UK DEFENCE SECRETARY
Labour Party leader Starmer thanks British voters, says people are ready for change
His speech came after Britons resoundingly voted to put an end to 14 years of Conservative rule and deliver a landslide victory for the Labour Party According to the exit poll, which is often quite close to the final tally, Labour could win as many as 410 seats, comfortably crossing the halfway 326 mark and notching up a 170-seat majority with the incumbent Tories led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak down to just 131 seats.
Rajnath Singh 'lied' in Parliament on compensation to families of martyred Agniveers, alleges Rahul Gandhi
The Congress leader also shared a video on X purportedly of the father of a deceased Agniveer who stated that Rajnath Singh had claimed that Rs 1 crore compensation had been given to the next of kin of martyred Agniveers but no such assistance was received by his family.
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.
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani assumes charge as Vice Chief of Army Staff
Lt Gen NS Raja Subramani has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of the Army Staff, succeeding Gen Upendra Dwivedi. With over 37 years of military experience, Subramani has held various positions, including a brigade major, assistant military secretary, Colonel General Staff, and deputy director general of Military Intelligence.
UK's Labour Party commits to stamping out anti-India sentiments
Parties in the UK, including Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party, compete for votes within the Indian diaspora, emphasizing ties with India and key issues like the stalled free trade agreement and cultural exchanges.
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.
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How Rishi Sunak's small circle forged vote plan that shocked cabinet
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt was among those caught unaware. Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who'd had to cancel a visit to Albania just to make the meeting in Downing Street, expressed surprise, but said the decision "seizes the initiative, sets the agenda and forces the choice," according to people familiar with the conversation.
Concerned about China providing inputs to Russia's defence industrial base: US
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed concerns about China's support to Russia's defense industry, emphasizing the Biden administration's concerted efforts with allies to address this issue. Responding to the UK Defence Minister's claim that China is providing lethal aid to Russia, Sullivan clarified that the US has not observed direct weapon transfers but is worried about China's contributions to Russia's defense production. British Defence Minister Grant Shapps accused China of supplying combat equipment to Russia, noting increased trade between the two nations.
India, UK review implementation of 10-year roadmap
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra reviewed the India-UK 'Roadmap 2030' in London, enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, security, science, and people-to-people exchanges. Meetings were held with Minister of State Lord Tariq Ahmad, MoS for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge, and NSA Sir Tim Barrow.
UK's Graduate Visa programs may stay, but Sunak plans crackdown on foreign education agents
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to announce crackdown on agents marketing graduate visa schemes overseas, aiming to toughen migration stance before elections.
UK court rejects Nirav Modi's fresh bail plea due to 'real, substantial' flight risk
Nirav Modi, a 52-year-old diamond merchant in London, has made a new bail application, but a UK judge rejected it, stating that he still poses a "substantial risk" of absconding justice. The judge accepted the legal team's submission that the long passage of time since the last bail application three and a half years ago constituted a change in circumstances to allow the hearing to go ahead. However, Judge Zani concluded that there remain substantial grounds against bail, as there continues to be a real risk that Modi would fail to attend court or interfere with witnesses.
Details of UK military personnel exposed in huge payroll data breach
British officials have revealed a data breach in a payroll system, exposing the names and bank details of thousands of serving British soldiers, sailors, and air force members. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is set to outline a plan in the House of Commons to support and protect personnel. While the ministry did not comment on suspicions of Chinese involvement, Cabinet Minister Mel Stride stated that no accusations have been made yet. The breach, affecting a third-party system, has raised concerns, although investigators have not found evidence of data removal.
UK defence ministry targeted in cyberattack: govt
Britain's Ministry of Defence has faced a significant cyberattack targeting a third-party payroll system, according to government officials. While the attack's origin has not been officially confirmed, former minister Tobias Ellwood suggested it had the hallmarks of a Chinese cyberattack. The breach reportedly exposed the personal information, including names, bank details, and addresses, of current and former armed forces members. The Ministry of Defence swiftly took the affected database offline, and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is expected to provide more information to Parliament.
We will put the UK defence industry on a war footing: PM Rishi Sunak
Rishi Sunak pledges 10 billion pounds for UK defense industry to bolster munitions reserves in light of Ukraine conflict. Emphasizes readiness at a Poland press conference with NATO's Jens Stoltenberg, recognizing global security risks.
UK's Rishi Sunak, Ukraine's Zelenskiy discuss air defences
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed Ukraine's urgent need for air defence systems with President Zelenskiy, announcing a £500 million increase in military support during his visit to Poland. This new funding brings Britain's total aid to £3 billion for the financial year, aligning with US efforts to support Ukraine. Sunak's trip aims to reassure his party before an upcoming election. He emphasized the importance of defending Ukraine against Russia's aggression, highlighting the need for immediate support to counter Russian advances.
USD 3 billion deal with UK gets Australia closer to having a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines
Australia is providing 4.6 billion Australian dollars to support the construction of nuclear-powered submarines with the UK, following a defence and security pact signing. The deal aims to counter challenges such as China's activities in the South China Sea. UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps emphasized the submarines' importance in a dangerous world. The agreement will boost production capacity in the UK and Australia, with submarines primarily from UK design and US weaponry. Australia will acquire at least three US nuclear submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
UK's Trident nuclear-deterrent missile system misfires during test
Britain's Trident nuclear-deterrent system reportedly misfired during a test, with a missile crashing into the ocean off Florida. The Ministry of Defence confirmed an 'anomaly' but assured that the "nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective." The incident, witnessed by Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, marks the second Trident missile test failure. The government faces scrutiny over the failure, which comes amid concerns about the readiness of Britain's navy. The Trident system costs around £3 billion per year to operate, and a new class of submarines is set to enter service in the 2030s.
Indian armed forces team tours UK's Defence Academy
Following bilateral talks, the UK announced the deployment of the Littoral Response Group (LRG) and the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) to the Indian Ocean region for joint training with Indian forces, enhancing UK-India security ties.
India, UK relationship 'force for good'; should work together for global peace: UK Home Secretary James Cleverly
British Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasizes the UK-India relationship as a "force for good" in preventing conflict from spilling over globally. He highlights the intellectual horsepower of India and the potential for coordination and cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.
Rajnath Singh concludes UK visit after 'warm meeting' with PM Rishi Sunak
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh concluded his UK visit after meeting with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, discussing bilateral defence and economic ties. Singh gifted a Ram Darbar statue to Sunak during the meeting, attended by UK National Security Adviser Sir Tim Barrow. The Indian Ministry of Defence readout stated that Sunak agreed on the need for the UK and India to work together, including in the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations.
PM Sunak hopes ongoing India-UK FTA can be brought to successful conclusion soon
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met in London on Wednesday, where Singh expressed hope for the successful conclusion of the ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and the UK. Singh emphasized the need for the two nations to work together in trade, defence, and technology sectors
Rajnath Singh, David Cameron appreciate momentum of India-UK partnership
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, visiting the UK, met with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to enhance bilateral ties. Discussions focused on integrating India-UK defence industries, emphasizing startup-level interaction, and joint project implementation. Singh highlighted the importance of supply chain integration for resilience. The UK expressed its desire for defence collaboration, with plans for the Littoral Response Group in the Indian Ocean and the Carrier Strike Group visiting Indian waters. Both nations committed to strengthening strategic ties, including joint military exercises and knowledge-sharing.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds 'insightful deliberations' with UK Foreign Secretary
"Insightful deliberations with the UK Foreign Secretary, Mr. David Cameron on boosting India-UK ties and deepening cooperation between both the countries," Singh said in a post on X.
UK: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh given full ceremony Guard of Honour at Horse Guards Parade grounds in London
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh receives a grand Guard of Honour in London, accompanied by discussions on military cooperation with UK officials. His itinerary includes paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, visiting cultural landmarks like the Ambedkar Museum and Neasden Temple, and meetings with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs David Cameron. This historic visit signifies the first by an Indian Defence Minister to the UK in 23 years, aiming to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
Rajnath Singh holds 'fruitful discussions' with UK counterpart on security and defence industrial co-op
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the UK after 22 years included discussions with British Defence Minister Grant Shapps on defense cooperation and enhancing industrial ties. Singh paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Tavistock Square and is set to honor Dr. B R Ambedkar and visit the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. His agenda involves interactions with UK defense industry leaders, community representatives, and high-level officials, aiming to deepen military collaboration and foster defense industrial partnerships. The visit signifies a push for stronger Indo-UK ties in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing maritime security cooperation with nations like Oman and Kenya.
Rajnath Singh arrives in UK; to discuss defence, security issues with his UK counterpart
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visits the UK after 23 years, discussing defense, security, and industry cooperation with UK officials, including Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The visit aims to strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, addressing bilateral issues and potentially impacting the ongoing Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Singh will engage with industry leaders and the Indian community, emphasizing the commitment to a fruitful long-term partnership as outlined in the India-UK Roadmap 2030.
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.
Britain to send 200 air defence missiles to Ukraine
The shipment comes as Russia unleashed one of its biggest missile attacks on Ukraine of the war, according to Kyiv, killing 18 civilians and wounding dozens others. The air defence missiles, manufactured in Britain by defence contractor MBDA, are designed to be launched from aircraft including Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, the defence ministry said.
The UK defence secretary suggests British training of Ukrainian soldiers could move into Ukraine
Britain's new defence secretary, Grant Shapps, has suggested that British military training of Ukrainian soldiers could be moved into western Ukraine. This comes after more than 23,500 Ukrainian recruits have received combat training in UK army bases. However, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ruled out immediate deployment of British forces to Ukraine, stating that Shapps' suggestion is for the long term.
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