News for 'US Defence Secretary'

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Trade union strike sees mixed response; normal life unaffected

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

A nationwide strike called by central trade unions saw a mixed response across India, impacting various sectors and states differently, with some areas experiencing disruptions while others remained largely unaffected.

Indian-American named Chief of Staff to Acting US Defence Secretary

Indian-American named Chief of Staff to Acting US Defence Secretary

Rediff.com11 Nov 2020

The new appointment from the Pentagon comes a day after Trump fired Defence Secretary Mark Esper and designated the National Counter Terrorism Center Director, Chris Miller, as the Acting Secretary of Defence.

US Defence Secretary to travel to India early June

US Defence Secretary to travel to India early June

Rediff.com23 May 2012

The India trip, the first to the country by Panetta in his capacity as the Defence Secretary, is part of his week-long Asia trip during which he will participate in the Shangri-la Dialogues and travel to Vietnam.

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

BJP blocked PM Manmohan Singh's reply in 2004: Congress

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

Amid disruptions in the Lok Sabha, opposition parties are protesting the denial of speaking rights to the Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, during discussions on the President's address. The Congress party draws parallels to a similar incident in 2004 when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from speaking.

Mohun Bagan kick-off ISL season with win over Kerala Blasters

Mohun Bagan kick-off ISL season with win over Kerala Blasters

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated Kerala Blasters 2-0 in the opening match of the Indian Super League season.

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

'Clearly Mogambo Khush Hai': Cong on India-US trade deal

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The Congress attacked the Modi government, saying it now seems to be routine that India learns about its government's actions only from Trump or his appointees.

Akhand America?: Trump's new US map has Venezuela, Greenland, Canada

Akhand America?: Trump's new US map has Venezuela, Greenland, Canada

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In another post, Trump is seen hoisting a US flag in Greenland, with a milepost that reads, "Greenland US Territory Est 2026".

Former US defence secretary McNamara dies

Former US defence secretary McNamara dies

Rediff.com6 Jul 2009

Robert McNamara, who served as the US defence secretary during the controversial Vietnam war and the Cuban Missile Crisis, died on Monday in Washington at the age of 93.

DRDO tests 150-500 km range Pralay missiles, induction next

DRDO tests 150-500 km range Pralay missiles, induction next

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

India successfully test-fired two Pralay missiles in quick succession off the coast of Odisha, paving the way for its induction into the military. The missile is indigenously developed and features a state-of-the-art navigation system.

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Did You Know What Defence Ministry Did This Year?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

India fully utilised its military modernisation budget in 2024-2025 -- the first time in five years -- and signed a record Rs 2 trillion defence contracts.

Movement of army units routine drill: Defence secretary

Movement of army units routine drill: Defence secretary

Rediff.com9 Apr 2012

Terming the movement of two army units towards Delhi in mid-January as a routine drill, Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma on Monday said no permission was required for the same from the government.

Lankan defence secretary escapes bid on life

Lankan defence secretary escapes bid on life

Rediff.com1 Dec 2006

He is widely regarded as the mastermind of increased military operations in recent months -- including ground shelling and aerial bombing -- against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Problems won't solve by one power...: UN chief's dig at Trump

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Guterres emphasised that global structures and institutions must reflect the complexity and the opportunity of the "new times and realities"

Su-57 stealth jet, S-400 in focus during Putin's visit

Su-57 stealth jet, S-400 in focus during Putin's visit

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

However, these are understood to be exploratory talks, with an agreement unlikely to be formalised during the current visit.

Army goes to governor over Mamata's SIR allegation

Army goes to governor over Mamata's SIR allegation

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Indian Army's Eastern Command has sought the intervention of West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose in connection with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent allegation that a senior army officer was using the command base at Fort William and working on the SIR exercise at the behest of the BJP.

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

8 To 1 Trump Won't Start A Gulf War

Rediff.com12 Feb 2026

The threat of wars hovers over the negotiations in Oman, but the good part is that Trump called the talks to be 'very good' and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian responded that they 'constitute a step forward', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Rahul displays Naravane book: 'If PM comes to Parliament will give this'

Rahul displays Naravane book: 'If PM comes to Parliament will give this'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Gandhi held up Naravane's unpublished "memoir" and said he would like the youngsters in India to know that this 'book' exists despite the government claiming otherwise.

India, US to seal 10-year defence pact; Rajnath presses over Tejas engine

India, US to seal 10-year defence pact; Rajnath presses over Tejas engine

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

In the phone conversation on Tuesday, Singh urged Hegseth to expedite the delivery of GE F404 engines to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, people familiar with the matter said.

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.

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Govt-Oppn tussle flares up in Lok Sabha; 8 MPs suspended

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The House has been witnessing uproar after Rahul Gandhi was disallowed to cite an article based on excerpts from an unpublished 'memoir' of former Army chief General M M Naravane (retd).

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.

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

PLA Top Brass In Turmoil After Zhang Youxia's Dismissal

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'As the PLA higher command is almost dismantled and instability spreads, India needs to be prepared for any eventuality,' cautions China expert Srikanth Kondapalli.

Pak army 'will not cooperate' with new defence secretary

Pak army 'will not cooperate' with new defence secretary

Rediff.com12 Jan 2012

In what could add to the growing confrontation between Pakistan's civilian and military leadership, army officials have warned that the army will "not cooperate" with the new defence secretary who was appointed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani after he sacked Lt Gen (retd) Naeem Khalid Lodhi.

He'll be in big problem: Trump rebukes Greenland PM

He'll be in big problem: Trump rebukes Greenland PM

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Reacting to remarks by the Premier of Greenland expressing a 'preference to remain with Denmark' over the United States, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dismissed the statement and warned that it could create 'a big problem' for the latter.

UK bars US Islamic preacher's entry for defending Hamas

UK bars US Islamic preacher's entry for defending Hamas

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Britain has banned the entry of an Islamic preacher, Dr. Shadee Elmasry, over his defence of Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel. The UK Home Office cited concerns about hate speech and extremist ideas.

Centre Okays First Underwater Road-Rail Tunnel Across Brahmaputra

Centre Okays First Underwater Road-Rail Tunnel Across Brahmaputra

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The project is aimed at enabling faster movement of security forces and military equipment during exigencies, while also improving connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and other north eastern states.

Trump threatens 25% tariffs over Greenland, EU hits back

Trump threatens 25% tariffs over Greenland, EU hits back

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and several European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland to the United States, framing the move as a national security imperative amid Chinese and Russian interest in the territory.

Rubio makes U-turn on Trump's 'run Venezuela' remark

Rubio makes U-turn on Trump's 'run Venezuela' remark

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

He added that current measures, including an oil quarantine and large naval deployments, are aimed at pressuring the Venezuelan regime.

'I was captured': Maduro pleads not guilty in first US court appearance

'I was captured': Maduro pleads not guilty in first US court appearance

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Maduro raised questions over the legality of his arrest during his first appearance before a US federal court in New York, claiming he was detained at his residence in Caracas, Venezuela, CNN reported.

'Lodhi sacked as Pak defence secretary in national interest'

'Lodhi sacked as Pak defence secretary in national interest'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2012

The Pakistan government has rejected former defence secretary Lieutenant General (retired) Khalid Naeem Lodhi's claim that he was sacked on charges of misconduct without being given a hearing, saying he had been fired in the "national interest".

US ATTACKS VENEZUELA, CAPTURES PRESIDENT MADURO

US ATTACKS VENEZUELA, CAPTURES PRESIDENT MADURO

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

President of the United States Donald Trump on Saturday confirmed that the US had carried out a large strike against Venezuela during which the incumbent President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and taken out of the country.

Trump to appoint 'Mad Dog' as new defence secretary

Trump to appoint 'Mad Dog' as new defence secretary

Rediff.com2 Dec 2016

Mattis attracted controversy in 2005 when he said 'it's fun to shoot some people'.

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

US warns Beijing as Chinese vessels encircle Taiwan

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

The United States has warned China against escalating tensions as Taiwan detected multiple Chinese naval vessels, official ships and balloons operating around the island amid Beijing's large-scale live-fire military drills.

Chuck Hagel sworn-in as new US defence secretary

Chuck Hagel sworn-in as new US defence secretary

Rediff.com27 Feb 2013

Former Republican senator Chuck Hagel was on Wednesday sworn-in as the new United States defence secretary, in the midst of a controversy over his remarks that India "financed problems" for Pakistan in Afghanistan.

Defence Secy meets Modi as India mulls action against Pak

Defence Secy meets Modi as India mulls action against Pak

Rediff.com5 May 2025

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. The meeting comes a day after the Chief of Air Staff met with Prime Minister Modi to discuss the security situation. Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi gave the armed forces "complete operational freedom" to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people.

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

The Man The LTTE Couldn't Kill

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The Tigers refused to forgive Douglas Devananda and tried to assassinate him repeatedly. He later said: "(LTTE chief Velupillai) Prabhakaran cannot kill me." Destiny proved him right.

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Nitin Nabin takes over as BJP's 12th president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Nitin Nabin has been formally declared as the BJP national president, succeeding J P Nadda. The leadership transition was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers.

Ex-defence secretary SK Sharma gets bail in AgustaWestland scam case

Ex-defence secretary SK Sharma gets bail in AgustaWestland scam case

Rediff.com28 Apr 2022

A Delhi court on Thursday granted bail to former defence secretary Shashi Kant Sharma in a case related to the AgustaWestland chopper scam.

Op Sindoor gave Pak a 'good dose' of caution: Rajnath Singh

Op Sindoor gave Pak a 'good dose' of caution: Rajnath Singh

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor gave Pakistan a "good dose" of caution and warned against any future "misadventure" against India. He also highlighted the role of the armed forces in nation-building and the government's commitment to border infrastructure development.

CIA chief to be next US defence secretary: Report

CIA chief to be next US defence secretary: Report

Rediff.com27 Apr 2011

Central Intelligence Agency Director Leon Panetta will become the new United States defence secretary, replacing Robert Gates, in a major shake-up of President Barack Obama's security team, according to a media report.The top US military commander in Afghanistan General David Petraeus is set to take over as the new CIA Director. The television network said Petraeus will be replaced as the US commander in Afghanistan by Lieutenant General John Allen.