News for 'US Defence Secretary'

India, US review defence ties, key deals at policy meet

India, US review defence ties, key deals at policy meet

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Key discussions focused on major defence procurements, including India's plan to acquire six additional P-8I aircraft for anti-submarine warfare. The deal, estimated at around Rs 30,000 crore, is under advanced negotiations.

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

India appoints new Chief of Defence Staff, Naval Chief

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani (retd) has been appointed as India's next Chief of Defence Staff, succeeding Gen Anil Chauhan. Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan has been named the next Chief of the Naval Staff, succeeding Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. Lt Gen Subramani's primary mandate will be to implement the military theaterisation plan and bolster tri-services synergy.

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

India's FDI Inflows Set to Cross $90 Billion in FY26, Says DPIIT Secretary

Rediff.com3 May 2026

India's foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows are projected to surpass $90 billion in 2025-26 (FY26), driven by robust policy reforms, free trade agreements, and strong economic growth, according to DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia.

'Relieved': Modi reacts to White House press dinner shooting

'Relieved': Modi reacts to White House press dinner shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Modi said violence has no place in democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

India, France seal Hammer missile deal, renew defence ties

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

India and France have renewed their 10-year defence cooperation agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the joint manufacturing of Hammer missiles in India, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership.

Pak-China affairs expert Lt Gen Subramani is India's next CDS

Pak-China affairs expert Lt Gen Subramani is India's next CDS

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The government has appointed Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani (Retd) as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who shall also function as the secretary to the government of India, department of military affairs, with effect from the date of assumption of charge and until further orders.

Pak parked Iran jets on its airbases to escape US airstrikes: Report

Pak parked Iran jets on its airbases to escape US airstrikes: Report

Rediff.com6 days ago

A new report alleges Pakistan shielded Iranian military aircraft from potential US airstrikes, raising questions about its role as a neutral mediator in the ongoing US-Iran tensions.

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Why Gulf States Now Need India

Rediff.com3 days ago

India is the only significant power that all parties trust, or at least do not distrust, notes former defence secretary Ajay Kumar.

Sir Ratan Tata Trust board meeting cancelled at last minute

Sir Ratan Tata Trust board meeting cancelled at last minute

Rediff.com8 May 2026

A much-anticipated board meeting of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust, intended to reconsider nominations to the board of Tata Sons, was cancelled for unspecified reasons, despite the Bombay High Court declining to stay the meeting.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

Trump renews push for secure ballroom at White House after dinner shooting

Trump renews push for secure ballroom at White House after dinner shooting

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for a high-security ballroom at the White House, citing security concerns after a shooting incident near a journalists' dinner he attended.

India indispensable for peace in Indo-Pacific: Trump administration

India indispensable for peace in Indo-Pacific: Trump administration

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A senior US official has emphasised India's crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and ensuring a balanced power dynamic in Asia, advocating for stronger defence ties between the two nations.

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

China hikes defence budget by 7% to $277 billion

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

China's latest defence budget surges to $275 billion, fueling its ambitious military modernisation program and intensifying geopolitical dynamics in the region.

'Iran's supreme leader wounded, likely disfigured': US war secretary

'Iran's supreme leader wounded, likely disfigured': US war secretary

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed that Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, is "wounded and likely disfigured" in strikes by the US on the country.

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Theatre Command Gets Push With New CDS, Navy Chief

Rediff.com7 days ago

'General Subramani's appointment as military adviser in the NSCS has given him insight into decision-making at the apex level prior to formally taking over as CDS.'

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Trump to meet Xi Jinping on Wednesday to discuss Iran conflict, trade issues

Rediff.com6 days ago

US President Donald Trump is set to visit China for talks with President Xi Jinping on trade, global issues, and the Gulf war. The visit aims to address trade frictions and other key issues, with high expectations for progress.

'Trump mulled nuclear weapon option during Iran tensions, but was stopped'

'Trump mulled nuclear weapon option during Iran tensions, but was stopped'

Rediff.com3 days ago

Former CIA Analyst, Larry Johnson, said on Friday that US President Donald Trump asked US chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Dan Caine, if they could use the nuclear weapons, but the latter denied.

UAE to store 30 mn barrels of crude in India's petroleum reserve: Misri

UAE to store 30 mn barrels of crude in India's petroleum reserve: Misri

Rediff.com2 days ago

Foreign secretary Vikram Misri on Friday shared key details on agreements between India and the UAE, stating that the UAE will store up to 30 million barrels of crude oil in India's strategic petroleum reserve following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit.

Trump picks Fox News host as defence secretary

Trump picks Fox News host as defence secretary

Rediff.com13 Nov 2024

United States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the nomination of popular Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth, 44, as his defence secretary.

How Trump Responded After Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

How Trump Responded After Shooting At White House Correspondents' Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

President Donald Trump and other White House officials were evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association dinner after a shooting outside the venue. A suspect has been apprehended, and Trump addressed the incident in a press conference.

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Cong stretches Kerala CM saga, uncertainty irks ally

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Congress party's delay in naming the next Chief Minister of Kerala has drawn criticism, particularly from key ally IUML, which warns of potential political fallout from the prolonged uncertainty.

Defence secretary tests positive for COVID-19

Defence secretary tests positive for COVID-19

Rediff.com4 Jun 2020

It is learnt that defence minister Rajnath Singh did not attend office as part of a precautionary measure.

NITI Aayog: India's Scientific Knowledge Systematically Destroyed

NITI Aayog: India's Scientific Knowledge Systematically Destroyed

Rediff.com7 days ago

NITI Aayog member Gobardhan Das asserted that India possessed a rich scientific tradition that suffered setbacks during centuries of foreign domination, with its repository of knowledge systematically destroyed by invaders.

Trump to visit China this week amid global tension

Trump to visit China this week amid global tension

Rediff.com7 days ago

US President Donald Trump will visit China from May 13 to 15 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit occurs amidst global tensions, including the war in West Asia and trade disputes between the US and China. Discussions are expected to cover China-US relations, world peace, and economic issues.

Trump fires Defence Secretary after election defeat

Trump fires Defence Secretary after election defeat

Rediff.com10 Nov 2020

Trump's firing comes days after Esper in an interview told The Military Times that he was not a "yes man" for the president.

When Will India Produce A Trillion-Dollar Company?

When Will India Produce A Trillion-Dollar Company?

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's first trillion-dollar company will be built on technology it owns, not just operates, predicts Ajay Kumar.

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Himanta set for second term as CM; Modi, Shah, Rajnath to attend oath

Rediff.com10 May 2026

BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma has been appointed as the Chief Minister of Assam, marking the NDA's third consecutive government in the state. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for May 12, with key political figures expected to attend.

Mahesh Joshi Arrested In Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: All You Need To Know

Mahesh Joshi Arrested In Jal Jeevan Mission Scam: All You Need To Know

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Former Rajasthan minister Mahesh Joshi has been arrested in connection with the alleged Rs 960-crore Jal Jeevan Mission scam. The arrest follows that of a retired IAS officer and involves accusations of misuse of power and bribery.

Trump unhurt as shots fired at White House press dinner, shooter arrested

Trump unhurt as shots fired at White House press dinner, shooter arrested

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Gunshots fired at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner led to the evacuation of President Donald Trump and other senior officials, causing chaos and a security lockdown.

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Trump lands in Beijing to rare VIP welcome amid trade and Iran talks

Rediff.com5 days ago

US President Donald Trump received a red carpet welcome in Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on trade, the Iran war, and other key issues. The visit underscores the importance both nations place on their relationship amid ongoing tensions.

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire Outside Dinner

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire Outside Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

President Donald Trump and other top White House officials were evacuated unharmed from the annual White House Correspondents' dinner after a gunman opened fire outside the hotel ballroom. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, has been arrested. World leaders have expressed relief that Trump and other guests were unharmed, emphasising that political violence has no place in a democracy.

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Iran gave US 'significant prize' linked to Strait of Hormuz: Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Former US President Donald Trump claimed victory over Iran, stating they agreed to never have a nuclear weapon and provided a 'significant prize' related to the Strait of Hormuz. He also suggested a change in Iranian leadership and acknowledged Pakistan's role in facilitating talks.

Congress, BJP Trade Accusations In Champawat Rape Case

Congress, BJP Trade Accusations In Champawat Rape Case

Rediff.com9 May 2026

The Congress and BJP in Uttarakhand are engaged in a war of words over the alleged Champawat rape case, which police have now deemed a fabricated incident stemming from a long-standing dispute. Both parties accuse each other of political manipulation and attempting to tarnish the other's image.

Bai Hirabai Trust to move for alteration of restrictive clauses on trustee eligibility: Tata Trusts

Bai Hirabai Trust to move for alteration of restrictive clauses on trustee eligibility: Tata Trusts

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Tata Trusts announced that the trustees of the Bai Hirabai Trust will initiate proceedings to alter restrictive clauses in its trust deed, specifically those prohibiting non-Zoroastrians from serving as trustees. This decision follows a challenge by former trustee Mehli Mistry regarding the appointments of Venu Srinivasan and Vijay Singh, who allegedly did not meet the original Parsi Zoroastrian faith and residency criteria.

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Govt body plans legal framework for AI companies

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

India's newly formed Artificial Intelligence Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) is set to advocate for a unified legal framework for AI companies, including developers of large language models and chatbot systems, alongside broader operational rules.

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire At Dinner

Trump Evacuated After Gunman Opens Fire At Dinner

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump and other top officials were evacuated unharmed from the annual dinner of the White House Correspondents' Association after a man armed with multiple weapons fired shots outside the hotel ballroom.

Pradeep Kumar appointed new Defence Secretary

Pradeep Kumar appointed new Defence Secretary

Rediff.com14 Jul 2009

The government on Tuesday appointed Pradeep Kumar, currently the secretary in the department of Defence Production, as the Defence Secretary.

Iran claims world's first hit on US F-35 Lightning 2

Iran claims world's first hit on US F-35 Lightning 2

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

US defence officials confirmed that an F-35 did perform an emergency landing after an Iranian surface-to-air missile (SAM) barrage, with the pilot safe and an investigation underway.

Ajay Prasad becomes defence secretary

Ajay Prasad becomes defence secretary

Rediff.com30 Jun 2003

He succeeds Subir Dutta, who has been appointed Member of the Union Public Service Commission.

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Why Does US Want Pakistan To Mediate With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The United States' historical strategic alignment with Pakistan, dating back to the Cold War, has consistently aimed to create a political and military parity with India, despite India's significantly larger size and resources. This long-standing relationship continues to influence regional dynamics, particularly in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific.