News for 'Ministry of Defence'

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Kuwait shoots down 3 US F-15Es by mistake; drone hits Qatari sites

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The military command clarified in a statement published on X that the aircraft were engaged in error during active combat operations on Sunday.

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Pakistan attacks Bagram airbase in Afghanistan

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Reports indicate Pakistan targeted Bagram airbase in Afghanistan as part of Operation Ghazab lil Haq, following alleged Afghan Taliban attacks. The operation aims to address the failure to stop terrorist attacks originating from Afghan soil.

Ex-Army chief Naravane breaks silence on memoir row

Ex-Army chief Naravane breaks silence on memoir row

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Former Army chief Gen Manoj Naravane discusses the controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir and his new book exploring military myths and mysteries.

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

UAE intercepts 165 Iranian missiles, 541 drones; 3 killed

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence has announced that the air force and air defence forces have successfully intercepted a significant number of aerial threats following a large-scale Iranian attack that commenced on February 28.

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Modi speaks to UAE President over 'securing' Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The two leaders also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Iran denies Trump's direct talk claims; confirms indirect US outreach

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the country has held no "direct" talks with the United States as of now and added that it has received messages through some mediators regarding the US' desire for negotiations.

515 ABW Forges Alliances to Advance Drone Manufacturing and Security

515 ABW Forges Alliances to Advance Drone Manufacturing and Security

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The 515 Army Base Workshop (ABW) in Bengaluru has signed multiple MoUs to strengthen indigenous drone manufacturing and ecosystem resilience, marking a significant step towards modernisation and self-reliance in unmanned systems.

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Japan issues emergency alert as North Korea fires missile

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Tensions flared in East Asia on Saturday as the Japanese government issued an urgent warning following military activity from Pyongyang. The Prime Minister's Office of Japan, in a post on X, alerted the public to the developing situation, stating: '[Emergency alert] North Korea has launched a suspected ballistic missile. More updates to follow.'

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Israel sends troops to Lebanon, Hezbollah declares 'open war'

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The Lebanese army has begun evacuating some of its forward positions along the border with Israel and redeploying troops to other posts, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported on Tuesday, amid intensified Israeli military activity in the area.

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Iran launches 80 strikes as Israel hits missile sites

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The IRGC said the strikes were conducted in support of offensives by Hezbollah and residents of southern Lebanon, and described them as the beginning of a series of pre-announced operations against Israel.

Ukraine protests over detention of nationals in India

Ukraine protests over detention of nationals in India

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Ukraine has lodged a formal protest with India regarding the detention of six Ukrainian nationals in Mizoram, alleging unauthorised entry and unlawful activities. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry is seeking consular access and immediate release of its citizens.

'US was aware Israel would attack Iran'

'US was aware Israel would attack Iran'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Former Central Command chief David H Petraeus suggests the US and Iran are likely to extend their ceasefire beyond the initial two-week period, citing willingness from both sides to continue negotiations.

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

21-hour US-Iran talks fail, ceasefire hangs in balance

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Direct talks between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, have failed to produce an agreement after 21 hours of negotiations, with disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions and sanctions proving insurmountable.

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Ukraine accuses Russia of 'disinformation operation' in India

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

In an official statement, the embassy criticised remarks by the Russian foreign ministry, alleging that Moscow was attempting to manipulate information and interfere in India's internal processes.

Mastermind Arrested In Interstate Robbery Gang Bust

Mastermind Arrested In Interstate Robbery Gang Bust

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Police in Haryana have arrested seven individuals, including the suspected mastermind, in connection with a robbery of gold and cash from a bullion trader's employees. The accused are part of an interstate gang involved in organised robberies across the NCR, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh.

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.

India flags concerns over Saudi-Pak defence agreement

India flags concerns over Saudi-Pak defence agreement

Rediff.com20 Sep 2025

India has expressed its expectations for Saudi Arabia to consider 'mutual interests and sensitivities' in their bilateral strategic partnership, following Riyadh's strategic defence pact with Pakistan.

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Indian killed as oil tanker attacked off Oman coast

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

An Indian national was killed in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. The tanker was struck by an explosive-laden unmanned boat, resulting in a fire and explosion.

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

'Trump faces impeachment risks if Iran conflict continues'

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

The popularity of US President Donald Trump is waning with approval ratings at its lowest, according to former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev, who notes that with two-thirds of Americans not approving of a continuation of the war on Iran, Trump faces the risk of being impeached.

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Iran hits American embassy in Riyadh, US pulls staff

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

The US Embassy acknowledged the attack in a post on X, urging Americans to avoid the facility 'until further notice' and announcing that all appointments had been cancelled.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Officials from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China are meeting in Urumqi to discuss regional security concerns and potential confidence-building measures.

Ghatak Combat Drone Gets A Boost

Ghatak Combat Drone Gets A Boost

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Once operational, Ghatak could undertake deep-strike missions, penetrating heavily defended airspace to hit high-value targets without placing pilots at risk.

A Big, Big Push for Defence Self-Reliance

A Big, Big Push for Defence Self-Reliance

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

Defence Procurement Manual 2025 lays down the guiding principles for revenue procurements in the defence ministry worth around 1 trillion in a financial year.

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Iranian drone strike causes fire at Saudi oil refinery

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Falling debris from an intercepted Iranian drone caused a 'limited fire' at Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura refining facility in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said, according to Al Arabiya.

Munir-led Pak delegation reaches Tehran for peace talks

Munir-led Pak delegation reaches Tehran for peace talks

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A Pakistani delegation, led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, has arrived in Tehran to mediate the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, following initial talks in Islamabad.

Dubai could be blown up if UAE enters Iran war: Top US economist

Dubai could be blown up if UAE enters Iran war: Top US economist

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

Economist Jeffrey Sachs saw Gulf nations' decision to partner with the US through the Abraham Accords as an "invitation for disaster" as it made them more dependent on American protection.

Vijay's Jana Nayagan leaks online ahead of TN poll

Vijay's Jana Nayagan leaks online ahead of TN poll

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Superstar Vijay's highly anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' has been leaked online in high definition ahead of its theatrical release, prompting swift legal action and industry condemnation.

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Middle East on edge as Iran targets US military bases

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Residents across the Gulf region, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, experienced fear and disruption following attacks, leading to flight suspensions and heightened security measures.

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Dhurandhar And The Politics Of Storytelling

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries. But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.But it is worth to remember that Pakistan's irredentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies -- not a single maverick, points out Shweta Desai.

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.

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

West Asia Conflict Can Create Havoc With Budget Numbers

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

The conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-2027 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock, points out A K Bhattacharya.

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

India Dismisses US Religious Freedom Concerns as 'Distorted'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

The Indian government has dismissed the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's (USCIRF) report on religious freedom in India, stating that it does not recognise the commission's authority to comment on the rights of Indian citizens.

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Why India's Japan Connection Is Important

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

In a region increasingly shaped by competition and coercion, such collaboration strengthens security without confrontation, builds capacity without dependency and promotes order without domination, points out Dr Kumar.

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that over 1,150 Indian nationals have been evacuated from Iran through land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict. The MEA also confirmed that three Indians were injured in attacks in the UAE.

'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.

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the 'Octopus' interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protections against Iran's Shahed drones.

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Road, rail, ministries cross halfway mark in capex spending till Sep

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Railways have exceeded the national average capital expenditure (capex) by spending 63 per cent and 57 per cent of Budget estimates (BE), respectively, in the first half of 2025-26 (FY26). The total capital expenditure for April-September of FY26 stood at 52 per cent of the BE, according to the latest data by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA).

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Pakistan FM Mediates Between Saudi Arabia and Iran Amid Conflict

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been actively involved in mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran following the outbreak of war, ensuring the safety of Pakistani citizens in affected regions.

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.

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for peace talks

Iranian delegation reaches Islamabad for peace talks

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Delegations from the US and Iran have arrived in Islamabad for talks aimed at resolving the conflict between the two nations, following a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan. The negotiations are being closely watched due to their potential impact on regional security and global diplomacy.