DEFENCE PERSONNEL
President Murmu confers 10 Kirti Chakras, 26 Shaurya Chakras
President Droupadi Murmu confers gallantry awards to 10 individuals with 7 posthumously receiving the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry award. Additionally, 26 Shaurya Chakras, including 7 posthumously, were presented during the ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The recipients, including personnel from the Army, paramilitary forces, and state/Union Territory police, were recognized for their courageous acts and devotion to duty.
Indian Army confirms payment of Rs 98.39 lakh to Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family after Rahul Gandhi's claim
The Indian Army affirmed its commitment to honoring soldiers' sacrifices amid controversy over compensation for Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family. The Army clarified that they received Rs 98.39 lakhs and are due another Rs 67 lakhs pending police verification, totaling around Rs 1.65 crore under the Agniveer Scheme. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament about the compensation, triggering a dispute. Singh defended the Agniveer Scheme, denying discrepancies and emphasizing its purpose to support personnel not eligible for standard military benefits.
IAF chief inaugurates Weapon Systems School to recalibrate Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) inaugurated a Weapon Systems School (WSS) in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The school's aim is to recalibrate and transform the IAF into a future-oriented force. The ceremony was led by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.
Pakistan hands over to India a list of missing defence personnel from 1965 and 1971 wars
Pakistan handed over a list of missing defence personnel to India from the wars of 1965 and 1971 while exchanging lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen. The Foreign Office reported that Pakistan provided a list of 254 Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails, while India shared a list of 452 Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails. Both countries exchanged these lists through diplomatic channels as per the bilateral Agreement on Consular Access 2008.
India, Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners, fishermen in each other's custody: MEA
Pakistan has been requested to ensure the safety, security and welfare of all Indian and believed-to-be-Indian civilian prisoners and fishermen, pending their release and repatriation to India, it said. The MEA said India remains committed to addressing, on priority, all humanitarian matters, including those pertaining to prisoners and fishermen in each other's country.
Reforms in armed forces should be continuous to maintain supremacy during wars: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the government's efforts to boost domestic defence production. She claimed that nearly 70 per cent of defence procurement was sourced from Indian manufacturers in the last year, and reforms resulting in India manufacturing over Rs one lakh crore of defence equipment. She emphasised upon modernisation of the armed forces, the importance of continuous reforms for military supremacy, and India's increasing defence exports, including the BrahMos missile deal with the Philippines.
- Go To Page 1
India expands military training for foreign partnerships across Gulf, ASEAN, and Africa
India has significantly expanded its military training programs to strengthen defence partnerships with Gulf, ASEAN, and African nations. Initiatives range from basic infantry skills to advanced systems like submarines and fighter jets. Recently, 76 cadets from Saudi Arabia's King Fahad Naval Academy trained at India's Southern Naval Command in Kochi, focusing on maritime operations and seamanship. India hosts personnel from 26 African countries annually, providing training in counterinsurgency and jungle warfare.
Taiwan detects 35 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels near its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting 35 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels near Taiwan from Wednesday to Thursday morning. Among these, 33 aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems. This incident is part of a pattern of increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan, with 371 aircraft and 204 vessels detected so far in June. Additionally, Taiwan's Coast Guard monitored four Chinese vessels near the Kinmen Islands, reflecting ongoing tensions and China's assertive policies towards Taiwan.
To navigate through 'turbulent times', India must invest in modernisation of armed forces: IAF chief
His remarks come amid the backdrop of evolving geopolitics with conflicts being seen in some of the regions of the world. This "multi-faceted landscape" requires such military personnel who are not only adept at combat but also possess a deep understanding of the broader implications of their actions, the air chief marshal said.
India, Russia prepare to sign military logistics pact soon
The pact will streamline procedures for Russian and Indian military units participating in joint exercises, ensuring seamless operations, sources said. It may also enhance a collective Eurasian security framework amid rising geopolitical tensions and expanding the International North South Transport Corridor.
Philippines rules out invoking defence treaty with US after South China Sea clash with the Dragon
The Philippines announced on Friday that it has no intention of invoking its mutual defense treaty with the United States following a violent confrontation with Chinese coast guard at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident involved the ramming, boarding, and damage of Philippine navy boats, as well as the seizure of rifles. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s advisers clarified in a news conference that Manila does not consider the incident an armed attack, a prerequisite for invoking the treaty.
ASMI submachine gun from Hyderabad's Lokesh Machines Ltd. poised for Army service
Lokesh Machines Ltd., known for CNC machines, achieves a milestone with its ASMI submachine gun, the first domestically designed and manufactured weapon to be officially inducted into the Indian Army. The ASMI has received orders from the Northern Command for 550 guns and positive feedback from security forces. It has outperformed international competitors in accuracy and reliability, featuring a lightweight design and compatibility with both local and NATO-standard ammunition. Priced under Rs 1 lakh, it is cost-effective and versatile for various military roles, reflecting India's progress in defence manufacturing and self-reliance.
Pakistan's ISI honey traps get hyperactive on Indian social media
Pakistan's ISI has been luring Indian defence officials through spies posing as attractive women, with cases like Nishant Agrawal's leak of military secrets to Pakistan coming to light. Pankaj Awasthi, an Uttar Pradesh ATS officer, revealed during Agrawal's trial that 'Sejal' from Pakistan recruited Agrawal through social media, leading to the theft of classified information.
CDS General Anil Chauhan visits Jammu, holds security review
A series of security review meetings have been held at various levels to further chart out a strategy to deal with growing terrorism in the Jammu region with a strong arm.
Armed forces ready to face every challenge: Rajnath Singh after taking charge of defence ministry for second term
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined the new government's focus on bolstering national security by modernizing the armed forces and enhancing domestic defence production. He aims to increase defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2028-29. Singh praised the armed forces for their readiness and commitment amid challenges, including the border row with China. The government will also focus on boosting India's defence production and welfare of soldiers. Singh conducted a meeting on the ministry's first 100 days' Action Plan, emphasizing self-reliance in defence and welfare of veterans.
Maldives and China discuss further bolstering defence ties
After Maldives and China signed a defence agreement on March 4, President Mohamed Muizzu, who is perceived to be pro-China, announced that Beijing would supply military equipment and train soldiers under the agreement but offered no details, the portal said. Two days later, Muizzu announced that the Maldives would get free "non-lethal" military equipment and training from China's military under the agreement and underlined that it would further strengthen the Indian Ocean island nation's independence and autonomy.
Western army trainers in Ukraine not immune from strikes, Kremlin says
Western army instructors who train Ukrainian soldiers in the country would have no "immunity" from Russian strikes, the Kremlin said Tuesday, amid reports that France could despatch military trainers to Ukraine. France does not officially have military personnel assisting or training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine at the moment.
India's helicopters being flown with Maldives defence personnel onboard: media report
Weeks after India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives, the two helicopters gifted by New Delhi are still operational, flown with a Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldier on board. President Mohamed Muizzu, who pledged to remove Indian military presence, saw the repatriation of the last personnel by May 10. India replaced its military staff with civilians to continue operating the donated helicopters and Dornier aircraft, used for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions, maintaining defense ties despite local political changes.
'Agnipath' scheme aimed at maintaining youthful profile of military: CDS Gen Chauhan
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the importance of the 'Agnipath' scheme at INS Chilka, a premier training facility of the Indian Navy in Odisha, to maintain a youthful profile in the services.
Attempt to murder case filed against 16 armymen in J&K
Jammu and Kashmir police have filed a case against 16 Army personnel, including three lieutenant colonels, in Kupwara district. The injured policemen were taken to SKIMS hospital in Srinagar for treatment.
NIA charge sheets Mumbai man in Pakistan conspiracy to honey trap Indian Navy personnel
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged Mumbai resident Amaan Salim Shaikh in a conspiracy by Pakistani intelligence operatives to trap Indian Navy personnel and gather secret information on defence establishments. Shaikh was found working for a suspected Pakistani agent, Usman, and receiving money from other operatives through crypto channels. Further investigations are ongoing in the case.
No unauthorised operation by Indian military pilots in Maldives: High Commission
India dismisses Maldivian Defence Minister's claim of unauthorized operation by Indian military helicopter pilots in 2019. Relations strained as President Mohamed Muizzu demanded withdrawal of Indian military troops by May 10. Defence Minister Ghassan highlighted an alleged unauthorized sortie incident during a press conference, mentioning an emergency landing at Thimarafushi.
Maldives says 76 Indian military personnel replaced by civilians to operate 3 aviation platforms gifted by India
Minister Zameer stated Indian military personnel in Maldives were replaced by HAL civilian workers. This followed a New Delhi agreement meeting President Muizzu's pro-China demand. The shift of command to Maldivian authorities was confirmed.
China says its military took necessary steps to warn Australia in jet incident
China stated that its military took measures to warn and alert an Australian aircraft after Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of endangering one of its military helicopters in an "unsafe" confrontation over the Yellow Sea. The incident occurred during an operation to enforce sanctions against North Korea and could strain the nations' attempts to mend ties after tensions in 2020 over COVID-19 origins. Australia demanded an explanation from China and made strong representations, while China urged Australia to stop provocations and hype to prevent misunderstandings.
Australian PM Albanese says China military air incident unacceptable
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized Beijing's actions as "unacceptable" after a Chinese fighter jet reportedly fired flares near an Australian navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea. The helicopter was enforcing UN sanctions on North Korea when the incident occurred. Canberra has expressed its concerns to China through diplomatic channels, but Beijing has yet to respond. This incident adds to existing tensions, especially regarding security, as Australia strengthens ties with the US to counter China's influence in the region.
One IAF soldier killed, four injured in terror attack on IAF convoy in Poonch
Indian Air Force detachment attacked in Poonch, Jammu. Personnel injured airlifted to Command Hospital. Ongoing search operation, secure convoy. Intel on militant groups' infiltration to Kashmir.
Second batch of Indian military personnel leaves Maldives: President Muizzu
Muizzu, a pro-China leader, also reaffirmed that foreign ambassadors in Male will not wield authority over him emphasising that ultimate power rests with the citizens. Last month, he had alleged that his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih operated on the orders from "a foreign ambassador" without naming any country.
Second batch of Indian military personnel leave Maldives: President Muizzu
The agreement between Maldives and India is to replace the Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives to oversee the operations of the military aircraft the country has gifted with trained civilians also from India.
Maldives President Muizzu says Indian troops from second platform to leave within April
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has announced the withdrawal of Indian military personnel manning the second aviation platform, stating they would be withdrawn "within the current month" and the entire process completed by May 10. This follows the departure of the first batch of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives earlier, as agreed ahead of the March 10 deadline. The withdrawal process is part of an agreement reached between India and the Maldives, with India replacing its military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10.
Load More
