DEFENCE MINISTER BORIS PISTORIUS
German defence budget for 2025 falls "signicantly" short of request, minister says
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed frustration on Monday as his ministry received significantly less than the 6.7 billion euros he requested for the 2025 budget. This shortfall hampers his ability to implement necessary reforms swiftly amid current threats. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's "Zeitenwende" initiative, aimed at revitalizing the military with a 100-billion-euro special fund after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will continue to guide funding efforts. Despite budget constraints, Germany aims to maintain defence spending above NATO's 2% GDP target, with an additional 30 billion euros allocated by 2028 for military modernization, marking a historic high.
Rishi Sunak's historic journey to becoming UK's first Prime Minister of Indian heritage
Rishi Sunak has made history as the first Prime Minister of Indian heritage in the UK. Rising from Chancellor during the COVID pandemic, he navigated economic challenges but faced party scandals. Despite his achievements, anti-incumbency sentiments prevail. Sunak's family background, values, and dedication to public service shape his leadership.
UK general election: FTA with India on manifesto agenda for both Tory, Labour
As the UK gears up for the general election, a potential free trade agreement with India remains a key focus for both the Conservatives and Labour, with negotiations stalled at the fourteenth round. The Tories aim for a comprehensive partnership, including technology and defense, while Labour criticises missed deadlines and emphasises readiness to finalise the deal. Challenges include tariff removal on Scotch whisky and concerns over visa rules for Indian workers.
Veteran UK minister Michael Gove is latest to quit parliament before election
Sunak on Wednesday ended months of speculation by calling a general election for July 4. But with his Conservatives trailing the main opposition Labour Party in opinion polls, the dozens of MPs standing down has been taken by some as an indication of the level of demoralisation among Sunak's lawmakers.
UK General Elections 2024 Date: PM Rishi Sunak may go for July polls. What we know so far
UK General Elections 2024 date could be preponed to July as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected make a major announcement, as per reports by international news agencies and the UK media.
Germany's military aid for Ukraine to rise by 3.8 billion euros, source says
Germany plans to boost military aid for Ukraine by 3.8 billion euros this year, with 7.1 billion euros already allocated. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius seeks additional funds for weapons and ammunition support, backed by Finance Minister Christian Lindner.
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Germany needs strong military recruitment, Olaf Scholz says in conscription debate
Chancellor Olaf Scholz aims to bolster Germany's defence through conscription, drawing from Sweden's approach. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, with CDU's support, explores conscription models.
NSA Doval, UK counterpart discuss critical tech, global issues during strategic dialogue
During this meeting, both top officials held a discussion focused on the Technology and Security Initiative, which will be a major bilateral mechanism to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies between the two countries, according to government officials.
Germany sends two warships to Indo-Pacific amid China and Taiwan tensions
Germany has dispatched two warships to the Indo-Pacific region to bolster its military presence amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan and over the disputed South China Sea. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and trade routes in the region, crucial for Europe's foreign trade, which flows through the South China Sea. The vessels, the supply ship Frankfurt am Main and the frigate Baden-Wuerttemberg, will meet at sea before sailing to Halifax in Canada and then onwards to the Indo-Pacific.
Vladimir Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin commenced his fifth term as Russian leader in a lavish Kremlin ceremony, extending his quarter-century rule marked by political suppression, the Ukrainian conflict, and amassing power. Amid escalating tensions with the West and domestic crackdowns, Putin's new term prompts speculation about his agenda and the nation's trajectory.
Germany braces for decades of confrontation with Russia
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warns of decades of confrontation with Russia and the need for Germany to rapidly rebuild its military in case Putin tests NATO's unity. Pistorius believes Russia's military is currently occupied with Ukraine but fears that if there is a truce, Putin may consider further aggression. The German public remains unconvinced of the threat posed by Russia. German officials discuss the future of NATO and the potential consequences if former President Donald Trump is reelected.
Rajnath Singh's UK visit first by Indian Defence Minister in 22 years
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh prepares for a pivotal three-day UK visit, the first by an Indian defence minister in 22 years. The trip aims to bolster defence and security cooperation. Singh's itinerary includes talks with UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, visits to memorials, and engagements with the Indian diaspora. The visit signifies improved India-UK relations following Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's trip and aims to fortify defence partnerships through dialogue and ongoing projects, amidst wider discussions on a potential free trade agreement.
Europe must rearm as new threats loom, German defence minister says
"We need to figure out how best to set ourselves up on the eastern flank on the basis of NATO defense plans," Germany's defence minister Pistorius said, noting he wanted to travel as soon as possible to Poland next year. Pistorius said he did not foresee for the time being the German army repeating missions as big as those they carried out in Afghanistan and Mali.
Europe's defence sector seeks EU clarity, greater efficiency
Europe intensifies defense spending post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but challenges persist for battle readiness. Issues encompass financing, research, and interoperability, despite record military budgets. The EU aims to bolster capabilities, yet faces gaps, spending discrepancies, and reluctance among member states to increase contributions. Efforts include proposals for European defense bonds and heightened investments, emphasizing the need for long-term commitments to address evolving security demands amid a changing geopolitical landscape.
Germany and Israel announce signing of 'historic' missile shield deal
Germany has signed a deal to purchase the Arrow 3 hypersonic missile system from Israel, making it a crucial part of Europe's defense against air attacks. The deal, worth approximately $3.5 billion, is the largest ever for Israel's military industry. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the system would make German air defense ready for the future. The Arrow 3 system, which can shoot down missiles above the Earth's atmosphere, will provide protective cover for neighboring European Union states.
M1 Abrams tanks to enter Ukraine 'soon': US defence chief
Ukraine will soon receive M1 Abrams tanks from the United States as Kyiv's forces steadily advance in their counter-offensive against Moscow's troops, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday. "I'm... pleased to announce that the M1 Abrams tanks that the United States had previously committed to will be entering Ukraine soon," Austin said at the opening of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.
German military struggles to find new recruits
Germany's armed forces are facing major problems in attracting new recruits, the defence minister said Wednesday, as Berlin seeks to overhaul its creaking military following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Bundeswehr has long suffered from a lack of resources and funding but the start of the Ukraine war prompted Chancellor Olaf Scholz to pledge to boost spending.
Germany plans 'substantial' new Ukraine arms package
Germany will make a significant new pledge of military equipment for Ukraine during this week's NATO summit to bolster Kyiv's counteroffensive against Russia, a senior government official said on Monday. When asked about whether Berlin would make a new commitment to supply arms to Kyiv at the summit, the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said "yes... substantial. Very substantial".
Give Ukraine quick path to NATO after war, Lithuania leader tells allies
Ukraine has been pressing NATO to declare at the July 11 and 12 summit that Kyiv would join the alliance soon after the end of the war, and to set out a roadmap to membership. But other members such as the U.S. and Germany have been more cautious, wary of any moves they fear could take the alliance closer to an active war with Russia, which has long seen NATO's expansion as evidence of Western hostility.
NATO balances keeping up arms to Ukraine without undermining defence
"There are increasing signs that everyone will be able to agree on this," German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters in Brussels when asked about reports that the U.S. is open to permitting Kyiv to forgo a formal candidacy process required of some other nations in the past.
Rajnath Singh pitches for opportunities for German FDI in UP & TN defence industrial corridors
Rajnath Singh stressed that India and Germany could build a more symbiotic relationship based on shared goals and complementarity of strength, namely skilled workforce and competitive costs from India and high technologies and investment from Germany, according to the official statement.
India and Germany explore Joint Defence Production
Defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the opportunities that have opened up in the defence production sector, according to a ministry statement. He suggested that India's defence industry could participate in the supply chains of German defence industry and add value to the ecosystem, it said.
German industry at good place in race: Pistorius on India's submarine project
Officials said India's plan to procure six stealth conventional submarines at a cost of around Rs 43,000 crore figured in the talks and Pistorius showed Germany's interest in the project.
India's dependence on Russian weapons not in Germany's interests: Defence Minister Boris Pistorius
Pistorius is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday and the focus of the discussions is likely to be on expanding bilateral defence industrial cooperation. It is expected that India's plan to procure six stealth conventional submarines at a cost of around Rs 43,000 crore will figure in the talks as one of the contenders of the contract is Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).
Germany unveils 2.7 billion euro weapons package for Ukraine
Germany is to provide Ukraine with a $3bn weapons package, costing €2.7bn, which includes 30 Leopard-1 tanks, Marder armoured vehicles, air-defence systems and surveillance drones – Berlin's largest contribution since the Russian invasion last year. Western countries have increased their supply of weapons to Kiev since February 2022 in an effort to support the Ukrainian military against Russian forces, with Germany also providing $2bn of military assistance last year and promising training in the use of their advanced Leopard-2 tanks.
New German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius says he will strengthen army, help Ukraine
Boris Pistorius was officially made minister on Thursday at a time when Germany is under pressure from Western allies to allow German-made battle tanks to be used in Ukraine to strengthen its defence against the Russian invasion.
'Red general': Germany's 'brash' new defence chief
Pistorius, 62, from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), will graduate to the job from his current post as interior minister in Lower Saxony state, which he has held since 2013. Der Spiegel magazine called his appointment "a real surprise" and nicknamed him the "red general" for the colour of the SPD and his hard-charging style.
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