News for 'Ministry of Defence'

Saudi Pledges To Defend Pakistan Against Attack, India Says...

Saudi Pledges To Defend Pakistan Against Attack, India Says...

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a 'Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement', pledging that any aggression against either nation would be treated as an attack on both.

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Centre clears military projects worth Rs 67,000 crore

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved military projects worth approximately Rs 67,000 crore, including drones, radars, and missile systems, aimed at enhancing India's military capabilities.

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistani posts

Afghanistan launches retaliatory strikes on Pakistani posts

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan responded to what it called 'unprovoked' attacks by Afghan forces in border areas, destroying several Afghan border posts, training camps, and terrorist hideouts, security sources said on Sunday.

CPC plenum backs Xi Jinping's leadership, military purge

CPC plenum backs Xi Jinping's leadership, military purge

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

The Chinese Communist Party reaffirmed President Xi Jinping's leadership and backed a major purge of top military officials during a key meeting. The meeting also endorsed a new 5-year plan focused on domestic market resilience and self-reliance.

'Parrikar who?' asks Ajit Pawar about former Goa CM

'Parrikar who?' asks Ajit Pawar about former Goa CM

Rediff.com14 Sep 2025

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar faced criticism after questioning 'who Parrikar?' when a woman suggested he emulate the late Goa CM Manohar Parrikar's surprise visits to address civic issues.

Chinese ex-minister gets death sentence with reprieve in $38 m graft case

Chinese ex-minister gets death sentence with reprieve in $38 m graft case

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

All of Tang's personal property will be confiscated and his illegal gains from bribery recovered and turned over to the national treasury, the court said.

'Wangchuk's right to dissent stifled': SC to hear wife's plea on Nov 24

'Wangchuk's right to dissent stifled': SC to hear wife's plea on Nov 24

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Ladakh administration regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA). Wangchuk's wife has filed a plea challenging the detention, claiming it violates his fundamental rights. The court has given the Centre and Ladakh administration 10 days to respond and has scheduled the next hearing for November 24.

The Gift Trump Sent Modi

The Gift Trump Sent Modi

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

'The US values its relationship with India and under the strong leadership of President Donald J Trump and Prime Minister Modi, I am optimistic about the days ahead for both of our nations.'

India seeks no enemies but...: Rajnath amid Trump tariff row

India seeks no enemies but...: Rajnath amid Trump tariff row

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

The defence minister also announced that India has taken up the challenge of developing a powerful indigenous aero-engine, adding that preparations for this critical project are now almost complete and the work will soon be visible.

Launch Of Stealth Frigates: Navy Makes History

Launch Of Stealth Frigates: Navy Makes History

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

INS Udaygiri and INS Himagiri marks the first occasion when two frontline surface combatants constructed at two different shipyards were commissioned simultaneously.

The defence Budget for this year is...

The defence Budget for this year is...

Rediff.com1 Feb 2025

Under capital expenditure, Rs 48,614 crore has been set aside for aircraft and aero engines while Rs 24,390 crore has been allocated for the naval fleet.

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Pakistan's nukes to be available for Saudi under new pact

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The entry of other Arab countries in the mutual defence deal between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is not ruled out, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said, adding that 'doors are not closed' for such developments.

23 Pak troops, 200 Taliban killed as Afghan-Pak tension escalates

23 Pak troops, 200 Taliban killed as Afghan-Pak tension escalates

Rediff.com12 Oct 2025

Pakistan seized 19 Afghan military posts and "terrorist hideouts" in response to alleged attacks by Afghan forces. Kabul claims significant Pakistani casualties. Tensions escalate following repeated attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Army, IAF, Navy Promised Faster Defence Buys

Army, IAF, Navy Promised Faster Defence Buys

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

'Currently, it takes between two and three years to formulate the request for proposal for procuring specific military equipment for the armed forces. It should not be this way.'

HAL Poised For Growth With Strong Order Book

HAL Poised For Growth With Strong Order Book

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

HAL's order book amounts to Rs 2.45 trillion by end of Q2FY26, implying a book-to-bill ratio of 32 times based on FY25 revenue.

Beware Pak, China! India test fires missile 'Pralay'

Beware Pak, China! India test fires missile 'Pralay'

Rediff.com29 Jul 2025

India successfully test-fired the newly-developed tactical missile Pralay, capable of carrying conventional warheads, from APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha. The missile, developed by DRDO, has a range of 150 to 500 km and a payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg.

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Uneasy calm in Leh amid heavy police deployment; 50 detained

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

An uneasy calm prevails in Ladakh as authorities enforce a curfew following clashes between security forces and protesters demanding statehood and constitutional protections. The violence resulted in fatalities and injuries, prompting detentions and political reactions.

China's leadership meet to discuss graft in military, US tariff war

China's leadership meet to discuss graft in military, US tariff war

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

China's ruling Communist Party is holding its annual leadership conclave to discuss the new five-year plan, the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff war, and the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown in the military.

Aatmanirbharta! Defence Ministry Bars Imports

Aatmanirbharta! Defence Ministry Bars Imports

Rediff.com15 May 2023

The Positive Indigenisation List includes Rs 715 crore worth of high-end materials and spares, the import of which will be permitted only until a date specified for each. After each one's import deadline elapses, it will have to be procured from the Indian industry.

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

India lists theatre commands, simpler defence procurement for 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

India has declared 2025 as the year of defence reforms, aiming to establish integrated theatre commands to enhance synergy among the three armed forces and transform the military into a technologically-advanced combat-ready force. The reforms will also focus on streamlining acquisition procedures, promoting collaboration, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics.

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Destroyed at least a dozen Pak jets, including F-16s: IAF chief

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

At least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft including F-16 jets were destroyed or damaged in Indian strikes during Operation Sindoor, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Friday while describing Islamabad's claim of India's losses as "fanciful stories".

India test-fires Agni-5, missile capable of hitting 5,000 km targets

India test-fires Agni-5, missile capable of hitting 5,000 km targets

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

India successfully test-fired the 'Agni 5' intermediate range ballistic missile, capable of reaching targets up to 5,000 km, validating its operational and technical parameters.

India test-fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II, Agni-I missiles

India test-fires nuclear-capable Prithvi-II, Agni-I missiles

Rediff.com18 Jul 2025

India successfully test-fired nuclear-capable short range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast, demonstrating its strategic deterrence capability. The test-firing of the missiles, conducted by the elite Strategic Forces Command, validated all operational and technical parameters.

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

India relationship...: What Rubio said after Jaishankar meet

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

Rubio voiced "appreciation" for New Delhi's continued engagement on bilateral issues, including trade, defence and energy.

India, GE set to seal $1 bn fighter jet engine deal by Sep

India, GE set to seal $1 bn fighter jet engine deal by Sep

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

The deal is expected to help HAL to get its complete requirement of 212 GE-404 engines in continuity, avoiding any types of delays in engine supplies.

Amid strained ties, India, US set for military exercise in Alaska

Amid strained ties, India, US set for military exercise in Alaska

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Indian and US military contingents will participate in a joint exercise in Alaska, focusing on tactical drills and integrated use of military systems.

Govt clears Rs 62,000 cr deal to buy 97 LCA Mark 1A jets for IAF

Govt clears Rs 62,000 cr deal to buy 97 LCA Mark 1A jets for IAF

Rediff.com20 Aug 2025

The final approval for the acquisition of 97 LCA Mark 1A fighters was given by a high-level meeting on Tuesday and will pave the way for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to produce the aircraft, defence sources told ANI.

Ladakh's LAB hardens stand, suspends talks with Centre

Ladakh's LAB hardens stand, suspends talks with Centre

Rediff.com30 Sep 2025

The home ministry said the central government would continue to welcome the discussion with LAB and KDA through the high powered committee on Ladakh or any such platform.

Classify Strategic Data As 'National Asset'

Classify Strategic Data As 'National Asset'

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

...on par with oil, power, and defence, and to restrict its storage under foreign control.

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Jaishankar, Rubio to meet in US amid tariff, H-1B visa concerns

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

This will be the first face-to-face meeting between Rubio and Jaishankar following President Donald Trump's imposition of an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, taking the total levies imposed on India by the Trump White House to 50 per cent.

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

How India Got The MiG-21 63 Years Ago

Rediff.com26 Sep 2025

The MiG-21 episode demonstrates that procurement is always strategic.
Choices about what aircraft to acquire, who builds them, who supplies the spares, who trains the pilots and technicians are decisions with political consequences lasting for decades.

Republic Day: Govt names defence personnel for honorary commissions

Republic Day: Govt names defence personnel for honorary commissions

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

Several Indian Army personnel, including those from the Armoured Corps, Regiment of Artillery, and other units, will be awarded honorary commissions to the rank of Honorary Captain or Honorary Lieutenant ahead of Republic Day 2025. The Ministry of Defence released a draft gazette containing the names of those who will be receiving the honor. This prestigious award recognizes their contributions to the military and signifies their elevation to a higher rank.

Pak lost Rs 4.1 billion after closing airspace to Indian flights

Pak lost Rs 4.1 billion after closing airspace to Indian flights

Rediff.com10 Aug 2025

The airspace ban was extended after ties between the two countries deteriorated due to the four-day conflict as India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 and destroyed terror infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan.

Rare Earth Magnet Crunch Persists For Automakers

Rare Earth Magnet Crunch Persists For Automakers

Rediff.com11 Sep 2025

'Despite assurance from China, none of the companies have received supplies from Chinese sellers.'

Don't Expect A Reprieve From Trump!

Don't Expect A Reprieve From Trump!

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

'There are times when India should stand up without hesitation and voice its indignation over the US' pressure tactic. This is one such moment,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Over 800 drones strike Ukraine in Russia's largest air-raid; 3 killed

Over 800 drones strike Ukraine in Russia's largest air-raid; 3 killed

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

In a statement on X, Zelenskyy said emergency services were working around the clock to address the aftermath of the attacks, which included over 800 drones and 13 missiles, four of which were ballistic.

Op Sindoor takes centre stage at Red Fort on I-Day

Op Sindoor takes centre stage at Red Fort on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The bilingual -- Hindi and English -- invitation cards for I-Day anniversary celebrations carry this image on the top right corner of the invite, while the silhouetted image of the Chenab bridge, the world's tallest railway arch bridge, sits at the lower side of the cards, which have largely being issued online via 'Aamantran' website of the Ministry of Defence.

SC seeks Centre's response on Wangchuk's detention

SC seeks Centre's response on Wangchuk's detention

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Union Territory of Ladakh regarding the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. Wangchuk's wife filed a plea seeking his release. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14.

India rejects Trump advisor's 'laundromat for Kremlin' remarks

India rejects Trump advisor's 'laundromat for Kremlin' remarks

Rediff.com5 Sep 2025

India has rejected White House Trade advisor Peter Navarro's comments on New Delhi for its procurement of Russian crude oil, calling them 'inaccurate and misleading'. The relations between New Delhi and Washington are on a downturn after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods.

India Eyes Self-Reliance in Rare-Earth Magnet Production

India Eyes Self-Reliance in Rare-Earth Magnet Production

Rediff.com9 Oct 2025

The government plans to establish a fully indigenous manufacturing ecosystem with an annual production capacity of up to 6,000 tonnes. The scheme is expected to run for seven years, according to official documents.