<p>Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed met India&#39;s Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former President is in India to take part in a ceremony.</p>

<p>The opposition leader also posted a photo of the two on his Twitter handle and said they discussed the ongoing situation in the Maldives.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pleasure to meet and brief Indian Minister of Defence H.E <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> on the situation in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a>. <a href="https://t.co/tsj2qIObJs">pic.twitter.com/tsj2qIObJs</a></p>
&mdash; Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/965252085309730816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nasheed, earlier, made a controversial public request for India to send a military-backed envoy to solve the political turmoil in the island nation.</p>

<p>The Maldives plunged into a major political crisis soon after the island nation&rsquo;s Supreme Court ordered the release of nine political prisoners, including exiled former President Nasheed, saying their trials were politically motivated and flawed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also overturned a previous ruling that disqualified 12 members of parliament after defection, giving the opposition a majority in the Majlis.</p>

<p>Country&rsquo;s current President, Abdulla Yameen, refused to comply with the judgement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He declared a state of emergency, ordered the arrest of the chief justice, another judge and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.</p>


Nasheed said they discussed the situation in the Maldives

Former President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed met India's Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The former President is in India to take part in a ceremony. The opposition leader also posted a photo of the two on his Twitter handle and said they discussed the ongoing situation in the Maldives. Pleasure to meet and brief Indian Minister of Defence H.E @nsitharaman on the situation in the #Maldives. pic.twitter.com/tsj2qIObJs — Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 18, 2018 × Nasheed, earlier, made a controversial public request for India to send a military-backed envoy to solve the political turmoil in the island nation. The Maldives plunged into a major political crisis soon after the island nation’s Supreme Court ordered the release of nine political prisoners, including exiled former President Nasheed, saying their trials were politically motivated and flawed. It also overturned a previous ruling that disqualified 12 members of parliament after defection, giving the opposition a majority in the Majlis. Country’s current President, Abdulla Yameen, refused to comply with the judgement. He declared a state of emergency, ordered the arrest of the chief justice, another judge and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Amid political turmoil, ex-Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed meets Indian Defence Minister Sitharaman

<p>Israel arrested six Palestinians suspected of planning attacks targeting Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and other Israelis in the occupied West Bank, security agency Shin Bet said today.</p>

<p>Shin Bet said the six were affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group and were active in the Bethlehem area where they sought to carry out shootings against Israeli civilians and security forces.</p>

<p>In addition, some of the group had been planning to target Lieberman&#39;s vehicle when he travelled to his home in a West Bank settlement.</p>

<p>According to a Shin Bet statement, the suspects had been &quot;trying to obtain explosives to make a bomb, and even reached out to terror elements in (Gaza) for funding.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;Upon failing to acquire the materials, they decided to create a fake device to receive recognition for their action and enable further attacks,&quot; the statement read.</p>

<p>The six will be charged in an Israeli military court later today.</p>

<p>In 2014, Shin Bet said it had apprehended a Hamas group planning to assassinate then-foreign minister Lieberman by firing a rocket-propelled grenade at his convoy.&nbsp;</p>


According to a Shin Bet statement, the suspects had been 'trying to obtain explosives to make a bomb'

Israel arrested six Palestinians suspected of planning attacks targeting Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman and other Israelis in the occupied West Bank, security agency Shin Bet said today. Shin Bet said the six were affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group and were active in the Bethlehem area where they sought to carry out shootings against Israeli civilians and security forces. In addition, some of the group had been planning to target Lieberman's vehicle when he travelled to his home in a West Bank settlement. According to a Shin Bet statement, the suspects had been "trying to obtain explosives to make a bomb, and even reached out to terror elements in (Gaza) for funding." "Upon failing to acquire the materials, they decided to create a fake device to receive recognition for their action and enable further attacks," the statement read. The six will be charged in an Israeli military court later today. In 2014, Shin Bet said it had apprehended a Hamas group planning to assassinate then-foreign minister Lieberman by firing a rocket-propelled grenade at his convoy.

Israel arrests Palestinians planning attack on defence minister

<p>Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Monday that Pakistan would &quot;pay&quot;&nbsp;for the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu which led to the deaths of five soldiers and one civilian.</p>

<p>Pakistan &quot;will pay for the misadventure&quot;, said Sitharaman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-warns-against-any-indian-cross-border-raid-after-sunjuwan-attack-32596" target="_blank">Pakistan &#39;warns&#39; India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack</a></p>

<p>Sitharaman said the attack had been carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. (The Lashkar-e-Taiba however has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lashkar-e-taiba-claims-responsibility-for-sunjwan-camp-karan-nagar-attacks-32595" target="_blank">claimed responsibility for the attack</a>.)</p>

<p>Sitharman added that the attackers&nbsp;had &quot;enjoyed some local support&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ten civilians had been injured in the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sitharaman said the counter-terror operation in Sunjuwan was called off today at 10.30 am but that sanitisation operations continue.</p>

<p>Sitharaman said three terrorists had been killed. And that there had been reports of four terrorists but that &quot;the fourth terrorist must have been a guide and may not have entered the camp.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All the evidences collected have been compiled. Definitely they will be given to Pakistan. Even after giving dossiers after dossiers Pakistan has not taken any action: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunjwanArmyCamp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunjwanArmyCamp</a> <a href="https://t.co/hy6BXC8WKh">pic.twitter.com/hy6BXC8WKh</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963049926082080768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Giving the evidences to Pak will be a continuous process. It will have to be proved over and over again that they are responsible. Pakistan will have to pay for this misadventure: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://t.co/P4vYdVUGPv">pic.twitter.com/P4vYdVUGPv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/963050401888194561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;Intelligence inputs show that terrorists were controlled by their handlers from across border. Evidence being scrutinised by NIA,&quot; said Sitharaman.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;Pakistan expanding the arch of terror to areas south of Pir Panjal and resorting to ceasefire violations to assist infiltration,&quot; she added.&nbsp;</p>


Sitharaman said the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu was carried out by Pakistan-backed Jaish terrorists with 'local support'

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Monday that Pakistan would "pay" for the attack on the Sunjuwan army camp in Jammu which led to the deaths of five soldiers and one civilian. Pakistan "will pay for the misadventure", said Sitharaman. Also read: Pakistan 'warns' India against cross-border strike after Jammu army camp attack Sitharaman said the attack had been carried out by the Jaish-e-Mohammed. (The Lashkar-e-Taiba however has claimed responsibility for the attack.) Sitharman added that the attackers had "enjoyed some local support". Ten civilians had been injured in the attack. Sitharaman said the counter-terror operation in Sunjuwan was called off today at 10.30 am but that sanitisation operations continue. Sitharaman said three terrorists had been killed. And that there had been reports of four terrorists but that "the fourth terrorist must have been a guide and may not have entered the camp." All the evidences collected have been compiled. Definitely they will be given to Pakistan. Even after giving dossiers after dossiers Pakistan has not taken any action: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman #SunjwanArmyCamp pic.twitter.com/hy6BXC8WKh — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × Giving the evidences to Pak will be a continuous process. It will have to be proved over and over again that they are responsible. Pakistan will have to pay for this misadventure: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/P4vYdVUGPv — ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2018 × "Intelligence inputs show that terrorists were controlled by their handlers from across border. Evidence being scrutinised by NIA," said Sitharaman. "Pakistan expanding the arch of terror to areas south of Pir Panjal and resorting to ceasefire violations to assist infiltration," she added.

Sunjuwan attack: Pakistan will 'pay for misadventure', says Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

<p>Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited forward posts along the Sino-India border in the Ladakh region of Jammu Kashmir on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The purpose of his visit was to interact with the jawans deployed at Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul along the Sino-India border in Eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today visited some eastern Ladakh posts - DBO and Chushul sectors. <a href="https://t.co/uz4YrHvEXM">pic.twitter.com/uz4YrHvEXM</a></p>
&mdash; Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/959816190737637377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The defence minister had earlier arrived at Thoise, a base-camp of the Indian Army along the India-China border, where she was briefed on the operational preparedness by the officers of the Army.</p>

<p>&quot;The Raksha Mantri arrived at Thoise today and was briefed on the operational preparedness of the forward areas,&quot; a defence spokesperson said.</p>

<p>This was the first ever visit of the defence minister to the DBO sector and to one of the highest posts in Eastern Ladakh.</p>

<p>&quot;She was flown in an Army Aviation ALH helicopter. Lt Gen D Anbu, Army Commander Northern Command and Corps Commander of the Ladakh Corps, accompanied her during the visit,&quot; the spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further complimented the troops for their high motivation, action and dedication despite the harsh climate and terrain.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Altitude, adverse weather conditions notwithstanding, our brave warriors keep their motivation high. <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Db1c0Ewb2w">pic.twitter.com/Db1c0Ewb2w</a></p>
&mdash; Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/959820902753021953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The purpose of his visit was to interact with the jawans deployed at Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul along the Sino-India border in Eastern Ladakh

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited forward posts along the Sino-India border in the Ladakh region of Jammu Kashmir on Saturday. The purpose of his visit was to interact with the jawans deployed at Daulat Beg Oldie and Chushul along the Sino-India border in Eastern Ladakh. Today visited some eastern Ladakh posts - DBO and Chushul sectors. pic.twitter.com/uz4YrHvEXM — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) February 3, 2018 × The defence minister had earlier arrived at Thoise, a base-camp of the Indian Army along the India-China border, where she was briefed on the operational preparedness by the officers of the Army. "The Raksha Mantri arrived at Thoise today and was briefed on the operational preparedness of the forward areas," a defence spokesperson said. This was the first ever visit of the defence minister to the DBO sector and to one of the highest posts in Eastern Ladakh. "She was flown in an Army Aviation ALH helicopter. Lt Gen D Anbu, Army Commander Northern Command and Corps Commander of the Ladakh Corps, accompanied her during the visit," the spokesperson said. She further complimented the troops for their high motivation, action and dedication despite the harsh climate and terrain. Altitude, adverse weather conditions notwithstanding, our brave warriors keep their motivation high. @DefenceMinIndia @adgpi pic.twitter.com/Db1c0Ewb2w — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) February 3, 2018 ×

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits eastern Ladakh posts

<p>Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today took off in the IAF&#39;s frontline combat jet Sukhoi 30 MKI from the Jodhpur air base.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The country&#39;s first woman defence minister sat in the rear seat behind the pilot and was wearing the pilot&#39;s G-suit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> takes off on the Su-30 MKI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RakshaMantrifliesSukhoi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RakshaMantrifliesSukhoi</a> <a href="https://t.co/xC51hjeCSa">pic.twitter.com/xC51hjeCSa</a></p>
&mdash; Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/953539108202262528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sortie is likely to last for 30 minutes, defence sources said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Jodhpur: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gives a thumbs-up as she takes off for a sortie in the Sukhoi-30 MKI. <a href="https://t.co/aWGr9LtYw3">pic.twitter.com/aWGr9LtYw3</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953547798569304065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;She is reviewing the operational preparedness and combat capabilities,&quot; the sources said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jodhpur: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the cockpit of the Sukhoi-30 MKI, before taking off for a sortie. <a href="https://t.co/M3k72B56Jv">pic.twitter.com/M3k72B56Jv</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/953541245497876480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Sukhoi 30 MKI is a twin-engine fighter aircraft with a two-seat cockpit. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Smt <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> in the cockpit of the Sukhoi-30 MKI, familiarising herself with the fighter aircraft, before taking off for a sortie <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RakshaMantrifliesSukhoi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RakshaMantrifliesSukhoi</a> <a href="https://t.co/uKtIbzOv7J">pic.twitter.com/uKtIbzOv7J</a></p>
&mdash; Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/953536439223857152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sukoi-30 MKI is a nuclear-capable aircraft which can penetrate deep into enemy territory.</p>


Dressed in the pilot's G-suit, the country's first woman Defence Minister sat in the rear seat behind the pilot

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today took off in the IAF's frontline combat jet Sukhoi 30 MKI from the Jodhpur air base. × The country's first woman defence minister sat in the rear seat behind the pilot and was wearing the pilot's G-suit. Smt @nsitharaman takes off on the Su-30 MKI #RakshaMantrifliesSukhoi pic.twitter.com/xC51hjeCSa — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 17, 2018 × The sortie is likely to last for 30 minutes, defence sources said. #WATCH Jodhpur: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gives a thumbs-up as she takes off for a sortie in the Sukhoi-30 MKI. pic.twitter.com/aWGr9LtYw3 — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2018 × "She is reviewing the operational preparedness and combat capabilities," the sources said. Jodhpur: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the cockpit of the Sukhoi-30 MKI, before taking off for a sortie. pic.twitter.com/M3k72B56Jv — ANI (@ANI) January 17, 2018 × The Sukhoi 30 MKI is a twin-engine fighter aircraft with a two-seat cockpit. Smt @nsitharaman in the cockpit of the Sukhoi-30 MKI, familiarising herself with the fighter aircraft, before taking off for a sortie #RakshaMantrifliesSukhoi pic.twitter.com/uKtIbzOv7J — Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) January 17, 2018 × Sukoi-30 MKI is a nuclear-capable aircraft which can penetrate deep into enemy territory.

Watch: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman flies Sukhoi 30MKI fighter jet

<p>NEW DELHI: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman celebrated&nbsp;Diwali with the Air Force personnel at the&nbsp;air base in Car Nicobar under Andaman &amp; Nicobar Command on Thursday.</p>

<p>During her visit, the minister reviewed the operational role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and interacted with the troops and their families.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister also paid homage to the Air Force personnel and their families who lost lives during 2004 Tsunami in Car Nicobar island. Car Nicobar airbase was washed away with air warriors and their families when the catastrophe struck. Only a few survived.</p>

<p>The minister also met an elderly Tsunami survivor at Chukchuka village in Car Nicobar on the occasion.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


During her meeting, the minister reviewed the operational role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and interacted with the troops and their families.

NEW DELHI: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman celebrated Diwali with the Air Force personnel at the air base in Car Nicobar under Andaman & Nicobar Command on Thursday. During her visit, the minister reviewed the operational role of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) and interacted with the troops and their families. The minister also paid homage to the Air Force personnel and their families who lost lives during 2004 Tsunami in Car Nicobar island. Car Nicobar airbase was washed away with air warriors and their families when the catastrophe struck. Only a few survived. The minister also met an elderly Tsunami survivor at Chukchuka village in Car Nicobar on the occasion.

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman celebrates Diwali at Andaman & Nicobar air base

<p>Defence Minister Arun Jaitley&nbsp;hinted that he will not retain the portfolio for long. He also added that it was not up to him to decide.</p>

<p>Asked about his tenure as the defence minister, Arun Jaitley, &quot;At least I hope not for very long. That&#39;s anyway not me to decide.&quot;</p>

<p>Arun Jaitley, who also holds the finance portfolio,&nbsp;was handed the charge defence ministry in March after the resignation of then defence minister Manohar Parrikar before he took charge as the chief minister of Goa.</p>

<p>He is likely to drop one of the ministries by next month, a media report quoted a source as saying.</p>

<p>A major cabinet reshuffle is also on the cards&nbsp;before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves on Sunday for a BRICS summit in China, media reports said.</p>

<p>A change of guard in the Railways Ministry seems imminent after a recent spate of accidents.</p>

<p>Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu met PM Modi and offered to quit but was &quot;asked to wait&quot;.</p>

<p>Jaitley yesterday spoke about how demonetisation had hit the funds of terrorists and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh.</p>

<p>The finance minister had said the ban of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes had resulted in a cash crunch and in a shortage of stone-pelters for separatists.</p>

<p>&quot;For the first time, the RBI has scrutinised each note, which has helped them differentiate between fake notes from the authentic ones. The cash squeeze is evident, since these terrorist elements are finding it difficult to mobilise support for them. Without enough cash notes, it is difficult to gather stone throwers as before,&quot; Arun Jaitley said.</p>

<p>The finance minister said his next step would be to put an end to black money used in elections, adding that the final stage of proposals was being deliberated.&nbsp;</p>


The finance minister, who also serves as defence minister, said it was not up to him to decide how long he would continue in the post

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley hinted that he will not retain the portfolio for long. He also added that it was not up to him to decide. Asked about his tenure as the defence minister, Arun Jaitley, "At least I hope not for very long. That's anyway not me to decide." Arun Jaitley, who also holds the finance portfolio, was handed the charge defence ministry in March after the resignation of then defence minister Manohar Parrikar before he took charge as the chief minister of Goa. He is likely to drop one of the ministries by next month, a media report quoted a source as saying. A major cabinet reshuffle is also on the cards before Prime Minister Narendra Modi leaves on Sunday for a BRICS summit in China, media reports said. A change of guard in the Railways Ministry seems imminent after a recent spate of accidents. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu met PM Modi and offered to quit but was "asked to wait". Jaitley yesterday spoke about how demonetisation had hit the funds of terrorists and separatists in Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh. The finance minister had said the ban of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes had resulted in a cash crunch and in a shortage of stone-pelters for separatists. "For the first time, the RBI has scrutinised each note, which has helped them differentiate between fake notes from the authentic ones. The cash squeeze is evident, since these terrorist elements are finding it difficult to mobilise support for them. Without enough cash notes, it is difficult to gather stone throwers as before," Arun Jaitley said. The finance minister said his next step would be to put an end to black money used in elections, adding that the final stage of proposals was being deliberated.

Hope not for very long: Arun Jaitley on defence minister portfolio

<p>The Pentagon today announced that outgoing US defence secretary Ashton Carter would be visiting India next week as part of his final trip around the world.</p>

<p>Carter would also travel to Japan, Bahrain, Israel and Great Britain on his trip. He will be in India on December 8 where he is likely to discuss maritime security and the sale of Predator drones by General Atomics.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is the first time that an outgoing American defence secretary has included India in his itinerary for the final overseas trip, a PTI report said.</p>

<p>&quot;He (Carter) will look to build on the strategic handshake between the two nations and to continue the momentum in the relationship over the past decade, including expanded defence cooperation during his time as Secretary,&quot; PTI reported from a Pentagon statement.</p>

<p>Carter&#39;s agenda comprises M777 and Predator Guardian for the Indian Navy.</p>

<p>India earlier this year joined the MTCR with support from the US and was also designated a &quot;a major defence partner&quot; when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US and met President Barack Obama at the Oval Office.</p>

<p>Vivek Lall, chief executive, US and International Strategic Development at General Atomics, are among the US leaders that have been advocating greater convergence between the US and India, PTI reported.</p>

<p>India had acquired Boeing P8I aircraft under his leadrship in 2009.</p>

<p>Modi spoke to President-elect Donald Trump on November 9 to congratulate as India hopes that Trump will pursue a strategy in South Asia making India truly a priority and an anchor in the region.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from PTI)</p>


This is for the first time that an outgoing American Defence Secretary has included India in his itinerary for the final overseas trip

The Pentagon today announced that outgoing US defence secretary Ashton Carter would be visiting India next week as part of his final trip around the world. Carter would also travel to Japan, Bahrain, Israel and Great Britain on his trip. He will be in India on December 8 where he is likely to discuss maritime security and the sale of Predator drones by General Atomics. This is the first time that an outgoing American defence secretary has included India in his itinerary for the final overseas trip, a PTI report said. "He (Carter) will look to build on the strategic handshake between the two nations and to continue the momentum in the relationship over the past decade, including expanded defence cooperation during his time as Secretary," PTI reported from a Pentagon statement. Carter's agenda comprises M777 and Predator Guardian for the Indian Navy. India earlier this year joined the MTCR with support from the US and was also designated a "a major defence partner" when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US and met President Barack Obama at the Oval Office. Vivek Lall, chief executive, US and International Strategic Development at General Atomics, are among the US leaders that have been advocating greater convergence between the US and India, PTI reported. India had acquired Boeing P8I aircraft under his leadrship in 2009. Modi spoke to President-elect Donald Trump on November 9 to congratulate as India hopes that Trump will pursue a strategy in South Asia making India truly a priority and an anchor in the region. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Carter to visit India next week

<p>India&#39;s defence minister Manohar Parrikar today called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed measures to strengthen military and security ties between the two countries.</p>

<p>Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in the last 45 years, met Hasina, who holds the defence portfolio in the cabinet, for about 30 minutes.</p>

<p>Parrikar, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit leading an 11-member high-powered delegation, yesterday met President Abdul Hamid who assured India that it has &quot;zero tolerance&quot; policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties.</p>

<p>The President urged the Indian minister to send more military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries.</p>

<p>The defence minister yesterday also met Hasina&#39;s security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed and discussed bilateral military and security cooperation.</p>

<p>Top defence ministry officials in New Delhi had said the focus of Parrikar&#39;s trip was to deepen security ties and firm up a defence cooperation agreement that is likely to be signed when Hasina visits India next month.</p>

<p>Vowing &quot;zero tolerance&quot; against terrorism, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today assured India that Bangladesh will not allow its soil to be used for terror acts against any country.</p>

<p>&quot;We won&#39;t tolerate any sorts of terrorism and militancy and won&#39;t allow our land to be used for carrying out terrorist acts against any country,&quot; Hasina told Parrikar, who called on her at her official Ganobhaban residence here.</p>

<p>According to Hasina&#39;s press secretary Ihsanul Karim, she recalled with gratitude the contribution of Indian armed forces to Bangladesh&#39;s Liberation War and told Parrikar that during her upcoming visit to India she would honour those Indian soldiers who died during the 1971 freedom war.</p>

<p>On his part, Parrikar said &quot;it was our moral responsibility to extend help to Bangladesh in the War of Liberation as a friendly country and we provided that assistance.&quot;</p>

<p>After the meeting, he handed over Hasina a replica of a helicopter that India used during Bangladesh&#39;s liberation war and photographs of paratroopers who took part in that war.</p>

<p>Parrikar, who was accompanied by a high-level defence delegation, offered Indian expertise to train Bangladesh Coast Guards for enhanced capacity to guard the country&#39;s southern coastlines along the Bay of Bengal.</p>

<p>Hasina thanked the Indian Coast Guards for rescuing Bangladeshi fishermen recently.</p>

<p>Parrikar appreciated Bangladesh&#39;s tremendous socio- economic development, particularly the women empowerment under Hasina&#39;s leadership, saying &quot;Bangladesh made impressive development in various sectors, especially women empowerment, which India could not do yet&quot;.</p>

<p>His meeting with Hasina came at the end of a two-day visit, the first by an Indian defence minister, during which he called on President Abdul Hamid and also met premier&#39;s security adviser Major Gen (retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiqui.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Parrikar visited Bangladesh Military Academy near the southeastern port city of Chittagong and paid tributes to &quot;Shikha Anirban&quot; or &quot;flame eternal&quot;, a military monument built in memory 1971 war martyrs at Dhaka Cantonment.</p>

<p>Prime Minister&#39;s International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mahfuzur Rahman, PM&#39;s Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Mohammad Joynul Abedin and Indian High Commissioner Harsha Vardhan Shringla were present at the meeting, among others.</p>

<p>The vice chiefs of India&#39;s three wings of armed forces, who comprised Parrikar&#39;s delegation along with the Indian Coast Guard chief, held talks with Bangladesh army, navy and air force chiefs at their offices in Dhaka cantonment.</p>

<p>&quot;During the meetings, they discussed issues related to the existing good relations and cooperation between the two armed forces,&quot; a defence ministry statement said.</p>

<p>Security analysts said Parrikar&#39;s visit was expected to firm up defence cooperation initiatives ahead of Bangladesh premier&#39;s expected India visit later this month which could yield a defence cooperation agreement.</p>

<p>(PTI)</p>


Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar was meeting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today

India's defence minister Manohar Parrikar today called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed measures to strengthen military and security ties between the two countries. Parrikar, the first Indian defence minister to visit Bangladesh in the last 45 years, met Hasina, who holds the defence portfolio in the cabinet, for about 30 minutes. Parrikar, who arrived here yesterday on a two-day visit leading an 11-member high-powered delegation, yesterday met President Abdul Hamid who assured India that it has "zero tolerance" policy against terrorism and sought expanded military ties. The President urged the Indian minister to send more military officials to Bangladesh for training to boost ties between the armed forces of the two countries. The defence minister yesterday also met Hasina's security adviser Major General (Retd) Tariq Ahmed and discussed bilateral military and security cooperation. Top defence ministry officials in New Delhi had said the focus of Parrikar's trip was to deepen security ties and firm up a defence cooperation agreement that is likely to be signed when Hasina visits India next month. Vowing "zero tolerance" against terrorism, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today assured India that Bangladesh will not allow its soil to be used for terror acts against any country. "We won't tolerate any sorts of terrorism and militancy and won't allow our land to be used for carrying out terrorist acts against any country," Hasina told Parrikar, who called on her at her official Ganobhaban residence here. According to Hasina's press secretary Ihsanul Karim, she recalled with gratitude the contribution of Indian armed forces to Bangladesh's Liberation War and told Parrikar that during her upcoming visit to India she would honour those Indian soldiers who died during the 1971 freedom war. On his part, Parrikar said "it was our moral responsibility to extend help to Bangladesh in the War of Liberation as a friendly country and we provided that assistance." After the meeting, he handed over Hasina a replica of a helicopter that India used during Bangladesh's liberation war and photographs of paratroopers who took part in that war. Parrikar, who was accompanied by a high-level defence delegation, offered Indian expertise to train Bangladesh Coast Guards for enhanced capacity to guard the country's southern coastlines along the Bay of Bengal. Hasina thanked the Indian Coast Guards for rescuing Bangladeshi fishermen recently. Parrikar appreciated Bangladesh's tremendous socio- economic development, particularly the women empowerment under Hasina's leadership, saying "Bangladesh made impressive development in various sectors, especially women empowerment, which India could not do yet". His meeting with Hasina came at the end of a two-day visit, the first by an Indian defence minister, during which he called on President Abdul Hamid and also met premier's security adviser Major Gen (retd.) Tariq Ahmed Siddiqui. Earlier in the day, Parrikar visited Bangladesh Military Academy near the southeastern port city of Chittagong and paid tributes to "Shikha Anirban" or "flame eternal", a military monument built in memory 1971 war martyrs at Dhaka Cantonment. Prime Minister's International Affairs Advisor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mahfuzur Rahman, PM's Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Mohammad Joynul Abedin and Indian High Commissioner Harsha Vardhan Shringla were present at the meeting, among others. The vice chiefs of India's three wings of armed forces, who comprised Parrikar's delegation along with the Indian Coast Guard chief, held talks with Bangladesh army, navy and air force chiefs at their offices in Dhaka cantonment. "During the meetings, they discussed issues related to the existing good relations and cooperation between the two armed forces," a defence ministry statement said. Security analysts said Parrikar's visit was expected to firm up defence cooperation initiatives ahead of Bangladesh premier's expected India visit later this month which could yield a defence cooperation agreement. (PTI)

Won't allow our land for terrorist acts against any country: Bangladesh PM

<p>Questioning the country&#39;s&nbsp;no first-use nuclear policy, the Indian Express reported, India&#39;s defence minister Manohar Parrikar stoked fresh controversy Thursday.</p>

<p>But Parrikar later clarified that&nbsp;&quot;this is my thinking&quot; and that the nuclear doctrine &quot;has not changed&quot; under any government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parrikar was speaking at the launch of Brigadier (retd) Gurmeet Kanwal&#39;s book, The New Arthashastra, in New Delhi, when he said:&nbsp;&ldquo;Why a lot of people say that India has No First-Use policy. Why should I bind myself to a&hellip; I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my thinking. Some of them may immediately tomorrow flash that Parrikar says that nuclear doctrine has changed. It has not changed in any government policy but my concept, I am also an individual. And as an individual, I get a feeling sometime why do I say that I am not going to use it first. I am not saying that you have to use it first just because you don&rsquo;t decide that you don&rsquo;t use it first. The hoax can be called off.&rdquo;</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the defence ministry, however, later clarified that the minister was voicing a personal opinion and not that of the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India&#39;s ruling Bharatiya Janta Party had promised, in its manifesto for the 2014 elections, to &quot;study in detail India&rsquo;s nuclear doctrine, and revise and update it, to make it relevant to challenges of current times&quot;.</p>

<p>The Indian Express reported: &quot;India&rsquo;s NFU policy is part of its nuclear doctrine. Under the doctrine, India has a policy of credible minimum deterrence based on a &lsquo;No First Use&rsquo; posture and non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states. This means that India won&rsquo;t be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict. In contrast, Pakistan does not have an NFU policy for its nuclear arsenal.&quot;</p>

<p>It added: &quot;India has always held its commitment to NFU policy as proof of it being a responsible nuclear power. In April, when US President Barack Obama suggested that India and Pakistan reduce their nuclear arsenal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said: &#39;There seems to be a lack of understanding of India&rsquo;s defence posture. Conventionally, India has never initiated military action against any neighbour. We also have a no-first use nuclear weapons policy.&#39;&quot;</p>

<p>Those critical of India&#39;s no first-use policy argue that the increasing stockpile of Pakistani nuclear weapons and China&#39;s expansionist designs in the region warrant a change in the doctrine, the Indian Express said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that George Fernandes, a former defence minister of the country, had in 2003 ruled out the possibility of any change in India&#39;s nuclear doctrine. And that in 2011, BJP leader Jaswant Singh had asked that the NFU policy be repealed, but the UPA government which preceded the current dispensation decided against doing so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian Express reported that In response to Parrikar&#39;s remarks, the Congress party&#39;s communication in-charge Randeep Surjewala said: &quot;&ldquo;Defence minister Parrikar has no business or authority to speak in personal capacity at a public function. He reflects the thrust and intent of India&rsquo;s national security policy. If India&rsquo;s policy on NFU has to be changed, it must be decided after deliberation with the government and stated publicly. Casual, immature and off-the-cuff remarks by India&rsquo;s Defence Minister, for which he has become famous, are not in India&rsquo;s interest.&rdquo;</p>

<p>And that CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said: &ldquo;This is a most irresponsible comment coming from the Defence Minister. It runs against India&rsquo;s ethos of seeking a nuclear-free world. When a minister speaks, it has to be the considered opinion of the government. This statement would be taken indignantly by the rest of the world and hurt India&rsquo;s interests globally</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


But he later clarified that?'this is my thinking' and that the nuclear doctrine 'has not changed' under any government

Questioning the country's no first-use nuclear policy, the Indian Express reported, India's defence minister Manohar Parrikar stoked fresh controversy Thursday. But Parrikar later clarified that "this is my thinking" and that the nuclear doctrine "has not changed" under any government. Parrikar was speaking at the launch of Brigadier (retd) Gurmeet Kanwal's book, The New Arthashastra, in New Delhi, when he said: “Why a lot of people say that India has No First-Use policy. Why should I bind myself to a… I should say I am a responsible nuclear power and I will not use it irresponsibly. This is my thinking. Some of them may immediately tomorrow flash that Parrikar says that nuclear doctrine has changed. It has not changed in any government policy but my concept, I am also an individual. And as an individual, I get a feeling sometime why do I say that I am not going to use it first. I am not saying that you have to use it first just because you don’t decide that you don’t use it first. The hoax can be called off.” A spokesperson for the defence ministry, however, later clarified that the minister was voicing a personal opinion and not that of the government. India's ruling Bharatiya Janta Party had promised, in its manifesto for the 2014 elections, to "study in detail India’s nuclear doctrine, and revise and update it, to make it relevant to challenges of current times". The Indian Express reported: "India’s NFU policy is part of its nuclear doctrine. Under the doctrine, India has a policy of credible minimum deterrence based on a ‘No First Use’ posture and non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states. This means that India won’t be the first to use nuclear weapons in a conflict. In contrast, Pakistan does not have an NFU policy for its nuclear arsenal." It added: "India has always held its commitment to NFU policy as proof of it being a responsible nuclear power. In April, when US President Barack Obama suggested that India and Pakistan reduce their nuclear arsenal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said: 'There seems to be a lack of understanding of India’s defence posture. Conventionally, India has never initiated military action against any neighbour. We also have a no-first use nuclear weapons policy.'" Those critical of India's no first-use policy argue that the increasing stockpile of Pakistani nuclear weapons and China's expansionist designs in the region warrant a change in the doctrine, the Indian Express said. It added that George Fernandes, a former defence minister of the country, had in 2003 ruled out the possibility of any change in India's nuclear doctrine. And that in 2011, BJP leader Jaswant Singh had asked that the NFU policy be repealed, but the UPA government which preceded the current dispensation decided against doing so. The Indian Express reported that In response to Parrikar's remarks, the Congress party's communication in-charge Randeep Surjewala said: "“Defence minister Parrikar has no business or authority to speak in personal capacity at a public function. He reflects the thrust and intent of India’s national security policy. If India’s policy on NFU has to be changed, it must be decided after deliberation with the government and stated publicly. Casual, immature and off-the-cuff remarks by India’s Defence Minister, for which he has become famous, are not in India’s interest.” And that CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said: “This is a most irresponsible comment coming from the Defence Minister. It runs against India’s ethos of seeking a nuclear-free world. When a minister speaks, it has to be the considered opinion of the government. This statement would be taken indignantly by the rest of the world and hurt India’s interests globally (WION)

India's defence minister questions country's nuclear no first-use policy, stokes controversy

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday appointed a low-profile former diplomat to be his new Kremlin chief of staff, one of the most powerful jobs in Russia, saying his long-time ally, Sergei Ivanov, had asked to step down.<br />
<br />
&quot;Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed to relieve Ivanov of his duties as head of the Russian presidential administration,&quot; the statement said, adding that Ivanov would now serve as a special representative for conservation, environmental and transportation issues.<br />
<br />
The move represents the highest-level demotion inside the Kremlin in several years.&nbsp;The switch, made at a time when Russia is grinding its way through a prolonged economic crisis, comes just over a month before nationwide parliamentary elections and follows a reshuffle of regional leaders last month.<br />
<br />
Ivanov, who served together with Putin in the Soviet-era KGB spy agency, was appointed Kremlin chief of staff in late 2011, months ahead of Putin&#39;s 2012 re-election.<br />
<br />
Putin named Anton Vaino, 44, to the important post, which involves drafting laws for the president to submit to parliament, monitoring their enforcement, and conducting an&nbsp;analysis of domestic and foreign affairs for the president.<br />
<br />
Vaino used to work in the Russian Embassy in Japan, and had worked as deputy head of the Kremlin administration since 2012.&nbsp;He is not a household name in Russia unlike Ivanov, who was once spoken of as a possible presidential contender.<br />
<br />
&quot;I remember well our agreement about the fact you had asked not to be in this area of work as the head of the presidential administration for more than four years,&quot; Putin said in a meeting with Ivanov and Vaino broadcast on state television.<br />
<br />
&quot;This is why I am sympathetic to your desire to move on to another field of work.&quot;<br />
<br />
Many observers had considered Ivanov a leading candidate to take over from Putin as president when his second term ended in 2008, but the Kremlin strongman handed over the top job to current Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev before reclaiming it in 2012.<br />
<br />
(AFP and Reuters)

The defence minister will be replaced by Anton Vaino, a 44-year-old ex-diplomat who had headed the Kremlin administration since 2012

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday appointed a low-profile former diplomat to be his new Kremlin chief of staff, one of the most powerful jobs in Russia, saying his long-time ally, Sergei Ivanov, had asked to step down. "Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed to relieve Ivanov of his duties as head of the Russian presidential administration," the statement said, adding that Ivanov would now serve as a special representative for conservation, environmental and transportation issues. The move represents the highest-level demotion inside the Kremlin in several years. The switch, made at a time when Russia is grinding its way through a prolonged economic crisis, comes just over a month before nationwide parliamentary elections and follows a reshuffle of regional leaders last month. Ivanov, who served together with Putin in the Soviet-era KGB spy agency, was appointed Kremlin chief of staff in late 2011, months ahead of Putin's 2012 re-election. Putin named Anton Vaino, 44, to the important post, which involves drafting laws for the president to submit to parliament, monitoring their enforcement, and conducting an analysis of domestic and foreign affairs for the president. Vaino used to work in the Russian Embassy in Japan, and had worked as deputy head of the Kremlin administration since 2012. He is not a household name in Russia unlike Ivanov, who was once spoken of as a possible presidential contender. "I remember well our agreement about the fact you had asked not to be in this area of work as the head of the presidential administration for more than four years," Putin said in a meeting with Ivanov and Vaino broadcast on state television. "This is why I am sympathetic to your desire to move on to another field of work." Many observers had considered Ivanov a leading candidate to take over from Putin as president when his second term ended in 2008, but the Kremlin strongman handed over the top job to current Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev before reclaiming it in 2012. (AFP and Reuters)

Putin gets new right-hand man as veteran chief of staff steps down

The Indian government said in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, that the possibility of sabotage in the mysterious disappearance of AN-32 aircraft of IAF was &quot;comparatively very less&quot; and informed that the help of the United States has also been sought in locating the plane.<br />
<br />
The defence minister said that at the time of disappearance, the aircraft was on &quot;secondary/passive radar&quot; and that &quot;there was no SOS or transmission of any frequency. It just disappeared so that is the worrying part.&quot;<br />
<br />
The government has sought help from the US for detection of images and is seeking help from American defence forces to ascertain whether their satellites had picked up any signal before the disappearance of the plane.<br />
<br />
&quot;It is total blank. There was not even a single signal recorded. That is the reason we are contacting American defence forces to ascertain whether their satellites picked up any signal,&quot; Parrikar said.<br />
<br />
&quot;Besides our own satelleite imagery, we have asked the US for their imagery for the detection of emergency frequency to space based assets. Foreign countries we have already asked. I only hope that our efforts succeed,&quot; he added while replying to queries whether foreign help has been sought.<br />
<br />
All types of techniques are being used to locate the aircraft, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said while replying to clarifications sought by members on his suo motu statement on the disappearance of the aircraft on July 22.<br />
<br />
As members expressed concern and raised questions over how the plane went missing, he said, &quot;I can&#39;t speculate because we are searching for it and I will not like to speculate.<br />
<br />
But I can say only this much. The possibility, although we are checking all angles, of any sabotage is comparatively very less because they have standard operating procedures.<br />
<br />
&quot;While sharing the concern of the members, he gave details of the operation being carried out for the last one week in trying to locate the plane, carrying 29 people, which went missing during a flight from Tambaram in Tamil Nadu to Port Blair.<br />
<br />
&quot;I appreciate anxiety of members. I am also disturbed at the sudden disappearance of the plane. I have spoken to several experts and former air chiefs who were also puzzled by the sudden disappearance,&quot; Parrikar said.<br />
<br />
Queried about the age of the aircraft, the defence minister said it was &quot;almost as good as new aircraft&quot;. Elaborating he said, &quot;I don&#39;t know exact age but it is well within lifetime. It has undergone first overhauling. Lot of replacement has been done.... They are considered as one of the safest aircraft.&quot;<br />
<br />
He said the accident rate of Indian Air Force is 0.23 out of 10,000 hours of flying against the global rate of 0.023 and assured the House that maximum efforts would be made to ensure that the mishaps come down.<br />
<br />
&quot;If aircraft is not fit for flying we don&#39;t fly it. We have decided to check up whether we can improve the signalling system,&quot; he added.<br />
<br />
(PTI)

Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar said possibility of any sabotage is comparatively very less

The Indian government said in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, that the possibility of sabotage in the mysterious disappearance of AN-32 aircraft of IAF was "comparatively very less" and informed that the help of the United States has also been sought in locating the plane. The defence minister said that at the time of disappearance, the aircraft was on "secondary/passive radar" and that "there was no SOS or transmission of any frequency. It just disappeared so that is the worrying part." The government has sought help from the US for detection of images and is seeking help from American defence forces to ascertain whether their satellites had picked up any signal before the disappearance of the plane. "It is total blank. There was not even a single signal recorded. That is the reason we are contacting American defence forces to ascertain whether their satellites picked up any signal," Parrikar said. "Besides our own satelleite imagery, we have asked the US for their imagery for the detection of emergency frequency to space based assets. Foreign countries we have already asked. I only hope that our efforts succeed," he added while replying to queries whether foreign help has been sought. All types of techniques are being used to locate the aircraft, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said while replying to clarifications sought by members on his suo motu statement on the disappearance of the aircraft on July 22. As members expressed concern and raised questions over how the plane went missing, he said, "I can't speculate because we are searching for it and I will not like to speculate. But I can say only this much. The possibility, although we are checking all angles, of any sabotage is comparatively very less because they have standard operating procedures. "While sharing the concern of the members, he gave details of the operation being carried out for the last one week in trying to locate the plane, carrying 29 people, which went missing during a flight from Tambaram in Tamil Nadu to Port Blair. "I appreciate anxiety of members. I am also disturbed at the sudden disappearance of the plane. I have spoken to several experts and former air chiefs who were also puzzled by the sudden disappearance," Parrikar said. Queried about the age of the aircraft, the defence minister said it was "almost as good as new aircraft". Elaborating he said, "I don't know exact age but it is well within lifetime. It has undergone first overhauling. Lot of replacement has been done.... They are considered as one of the safest aircraft." He said the accident rate of Indian Air Force is 0.23 out of 10,000 hours of flying against the global rate of 0.023 and assured the House that maximum efforts would be made to ensure that the mishaps come down. "If aircraft is not fit for flying we don't fly it. We have decided to check up whether we can improve the signalling system," he added. (PTI)

India seeks US help to locate missing IAF plane

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