INDIAN NAVY OFFICIALS

Visakhapatnam: Rajnath Singh to review preparedness of Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Visakhapatnam to review the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet's preparedness. He shared his visit on social media and received a Guard of Honour at INS Dega. Singh held a meeting with top defence officials to discuss the Ministry's '100-day Action Plan' focused on ex-servicemen welfare. Singh reiterated the government's commitment to developing a strong, self-reliant defence sector, aiming to boost defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore in five years.

Indian, French governments negotiating 26 Rafale marine jet deal worth over Rs 50,000 crore

India and France are currently negotiating the price and related issues for a significant deal involving the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy. Talks were rescheduled to June due to the Lok Sabha polls. The deal, worth over Rs 50,000 crore, aims to increase India's Rafale fleet to 62, with plans to operate the aircraft from Indian Navy carriers.

CFF, Atlas Elektronik partner for indigenous sonar project

An Indian engineering firm, CFF Fluid Control Ltd, has partnered with Atlas Elektronik GmbH, a division of German defence major Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, to supply 12 low-frequency variable depth sonar systems for Indian Navy anti-submarine warfare vessels. The sonars will be produced in India by CFF, supporting the government's self-reliance goals. The technology is proven in Indian waters through previous Atlas Elektronik projects. The systems will be used on vessels from Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd and Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Modi 3.0 takes aim: Blueprint to make the Indian armed forces future ready

India faces growing security challenges from China and Pakistan, prompting calls for a robust and integrated defence strategy. This includes bolstering nuclear deterrence, enhancing military capabilities, and pushing for systemic reforms in defence production and organization. The new government must prioritize these measures to ensure national security and strategic autonomy in the coming years.

Indian Navy's indigenous stealth frigate INS Shivalik arrives in Japan to take part in 'JIMEX 24'

INS Shivalik and J S Yugiri are actively participating in the eighth edition of the bilateral Japan-India maritime exercise, JIMEX 24, showcasing mutual cooperation and commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indian Navy gets fifth Missile-Cum-Ammunition Barge

The Indian Navy has launched the fifth Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 13, Yard 81, built by MSME Shipyard SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam. The barges are part of the Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, which aims to facilitate transportation, berthing, and disembarking of articles and ammunition for IN Ships.

Mumbai police arrest 4 Bishnoi gang members for conspiring to kill Salman Khan

​The police said the four were in touch with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi and had recced the farmhouse and places where Salman Khan "worked" at the behest of the Bishnoi brothers.

The man who escaped the scam rings of Cambodia

Thousands of workers are trafficked to Southeast Asia to commit cyber fraud on their fellow citizens over social media. Ex-serviceman Botcha Sankhar, who was forced to work in the scam compounds of Cambodia for six months, unravels the modus operandi of this new and terrifying form of crime and forced labour

The China challenge: The nuts and bolts of Rs 50,000 cr fighter jet deal

India is enhancing its naval capabilities in response to China's PLA Navy in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Navy is set to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France to bolster its aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The deal, valued at nearly Rs 50,000 crore, will strengthen India's defense ties with France and address the challenge posed by China's expanding naval presence in the region.

India, France to begin contract talks for marine Rafale fighters

The jets will be manufactured to India-specific standards and will have several indigenous systems as well, including weapons and communication. The acquisition is being seen as a stop-gap solution till the development of an indigenous carrier-borne fighter jet. The development of a Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter is currently underway but is expected to take close to a decade to be operational.

Big drug hauls in Punjab; nationally, seizures up 160% in a decade

Seizure of drugs by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) across all states have gone up by 160% between 2014 and December 2023 when compared to 2006-2013, according to home ministry data. NCB has registered 210% more drug-related cases during the same period. In Punjab, which goes to polls on June 1, drones have been recovered and drugs seized, making it among one of the top states as far as drug seizures are concerned.

Tight security including help from Indian Coast Guard, Navy and 2,000 personnel in place for PM Modi's meditation

In preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 45-hour visit to the renowned Vivekananda Rock Memorial, extensive arrangements have been made, including heightened security measures to ensure the safety of the BJP leader. Located at the southernmost tip of the country, the district will witness the deployment of a robust force comprising 2,000 police personnel and multiple security agencies to maintain strict surveillance during the PM's event. This visit comes five years after a similar meditation retreat undertaken by the Prime Minister in a cave near Kedarnath following the 2019 poll campaign.

India, France to begin negotiations this week in mega Rs 50,000 crore 26 Rafale Marine jet deal

India and France will begin negotiations on May 30 for a Rs 50,000 crore deal for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The French delegation will meet Indian Defence Ministry officials to finalize the agreement by fiscal year-end. The jets will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers.

Cyclone Remal claims six lives in West Bengal

Cyclone Remal has caused six deaths in Bangladesh, with three confirmed deaths so far. The 'Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal' has weakened into a 'Cyclonic Storm', with South 24 Parganas district being the most affected. The cyclone has caused significant disruptions in air, rail, and road transportation in Kolkata and other parts of southern Bengal. Over 300 houses have been damaged, 1,200 electric poles have been uprooted, and houses and farmlands have been flooded.

Joint military exercise 'Shakti': Indian, French armies share drills, expertise in jungle survival techniques

During the ongoing 7th edition of Joint Exercise Shakti, the Indian and French armies are sharing expertise in jungle survival and mountain self-preservation. The exercise, held biennially in India and France, focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities for multi-domain operations in sub-conventional scenarios. With tactical drills including response to terrorism and establishing command posts, Exercise Shakti aims to improve inter-operability and camaraderie between the armed forces of both nations, fostering bilateral relations.

Indian ships in Philippines to boost maritime cooperation

Three Indian Navy ships, INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, have arrived in Manila to strengthen maritime cooperation with the Philippines. The ships are part of an operational deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. They will engage in professional interactions, sports fixtures, cultural visits, and community outreach programs.

NIA chargesheets Mumbai Man in Indian Navy espionage case

The NIA charge sheeted Amaan Salim Shaikh for activating SIM cards used by Pakistani Intelligence officers. The case was registered by the Vijayawada cell. Shaikh worked for suspected Pakistani agent Usman to further the anti-India conspiracy. Shaikh also received money from suspected Pakistani operatives through crypto channels. Khan and Alven, both Pakistani nationals, are absconding.

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.

Here's how China's Fujian aircraft carrier poses new challenges for Indian Navy

China's first domestically designed aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has completed its sea trials, showcasing advanced features like an integrated propulsion system and electromagnetic catapults. This development marks a significant stride in China's naval capabilities and underscores its efforts to enhance influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Fujian's success paves the way for testing carrier-borne aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter, aimed for use on the Fujian. India, which operates two aircraft carriers, faces challenges in acquiring a larger carrier like the Fujian due to cost concerns, opting instead for a smaller carrier and considering new fighter aircraft acquisitions.

Three Indian naval ships visit Singapore from May 6-9

INS Delhi, INS Shakti and INS Kiltan visited Singapore from May 6-9, aimed at undertaking bilateral engagements and discuss areas of mutual interest and cooperation, and reaffirming the commitment to enhance maritime security and stability in the region, according to an official statement shared by the Navy spokesperson.

Chinese military officials met US and Russian naval officials this week

Chinese military officials engaged in meetings with their U.S. and Russian counterparts during a naval symposium in Qingdao, China. These discussions aimed to enhance communication and trust, with China expressing its willingness to collaborate with all countries for a shared maritime future. This development follows a period of strained relations, including a breakdown in communication after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The meetings come amidst heightened regional tensions, with the U.S. and Japan discussing Japan's potential inclusion in the AUKUS defense grouping, which China views as a threat to regional stability.

Indian Navy Rescue: 23 Pakistani nationals thank Naval officials, raise 'India Zindabad' slogans

India to prosecute 35 pirates who hijacked ship off Somalia, navy official says

India has decided to prosecute 35 Somali pirates captured by its navy during the hijacking of a ship off the coast of Somalia, departing from its previous practice of leaving disarmed pirates at sea. The pirates, captured during the hijacking of the MV Ruen, are due to arrive in India and will face legal action. This marks a shift from recent practices where Indian navy rescued vessels and crew but did not prosecute pirates.