News for 'Secretaries of Defence'

Situation under control, energy security stable: Centre on West Asia crisis

Situation under control, energy security stable: Centre on West Asia crisis

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

There is no cause for concern, as the overall situation arising out of the crisis is firmly under control, the Centre informed while briefing political parties at the all-party meet.

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.

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Eminent historian K N Panikkar passes away at 90

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Eminent historian and academic K.N. Panikkar, known for his Marxist interpretation of history and advocacy for secularism, has passed away at the age of 90. His contributions to historical research and defence of secular values are widely recognised.

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Modi reviews fuel, power, fertiliser supply amid West Asia tensions

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting with senior ministers to assess the impact of the evolving situation in West Asia on India's crude oil, gas, petroleum, power, and fertiliser sectors, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics.

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 urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

US urges citizens to leave 12 Middle East nations; 6 American troops killed

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged its citizens to immediately depart from several Middle Eastern countries, citing "serious safety risks."

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

All queries answered, Oppn backs govt on West Asia: Kiren Rijiju

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

He added that opposition parties were assured that their concerns regarding the impact of the West Asia situation on India and the safety of Indian citizens were addressed in detail.

Zubeen Garg Death Case: Fast-Track Court Commences Hearing

Zubeen Garg Death Case: Fast-Track Court Commences Hearing

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The fast-track Sessions Court established for the Zubeen Garg death case has commenced its first hearing, with submissions made on behalf of one of the accused. The court is expediting proceedings to deliver justice in the case.

UK Court Upholds Nirav Modi Extradition Order After Reviewing Indian Assurances

UK Court Upholds Nirav Modi Extradition Order After Reviewing Indian Assurances

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The UK High Court has rejected Nirav Modi's attempt to reopen his extradition case, citing the Indian government's comprehensive assurances against torture as sufficient to allow his transfer to India.

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

'God Does Not Make People Like Mohsina Kidwai Now'

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

'She was not a yes person. She would tell the truth and her feelings to Indira Gandhi, and Indira Gandhi would value her opinion. The same was the case with Rajiv Gandhi who would value her opinion.'

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

West Asia conflict: Modi urges states to guard supply chains, curb panic

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers to review preparedness and plans in light of the West Asia conflict, emphasising the importance of national unity and enhanced security measures.

'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.

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Can Pakistan's outreach to Egypt, Turkiye, Saudi calm West Asia?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met with his counterparts from Egypt and Turkiye in Islamabad ahead of a quadrilateral summit, including Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace.

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Netanyahu reveals Modi's two-day Israel visit, strategic ties in focus

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel for two days to discuss bilateral and regional issues, marking his second visit to the Jewish state and highlighting the growing strategic partnership between India and Israel.

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Russia shared intelligence with Iran on US assets: Report

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Russia has shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran target American warships, aircraft and other military assets in the region, according to United States intelligence assessments cited by media reports, marking the first indication of Moscow's possible involvement in the ongoing conflict. Officials familiar with US intelligence findings said a significant portion of the shared information reportedly includes imagery from Russia's network of surveillance satellites.

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

The Clock In Islamabad Is Ticking. And The World Is Watching Anxiously...

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The delegations from the US and Iran head to Islamabad on Friday, carrying a ceasefire that is already fraying, a Strait that is technically open and practically closed, and a negotiating agenda that would challenge even parties actually negotiating in good faith, which these groups are not. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

'Pakistan Threatened India With Nuclear Weapons Three Times Before 1998'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'We were in a heavily nuclearised environment. China had tested for Pakistan in the 1980s and helped their missile programme stay just one step behind us.'

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.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

IRIS Dena sinking: Navy sends Tarangini, Ikshak to assist Sri Lanka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

The vessel sank on March 4, 2026, approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle, after reportedly being struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine.

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Iran War Exposes Washington's Strategic Chaos

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

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.

Satellite images suggest US airstrike hit Iran school

Satellite images suggest US airstrike hit Iran school

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Satellite imagery and expert analysis suggest that a deadly explosion at a school in southern Iran last week was likely caused by a United States airstrike that also targeted a nearby compound linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to media reports.

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Gulf War: Time India Distances Itself From Israel

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

It may now be time to question the price India is paying for Israel's disregard of the serious undermining of India's energy security, asserts former foreign secretary Shyam Saran.

Did India provide intel on Iranian warship to US?

Did India provide intel on Iranian warship to US?

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

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.

Nirav Modi's Extradition Appeal Hearing Concludes in London

Nirav Modi's Extradition Appeal Hearing Concludes in London

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The UK High Court has concluded the hearing for Nirav Modi's application to reopen his extradition appeal, focusing on claims of potential torture during interrogations in India. The court has reserved its judgement.

Gold poised for volatile week as West Asia crisis roils markets

Gold poised for volatile week as West Asia crisis roils markets

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Gold prices are expected to remain volatile next week as investors track geopolitical developments in the Middle East and key macroeconomic data releases that could shape the sentiment in the domestic market, analysts said.

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.com5 Mar 2026

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

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.

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

The US Rescue That Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The 'rescue' operation occurred within kilometres of Iran's underground tunnel complex at Isfahan, assessed by the IAEA and US intelligence as holding a substantial portion of the country's 60 per cent enriched uranium stockpile. Retired senior US military officers have highlighted that the mission's footprint -- hundreds of special operators, multiple heavy-lift aircraft deep inside Iran -- appears outsized for recovering a single airman. Prem Panicker continues his must read blog on the Iran War.

India granted emergency docking to Iranian naval ship

India granted emergency docking to Iranian naval ship

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

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.

India Coach Gautam Gambhir Dedicates T20 World Cup Victory To These Two Greats

India Coach Gautam Gambhir Dedicates T20 World Cup Victory To These Two Greats

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Head coach Gautam Gambhir dedicated India's T20 World Cup victory to Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman.

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

US, India envoys in China review strategic ties, trade push

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

David Perdue said in a post on X that the US-India relationship delivers real results through close cooperation in diverse areas, including defence, energy and through Quad engagement.

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Trump's Pause Gives Iran NOTHING!

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The pause gives the US time to breathe, to regroup, to move its expeditionary force into position without risk of interception along the way. It gives Iran nothing -- on the ground, attacks against its infrastructure continue apace. Prem Panicker in his must read daily blog on the Gulf War.

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Modi meets AI startups' CEOs, global leaders at AI Summit

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a roundtable with AI startup CEOs and held bilateral meetings with global leaders at the India AI Impact Summit, focusing on AI's potential across sectors and international cooperation.

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI

Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic AI

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

He accused the firm of trying to interfere with how the US military operates and threatened further action if it does not cooperate during a six-month phase-out period.

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Iran shares video of shooting down US F-15 fighter jet

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Referring to local sources, IRNA shared a video clip that it claims shows the downing of the American F-15 fighter jet in Kuwait.

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Netanyahu debunks death rumours with 'punch card' video

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue targeting Iranian leaders, claiming recent successes in eliminating key figures. He asserted that Israel, with US support, aims to undermine the Iranian regime and empower the Iranian people.

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.

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

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

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

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.

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Sharad Pawar and grandnephew Parth in Rajya Sabha race

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

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.