Sudan’s Defence Minister Awad Ibn Aouf said on Friday that he is stepping down as head of the country’s transitional military council, a day after former president Omar al-Bashir was overthrown in a coup.

Sudan defence minister steps down as head of transitional military council

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-surgical-strikes-to-signing-rafale-deal-parrikar-had-short-but-an-eventful-term-as-defence-minister-203935">former defence minister</a> who had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, died at his home near here on Sunday. He was 63.

The health of Parrikar, a technocrat-turned-politician and a BJP stalwart, took a turn for the worse over the past two days after his medical condition had fluctuated for over a year. The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-led-alliance-hasnt-reached-a-consensus-on-goa-chief-minister-post-203949">four-term chief minister</a> was flown to the US for treatment in March last year.

"The chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manohar-parrikars-last-rites-to-take-place-in-panaji-on-monday-203924">died</a> around 6.40 pm Sunday," a senior state government official told PTI.

Sources said Parrikar was put on life support system late Saturday night. A widower, Parrikar is survived by his two sons and their families.

The central government has announced a day of national mourning on Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Parrikar, hailing him as an "unparalleled leader".

"Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations.&nbsp;

Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," Modi said in one of several tweets.

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Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. 
 
A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. 
 
Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. 
 
Om Shanti. <a href="https://t.co/uahXme3ifp">pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp</a>
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1107302872616706048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress.

"India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India's security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen," Modi said.

Parrikar was a leader who enjoyed acceptance from all sections of the BJP and beyond. He played a key role in making the BJP a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence.

Despite his falling health, Parrikar had presented two state budgets in 2018 and 2019 and had attended public functions, including the inauguration of an iconic bridge across River Mandovi.

A known fighter, an ailing Parrikar's decision to go for a ride and inspect two upcoming bridges in the state with a feeder tube protruding from one nostril was a defining image and sought to suggest he was still in charge of the state.

In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, chief minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity.

"An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and India will not be forgotten," the President tweeted from his official handle.

BJP president Amit Shah tweeted, "Manohar Parrikar ji's demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar jis commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary."

Several political leaders, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant and Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar, reached the private residence of Parrikar in Dona Paula after the news of his demise broke.

Born on December 13, 1955 into a middle class family, his political career began as an RSS pracharak and he continued working for the Sangh even after graduating from IIT-Bombay as a metallurgical engineer.

Parrikar entered electoral politics in 1994 when he won on a BJP ticket from Panaji constituency. 
He was the defence minister from November 2014 to March 2017 during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a former defence minister who had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, died at his home near here on Sunday. He was 63.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, a former defence minister who had been battling pancreatic cancer for over a year, died at his home near here on Sunday. He was 63. The health of Parrikar, a technocrat-turned-politician and a BJP stalwart, took a turn for the worse over the past two days after his medical condition had fluctuated for over a year. The four-term chief minister was flown to the US for treatment in March last year. "The chief minister died around 6.40 pm Sunday," a senior state government official told PTI. Sources said Parrikar was put on life support system late Saturday night. A widower, Parrikar is survived by his two sons and their families. The central government has announced a day of national mourning on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Parrikar, hailing him as an "unparalleled leader". "Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti," Modi said in one of several tweets. Shri Manohar Parrikar was an unparalleled leader. A true patriot and exceptional administrator, he was admired by all. His impeccable service to the nation will be remembered by generations. Deeply saddened by his demise. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/uahXme3ifp — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2019 × "Shri Manohar Parrikar was the builder of modern Goa. Thanks to his affable personality and accessible nature, he remained the preferred leader of the state for years. His pro-people policies ensured Goa scales remarkable heights of progress. "India will be eternally grateful to Shri Manohar Parrikar for his tenure as our Defence Minister. When he was RM, India witnessed a series of decisions that enhanced India's security capacities, boosted indigenous defence production and bettered the lives of ex-servicemen," Modi said. Parrikar was a leader who enjoyed acceptance from all sections of the BJP and beyond. He played a key role in making the BJP a force to reckon with in Goa, which remained for long a Congress bastion, with regional outfits having pockets of influence. Despite his falling health, Parrikar had presented two state budgets in 2018 and 2019 and had attended public functions, including the inauguration of an iconic bridge across River Mandovi. A known fighter, an ailing Parrikar's decision to go for a ride and inspect two upcoming bridges in the state with a feeder tube protruding from one nostril was a defining image and sought to suggest he was still in charge of the state. In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, chief minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. "An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and India will not be forgotten," the President tweeted from his official handle. BJP president Amit Shah tweeted, "Manohar Parrikar ji's demise is extremely painful. In him, the nation has lost a true patriot who selflessly dedicated his entire life to the country and ideology. Parrikar jis commitment towards his people and duties was exemplary." Several political leaders, including Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Assembly Speaker Pramod Sawant and Lok Sabha MP Narendra Sawaikar, reached the private residence of Parrikar in Dona Paula after the news of his demise broke. Born on December 13, 1955 into a middle class family, his political career began as an RSS pracharak and he continued working for the Sangh even after graduating from IIT-Bombay as a metallurgical engineer. Parrikar entered electoral politics in 1994 when he won on a BJP ticket from Panaji constituency. He was the defence minister from November 2014 to March 2017 during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Manohar Parrikar, former defence minister and 4-time Goa CM, dead at 63

From putting an emphasis on indigenisation in the defence sector to ensuring that a homegrown fighter jet joins the air force fleet, from the defence forces carrying out a surgical strike to signing of the Rafale deal, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goa-cm-manohar-parrikar-passes-away-203901">Manohar Parrikar</a> had an eventful tenure as the defence minister.

The IITian, who died Sunday after battling a pancreatic illness for over a year, had moved to the South Block at the insistence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2014.

His nearly three-year tenure saw the Army conducting the surgical strike in September 2016, after a terror attack claimed lives of 19 soldiers in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

Parrikar also ensured that the long-pending Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is inducted in the Indian Air Force's fleet, besides taking steps to ease the process of indigenisation in the defence sector.

The political controversy over the Rafale jet deal, initiated in September 2016, cast a shadow on his tenure.

Last month, the back and forth between the Congress and the government over the estimated Rs 58,000 crore deal to buy 36 combat jets from France took a new turn with a report in The Hindu daily.

The report cited a November 24, 2015 note of the Defence Ministry which said that parallel discussions by the PMO "weakened the negotiating position of the MoD and Indian negotiating team".

Parrikar had termed the note an "overreaction".

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi claimed that Parrikar had said he had nothing to do with the Rafale deal.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sithataraman said Parrikar, who was her predecessor, was a sincere, honest and sensitive political activist, and she learnt a lot from him.

"Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest and sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean and mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled," she tweeted.

Parrikar had moved back to Goa as the chief minister of the coastal state following political compulsion that ensued after the state polls and BJP allies demanded that he head the government.

The Defence Ministry also paid rich tributes to Parrikar.

"@DefenceMinIndia conveys deep condolences on demise of former RM, Mr @manoharparrikar. With hallmarks of strong &amp; decisive leadership, Mr Manohar Parrikar will be missed by whole of the def establishment. Mr Parrikar was at the helm in defence of the Nation from 2014 to 2017," the ministry tweeted.&nbsp;

From putting an emphasis on indigenisation in the defence sector to ensuring that a homegrown fighter jet joins the air force fleet, from the defence forces carrying out a surgical strike to signing of the Rafale deal, Manohar Parrikar had an eventful tenure as the defence minister.

From putting an emphasis on indigenisation in the defence sector to ensuring that a homegrown fighter jet joins the air force fleet, from the defence forces carrying out a surgical strike to signing of the Rafale deal, Manohar Parrikar had an eventful tenure as the defence minister. The IITian, who died Sunday after battling a pancreatic illness for over a year, had moved to the South Block at the insistence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2014. His nearly three-year tenure saw the Army conducting the surgical strike in September 2016, after a terror attack claimed lives of 19 soldiers in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. Parrikar also ensured that the long-pending Light Combat Aircraft Tejas is inducted in the Indian Air Force's fleet, besides taking steps to ease the process of indigenisation in the defence sector. The political controversy over the Rafale jet deal, initiated in September 2016, cast a shadow on his tenure. Last month, the back and forth between the Congress and the government over the estimated Rs 58,000 crore deal to buy 36 combat jets from France took a new turn with a report in The Hindu daily. The report cited a November 24, 2015 note of the Defence Ministry which said that parallel discussions by the PMO "weakened the negotiating position of the MoD and Indian negotiating team". Parrikar had termed the note an "overreaction". Congress chief Rahul Gandhi claimed that Parrikar had said he had nothing to do with the Rafale deal. Defence Minister Nirmala Sithataraman said Parrikar, who was her predecessor, was a sincere, honest and sensitive political activist, and she learnt a lot from him. "Shri Manohar Parrikar is no more. A sincere, honest and sensitive political activist. Was simple and down to earth, I learnt a lot from Shri Parrikar. As Raksha Mantri his contribution to making the armed forces a modernised, lean and mean fighting machine will remain unparalleled," she tweeted. Parrikar had moved back to Goa as the chief minister of the coastal state following political compulsion that ensued after the state polls and BJP allies demanded that he head the government. The Defence Ministry also paid rich tributes to Parrikar. "@DefenceMinIndia conveys deep condolences on demise of former RM, Mr @manoharparrikar. With hallmarks of strong & decisive leadership, Mr Manohar Parrikar will be missed by whole of the def establishment. Mr Parrikar was at the helm in defence of the Nation from 2014 to 2017," the ministry tweeted.

From surgical strikes to signing Rafale deal, Parrikar had short but an eventful term as defence minister

Life and times of Manohar Parrikar

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was captured by the Pakistanis on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets; he was however able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before that.&nbsp;

The news agency PTI quoted officials as saying Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process which is expected to continue till Sunday. Once, the health check up is over, the officials said, Abhinandan will be debriefed.&nbsp;

Abhinandan arrived in the national capital around 11:45 PM Friday and soon after was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services.

Early Saturday morning, Varthaman met immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force, the officials said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a>: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman and his family at RR hospital in Delhi earlier today. <a href="https://t.co/BMGKqgLYDA">pic.twitter.com/BMGKqgLYDA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1101835833949253634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Videos that appeared on social media after Abhinandan's capture showed him being beaten by Pakistani villagers before he was rescued by Pakistani army personnel. When he crossed over to India Friday night, Abhinandan's right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen.&nbsp;

Ex-servicemen and strategic affairs experts have said the courage and grace Abhinandan showed while in captivity were exemplary.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Abhinandan's return, saying the nation is proud of his courage.

"Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nation-is-proud-of-your-exemplary-courage-pm-modi-on-iaf-pilot-abhinandan-200592">The nation is proud of your exemplary courage</a>. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," Modi tweeted Friday night.&nbsp;

Tensions between the India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near the town of Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday.&nbsp;

Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">which killed at least 40 soldiers</a>.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman on Saturday. Abhinandan was released from Pakistani custody on Friday night and has since then been kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. Abhinandan was captured by the Pakistanis on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison was shot down during a dogfight with Pakistani jets; he was however able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16 before that. The news agency PTI quoted officials as saying Abhinandan is currently undergoing a series of medical tests as part of a "cooling down" process which is expected to continue till Sunday. Once, the health check up is over, the officials said, Abhinandan will be debriefed. Abhinandan arrived in the national capital around 11:45 PM Friday and soon after was taken to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), a compact and specialised medical evaluation centre for aircrew of all the three services. Early Saturday morning, Varthaman met immediate family members as well as several top officials of the Indian Air Force, the officials said. #Visuals: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthman and his family at RR hospital in Delhi earlier today. pic.twitter.com/BMGKqgLYDA — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2019 × Videos that appeared on social media after Abhinandan's capture showed him being beaten by Pakistani villagers before he was rescued by Pakistani army personnel. When he crossed over to India Friday night, Abhinandan's right eye above his handlebar moustache appeared swollen. Ex-servicemen and strategic affairs experts have said the courage and grace Abhinandan showed while in captivity were exemplary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Abhinandan's return, saying the nation is proud of his courage. "Welcome Home Wing Commander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians," Modi tweeted Friday night. Tensions between the India and Pakistan escalated after Indian fighter jets bombed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp near the town of Balakot deep inside Pakistan early Tuesday. Pakistan retaliated by attempting to target Indian military installations on Wednesday. The Indian strike on the JeM camp came 12 days after the terror group claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Kashmir which killed at least 40 soldiers. (With inputs from PTI)

Wing Commander Abhinandan undergoing 'cooling down' process, is met by Nirmala Sitharaman

Britain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/no-deal-brexit-could-cost-600000-jobs-worldwide-study-196733">will use military force to support its interests after Brexit</a>, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term.

Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities.

Citing Russia as a danger to the international order, Williamson called for a tougher military stance after Brexit.

"Brexit has brought us to a great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass," he said.

He said boundaries between peace and war were becoming "blurred" by the increasing use of technological warfare, subversion and propaganda, and that Britain and its allies had to be ready "to use hard power to support our global interests".

The opposition Labour Party accused him of "sabre rattling".

In his speech in London, Williamson did not announce any new funding beyond what was allocated at a 2018 budget.

Britain spends around 36 billion pounds ($46.45 billion) per year on defence - the seventh largest sum globally, measured in dollar prices in 2017, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That budget is dwarfed by those at the top of the list, with the United States spending 13 times more and China spending five times more.

Brexit has brought on Britain's biggest political crisis since World War Two as Prime Minister Theresa May scrambles to find a last-minute agreement on the terms of withdrawal from the EU, due to take place on March 29. Brexit supporters say the decision to leave the EU will provide a chance for Britain to take on a new global role. Opponents describe it as a blow both to Britain's influence and to the West as a whole.

"We will build new alliances, rekindle old ones and most importantly make it clear that we are the country that will act when required. We should be the nation that people can turn to when the world needs leadership," Williamson said.

He announced that the first mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will include work in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific regions, and the vessel would carry two squadrons of British and US&nbsp;F-35 jets.

In August a different British warship sailed close to the Paracel Islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing.

PAPER TIGER

Williamson has previously lobbied successfully for more defence funding. Nevertheless, the armed forces face a long-term budget shortfall estimated by a parliamentary committee to reach 15 billion pounds over the next decade.

Williamson highlighted close US-UK military links and echoed Trump's call for NATO countries to increase spending, citing a need to better confront Russia.

Britain is one of only a handful of NATO countries who meet the alliance's target to spend 2 percent of output on defence. It was Washington's main battlefield ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 600 troops killed.

Without citing specific examples, Williamson warned that the cost of non-interventions had often been "unacceptably high" and said that Western powers cannot ignore those in need.

“To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger,” he said.

Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term.

Britain will use military force to support its interests after Brexit, defence minister Gavin Williamson said on Monday, in a speech setting out a global role for the armed forces but with little detail on how to fund such ambitions in the long term. Williamson outlined plans to send Britain's new aircraft carrier to the Pacific, where London has been seeking to demonstrate its influence in relation to China, and invest his defence budget in new equipment and cyber capabilities. Citing Russia as a danger to the international order, Williamson called for a tougher military stance after Brexit. "Brexit has brought us to a great moment in our history. A moment when we must strengthen our global presence, enhance our lethality, and increase our mass," he said. He said boundaries between peace and war were becoming "blurred" by the increasing use of technological warfare, subversion and propaganda, and that Britain and its allies had to be ready "to use hard power to support our global interests". The opposition Labour Party accused him of "sabre rattling". In his speech in London, Williamson did not announce any new funding beyond what was allocated at a 2018 budget. Britain spends around 36 billion pounds ($46.45 billion) per year on defence - the seventh largest sum globally, measured in dollar prices in 2017, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. That budget is dwarfed by those at the top of the list, with the United States spending 13 times more and China spending five times more. Brexit has brought on Britain's biggest political crisis since World War Two as Prime Minister Theresa May scrambles to find a last-minute agreement on the terms of withdrawal from the EU, due to take place on March 29. Brexit supporters say the decision to leave the EU will provide a chance for Britain to take on a new global role. Opponents describe it as a blow both to Britain's influence and to the West as a whole. "We will build new alliances, rekindle old ones and most importantly make it clear that we are the country that will act when required. We should be the nation that people can turn to when the world needs leadership," Williamson said. He announced that the first mission of the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier will include work in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Pacific regions, and the vessel would carry two squadrons of British and US F-35 jets. In August a different British warship sailed close to the Paracel Islands claimed by China in the South China Sea, prompting fury in Beijing. PAPER TIGER Williamson has previously lobbied successfully for more defence funding. Nevertheless, the armed forces face a long-term budget shortfall estimated by a parliamentary committee to reach 15 billion pounds over the next decade. Williamson highlighted close US-UK military links and echoed Trump's call for NATO countries to increase spending, citing a need to better confront Russia. Britain is one of only a handful of NATO countries who meet the alliance's target to spend 2 percent of output on defence. It was Washington's main battlefield ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with more than 600 troops killed. Without citing specific examples, Williamson warned that the cost of non-interventions had often been "unacceptably high" and said that Western powers cannot ignore those in need. “To talk but fail to act risks our nation being seen as little more than a paper tiger,” he said.

Post-Brexit Britain ready to use 'hard power': Defence minister

In pics: Life and times of former defence minister George Fernandes

The long-range surface-to-air missile — LRSAM — was Thursday "successfully" test-fired from a warship off the coast of Odisha against an aerial target, a significant milestone in enhancing the Navy's anti-air warfare capability.

"Ship launched Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) has been successfully testing fired from INS Chennai against an incoming aerial target flying at low altitude, today," the defence ministry said.

It said the missile destroyed the target with a direct hit and that all the mission objectives have been met during the test-firing.

LRSAM has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India and M/s Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Indian Navy.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and associated team members on the successful test-fire of the missile.

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India achieves a significant milestone with successful flight test of LRSAM on board INS Chennai. The missile direcly hit a low flying aerial target. 
 
Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> congratulates <a href="https://twitter.com/DRDO_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DRDO_India</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> , the industry and other stakeholders for this landmark achievement.
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1088428399411019778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"India achieves a significant milestone with successful flight test of LRSAM on board INS Chennai. The missile directly hit a low flying aerial target," Sitharaman tweeted.

The long-range surface-to-air missile — LRSAM — was Thursday "successfully" test-fired from a warship off the coast of Odisha against an aerial target, a significant milestone in enhancing the Navy's anti-air warfare capability.

The long-range surface-to-air missile — LRSAM — was Thursday "successfully" test-fired from a warship off the coast of Odisha against an aerial target, a significant milestone in enhancing the Navy's anti-air warfare capability. "Ship launched Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) has been successfully testing fired from INS Chennai against an incoming aerial target flying at low altitude, today," the defence ministry said. It said the missile destroyed the target with a direct hit and that all the mission objectives have been met during the test-firing. LRSAM has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India and M/s Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Indian Navy. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman congratulated DRDO, Indian Navy and associated team members on the successful test-fire of the missile. India achieves a significant milestone with successful flight test of LRSAM on board INS Chennai. The missile direcly hit a low flying aerial target. Smt @nsitharaman congratulates @DRDO_India, @indiannavy , the industry and other stakeholders for this landmark achievement. — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 24, 2019 × "India achieves a significant milestone with successful flight test of LRSAM on board INS Chennai. The missile directly hit a low flying aerial target," Sitharaman tweeted.

LRSAM missile successfully test-fired; defence minister calls it a major milestone

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-warns-malaysia-as-maritime-tensions-flare-190206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWg4eJiPffAhUbTo8KHebdDXEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0YA-DS-tX4yrSekUAjrfay">Singapore</a> has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-markets-china-trade-shock-rattles-european-stocks-commodities-190200&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAqsSdiPffAhUDN48KHbFICrUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0gMx50hyfiikCev7vv83tq">European and Chinese</a> models, the defence ministry said Friday.

The affluent city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, had earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinese-made stealth warplanes.

"The F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the RSAF's (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities," the ministry of defence said in a statement.

The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s "for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet".

Australia, Japan, and South Korea are among countries in Asia-Pacific that have already acquired F-35s.

It took Singapore more than five years to make a decision on which planes to buy as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-removes-more-pages-accounts-with-russia-links-191006&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjK8uu0iPffAhXMYo8KHaOzDDYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw21RFNHUbLDQahfAapSU6ib">Facebook </a>post.

"Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward," Ng said, adding it could be up to a year before any planes are purchased.

The F-16s are due to be taken out of service in around 10 years' time, meaning it was time to acquire their replacement and begin training pilots, he said.

The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin.&nbsp;

Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable F-35 pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks.

The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and submarines in its arsenal.

Singapore has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over European and Chinese models, the defence ministry said Friday.

Singapore has chosen the F-35 warplane to replace its ageing fighter jets, opting for the US aircraft over European and Chinese models, the defence ministry said Friday. The affluent city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, had earlier said it was evaluating Lockheed Martin's F-35 along with Europe's Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinese-made stealth warplanes. "The F-16s will have to retire soon after 2030 and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as the most suitable replacement to maintain the RSAF's (Republic of Singapore Air Force) capabilities," the ministry of defence said in a statement. The ministry said the air force should first buy "a small number" of F-35s "for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet". Australia, Japan, and South Korea are among countries in Asia-Pacific that have already acquired F-35s. It took Singapore more than five years to make a decision on which planes to buy as they had to look carefully at specifications and what was needed, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a Facebook post. "Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward," Ng said, adding it could be up to a year before any planes are purchased. The F-16s are due to be taken out of service in around 10 years' time, meaning it was time to acquire their replacement and begin training pilots, he said. The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin. Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable F-35 pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks. The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters, and submarines in its arsenal.

Singapore picks US F-35 fighter jet over Europe, China rivals Singapore

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday reached Portblair on a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands where she will witness a joint military drill involving the Army, the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard, officials said.

Sitharaman will witness three exercises -- general survival exercise, amphibious drill and a joint drill, an official said.

Andaman and Nicobar is also the armed forces' tri-service command.

At least two drills will see the participation of the three armed forces, the official added.

"Smt @nsitharaman arrives in Port Blair to oversee a major joint exercise involving the @adgpi , @indiannavy , @IAF_MCC and @IndiaCoastGuard during her 2-day visit," the defence minister's official handle tweeted.

Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is straddled strategically near the mouth of the Malacca Straits.

The Malacca Straits is also an important Sea Lane of Communication and used by the navies of several countries, including China which has been stepping up its military infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Region.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday reached Portblair on a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands where she will witness a joint military drill involving the Army, the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard, officials said.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Sunday reached Portblair on a two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands where she will witness a joint military drill involving the Army, the Air Force, the Navy and the Coast Guard, officials said. Sitharaman will witness three exercises -- general survival exercise, amphibious drill and a joint drill, an official said. Andaman and Nicobar is also the armed forces' tri-service command. At least two drills will see the participation of the three armed forces, the official added. "Smt @nsitharaman arrives in Port Blair to oversee a major joint exercise involving the @adgpi , @indiannavy , @IAF_MCC and @IndiaCoastGuard during her 2-day visit," the defence minister's official handle tweeted. Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is straddled strategically near the mouth of the Malacca Straits. The Malacca Straits is also an important Sea Lane of Communication and used by the navies of several countries, including China which has been stepping up its military infrastructure in the Indian Ocean Region.

Nirmala Sitharaman on two-day visit to Andaman and Nicobar

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits historic Peal Harbor site

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command. She was hosted by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Phil Davidson who said, “Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order, which has brought decades of peace, stability, and prosperity. We are global partners on defense and security and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

India's defence minister also visited the historic Pearl Harbour and boarded US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy. The visit coincided with the 77th anniversary of the 1941 attack on pearl harbour by Japanese forces, the attack which is considered a turning point in world war 2 and eventually led to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the US from December 2-7, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence James N. Mattis.

The visit by Defence minister comes at a time when India and US have been engaging to expand the Indo Pacific concept. At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, PM Modi said that Indo Pacific is inclusive and "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is a positive one" with "ASEAN centrality and unity".

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The United States and India have been major defense partners since 2016. During the recently concluded inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in September, New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, according to India Air Forces officials. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition in the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

<img alt="Defence Minister in Hawaii" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="922bc0f3-81e4-49f3-85ad-8264c672adaa" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/defence%20minister%204.JPG" />

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command.

In a first, India's defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited US Indo Pacific command in Hawaii. The visit comes months after the US changed the name of Pacific command, its largest command in the world, to Indo Pacific command. She was hosted by Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Phil Davidson who said, “Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order, which has brought decades of peace, stability, and prosperity. We are global partners on defense and security and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” India's defence minister also visited the historic Pearl Harbour and boarded US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy. The visit coincided with the 77th anniversary of the 1941 attack on pearl harbour by Japanese forces, the attack which is considered a turning point in world war 2 and eventually led to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Nirmala Sitharaman is on an official visit to the US from December 2-7, at the invitation of US Secretary of Defence James N. Mattis. The visit by Defence minister comes at a time when India and US have been engaging to expand the Indo Pacific concept. At the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, PM Modi said that Indo Pacific is inclusive and "India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is a positive one" with "ASEAN centrality and unity". The United States and India have been major defense partners since 2016. During the recently concluded inaugural US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi in September, New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, according to India Air Forces officials. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition in the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

Defence minister visits US Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged early elections on Wednesday after announcing his resignation following a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal.

"We should agree on a date for elections as early as possible," Lieberman told journalists, while sharply criticising the ceasefire that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended.

Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday after a sharp disagreement over a Gaza ceasefire deal, throwing the government into turmoil.

"What happened yesterday –- the truce combined with the process with Hamas -- is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning," Lieberman told journalists.

"What we're doing now as a state is buying short-term quiet, with the price being severe long-term damage to national security."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged early elections on Wednesday after announcing his resignation following a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal. "We should agree on a date for elections as early as possible," Lieberman told journalists, while sharply criticising the ceasefire that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged early elections on Wednesday after announcing his resignation following a controversial Gaza ceasefire deal. "We should agree on a date for elections as early as possible," Lieberman told journalists, while sharply criticising the ceasefire that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended. Lieberman announced his resignation on Wednesday after a sharp disagreement over a Gaza ceasefire deal, throwing the government into turmoil. "What happened yesterday –- the truce combined with the process with Hamas -- is capitulating to terror. It has no other meaning," Lieberman told journalists. "What we're doing now as a state is buying short-term quiet, with the price being severe long-term damage to national security."

Israel defence minister resigns, urges early elections

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday pitched for dialogues between India and China on various issues, saying differences between the two nations should not be allowed to become disputes.

Both India and China should respect each other and resolve issues through dialogues and join hands together for peace and prosperity, Sitharaman said.

There are various issues such as defence, border disputes, border trades and presence of Indian and Chinese defence forces in the Indian Ocean which can be resolved through continuous dialogues, the minister said.

"Competition is normal, but contest must not turn into conflict. Differences should not be allowed to become disputes, she said.

"Solution lies in dialogue, solution lies in peaceful engagement. But for this, mutual trust should be there." However, she added, mutual recognition of sensitivity in each country should be respected and resolved through dialogues.

Sitharaman was delivering the seventh memorial lecture of former RSS activist from Arunachal Pradesh, Rutum Kamgo, on the theme: 'Towards Bridging the Indo-China Relationship for an Emerging Asia'.

On a proposal of Chief Minister Pema Khandu for opening up border trade with China through Bum La Pass, Sitharaman said trade was possible with the border villages of both the countries, like the current border haats at Nathu La in Sikkim and Moreh in Manipur.

However, she added, the balance of trade between the countries was in favour of China. "Trade between India and China is done in large scale amounting to $80-90 billion. But, sadly, we are purchasing from them in huge quantities. But, for our products, their market is not open."

"We have several products like telecommunication, vegetables, tea, soya, raw sugar, pharmaceuticals etc in which China evinces keen interest," the defence minister said, adding that there were certain areas where both the nations could cooperate, especially in containing terrorism and promoting sustainable development.

The minister termed India and China the growth engines for the entire world, saying that emergence of both the countries would pave the way for an emerging Asia. "Peace, security and development in Asia are possible when India and China are developed. Development of both the nations is possible only when there is mutual respect and understanding among the two countries."

She quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying that both the countries should follow the mantra of samman (respect), sambad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity) for development.

"There are many multi-lateral institutions in the world like (the) UN, IMF, World Bank etc where representations from country like us with more population and demands are negligible. India and China should raise the issue jointly for mutual benefits," she added.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday pitched for dialogues between India and China on various issues, saying differences between the two nations should not be allowed to become disputes.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday pitched for dialogues between India and China on various issues, saying differences between the two nations should not be allowed to become disputes. Both India and China should respect each other and resolve issues through dialogues and join hands together for peace and prosperity, Sitharaman said. There are various issues such as defence, border disputes, border trades and presence of Indian and Chinese defence forces in the Indian Ocean which can be resolved through continuous dialogues, the minister said. "Competition is normal, but contest must not turn into conflict. Differences should not be allowed to become disputes, she said. "Solution lies in dialogue, solution lies in peaceful engagement. But for this, mutual trust should be there." However, she added, mutual recognition of sensitivity in each country should be respected and resolved through dialogues. Sitharaman was delivering the seventh memorial lecture of former RSS activist from Arunachal Pradesh, Rutum Kamgo, on the theme: 'Towards Bridging the Indo-China Relationship for an Emerging Asia'. On a proposal of Chief Minister Pema Khandu for opening up border trade with China through Bum La Pass, Sitharaman said trade was possible with the border villages of both the countries, like the current border haats at Nathu La in Sikkim and Moreh in Manipur. However, she added, the balance of trade between the countries was in favour of China. "Trade between India and China is done in large scale amounting to $80-90 billion. But, sadly, we are purchasing from them in huge quantities. But, for our products, their market is not open." "We have several products like telecommunication, vegetables, tea, soya, raw sugar, pharmaceuticals etc in which China evinces keen interest," the defence minister said, adding that there were certain areas where both the nations could cooperate, especially in containing terrorism and promoting sustainable development. The minister termed India and China the growth engines for the entire world, saying that emergence of both the countries would pave the way for an emerging Asia. "Peace, security and development in Asia are possible when India and China are developed. Development of both the nations is possible only when there is mutual respect and understanding among the two countries." She quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying that both the countries should follow the mantra of samman (respect), sambad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity) for development. "There are many multi-lateral institutions in the world like (the) UN, IMF, World Bank etc where representations from country like us with more population and demands are negligible. India and China should raise the issue jointly for mutual benefits," she added.

India, China should resolve issues through dialogue, differences should not become disputes: Sitharaman

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inducted three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers and the K-9 Vajra, into the Indian Army.

The third gun system inducted is the 'Composite Gun Towing Vehicle' for towing some of the existing guns in service with the country, while K-9 Vajra is a self-propelled artillery gun.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> inducts state of the art gun systems including M 777 ULH and K9 VAJRA guns in Army after a gap of over three decades and gives the credit to laborious efforts of MoD and Services. <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> <a href="https://t.co/xkVQ6p1Iex">pic.twitter.com/xkVQ6p1Iex</a>
— Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1060800760395501568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The induction ceremony comes ahead of establishing the first regiment - each comprising of about 18 guns - of the M777s and the Vajra by around mid-next year, an official said.

For procuring 145 M777s, India in November 2016 had entered into a contract with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales programme for Rs 5,070 crore.

The M777s, which have been used in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, can be easily transported to high altitude areas by helicopters.

Induction of 100 K9 Vajra at a cost of Rs 4,366 crore is to complete by November 2020. The first batch of 10 guns will be delivered this month, Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand told reporters on Thursday.

The next 40 guns will be delivered in November 2019, and another 50 in November 2020, he said.

The first regiment of K9 Vajra, first-ever artillery gun manufactured by the Indian private sector, is expected to complete by July 2019.

The gun has a maximum range of 28-38 km. It is capable of burst firing three rounds in 30 seconds, intense firing of 15 rounds in three minutes and sustained firing of 60 rounds in 60 minutes, he said.

The Army is also going to raise seven regiments of 145 M777 howitzers.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inducted three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers and the K-9 Vajra, into the Indian Army.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inducted three major artillery gun systems, including the M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers and the K-9 Vajra, into the Indian Army. The third gun system inducted is the 'Composite Gun Towing Vehicle' for towing some of the existing guns in service with the country, while K-9 Vajra is a self-propelled artillery gun. @DefenceMinIndia inducts state of the art gun systems including M 777 ULH and K9 VAJRA guns in Army after a gap of over three decades and gives the credit to laborious efforts of MoD and Services. @adgpi @indiannavy @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/xkVQ6p1Iex — Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) November 9, 2018 × The induction ceremony comes ahead of establishing the first regiment - each comprising of about 18 guns - of the M777s and the Vajra by around mid-next year, an official said. For procuring 145 M777s, India in November 2016 had entered into a contract with the United States under the Foreign Military Sales programme for Rs 5,070 crore. The M777s, which have been used in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, can be easily transported to high altitude areas by helicopters. Induction of 100 K9 Vajra at a cost of Rs 4,366 crore is to complete by November 2020. The first batch of 10 guns will be delivered this month, Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand told reporters on Thursday. The next 40 guns will be delivered in November 2019, and another 50 in November 2020, he said. The first regiment of K9 Vajra, first-ever artillery gun manufactured by the Indian private sector, is expected to complete by July 2019. The gun has a maximum range of 28-38 km. It is capable of burst firing three rounds in 30 seconds, intense firing of 15 rounds in three minutes and sustained firing of 60 rounds in 60 minutes, he said. The Army is also going to raise seven regiments of 145 M777 howitzers.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman inducts three major artillery gun systems

With the mudslinging over the Rafale fighter jets deal refusing to die down, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday termed the controversial issue as a perception battle.

Vowing to fight the Rafale deal tussle, Sitharaman said, "This is a perception battle. We`ll go to places and state facts on record on Rafale. Congress designs to run a smear campaign against us at an international level. This is an attempt to malign our reputation."

Terming the controversial deal as India's "biggest Defence scam", the Congress demanded the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) KV Chowdary to seize all documents and register an FIR into the alleged corruption.

After meeting the CVC and seeking an independent probe into the case earlier today, Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters, "A delegation of Congress has met with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), submitted a detailed memorandum on Rafale fighter jet purchase scam. It is the biggest scam in the acquisition history of this country."

"This was the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister of India who without any mandate from the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to do away with three important things of the original tender purchase of 126 planes and more importantly the approved price of Rs 526 crore that went up to Rs 1,670 crore. The government has been lying and hiding. Therefore, we have demanded the CVC to take cognizance, to seize all files and documents and register an FIR," he added.

The meeting came days after a Congress delegation met the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi and urged the apex auditor to prepare a report on the alleged irregularities in the deal and present it in Parliament.

The Rafale controversy took a new twist last week after former French president Francois Hollande claimed that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence`s name as the offset partner for Dassault Aviation.

The Congress has been accusing the Centre of irregularities in the high-profile Defence fighter jets contract, alleging that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.

It has repeatedly asked the Prime Minister Modi-led government to reveal the price details of the aircraft and how the rate of each aircraft has shot up.

However, the government has refused to share the details, citing a secrecy clause of a 2008 pact between India and France.&nbsp;

With the mudslinging over the Rafale fighter jets deal refusing to die down, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday termed the controversial issue as a perception battle.

With the mudslinging over the Rafale fighter jets deal refusing to die down, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday termed the controversial issue as a perception battle. Vowing to fight the Rafale deal tussle, Sitharaman said, "This is a perception battle. We`ll go to places and state facts on record on Rafale. Congress designs to run a smear campaign against us at an international level. This is an attempt to malign our reputation." Terming the controversial deal as India's "biggest Defence scam", the Congress demanded the Central Vigilance Commissioner (CVC) KV Chowdary to seize all documents and register an FIR into the alleged corruption. After meeting the CVC and seeking an independent probe into the case earlier today, Congress leader Anand Sharma told reporters, "A delegation of Congress has met with Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), submitted a detailed memorandum on Rafale fighter jet purchase scam. It is the biggest scam in the acquisition history of this country." "This was the arbitrary decision of the Prime Minister of India who without any mandate from the Cabinet Committee on Security decided to do away with three important things of the original tender purchase of 126 planes and more importantly the approved price of Rs 526 crore that went up to Rs 1,670 crore. The government has been lying and hiding. Therefore, we have demanded the CVC to take cognizance, to seize all files and documents and register an FIR," he added. The meeting came days after a Congress delegation met the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi and urged the apex auditor to prepare a report on the alleged irregularities in the deal and present it in Parliament. The Rafale controversy took a new twist last week after former French president Francois Hollande claimed that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence`s name as the offset partner for Dassault Aviation. The Congress has been accusing the Centre of irregularities in the high-profile Defence fighter jets contract, alleging that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. It has repeatedly asked the Prime Minister Modi-led government to reveal the price details of the aircraft and how the rate of each aircraft has shot up. However, the government has refused to share the details, citing a secrecy clause of a 2008 pact between India and France.

Rafale issue is 'perception battle': Nirmala Sitharaman

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the entire Gandhi family has been the source of corruption.&nbsp;

"No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor," she tweeted.

Defence Minister was attacking back at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi who called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "thief",&nbsp;

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The <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCIndia</a> &amp; Shri. <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RahulGandhi</a> repeat untruth several times and use brazen &amp; abusive language about <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>. They betray their sense of desperation in being out-of-power. In our govt there is no corruption. No wonder today the buzz is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RahulKaPuraKhandanChor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RahulKaPuraKhandanChor</a> <a href="https://t.co/o76HiaYtDh">https://t.co/o76HiaYtDh</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1043525438730121216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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#RahulKaPuraKhandanChor has been trending on social media, with BJP supporters vociferously retaliating to the Gandhi scion's sharp verbal assault on PM Modi earlier in the day.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference on the Rafale deal row, Rahul Gandhi said the recent statements of former French president Francois Hollande has left no doubt in the minds of people that the "Prime Minister is a thief".&nbsp;

Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was wrong to expect a mature statement from Gandhi since his “entire family is arraigned for scams like the National Herald scam and the Bofors scandal”, reported ANI.

“No party chief ever called the Prime Minister of India a thief,” Prasad said, referring to Gandhi’s accusations on Saturday. “We never expect anything better from him to say. Neither he has any quality nor any ability. He has become the party chief only because of family politics. We don’t expect anything from him at all.”

BJP National President Amit Shah questioned if the Congress was forming an alliance with Pakistan. “Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’,” Shah tweeted on Saturday.

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Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’ 
Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’ 
 
Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. 
 
Is Congress forming an International Mahagathbandhan against PM Modi?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NaPakNaCongress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NaPakNaCongress</a><a href="https://t.co/eHBs0DGfBP">https://t.co/eHBs0DGfBP</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1043525197008121856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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“Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’. Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. Is Congress forming an international mahagathbandhan against PM Modi.” Shah used the hashtag #NaPakNaCongress (neither Pakistan nor Congress).

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the entire Gandhi family has been the source of corruption. "No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor," she tweeted.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that the entire Gandhi family has been the source of corruption. "No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor," she tweeted. Defence Minister was attacking back at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi who called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "thief", The @INCIndia & Shri. @RahulGandhi repeat untruth several times and use brazen & abusive language about @PMOIndia @narendramodi. They betray their sense of desperation in being out-of-power. In our govt there is no corruption. No wonder today the buzz is #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor https://t.co/o76HiaYtDh — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) September 22, 2018 × #RahulKaPuraKhandanChor has been trending on social media, with BJP supporters vociferously retaliating to the Gandhi scion's sharp verbal assault on PM Modi earlier in the day. Addressing a press conference on the Rafale deal row, Rahul Gandhi said the recent statements of former French president Francois Hollande has left no doubt in the minds of people that the "Prime Minister is a thief". Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was wrong to expect a mature statement from Gandhi since his “entire family is arraigned for scams like the National Herald scam and the Bofors scandal”, reported ANI. “No party chief ever called the Prime Minister of India a thief,” Prasad said, referring to Gandhi’s accusations on Saturday. “We never expect anything better from him to say. Neither he has any quality nor any ability. He has become the party chief only because of family politics. We don’t expect anything from him at all.” BJP National President Amit Shah questioned if the Congress was forming an alliance with Pakistan. “Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’,” Shah tweeted on Saturday. Rahul Gandhi says ‘Modi Hatao’ Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’ Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. Is Congress forming an International Mahagathbandhan against PM Modi?#NaPakNaCongresshttps://t.co/eHBs0DGfBP — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 22, 2018 × “Pakistan says ‘Modi Hatao’. Now Pakistan also supports Rahul Gandhi’s baseless allegations against PM Modi. Is Congress forming an international mahagathbandhan against PM Modi.” Shah used the hashtag #NaPakNaCongress (neither Pakistan nor Congress).

'#RahulKaPuraKhandanChor', says Nirmala Sitharaman after Rahul Gandhi calls PM Modi 'thief'

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday slammed the Argentina national football team over the cancellation of a planned friendly against Israel in Jerusalem, calling it a surrender to hate.

"It's a shame that Argentina's footballing nobility did not withstand the pressure from Israeli-hating inciters," he wrote on Twitter in the first response from an Israeli cabinet minister.

The Israeli embassy in Argentina earlier announced the "suspension" of Saturday's sold-out game because of what it called "threats and provocations" against Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

The World Cup warm-up appearance in Jerusalem was hotly opposed by Palestinians, who claim the eastern part of the city, annexed by Israel, as the capital of their future state.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman slammed the Argentina national football team over the cancellation of a planned friendly against Israel

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman on Wednesday slammed the Argentina national football team over the cancellation of a planned friendly against Israel in Jerusalem, calling it a surrender to hate. "It's a shame that Argentina's footballing nobility did not withstand the pressure from Israeli-hating inciters," he wrote on Twitter in the first response from an Israeli cabinet minister. The Israeli embassy in Argentina earlier announced the "suspension" of Saturday's sold-out game because of what it called "threats and provocations" against Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi. The World Cup warm-up appearance in Jerusalem was hotly opposed by Palestinians, who claim the eastern part of the city, annexed by Israel, as the capital of their future state.

Israeli minister slams Argentina team over football cancellation

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted that there was absolutely "no scandal" in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and allegations of wrongdoings relating to it were politically motivated.

Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said, "false comparisons" were made between the price at which India was procuring the jets and the price being negotiated by some other countries.

"I am assuring you in the company of all the senior officials that yes there is no scandal in Rafale. We are very clear about that," she said replying to a question on allegations of scam in the Rafale deal.

She was addressing a press conference along with top officials of the defence ministry on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government.&nbsp

"Absolutely," she said when asked whether she can assure that not even a single rupee has been made in the Rafale deal.

She called the allegations very clear case of "motivated attacks".

Sitharaman also said that there has been no allegations of corruption against any officials of the defence ministry in the last four years.

India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris.&nbsp

The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019.

The Congress had raised several questions about the deal including the rates and accused the government of compromising national interest and security while causing a loss to the public exchequer.

The Congress has been demanding details of the deal including cost of equipment and weapons, alleging that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government

The government has been refusing to give an item-wise cost and other details about the deal in Parliament citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact.

The UPA government had negotiated a USD 10.2 billion deal for the 126 jets. However, the deal could not be finalised.&nbsp

Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said, "false comparisons" were made between the price at which India was procuring the jets and the price being negotiated by some other countries

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today asserted that there was absolutely "no scandal" in the Rafale fighter jet deal with France and allegations of wrongdoings relating to it were politically motivated. Without naming the Congress, Sitharaman said, "false comparisons" were made between the price at which India was procuring the jets and the price being negotiated by some other countries. "I am assuring you in the company of all the senior officials that yes there is no scandal in Rafale. We are very clear about that," she said replying to a question on allegations of scam in the Rafale deal. She was addressing a press conference along with top officials of the defence ministry on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of the NDA government. "Absolutely," she said when asked whether she can assure that not even a single rupee has been made in the Rafale deal. She called the allegations very clear case of "motivated attacks". Sitharaman also said that there has been no allegations of corruption against any officials of the defence ministry in the last four years. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore, nearly one-and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris. The delivery of the jets is scheduled to begin from September 2019. The Congress had raised several questions about the deal including the rates and accused the government of compromising national interest and security while causing a loss to the public exchequer. The Congress has been demanding details of the deal including cost of equipment and weapons, alleging that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper than the contract signed by the Modi government The government has been refusing to give an item-wise cost and other details about the deal in Parliament citing confidentiality provisions of a 2008 Indo-France pact. The UPA government had negotiated a USD 10.2 billion deal for the 126 jets. However, the deal could not be finalised.

No scandal in Rafale deal: Defence Minister Sitharaman

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khurram Dastagir Khan, was given the additional portfolio of foreign affairs ministry on Friday.

Khan will succeed former Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif who was disqualified from the parliament last month.

Asif faced disqualification for not disclosing a foreign source of income.

"The prime minister has been pleased to assign, with immediate effect, the additional portfolio of foreign affairs to Eng. Khurram Dastgir Khan, federal minister for Defence," the prime minister's office said.

Pakistan will go to polls in late July this year.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Former foreign minister faced disqualification for not disclosing a foreign source of income

Pakistan's Defence Minister, Khurram Dastagir Khan, was given the additional portfolio of foreign affairs ministry on Friday. Khan will succeed former Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif who was disqualified from the parliament last month. Asif faced disqualification for not disclosing a foreign source of income. "The prime minister has been pleased to assign, with immediate effect, the additional portfolio of foreign affairs to Eng. Khurram Dastgir Khan, federal minister for Defence," the prime minister's office said. Pakistan will go to polls in late July this year. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan: Defence Minister gets additional portfolio of foreign affairs

India has been lucky to have two of the most powerful women in its cabinet.&nbsp

The&nbsptwo women are India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are currently in China to lay the groundwork before the crucial meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on April 27-28.

The two cabinet-level ministers are game-changers in their own way.&nbspSwaraj has been serving as the Indian's minister of external affairs&nbspminister under PM&nbspModi since May 2014. Swaraj has embraced the new age being active on social networking sites&nbspTwitter and Facebook. She is the beacon of hope for Indians who find themselves stranded abroad due in&nbspvarious countries.

Sitharaman was appointed as India’s Defence Minister in 2017 in place of Manohar&nbspParrikar who left the job to become the chief minister of Goa. India's defence&nbspminister is among a&nbspselect list of countries whose defence minister is a woman.

South Africa, Norway, Germany, France, Netherlands, Kenya, Spain, Australia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Albania and Nicaragua all have women defence ministers.

PM Indira Gandhi was India's first defence and foreign minister of India.

As the defence minister, Sitharaman, who held&nbspthe Commerce portfolio as a Minister of State, is a member of the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) whose members include the Prime Minister, Home Minister, External Affairs Minister and the Finance Minister. She wields control over one of the world's largest armies in&nbspthe world with a disarming diplomacy and quiet grit.&nbsp

The two women are in Beijing to attend the foreign and defence ministers' meet organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO). Member countries in the SCO&nbspinclude China, India, Russia, &nbspKazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan.

Nirmala Sitharaman, who arrived in Beijing last night, attended the defence ministers' meeting this morning, while Sushma Swaraj took part in the foreign ministers' meet. Both meetings were being held as part of the preparations for the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, which PM Modi is also likely to attend.

&nbsp

&nbsp

The two women are India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and the defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are currently in China to lay the groundwork before the crucial meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on April 27-28

India has been lucky to have two of the most powerful women in its cabinet. The&nbsptwo women are India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman who are currently in China to lay the groundwork before the crucial meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping on April 27-28. The two cabinet-level ministers are game-changers in their own way.&nbspSwaraj has been serving as the Indian's minister of external affairs&nbspminister under PM&nbspModi since May 2014. Swaraj has embraced the new age being active on social networking sites&nbspTwitter and Facebook. She is the beacon of hope for Indians who find themselves stranded abroad due in&nbspvarious countries. Sitharaman was appointed as India’s Defence Minister in 2017 in place of Manohar&nbspParrikar who left the job to become the chief minister of Goa. India's defence&nbspminister is among a&nbspselect list of countries whose defence minister is a woman. South Africa, Norway, Germany, France, Netherlands, Kenya, Spain, Australia, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Italy, Albania and Nicaragua all have women defence ministers. PM Indira Gandhi was India's first defence and foreign minister of India. As the defence minister, Sitharaman, who held&nbspthe Commerce portfolio as a Minister of State, is a member of the crucial Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) whose members include the Prime Minister, Home Minister, External Affairs Minister and the Finance Minister. She wields control over one of the world's largest armies in&nbspthe world with a disarming diplomacy and quiet grit. The two women are in Beijing to attend the foreign and defence ministers' meet organised by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO). Member countries in the SCO&nbspinclude China, India, Russia, &nbspKazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. Nirmala Sitharaman, who arrived in Beijing last night, attended the defence ministers' meeting this morning, while Sushma Swaraj took part in the foreign ministers' meet. Both meetings were being held as part of the preparations for the SCO summit to be held in the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, which PM Modi is also likely to attend.

India's power women at SCO: Sushma Swaraj & Nirmala Sitharaman

India is likely to sell BrahMos supersonic cruise and Akash air defence missiles to some 'friendly'&nbsp;countries, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted at an event earlier today.&nbsp;

Sitharaman talked about a growing interest in Indian missile system and stated that the Indian government would want to "address" the same. She further identified the country as one of the top defence importers.

India is also interested in selling military hardware and software to "friendly" nations, however, Sitharaman did not name any specific country to carry out the deal with.&nbsp;<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eWYgt-sj4kw" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A host of countries had previously shown interest in the BrahMos which is co-developed with Russia. Under its "Act East" policy, India has been relentlessly working toward strengthening military ties with ASEAN countries.

"India is one of the top importers in defence. The time has come to change that as we are silently but steadily growing our manufacturing,"&nbsp;Sitharaman added.&nbsp;

India is also interested in selling military hardware and software to 'friendly' nations

India is likely to sell BrahMos supersonic cruise and Akash air defence missiles to some 'friendly' countries, Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman noted at an event earlier today. Sitharaman talked about a growing interest in Indian missile system and stated that the Indian government would want to "address" the same. She further identified the country as one of the top defence importers. India is also interested in selling military hardware and software to "friendly" nations, however, Sitharaman did not name any specific country to carry out the deal with. A host of countries had previously shown interest in the BrahMos which is co-developed with Russia. Under its "Act East" policy, India has been relentlessly working toward strengthening military ties with ASEAN countries. "India is one of the top importers in defence. The time has come to change that as we are silently but steadily growing our manufacturing," Sitharaman added.

India likely to sell BrahMos missile to 'friendly' nations: Nirmala Sitharaman

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said it was important for the country to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector.&nbsp

“Cultivating innovation within India is imperative to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence. The young innovators of India will play a big role in the future to indigenise the defence industry ” she said in her address to students at IIT Madras here.

She said it was important to restore a lot of strength to the manufacturing sector. “The priority of our government is to underline the need for India to restore a lot of strength to its manufacturing sector,” she said.

Sitharaman said the NDA government had taken steps to streamline the defence procurement policy in 2016 to “simplify the entire process”. She said the focus was on reviving the manufacturing sector so it could contribute a lot more to the country’s GDP.

“The services sector is growing rapidly and the focus is on reviving the manufacturing sector. Ultimately, it is the private sector that has to get the manufacturing sector going,” she said.

Sitharaman also stressed the need to reinvent and be self-sufficient for India’s defence sector needs. The priority for defence in the government’s “Make In India” policy was to stop India’s dependence on imports, she said.

Sitharaman said the NDA government had taken steps to streamline the defence procurement policy in 2016 to "simplify the entire process".

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today said it was important for the country to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector. “Cultivating innovation within India is imperative to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence. The young innovators of India will play a big role in the future to indigenise the defence industry ” she said in her address to students at IIT Madras here. She said it was important to restore a lot of strength to the manufacturing sector. “The priority of our government is to underline the need for India to restore a lot of strength to its manufacturing sector,” she said. Sitharaman said the NDA government had taken steps to streamline the defence procurement policy in 2016 to “simplify the entire process”. She said the focus was on reviving the manufacturing sector so it could contribute a lot more to the country’s GDP. “The services sector is growing rapidly and the focus is on reviving the manufacturing sector. Ultimately, it is the private sector that has to get the manufacturing sector going,” she said. Sitharaman also stressed the need to reinvent and be self-sufficient for India’s defence sector needs. The priority for defence in the government’s “Make In India” policy was to stop India’s dependence on imports, she said.

Achieving self-reliance in the defence sector significant to country: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Russia's defence ministry said&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;nearly 5,300 rebels and members of their families left Syria's eastern Ghouta enclave&nbsp;on Wednesday, news agencies reported.

Rebels left the town of Arbeen for the northern province of Idlib, according to the Centre for Reconciliation in Syria, a body run by the ministry.

The rebels left on Wednesday, Russia's defence ministry said Thursday

Russia's defence ministry said on Thursday nearly 5,300 rebels and members of their families left Syria's eastern Ghouta enclave on Wednesday, news agencies reported. Rebels left the town of Arbeen for the northern province of Idlib, according to the Centre for Reconciliation in Syria, a body run by the ministry.

Russia says nearly 5,300 rebels have left Syria's Ghouta for Idlib: Reports

As many as 26 militants have been killed in the last 24 hours by the Afghan air forces and ground operations, Afghanistan`s defence ministry said.&nbsp

TOLOnews quoted the defence ministry`s spokesperson, Mohammad Radmanish as saying that out of the 26 killed, 12 Taliban militants were killed in Khak-e-Safed and Balabuluk districts of Farah province and in Farah, the provincial capital.Six militants lost their lives in Trinkot district of Uruzgan province, while four others were killed in Greshk province of Helmand province.

The Taliban and other militant groups are yet to react to the latest development.

Afghanistan`s defence ministry said the militants were killed by Afghan air forces and ground operations

As many as 26 militants have been killed in the last 24 hours by the Afghan air forces and ground operations, Afghanistan`s defence ministry said. TOLOnews quoted the defence ministry`s spokesperson, Mohammad Radmanish as saying that out of the 26 killed, 12 Taliban militants were killed in Khak-e-Safed and Balabuluk districts of Farah province and in Farah, the provincial capital.Six militants lost their lives in Trinkot district of Uruzgan province, while four others were killed in Greshk province of Helmand province. The Taliban and other militant groups are yet to react to the latest development.

Afghanistan: 26 militants killed in last 24 hours

Former Defence Minister of Pakistan Asif Yasin Malik has suggested that a &#39;high-powered special envoy&#39;, working directly under the country&#39;s prime minister to hold talks with Afghanistan to remove &quot;misconceptions and frictions&quot;, thereby ensuring friendly relations between the two countries.

&quot;However, it should also be ensured that Pakistani soil would not be used against Afghanistan for any illegal activities. Both countries should make joint strategies to address the issues. They should understand that the United States never cared about the local people while it was in Vietnam, Iraq or Libya. How will it care about the people of Afghanistan?&quot; Malik said while speaking at an international conference on &#39;Afghanistan Crisis: What Lies Ahead?&#39; here on Monday.

The Pakistani leader claimed that the US had been putting all the blame on the Haqqani network and alleging that it was operating in Pakistan.

The Dawn quoted him as saying, &quot;The fact is that almost 60 percent area of Afghanistan is beyond the control of the Afghan government. On the other hand, Afghanistan does not have a foreign policy and currently all the decisions are being taken under the influence of the US and India. Corruption has been continuously increasing in the public sector and the country is leading to civil war. Dialogue should be started among all ethnic entities.&quot;

Malik added that Pakistan was facing problems because of &quot;poor priorities in its foreign policy&quot;. Also, he stated that various developmental projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had been stalled and delayed because of &#39;hindrances&#39;.

&quot;The US should stop interfering in Afghanistan and the decision to involve India is also creating problems. During the past one decade, the US has spent USD 1 trillion in Afghanistan. Had it invested one-fourth of it on development, there would have been no problem in that country,&quot; he asserted.

Malik also suggested that the border control should be strengthened in Pakistan and Afghanistan and that both countries should take extra steps for ensuring good bilateral trade relations respectively.

This comes after Pakistan National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua visited Kabul on a day-long visit on Saturday, in what was seen as an effort by Kabul to normalise its icy relations with Islamabad.

Relations between the two countries have remained frosty due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in Pakistan. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism.&nbsp;

The Pakistani leader claimed that the US had been putting all the blame on the Haqqani network and alleging that it was operating in Pakistan

Former Defence Minister of Pakistan Asif Yasin Malik has suggested that a 'high-powered special envoy', working directly under the country's prime minister to hold talks with Afghanistan to remove "misconceptions and frictions", thereby ensuring friendly relations between the two countries. "However, it should also be ensured that Pakistani soil would not be used against Afghanistan for any illegal activities. Both countries should make joint strategies to address the issues. They should understand that the United States never cared about the local people while it was in Vietnam, Iraq or Libya. How will it care about the people of Afghanistan?" Malik said while speaking at an international conference on 'Afghanistan Crisis: What Lies Ahead?' here on Monday. The Pakistani leader claimed that the US had been putting all the blame on the Haqqani network and alleging that it was operating in Pakistan. The Dawn quoted him as saying, "The fact is that almost 60 percent area of Afghanistan is beyond the control of the Afghan government. On the other hand, Afghanistan does not have a foreign policy and currently all the decisions are being taken under the influence of the US and India. Corruption has been continuously increasing in the public sector and the country is leading to civil war. Dialogue should be started among all ethnic entities." Malik added that Pakistan was facing problems because of "poor priorities in its foreign policy". Also, he stated that various developmental projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had been stalled and delayed because of 'hindrances'. "The US should stop interfering in Afghanistan and the decision to involve India is also creating problems. During the past one decade, the US has spent USD 1 trillion in Afghanistan. Had it invested one-fourth of it on development, there would have been no problem in that country," he asserted. Malik also suggested that the border control should be strengthened in Pakistan and Afghanistan and that both countries should take extra steps for ensuring good bilateral trade relations respectively. This comes after Pakistan National Security Advisor Nasser Khan Janjua visited Kabul on a day-long visit on Saturday, in what was seen as an effort by Kabul to normalise its icy relations with Islamabad. Relations between the two countries have remained frosty due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in Pakistan. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them. Meanwhile, Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism.

Ex-Pak defence minister calls for special envoy for Afghanistan

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday that Rex Tillerson`s firing as US secretary of state did not come up during his talks overseas this week, describing interest in the issue as largely a &quot;Washington, DC, story.&rdquo;&nbsp;

In his first public remarks on the matter since President Donald Trump announced Tillerson`s dismissal on Tuesday, Mattis, who had forged a close working relationship with Tillerson, said allies understood that ties with the United States were deeper than with any one individual.&nbsp;

&quot;This issue has not even come up, other than with you all(in the media) &ndash; and I understand why you`re asking,&quot; Mattis told reporters as he flew back to Washington from the Gulf nation of Bahrain. He had also travelled to Afghanistan since Tillerson&rsquo;s firing.&nbsp;

&quot;But I`m just pointing out that in most parts of the world, this is a Washington, DC, story.&quot;&nbsp;

Reuters has reported that differences over how to deal with North Korea`s nuclear challenge were a key factor in Trump`s decision to replace Tillerson as America`s top diplomat. Trump nominated Mike Pompeo, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to take the job.

Mattis had made no secret of his strong rapport with Tillerson, saying in January that the two had breakfast every week together and communicated frequently - sometimes two or three times a day.&nbsp;

The goal was to hammer out a consensus on key issues before addressing them to the White House.&nbsp;

&quot;We settle all of our issues between he and I, and then we walk together into the White House meetings. That way, State and Defense are together,&quot; Mattis said at the time.&nbsp;

It was unclear whether Mattis, a retired Marine general, would be able to forge as strong a relationship with Pompeo.&nbsp;

Mattis declined to comment on when he learned of Tillerson`s dismissal and did not offer any personal thoughts about it, other than to say it was not discussed in his past two days of conversations with Bahrain`s leaders and NATO`s envoy to Afghanistan and multiple town hall-style gatherings with US troops.&nbsp;

&quot;The durability of our relations with these countries, with the United States having very strong institutions, go beyond personalities,&quot; Mattis said.&nbsp;

Mattis suggested that cooperation with allies was unshaken by the dismissal.&nbsp;

&quot;It`s not about whether or not the United States is still an ally to the countries I`ve been in or the countries I`ve been talking to,&quot; Mattis said.&nbsp;

&quot;I`ve signed letters while I`ve been out here, the normal coordination. ... The work goes on.&quot;

Mattis said on Thursday that Rex Tillerson`s firing as US secretary of state did not come up during his talks overseas this week

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Thursday that Rex Tillerson`s firing as US secretary of state did not come up during his talks overseas this week, describing interest in the issue as largely a "Washington, DC, story.” In his first public remarks on the matter since President Donald Trump announced Tillerson`s dismissal on Tuesday, Mattis, who had forged a close working relationship with Tillerson, said allies understood that ties with the United States were deeper than with any one individual. "This issue has not even come up, other than with you all(in the media) – and I understand why you`re asking," Mattis told reporters as he flew back to Washington from the Gulf nation of Bahrain. He had also travelled to Afghanistan since Tillerson’s firing. "But I`m just pointing out that in most parts of the world, this is a Washington, DC, story." Reuters has reported that differences over how to deal with North Korea`s nuclear challenge were a key factor in Trump`s decision to replace Tillerson as America`s top diplomat. Trump nominated Mike Pompeo, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, to take the job. Mattis had made no secret of his strong rapport with Tillerson, saying in January that the two had breakfast every week together and communicated frequently - sometimes two or three times a day. The goal was to hammer out a consensus on key issues before addressing them to the White House. "We settle all of our issues between he and I, and then we walk together into the White House meetings. That way, State and Defense are together," Mattis said at the time. It was unclear whether Mattis, a retired Marine general, would be able to forge as strong a relationship with Pompeo. Mattis declined to comment on when he learned of Tillerson`s dismissal and did not offer any personal thoughts about it, other than to say it was not discussed in his past two days of conversations with Bahrain`s leaders and NATO`s envoy to Afghanistan and multiple town hall-style gatherings with US troops. "The durability of our relations with these countries, with the United States having very strong institutions, go beyond personalities," Mattis said. Mattis suggested that cooperation with allies was unshaken by the dismissal. "It`s not about whether or not the United States is still an ally to the countries I`ve been in or the countries I`ve been talking to," Mattis said. "I`ve signed letters while I`ve been out here, the normal coordination. ... The work goes on."

Tillerson firing a 'Washington DC story', says Mattis

Xi Jinping&#39;s pet Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can pose a &quot;major challenge&quot; in resetting China&#39;s ties with India, analysts here have said, days after the Chinese parliament backed his plan to rule indefinitely amid Sino-India rapprochement following the Dokalam standoff.

The BRI, a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Xi when he came to power in 2013, has become a major sticking point in the bilateral ties. The BRI also includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which India opposed as it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India had also boycotted last year&#39;s Belt and Road Forum organised by China.

The BRI, aimed at promoting a network of roads, ports and rail networks all over the world to spread China&#39;s influence, is now expected to vigorously push by Xi after the National People&#39;s Congress on March 11 removed the two-term limit for the president.

The historic mandate for Xi to continue in office for life came just as India and China began a high-level dialogue to put the ties back on track after the relations were bogged down by a host of issues including, the CPEC and the 73-day long standoff at Dokalam last year.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit China next month which officials say will send a very strong message to the international community about efforts by both countries to improve relations.

&quot;There are very serious efforts are being made by both countries to improve relations and China attaches a lot of importance to its ties with India in the region,&quot; Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations told.

As the two countries seek to address a number of issues like China blocking India&#39;s efforts to list JeM leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN as well as India&#39;s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) besides Dokalam, they need to come up with a creative solution to address differences on the BRI, Hu said.

&quot;Now Xi is set to be at the helm for a long term and he is going to pursue the BRI very seriously&quot; as this is his project, he said.

China, which has been maintaining that the BRI will not have any impact on its stand that Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan, has also offered initiatives like renaming the CPEC to address India&#39;s reservations.

Officials say Chinese investment flows into India have been affected as China has been routing all its external investments in recent years only under the BRI. India is also a part of the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) corridor which is also part of the BRI but has made little progress.

Officials say China&#39;s investments in India were just about $3.5 billion far less than $20 billion promised by Xi during his visit to India in 2015.

He said both countries need to show flexibility. While China should be flexible by not pressing India to cooperate under the BRI framework for investments in India, New Delhi could make reciprocal gestures to get the investments for infrastructure projects.

Rong Ying, the vice president of China Institute of International Studies, which is affiliated to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said both the countries need to address the trust deficit.

&quot;Equally important is for both countries to find a way to address differences in a constructive and forward-looking manner,&quot; he told.

He also said there was no need to worry about the long-term rule by Xi.

&quot;I don&#39;t see any reason for worry. I only want to see that the two sides draw correct lessons (out of Dokalam standoff). Then we can work hard for a stable relationship,&quot; he said.

&quot;No one wants an incident like Dong Long (Dokalam). We are able to solve it through peaceful way through talks shows the maturity of the relationship,&quot; Rong, who formerly worked as a Chinese diplomat in India, said.

About what effect Xi&#39;s long-term rule will have on the boundary dispute, he said, &quot;the boundary dispute has to be better managed. I don&#39;t see in the near future the possibility of an early settlement in sight,&quot; he said.

The annual border talks by special representatives and other mechanisms would&nbsp;help to develop the trust, he said.

The two sides have held 20 rounds of border talks to resolve differences over the 3,488 long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit China next month which officials say will send a very strong message to the international community about efforts by both countries to improve relations

Xi Jinping's pet Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) can pose a "major challenge" in resetting China's ties with India, analysts here have said, days after the Chinese parliament backed his plan to rule indefinitely amid Sino-India rapprochement following the Dokalam standoff. The BRI, a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Xi when he came to power in 2013, has become a major sticking point in the bilateral ties. The BRI also includes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which India opposed as it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India had also boycotted last year's Belt and Road Forum organised by China. The BRI, aimed at promoting a network of roads, ports and rail networks all over the world to spread China's influence, is now expected to vigorously push by Xi after the National People's Congress on March 11 removed the two-term limit for the president. The historic mandate for Xi to continue in office for life came just as India and China began a high-level dialogue to put the ties back on track after the relations were bogged down by a host of issues including, the CPEC and the 73-day long standoff at Dokalam last year. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will visit China next month which officials say will send a very strong message to the international community about efforts by both countries to improve relations. "There are very serious efforts are being made by both countries to improve relations and China attaches a lot of importance to its ties with India in the region," Hu Shisheng, Director of the official China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations told. As the two countries seek to address a number of issues like China blocking India's efforts to list JeM leader Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN as well as India's entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) besides Dokalam, they need to come up with a creative solution to address differences on the BRI, Hu said. "Now Xi is set to be at the helm for a long term and he is going to pursue the BRI very seriously" as this is his project, he said. China, which has been maintaining that the BRI will not have any impact on its stand that Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan, has also offered initiatives like renaming the CPEC to address India's reservations. Officials say Chinese investment flows into India have been affected as China has been routing all its external investments in recent years only under the BRI. India is also a part of the Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) corridor which is also part of the BRI but has made little progress. Officials say China's investments in India were just about $3.5 billion far less than $20 billion promised by Xi during his visit to India in 2015. He said both countries need to show flexibility. While China should be flexible by not pressing India to cooperate under the BRI framework for investments in India, New Delhi could make reciprocal gestures to get the investments for infrastructure projects. Rong Ying, the vice president of China Institute of International Studies, which is affiliated to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said both the countries need to address the trust deficit. "Equally important is for both countries to find a way to address differences in a constructive and forward-looking manner," he told. He also said there was no need to worry about the long-term rule by Xi. "I don't see any reason for worry. I only want to see that the two sides draw correct lessons (out of Dokalam standoff). Then we can work hard for a stable relationship," he said. "No one wants an incident like Dong Long (Dokalam). We are able to solve it through peaceful way through talks shows the maturity of the relationship," Rong, who formerly worked as a Chinese diplomat in India, said. About what effect Xi's long-term rule will have on the boundary dispute, he said, "the boundary dispute has to be better managed. I don't see in the near future the possibility of an early settlement in sight," he said. The annual border talks by special representatives and other mechanisms would help to develop the trust, he said. The two sides have held 20 rounds of border talks to resolve differences over the 3,488 long Line of Actual Control (LAC).

BRI could be sticking point in India-China ties: Experts

An Indian Air Force helicopter doused the fire at Kurangani hills area in Tamil Nadu that left nine persons dead, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday.

At least 16 Garud Commando Force personnel have been deployed to carry out&nbsp;search and rescue operation at the site, Sitharaman said, adding they were working on moving the dead bodies to a place from where they can be collected.

According to the minister, two helicopters have been engaged in the task of moving the bodies.

At least 27 people have so far been rescued from the site, out of which ten suffered minor injuries and eight were seriously hurt.

Police said the students from Coimbatore and Erode were taking training in Kurangai-Kozhuku Hill area when the fire suddenly broke out around noon.

The operation is underway and further details are awaited.

Nine people have been killed and 27 students rescued so far

An Indian Air Force helicopter doused the fire at Kurangani hills area in Tamil Nadu that left nine persons dead, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. At least 16 Garud Commando Force personnel have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operation at the site, Sitharaman said, adding they were working on moving the dead bodies to a place from where they can be collected. According to the minister, two helicopters have been engaged in the task of moving the bodies. At least 27 people have so far been rescued from the site, out of which ten suffered minor injuries and eight were seriously hurt. Police said the students from Coimbatore and Erode were taking training in Kurangai-Kozhuku Hill area when the fire suddenly broke out around noon. The operation is underway and further details are awaited.

Tamil Nadu forest fire doused: Defence Minister

An Indian Air Force helicopter doused the fire at Kurangani hills area in Tamil Nadu that left nine persons dead, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday.

At least 16 Garud Commando Force personnel have been deployed to carry out&nbspsearch and rescue operation at the site, Sitharaman said, adding they were working on moving the dead bodies to a place from where they can be collected.

According to the minister, two helicopters have been engaged in the task of moving the bodies.

At least 27 people have so far been rescued from the site, out of which ten suffered minor injuries and eight were seriously hurt.

Police said the students from Coimbatore and Erode were taking training in Kurangai-Kozhuku Hill area when the fire suddenly broke out around noon.

The operation is underway and further details are awaited.

An Indian Air Force helicopter doused the fire at Kurangani hills area in Tamil Nadu that left nine persons dead, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday. At least 16 Garud Commando Force personnel have been deployed to carry out&nbspsearch and rescue operation at the site, Sitharaman said, adding they were working on moving the dead bodies to a place from where they can be collected. According to the minister, two helicopters have been engaged in the task of moving the bodies. At least 27 people have so far been rescued from the site, out of which ten suffered minor injuries and eight were seriously hurt. Police said the students from Coimbatore and Erode were taking training in Kurangai-Kozhuku Hill area when the fire suddenly broke out around noon. The operation is underway and further details are awaited.

Indian and Chinese troops have &quot;redeployed&quot; themselves away from the face-off site in Doklam, and China has undertaken construction of helipads, sentry posts and trenches for its army personnel there, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today.

&quot;Post disengagement from the face-off in 2017, troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the face-off site. The strength of both sides have been reduced,&quot; she said replying to a question on the issue in Lok Sabha.

&quot;In order to maintain these troops during the winter, People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken construction of some infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads,&quot; she said.

Last week, MoS for defence Subhash Bhamre had said that the situation along India&#39;s border with China is &quot;sensitive&quot; and it has the potential to escalate.

Sitharaman&#39;s reply today came in response to a question on whether satellite images have revealed that China has constructed seven helipads in Doklam besides deploying tanks and missiles in the area.

On whether India has taken up the matter with China, she said issues relating to the border are regularly taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels and at Border Personnel Meetings, flag meetings and meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28.

Sources said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area.

In January, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had said the time had come for India to shift its focus from borders with Pakistan to the frontier with China, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

To a separate question on a Pentagon report which said China was setting up a military base in Pakistan, Sitharaman said the government keeps a constant watch on developments having a bearing on India&#39;s security and takes measures to safeguard it.

&quot;Government is aware of China&#39;s stated objective of becoming a &#39;maritime power&#39;. As part of this strategy, China is developing ports and other infrastructure facilities in the littoral countries in the Indian Ocean Region, including in the vicinity of India&#39;s maritime boundary,&quot; she said.

She said India and China have, on several occasions, reiterated that as large neighbours following independent foreign policies, the relationship pursued by the two nations with other countries must not become a source of concern for each other.

PLA constructing sentry posts, trenches and helipads in Doklam area to maintain troops during winter, Sitharaman said.

Indian and Chinese troops have "redeployed" themselves away from the face-off site in Doklam, and China has undertaken construction of helipads, sentry posts and trenches for its army personnel there, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today. "Post disengagement from the face-off in 2017, troops of both sides have redeployed themselves away from their respective positions at the face-off site. The strength of both sides have been reduced," she said replying to a question on the issue in Lok Sabha. "In order to maintain these troops during the winter, People's Liberation Army (PLA) has undertaken construction of some infrastructure, including sentry posts, trenches and helipads," she said. Last week, MoS for defence Subhash Bhamre had said that the situation along India's border with China is "sensitive" and it has the potential to escalate. Sitharaman's reply today came in response to a question on whether satellite images have revealed that China has constructed seven helipads in Doklam besides deploying tanks and missiles in the area. On whether India has taken up the matter with China, she said issues relating to the border are regularly taken up with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels and at Border Personnel Meetings, flag meetings and meetings of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs. Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Doklam from June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. The face-off ended on August 28. Sources said China has been keeping its troops in north Doklam and significantly ramping up its infrastructure in the disputed area. In January, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had said the time had come for India to shift its focus from borders with Pakistan to the frontier with China, indicating the seriousness of the situation. To a separate question on a Pentagon report which said China was setting up a military base in Pakistan, Sitharaman said the government keeps a constant watch on developments having a bearing on India's security and takes measures to safeguard it. "Government is aware of China's stated objective of becoming a 'maritime power'. As part of this strategy, China is developing ports and other infrastructure facilities in the littoral countries in the Indian Ocean Region, including in the vicinity of India's maritime boundary," she said. She said India and China have, on several occasions, reiterated that as large neighbours following independent foreign policies, the relationship pursued by the two nations with other countries must not become a source of concern for each other.

China building helipads, sentry posts, trenches in Doklam area: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman

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