and Samba districts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to residents to stay indoors and ignore rumors.

India exercised its 'right to respond': Rajnath Singh

India exercised its 'right to respond': Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com7 May 2025

India has carried out strikes against nine terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. The strikes were in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. Singh said the strikes were precise and destroyed the targets set under Operation Sindoor.

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

BJP And The Long-Standing Preamble Dream

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

BJP and RSS leaders are once again pushing to remove the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Constitution's Preamble, showing a deeper effort to change India's identity from a diverse, multi-religious republic to a Hindu-first nation, even though they don't have the numbers in Parliament to officially change the Constitution, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

'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'.

Air India diverts multiple flights as Iran closes airspace

Air India diverts multiple flights as Iran closes airspace

Rediff.com13 Jun 2025

Air India on Friday announced that several of its international flights were either diverted or sent back to their origin due to the emerging situation in Iran and the closure of its airspace.

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

US Prez Trump hosts rare lunch for Gen Munir weeks after India-Pak clash

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

The closed-door luncheon meeting came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran with Trump exploring Washington's possible involvement.

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.

Vehemently opposed ADB's loan to Pakistan: Govt sources

Vehemently opposed ADB's loan to Pakistan: Govt sources

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

India had vehemently opposed Asian Development Bank's decision to grant $800 million loan to Pakistan saying the fund could be misused for increasing expenditure on its military, government sources said.

US urges India, Pak to de-escalate; backs New Delhi

US urges India, Pak to de-escalate; backs New Delhi

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The United States on Thursday said it supports India's right to defend itself and its fight against terrorism as US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dialled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack.

Would consider de-escalation if...: Pak after India hits airbases

Would consider de-escalation if...: Pak after India hits airbases

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Dar's statement, echoed by another federal minister, came as the Indian and Pakistani militaries targeted each other's installations using missiles in the last more than 12 hours, further escalating the already tense conflict situation.

Rajnath refuses to shake hands with China's defence minister

Rajnath refuses to shake hands with China's defence minister

Rediff.com28 Apr 2023

Singh conveyed to Li that India wants to improve relations with China but it can happen only after peace and tranquillity are restored at the border, the sources said.

BJP's 3-day crash course for MP leaders amid over Op Sindoor remarks

BJP's 3-day crash course for MP leaders amid over Op Sindoor remarks

Rediff.com26 May 2025

The ruling BJP in Madhya Pradesh will hold a three-day training camp for its leaders from June 14 in Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram. The move comes amid the party facing flak for some statements from its leaders post Operation Sindoor. BJP president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been invited to the camp to lecture the party cadre. The BJP said the event was pre-planned and was a routine affair, but the camp is seen as an attempt to discipline party leaders who have been making controversial statements.

Tharoor 'disappointed' with Colombia over Op Sindoor stand

Tharoor 'disappointed' with Colombia over Op Sindoor stand

Rediff.com30 May 2025

Tharoor also showed the picture of Pakistani Army officials attending the funerals of terrorists after India's strike on their terror bases.

Why did Modi govt change Nehru Memorial to PMs' Museum?

Why did Modi govt change Nehru Memorial to PMs' Museum?

Rediff.com22 May 2025

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society, said the Nehru Memorial Museum was converted to the Prime Minister's Museum because it was felt that the earlier building was not "democratic." Misra said Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to ensure an "element of equity" in the treatment of each prime minister at the museum and that it should display the achievements of all prime ministers.

'Wahan se goli, toh yahan se gola': Modi told armed forces

'Wahan se goli, toh yahan se gola': Modi told armed forces

Rediff.com11 May 2025

India has called Pakistan's nuclear bluff with Operation Sindoor and sent a psychological message to state-sponsored terrorists: nobody is untouchable and no place in Pakistan is safe for you, government sources said on Sunday.

If you don't trust EVMs...: Omar slams ally Cong, echoes BJP's defence

If you don't trust EVMs...: Omar slams ally Cong, echoes BJP's defence

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has criticized the Congress party's objections to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), echoing the BJP's stance that questioning the machines' integrity is only acceptable when losing elections. Abdullah argues that parties should not contest elections if they don't trust the voting process. His comments highlight the growing friction between the National Conference and the Congress, their recent alliance partners in Jammu and Kashmir.

Strategic Calculus Driving Pakistani Actions

Strategic Calculus Driving Pakistani Actions

Rediff.com10 May 2025

It is important for India to pay close attention to both the tone and substance of authoritative remarks coming out of Pakistan, explains former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Is AIADMK Feeling Uncomfortable With BJP's Politics?

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

While acknowledging that they needed strong allies for a chance in the assembly polls, AIADMK cadres seemingly prefer actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to the BJP, owing to the latter's 'communal agenda' and consequent hardline Hindutva image, explains N Sathiya Moorthy.

Govt to hold all-party meet on Pahalgam attack on April 24

Govt to hold all-party meet on Pahalgam attack on April 24

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

The Indian government will hold an all-party meeting on Thursday to discuss the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which left at least 26 people dead. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to chair the meeting and brief leaders on the attack. The meeting comes after several opposition parties demanded a discussion on the issue.

BSF destroyed 118 Pak forward posts, surveillance system: Amit Shah

BSF destroyed 118 Pak forward posts, surveillance system: Amit Shah

Rediff.com30 May 2025

More than 118 Pakistani forward posts and their surveillance system were completely destroyed by the BSF during Operation Sindoor, dealing a major blow to the neighbouring country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.

'Our Daughter Made Our Dreams Come True'

'Our Daughter Made Our Dreams Come True'

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Ashok Mehlan's daughter Sheetal is among the first batch of girls to graduate from NDA.

Odisha mulls anti-drone system for Puri temple security

Odisha mulls anti-drone system for Puri temple security

Rediff.com23 May 2025

The Odisha government is considering installing an anti-drone system to enhance security at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The decision follows concerns over unauthorized drone activity near the temple, including reports of YouTubers and vloggers using drones to capture footage despite a ban. The government is also investigating a Haryana YouTuber arrested on suspicion of espionage for allegedly flying a drone over the temple in 2024.

Mega Rs 64,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale-M jets cleared by govt

Mega Rs 64,000 cr deal for 26 Rafale-M jets cleared by govt

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

The mega procurement project has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, they said.

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Indira Gandhi's Enemy No. 1 During The Emergency

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

'What does Indira Gandhi want from me? At this age, what will I do to her?'

Chinese defence minister to visit India this week

Chinese defence minister to visit India this week

Rediff.com25 Apr 2023

China on Tuesday announced that its Defence Minister General Li Shangfu will visit India this week to attend the meeting of SCO defence ministers from April 27 during which he is expected to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh on ending the prolonged eastern Ladakh standoff which has severely strained bilateral ties.

271 people admitted to hospital following Iran strikes: Israel

271 people admitted to hospital following Iran strikes: Israel

Rediff.com19 Jun 2025

So far, most of the injured have been released. Currently, 106 people are being treated in hospitals, and another 149 are being treated in the emergency room.

'Escalation Was Fastest In Indo-Pak History'

'Escalation Was Fastest In Indo-Pak History'

Rediff.com14 May 2025

'Looking at how quickly the hostilities were escalating, the nuclear threshold did not seem that far.'

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

When India Is At War, Opposition-Government Is At Peace

Rediff.com19 May 2025

When the country has been at war, the Opposition has buried its differences with the government, points out Aditi Phadnis.

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rare Earth Magnet Shortage: Will China Play Ball?

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

The 17 rare earth elements that are at the centre of the current crisis are critical components of everyday products -- from cars to jet engines to electronics like smartphones and flat-screen TVs.

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Ambassador Akbaruddin Shepherds African Outreach

Rediff.com29 May 2025

Led by Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar MP Supriya Sule, Group 7 will engage with key countries in Africa -- Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia -- and Qatar to present India's position on Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

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.

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.

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Diplomatic win for India, Colombia withdraws pro-Pak statement

Rediff.com31 May 2025

Tharoor, who is leading the all-party delegation to the Americas during his Bogota visit, had expressed dismay over the South American country's stance during a press conference on Thursday.