News for 'defence minister'

Rajnath discusses border with Chinese defence minister in Bishkek

Rajnath discusses border with Chinese defence minister in Bishkek

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart Admiral Dong Jun in Bishkek to discuss maintaining peace and tranquility along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and broader regional security concerns.

Two Chinese ex-defence ministers sentenced to death for corruption

Two Chinese ex-defence ministers sentenced to death for corruption

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Two former Chinese defence ministers, Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu, were sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve over graft charges, official media reported.

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Pak's CDF Munir meets Saudi defence minister amid Iran war

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Amidst escalating tensions in West Asia, Pakistan's defence chief visited Saudi Arabia to discuss regional security and the mutual defence pact between the two nations, focusing on de-escalation strategies.

Iran's defence minister, Guards commander killed in US-Israel strikes: Report

Iran's defence minister, Guards commander killed in US-Israel strikes: Report

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

A joint attack by the United States and Israel on Iran has triggered a massive military confrontation in the Middle-East.

Defence Commanders Get Bigger Financial Powers

Defence Commanders Get Bigger Financial Powers

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Army, Navy and Air Force commanders received enhanced powers to address urgent operational requirements quickly.

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

India's defence output hits record 1.78 lakh crore in 2025-26

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India's annual defence production has reached an all-time high of Rs 1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26, marking a significant 15.6 per cent growth over the previous fiscal year. This achievement reflects a 110 per cent increase since 2020-21 and highlights the country's expanding defence industrial base, driven by policy support and increased private sector participation.

Pix: Defence forces join yoga day celebrations

Pix: Defence forces join yoga day celebrations

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

India's armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, extensively participated in yoga sessions across the country to commemorate International Day of Yoga. From high-altitude regions to parade grounds, thousands of personnel, their families, and cadets engaged in various asanas, highlighting yoga's role in promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and holistic well-being.

PM Modi Praises India's Progress In Defence And Yoga

PM Modi Praises India's Progress In Defence And Yoga

Rediff.com2 days ago

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, highlighted India's recent achievements in self-reliance, including the maiden flight of the made-in-India C-295 aircraft and the induction of indigenous naval ships. He also lauded the global participation in International Yoga Day and India's success at the World Yoga Asana Championship, alongside Nalanda University's revival of the 'Shastrarth' tradition.

'Rajnath knew the truth yet...': Cong on Op Sindoor soldiers' deaths

'Rajnath knew the truth yet...': Cong on Op Sindoor soldiers' deaths

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Congress party has accused the government of concealing the supreme sacrifice of six soldiers during Operation Sindoor, thereby denying them honour and recognition. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament, suggesting he either lacked knowledge or misled the House. The Defence Ministry, however, refuted these claims, stating that social media posts selectively quoted the minister's remarks to misrepresent the facts.

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

'We will go to war': Pak threatens India amid water crisis

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has issued a war threat against India, citing water security as a national concern. This comes as Pakistan grapples with a severe internal water crisis, attributed by experts to mismanagement, and India maintains its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following a terror attack. Asif accused India of "weaponising water" but admitted to lacking current data on the situation.

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Rediff.com5 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 'terahvin' rituals of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana in Dehradun. Dignitaries paid their respects to the Padma Shri recipient, who passed away on June 11 due to cardiac complications. Rana, a celebrated pistol shooter and coach, was instrumental in guiding Manu Bhaker to Olympic success.

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Is Modi Planning To Shuffle Ministers?

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Recent BJP organisational moves and Rajya Sabha nominations have sparked speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may soon undertake a ministerial reshuffle.

Pakistan boosts defence spending by 17.6% in new Budget

Pakistan boosts defence spending by 17.6% in new Budget

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Pakistan has increased its defence budget by 17.6 per cent to PKRs 3,000 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, as announced by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The federal budget, estimated at PKRs 18,771 billion, targets 4 per cent GDP growth, with significant allocations for debt service and pensions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted economic stability and ongoing discussions with the IMF, while the opposition protested Imran Khan's incarceration during the budget session.

'Tehran will burn' if Iran...: Israeli Defence Minister

'Tehran will burn' if Iran...: Israeli Defence Minister

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

The IDF said that all of its bases, including air bases, are operating as usual with no harm to their functionality.

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Pak minister calls Israel 'cancerous state', Netanyahu responds

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israel has strongly condemned Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's "outrageous" remarks calling for Israel's annihilation and labelling it "evil" and a "curse for humanity", raising doubts about Pakistan's role as a "neutral arbiter" for peace.

Israel defies US-Iran pact, refuses to withdraw from Lebanon

Israel defies US-Iran pact, refuses to withdraw from Lebanon

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that the Israeli military will not withdraw from its security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, directly opposing the newly announced American-led diplomatic framework with Tehran. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir further asserted Israel's sovereignty, stating, "Trump's agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation!"

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

India Slams Pakistan At UN, Calls It 'Frankenstein State'

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

India strongly criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, labelling it a "Frankenstein state" for its alleged support of terrorism. The remarks came after Pakistan and the OIC raised the Kashmir issue, which India firmly rejected, reiterating Jammu and Kashmir's integral status. India also deemed the Indus Water Treaty "outdated" given Pakistan's policies.

6 Breakthroughs Put India In Missile Elite

6 Breakthroughs Put India In Missile Elite

Rediff.com7 days ago

Successful interceptor, anti-ship, MIRV and hypersonic technology tests have strengthened India's position among a select group of advanced missile powers.

How will you sit with...: Pak snubs Trump's Abraham Accords push

How will you sit with...: Pak snubs Trump's Abraham Accords push

Rediff.com26 May 2026

Donald Trump asked countries involved in the peace talks with Iran to sign on to the Abraham Accords, which deal with establishing diplomatic, economic and security ties between Israel and Arab nations.

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Nitish's son among 32 new ministers to join Bihar govt

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Bihar cabinet has expanded significantly with 32 new ministers taking oath, including Nishant Kumar, son of JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar. The expansion includes representatives from all five NDA constituents in the state.

Gaza 'annexation' is part of Israeli military strategy: Defence minister

Gaza 'annexation' is part of Israeli military strategy: Defence minister

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has affirmed that Gaza's annexation was part of a military strategy and troops will remain in the security zones created in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, Al Jazeera reported.

India's defence exports surge 63% to record Rs 38,424 cr in FY 2025-26

India's defence exports surge 63% to record Rs 38,424 cr in FY 2025-26

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

India's defence exports reached a record high of Rs 38,424 crore in fiscal year 2025-26, marking a significant increase of over 62 per cent compared to the previous year, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

India's new weapons system can convert warheads into precision missiles

India's new weapons system can convert warheads into precision missiles

Rediff.com8 May 2026

India has successfully conducted the first flight trial of its indigenously developed Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) glide weapon system off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant step in enhancing its defence capabilities.

India Condemns Terror Attacks In Mali, Offers Condolences

India Condemns Terror Attacks In Mali, Offers Condolences

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

India has strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in Mali, including the death of the country's defence minister, and reiterated its commitment to combating terrorism.

Punjab Minister's ED Remand Extended In Money Laundering Probe

Punjab Minister's ED Remand Extended In Money Laundering Probe

Rediff.com16 May 2026

A court in Gurugram has extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand of Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora by two days in connection with a Rs 100-crore money laundering case.

Indian military contingent to join Seychelles National Day

Indian military contingent to join Seychelles National Day

Rediff.com1 days ago

An Indian Army contingent, Navy warships INS Tarkash and INS Ikshak, and a naval band are participating in Seychelles' Golden Jubilee National Day celebrations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the strong strategic partnership and defence cooperation between India and the archipelago nation.

IAF, DRDO conducts flight-tests of RudraM-II air-to-surface missile

IAF, DRDO conducts flight-tests of RudraM-II air-to-surface missile

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have successfully conducted flight tests of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, marking a significant milestone in indigenous defence technology.

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Govt may rope in IAF to transport NEET-UG retest papers on June 21

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The government is considering using the Indian Air Force to transport NEET-UG papers to ensure a secure retest on June 21, following allegations of malpractices in the original exam.

Chances of conflict with India increasing: Pak defence minister

Chances of conflict with India increasing: Pak defence minister

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said that the chances of conflict with India were increasing with the passage of time despite efforts by different countries to defuse the tensions between the two neighbours.

India's Top Arms Supplier Is...

India's Top Arms Supplier Is...

Rediff.com4 days ago

Europe has overtaken Asia as India's biggest arms supplier, reflecting New Delhi's evolving defence procurement strategy.

'He'll be up. He's like me': US envoy recalls Trump's 6 am call to Modi

'He'll be up. He's like me': US envoy recalls Trump's 6 am call to Modi

Rediff.com43 minutes ago

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor revealed that President Donald Trump views Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'a friend' and is deeply committed to enhancing cooperation with New Delhi, highlighting their personal equation as a crucial factor in advancing bilateral ties.

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

UP launches crackdown on illegal coaching centres, several sealed

Rediff.com6 days ago

In a bid to provide students with a safe, transparent and quality educational environment, a special drive is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the regulation of coaching institutes and against illegal coaching centres.

Supported terrorists because...: Pak defence minister's big admission

Supported terrorists because...: Pak defence minister's big admission

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

Pakistan Defence Minister Khwaja Asif has admitted the country's history of supporting, training and funding terrorist organisations as 'dirty work' for the West, a mistake for which he said Pakistan had suffered.

Netanyahu fires his defence minister over 'lack of trust'

Netanyahu fires his defence minister over 'lack of trust'

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Gallant, who was a longtime rival from within the Likud Party, will be replaced by Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz. Minister without Portfolio Gideon Sa'ar will replace Katz, as per Times of Israel.

2 officers among 5 IAF personnel killed as AN-32 crashes in Assam

2 officers among 5 IAF personnel killed as AN-32 crashes in Assam

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Five Indian Air Force personnel, including two officers, were killed when their Russian-origin Antonov An-32 transport aircraft crashed while landing at Jorhat in Assam on Saturday. The co-pilot sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The Significance Of Rajnath Singh's Vietnam Visit

The Significance Of Rajnath Singh's Vietnam Visit

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Vietnam is an emerging regional power and a closer relationship with Hanoi is closely aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Act East Policy, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Modi most beautiful looking man, like an angel: Trump

Modi most beautiful looking man, like an angel: Trump

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "very tough negotiator" and hinted at a future visit to India during their meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, where they discussed trade, defence, and the West Asia crisis.

Punjab Minister Sent To Judicial Custody In Money Laundering Case

Punjab Minister Sent To Judicial Custody In Money Laundering Case

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora has been sent to judicial custody for two weeks in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate produced Arora before the court after completing his extended remand. The minister's next court appearance is scheduled for June 1st.

Takaichi's Assam visit cancelled, Modi to host Japan PM in New Delhi

Takaichi's Assam visit cancelled, Modi to host Japan PM in New Delhi

Rediff.com6 days ago

The planned India-Japan annual summit, featuring Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi and Indian PM Narendra Modi, has been moved from Guwahati to New Delhi due to logistical issues and Takaichi's tight schedule. The summit, scheduled for July 1-3, aims to boost bilateral ties with discussions on investment, supply chain deals, energy resilience, and strategic oil reserves, accompanied by a delegation of 50 Japanese companies.

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Marco Rubio arrives in India; Quad, trade, defence on agenda

Rediff.com23 May 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Kolkata for a four-day diplomatic tour to India, marking the first visit by a US secretary of state to the city in 14 years. His itinerary includes meetings with Indian officials, energy talks, and a Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting.