News for 'Ministry of Defence'

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

IAF to finally retire MiG-21 fighter jets after 60 yrs

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

The Indian Air Force is set to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets at a decommissioning event in Chandigarh. The event will mark the end of an era for the aircraft that has been a key part of the IAF's combat fleet for over six decades.

'Only way to stop US...': Russian MP issues nuclear threat

'Only way to stop US...': Russian MP issues nuclear threat

Rediff.com8 Jan 2026

Following the seizure, Moscow issued a strong condemnation asserting that no country has the right to use force against vessels lawfully registered under another state's jurisdiction, particularly on the high seas.

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

India's Tejas crashes during Dubai airshow, pilot dead

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

According to an international media report, the jet crashed in the afternoon local time while flying a demonstration flight at the prestigious air show.

Centre clears Rs 79,000-cr weapons deal to boost combat readiness

Centre clears Rs 79,000-cr weapons deal to boost combat readiness

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

India has approved proposals to procure weapons and military hardware worth Rs 79,000 crore, including Nag missiles, amphibious warfare ships, and electronic intelligence systems, to enhance the military's combat capabilities.

India to procure more Israeli Heron MK-II drones post Op Sindoor

India to procure more Israeli Heron MK-II drones post Op Sindoor

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

The sources declined to specify the number of drones the Navy plans to acquire but said the focus is now on manufacturing the MK-II in India through partnerships with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Elcom.

Ajit 'dada' Pawar: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Ajit 'dada' Pawar: Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ajit Pawar, who was the finance and planning minister, would have tabled his budget for 2026-27 next month when the state legislature's budget session begins in Mumbai on February 23.

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

India to buy UK's multirole missiles in $468 mn deal to boost airpower

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

India and the UK have announced a series of defence cooperation initiatives, including a USD 468 million deal for the supply of lightweight multirole missile systems to enhance India's air defence capabilities.

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Carney's Visit May Boost India-Canada Ties

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

India and Canada are negotiating a long-term uranium supply agreement worth $2.8 billion. They are also exploring expanded civil nuclear cooperation after the passage of the SHANTI Bill.

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.

'Record the phone call, I am killing your sister': Husband to Delhi commando's brother

'Record the phone call, I am killing your sister': Husband to Delhi commando's brother

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

A Delhi Police SWAT commando died after allegedly being brutally assaulted by her husband, who reportedly announced the killing during a phone call with the victim's brother. The family alleges prolonged torture and dowry harassment.

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Arunachal integral part of India: MEA on Shanghai airport detention

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

India has rejected China's response to the detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh at the Shanghai airport, asserting that the border state is an integral part of the country. The incident involved Pema Wang Thongdok, who was detained for 18 hours for holding an Indian passport.

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

India plans to buy more S-400 missiles worth Rs 10K cr from Russia

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

The defence ministry is likely to take up the proposal by the Indian Air Force for approval at a defence acquisition council meeting planned to be held on October 23, sources said.

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Gogoi underwent 'some kind of training in Pak': Sarma

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has accused Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi of having a 'deeper connection' with a Pakistani national and violating FCRA rules, prompting calls for a national probe.

Mudh-Nyoma airbase near LAC in Ladakh operationalised

Mudh-Nyoma airbase near LAC in Ladakh operationalised

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

The strategically important Mudh-Nyoma airbase in Ladakh has been operationalised, enhancing India's military capabilities near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

India and Pakistan exchanged lists of nuclear installations and prisoners, continuing a long-standing practice despite strained relations.

HC allows video recording of US witness in Official Secrets Act case

HC allows video recording of US witness in Official Secrets Act case

Rediff.com29 Oct 2025

The Delhi High Court has allowed the recording of evidence of a US-based prosecution witness through video conferencing in a 2012 case related to the Official Secrets Act involving arms dealer Abhishek Verma and his wife. The court outlined safeguards to protect sensitive material during the proceedings.

Kremlin Didn't Know About Modi Gesture

Kremlin Didn't Know About Modi Gesture

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The Russians have termed Putin's visit to India, his first to this country since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, as 'Druzhba Dosti', which means 'friendship' in Russian and Hindi respectively.

China dares Japan with military drills in Taiwan Strait

China dares Japan with military drills in Taiwan Strait

Rediff.com29 Dec 2025

The Chinese military on Monday started new major drills in the 'middle areas' of the Taiwan Strait amid rising diplomatic tensions with Japan over Taiwan that Beijing claims as its territory.

Race For Stealth Fighter Jet Heats Up

Race For Stealth Fighter Jet Heats Up

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

This is seen as the first concrete opportunity to break HAL's monopoly in combat aircraft manufacturing, potentially opening the door to a private-sector fighter jet producer.

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

India terms EU envoys' article unusual before key Putin visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

India and Russia are poised to sign multiple agreements to bolster cooperation in various sectors, including trade and healthcare, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi. Discussions will also address the Ukraine conflict and efforts to increase Indian exports to Russia.

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry disposed of the petition filed by the Sanyukt Ahir Regiment Morcha and others seeking a stay on the release of the movie, which is based on the 1962 Battle of Rezang La.

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Centre to decide on plea against '120 Bahadur' certification in 2 days

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Centre to decide on a representation challenging the certification and release of the film '120 Bahadur'. The petitioners allege historical inaccuracies in the movie's portrayal of the Battle of Rezang La.

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Saddened by loss of IAF pilot in Tejas crash at Dubai Air Show: HAL

Rediff.com21 Nov 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) expressed deep sorrow over the death of an Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, in a Tejas aircraft crash during an aerial display at the Dubai Air Show. The incident involved the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and marked the second crash involving a HAL-manufactured aircraft in 20 months.

How Pak Army Chief convinced Lankan players to stay back

How Pak Army Chief convinced Lankan players to stay back

Rediff.com13 Nov 2025

Pakistan military chief directly intervened to salvage the home series involving Sri Lanka following the suicide attack in Islamabad, the country's interior ministry said on Thursday.

Court orders charges against Karti Chidambaram in Chinese visa case

Court orders charges against Karti Chidambaram in Chinese visa case

Rediff.com23 Dec 2025

Besides Karti Chidambaram, the Lok Sabha MP from Sivaganga, the CBI had named his alleged close associate and chartered accountant, S Bhaskararaman, Talawandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), a subsidiary of Vedanta, and Mumbai-based Bell Tools, through which bribes were allegedly routed.

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban resume peace talks in Istanbul

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have resumed peace talks in Istanbul, aiming to address cross-border terrorism and prevent further escalation. The talks follow recent clashes and a temporary ceasefire, with Pakistan demanding that Afghan soil not be used for terrorism.

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

India, Russia Explore Duty Cuts to Rebalance Trade

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

Putin's State visit will centre on fixing the huge India-Russia trade imbalance, with both sides pushing to lower duties, ease non-tariff barriers, and seal a landmark mobility pact to send more Indian workers to Russia.

Parliamentary panel refuses discussion on Red Fort blast

Parliamentary panel refuses discussion on Red Fort blast

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs refused to discuss the Red Fort blast during a meeting, citing the pre-set agenda of 'Disaster Management'.

Russia deploys nuke sub capable of 'wiping out nations'

Russia deploys nuke sub capable of 'wiping out nations'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Russia has launched its latest nuclear submarine to be armed with a 'Poseidon' nuclear drone, also known as 'doomsday missile' capable of 'wiping out' coastal nations, according to media reports.

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

What Weapons Will Putin Sell India On Rare State Visit?

Rediff.com29 Nov 2025

On the table are additional batches of S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, which India used with immense success during Operation Sindoor. India could buy at least two squadrons of Su-57 fighter jets plus joint production of S-500 air defence systems.

IAF sends proposal to govt for 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets

IAF sends proposal to govt for 114 'Made in India' Rafale fighter jets

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The proposal, expected to be worth over Rs 2 lakh crore, including the indigenous content of more than 60 percent, is expected to be taken up for discussion by the Defence Procurement Board headed by the defence secretary in the next few weeks.

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

UGC 2026: 'No One Is Being Criminalised'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

'Once the actual scope is understood, it becomes evident that the framework is about internal redress and course correction, and in no way criminalisation.'

Rajnath, US counterpart Hegseth agree on 10-year defence partnership plan

Rajnath, US counterpart Hegseth agree on 10-year defence partnership plan

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

India and the US have agreed to work together to draft a comprehensive framework on defence cooperation, aimed at structuring the bilateral collaboration for the 2025-2035 period. The framework will cover multiple domains in land, air, maritime and space, and will focus on intelligence, logistics, operational and industrial engagement. The agreement comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned trip to Washington, where he is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss boosting India-US cooperation in the areas of trade, energy and defence.

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

'Significant outcomes' expected as Putin to visit India

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day visit to India from December 4 to hold annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi that is expected to produce a plethora of significant outcomes, including in the defence sphere, to further solidify the bilateral strategic ties.

Russia shares 'evidence' of attack on Putin's residence with US

Russia shares 'evidence' of attack on Putin's residence with US

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

Days after Russia alleged that Ukraine targeted President Vladimir Putin's official residence in a drone attack, Russian authorities on Thursday said they had shared what they described as evidence related to the incident with the United States, Anadolu Agency reported.

In a first, Agni-Prime fired from rail-based launcher

In a first, Agni-Prime fired from rail-based launcher

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

India successfully test fired the Agni-Prime missile from a rail-based mobile launcher. The next-generation missile has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers and advanced features.

Govt slams Sonia Gandhi over 'Nehru papers', seeks return to PMML

Govt slams Sonia Gandhi over 'Nehru papers', seeks return to PMML

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

The government has criticized Sonia Gandhi for holding '51 cartons of Jawaharlal Nehru papers' and has requested their return to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library (PMML) for public access.

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Defence ministry report ignores Ladakh stand-off

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

The ministry's year-end review is silent on the continued occupation by Chinese troops of territory that India has always claimed and patrolled.

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

India, US hold 2+2 intersessional dialogue amid tariff tensions

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Senior officials from India and the US engaged in virtual talks to discuss bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, critical minerals, and energy security, including civil nuclear cooperation.

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.