Government

15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue

The 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was held in New Delhi on November 01, 2023. The dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Permanent Secretary (Defence), Singapore Mr Chan Heng Kee. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the existing defence cooperation between the two countries and agreed to enhance collaboration in Service-to-Service interactions and bilateral exercises. They also articulated steps to take forward cooperation in emerging areas like cyber security.

Minister Reviews Preparedness on China Border

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh, on October 24, 2023, visited the forward posts in Arunachal Pradesh and carried out first-hand on-ground assessment of the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces there. He interacted with the troops deployed in the frontline locations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and celebrated Dussehra with them. The minister expressed gratitude to the unyielding spirit, unwavering commitment and unparalleled courage of the troops, who are deployed on the borders in tough conditions, but always ensure that the nation and its people are safe.

India-Italy Discuss Defence Cooperation

Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome on October 09, 2023, on the first leg of his visit to Italy and France. During the meeting, both sides discussed a host of defence cooperation issues, including training, sharing of information, maritime exercises and maritime security. The focus was on the opportunities in defence industrial cooperation. 

5th Positive Indigenisation List Released at Swavlamban 2.0

To promote ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and innovation, a number of big-ticket announcements were made by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the plenary session of ‘Swavlamban 2.0’, the two-day seminar of Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO), which commenced in New Delhi on October 04, 2023. The main highlight was the release of the fifth Positive Indigenisation List of Department of Military Affairs (DMA) comprising 98 items. Highly complex systems, sensors, weapons and ammunition have been included in the list.

Increasing indigenous content in warship building-Def Sec

As part of the ongoing ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’ celebrations, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai on September 25, 2023. He inaugurated a security complex of MDL and had an interactive session with the executives addressing their concerns. In his address, the Defence Secretary highlighted the importance of cleanliness in nation-building, stating that Swachhta is not just about cleaning the surroundings, it also focuses on being free from corruption of all kinds - moral, financial and intellectual.

India-Kenya Discusses Defence Cooperation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Bare Duale in New Delhi on August 29, 2023. The meeting was a testimony to the increasing depth in the India-Kenya defence partnership. Both the Ministers agreed that the defence relationship between the two countries has evolved from being training-centric to include more strategic aspects.

Nation pays tribute to Kargil War Heroes

India paid rich tributes to the brave soldiers of the 1999 Kargil war on the 24th anniversary of India’s historic victory, which is celebrated as ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ on 26th July every year. To mark the day, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh today visited the Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Ladakh, laid a wreath and paid homage to the valiant soldiers who displayed unparalleled bravery during ‘Operation Vijay’.

Rajnath Singh chairs day-long Brain Storming Conference

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a ‘Chintan Shivir’ of Ministry of Defence in New Delhi on July 06, 2023, where several innovative proposals emerged to enhance indigenisation content in domestic defence manufacturing; provide better health & pension services & re-settlement to the ex-servicemen; more collaboration of DRDO with other research bodies; performance audit; bringing more efficiency in the functioning Ministry of Defence and future roadmap of different organisations.