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, 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.

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.

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.

'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.

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 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.

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.

US Army chief ousted amid war in Iran, former Hegseth aide takes charge

US Army chief ousted amid war in Iran, former Hegseth aide takes charge

Rediff.com2 days ago

The decision marks a significant leadership transition as the administration seeks a commander who 'will implement Donald Trump and Hegseth's vision for the Army'.

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

US warns of 'largest strike package' against Iran, says...

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Hegseth said the military campaign, code-named Operation Epic Fury, against Iran is "laser focused" and "decisive," with objectives set directly by the US administration remaining unchanged since the start of operations.

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

US war narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Araghchi remarked that US messaging currently echoes the Vietnam War-era "Five O'Clock Follies," suggesting a systematic misrepresentation of military progress.

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

'Welcome, My Friend': Netanyahu rolls out red carpet for Modi

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations, focusing on cooperation in various sectors including defense, technology, and trade.

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Ali Larijani, Iran's Security chief killed in airstrike, claims Israel

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Reports are emerging that Ali Larijani, a key Iranian security official, was allegedly targetted in an Israeli airstrike, escalating tensions in the region.

India, UAE seal defence pact, set $200 bn trade target

India, UAE seal defence pact, set $200 bn trade target

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Under the defence partnership, India and the UAE are eyeing defence industrial collaboration and cooperation in advanced technologies, cyberspace training, special operations, interoperability of their militaries and counter terrorism.

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.

MP Congress MLA Disqualified Over Bank Record Tampering Case

MP Congress MLA Disqualified Over Bank Record Tampering Case

Rediff.com2 days ago

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti has been disqualified from the state legislative assembly after being convicted in a bank fraud case involving the tampering of bank records to secure illegal interest payments.

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.

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.

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

FCRA Bill likely in Parl today, Congress asks MPs to rush to Delhi

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Congress party has directed its MPs to attend Parliament and protest against the FCRA Amendment Bill, describing it as unconstitutional and a threat to minority organisations. The government asserts the bill aims to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of foreign funds.

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

White House dismisses reports of peace talks in Pakistan as 'speculation'

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Iranian representatives have conveyed to the Trump administration that they are unwilling to resume talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, preferring instead to engage with Vice President J D Vance.

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.

'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.

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.

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Trump signs defence bill backing deeper US-India ties

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

US President Donald Trump signed the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026 into law, highlighting broadened engagement with India and addressing the challenge posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Bengal polls: EC tightens grip with strategic transfers

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The Election Commission has intensified preparations for the West Bengal Assembly elections by reshuffling senior officers and deploying IAS and IPS officers in key poll management roles.

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

Rediff.com1 days ago

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

MP Congress MLA disqualified after bank fraud conviction

MP Congress MLA disqualified after bank fraud conviction

Rediff.com1 days ago

Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Rajendra Bharti has been disqualified from the state legislative assembly after being convicted in a bank fraud case involving the tampering of bank records. The disqualification has sparked a political row, with the Congress party alleging a violation of democratic process.

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.

'Bridges, power plants': Trump warns of strikes on Iranian infrastructure

'Bridges, power plants': Trump warns of strikes on Iranian infrastructure

Rediff.com2 days ago

United States President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential strikes on its infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants, saying the US military 'hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran'.

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Over 1,150 Indians Evacuated from Iran Amid Regional Conflict

Rediff.com4 days ago

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.

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.

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Amid tariff strain, Jaishankar, Rubio hold talks on trade, defence

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed cooperation in trade, critical minerals, nuclear energy, and defence, reaffirming commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Pete said, 'Let's do it': Trump puts onus of Iran war on Pentagon chief

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Donald Trump claims a senior defence official urged military action against Iran, revealing escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations in the Middle East.

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.

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Pakistan, Afghanistan, China meet to discuss escalating tensions

Rediff.com4 days ago

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

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.

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Pentagon Purge Rocks Iran War

Rediff.com2 days ago

The purge in Washington does not pause the war. Strikes continue, Hormuz remains closed, and Brent crude is still dancing around $109 a barrel. For India, the command chaos in the Pentagon is another layer of uncertainty piled on five weeks of conflict that was already straining every buffer Delhi has.

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.

Shivshankar Menon: 'Pakistan's Insider Threat Is Serious'

Shivshankar Menon: 'Pakistan's Insider Threat Is Serious'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'Pakistan's is the only military-controlled nuclear weapons programme in the world.' 'As people get radicalised, the risk of a brigadier or pilot taking matters into their own hands is a real concern.'

BJD Calls for Dismissal and Arrest Over Alleged Law Violations

BJD Calls for Dismissal and Arrest Over Alleged Law Violations

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The BJD is demanding the dismissal of Odisha's Health minister and the arrest of a BJP MLA for allegedly violating laws during Ram Navami processions. The allegations include riding a motorbike without a helmet and firing a gun in public.