Pakistan Supreme Court issues notice to the defence ministry.

SC puts a hold on Bajwa tenure extension

Eighteen Islamic State terrorists along with 24 women and 31 children surrendered to Afghan forces in Achin district, the defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

The IS members who surrendered on Friday are from neighbouring countries including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iran, Kurdistan and Iranian Baluchistan.

The ministry said that the increase in the number of surrenders is due to ramped-up military operations by the forces.

In the last two weeks, over 615 IS&nbsp;terrorists and their family members have surrendered.

"There were Daesh members from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iran, Kurdistan, and Iranian Baluchistan, and they were staying in our guest house, but not for a long time. After having a meal or resting for a night they would move on to other areas," said Abdul Wahid, 35, a former Daesh member from Afghanistan's Farah Province, who surrendered on Wednesday.

Eighteen Islamic State terrorists along with 24 women and 31 children surrendered to Afghan forces in Achin district, the defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday.

Eighteen Islamic State terrorists along with 24 women and 31 children surrendered to Afghan forces in Achin district, the defence ministry said in a statement on Saturday. The IS members who surrendered on Friday are from neighbouring countries including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iran, Kurdistan and Iranian Baluchistan. The ministry said that the increase in the number of surrenders is due to ramped-up military operations by the forces. In the last two weeks, over 615 IS terrorists and their family members have surrendered. "There were Daesh members from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Iran, Kurdistan, and Iranian Baluchistan, and they were staying in our guest house, but not for a long time. After having a meal or resting for a night they would move on to other areas," said Abdul Wahid, 35, a former Daesh member from Afghanistan's Farah Province, who surrendered on Wednesday.

18 Islamic State terrorists surrender to Afghan forces in Achin district: Defence Ministry

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with the talent India possesses, in 10-15 years we will become 10 trillion dollar economy.

"Prime Minister Modi has set 5 trillion dollar economy target by 2024 but I feel that with the talent we have, in 10-15 years we will make it a 10 trillion dollar economy," Singh said at the `Def-Connect` event here.

Last month, Singh had called for increased and active participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing to achieve the government`s target of making the Indian defence industry worth $26 billion by 2025.

"Defence sector will play a pivotal role in the government`s aim of inclusive growth and making India a $5 trillion economy. Our aim is to make a world-class domestic defence industry that is self-reliant and less dependent on imports," he said while addressing the captains of industry at the 22nd India International Security Expo, 2019 (Defence &amp; Homeland Security).

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with the talent India possesses, in 10-15 years we will become 10 trillion dollar economy.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set the target of five trillion dollar economy by 2024, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that with the talent India possesses, in 10-15 years we will become 10 trillion dollar economy. "Prime Minister Modi has set 5 trillion dollar economy target by 2024 but I feel that with the talent we have, in 10-15 years we will make it a 10 trillion dollar economy," Singh said at the `Def-Connect` event here. Last month, Singh had called for increased and active participation of the private sector in defence manufacturing to achieve the government`s target of making the Indian defence industry worth $26 billion by 2025. "Defence sector will play a pivotal role in the government`s aim of inclusive growth and making India a $5 trillion economy. Our aim is to make a world-class domestic defence industry that is self-reliant and less dependent on imports," he said while addressing the captains of industry at the 22nd India International Security Expo, 2019 (Defence & Homeland Security).

India will become USD 10 trillion economy in 10-15 years: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Indian Armed forces have the capability to give a befitting reply to those who try to cast their evil eye on the country.

Singh also asserted that India has never been offensive and attacked any country in the world.

"India has never been offensive. India has never attacked any country in the world. India has never even acquired even an inch of land by force. But our armed forces have the capability to give a befitting reply to those who try to cast their evil eye on India," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Navy Commanders' Conference.

The Defence Minister lauded the Indian Navy for their commitment to indigenisation.

"I am very happy that the Indian Navy is progressing fast on indigenisation. Also, a high percentage of indigenous items have been installed. I congratulate the Navy for their success," Rajnath said.

Stressing on the need for India to become a leading exporter in defence equipment, Singh said, "I have seen that the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) are making efforts to reduce dependency in defence imports and making India a leading exporter in defence items. These efforts will continue." (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Indian Armed forces have the capability to give a befitting reply to those who try to cast their evil eye on the country.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Indian Armed forces have the capability to give a befitting reply to those who try to cast their evil eye on the country. Singh also asserted that India has never been offensive and attacked any country in the world. "India has never been offensive. India has never attacked any country in the world. India has never even acquired even an inch of land by force. But our armed forces have the capability to give a befitting reply to those who try to cast their evil eye on India," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Navy Commanders' Conference. The Defence Minister lauded the Indian Navy for their commitment to indigenisation. "I am very happy that the Indian Navy is progressing fast on indigenisation. Also, a high percentage of indigenous items have been installed. I congratulate the Navy for their success," Rajnath said. Stressing on the need for India to become a leading exporter in defence equipment, Singh said, "I have seen that the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) are making efforts to reduce dependency in defence imports and making India a leading exporter in defence items. These efforts will continue." (ANI)

Armed forces capable to retaliate to those trying to cast evil eye on India: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated `Col Chewang Rinchen Setu`, a strategically important bridge, over Shyok river in Ladakh region.

The 430-meter-long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and connects Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh.

"This bridge has been completed in record time. It will not only provide all-weather connectivity in the region but also be a strategic asset in the border areas," Singh said in a tweet after inaugurating the bridge.

The Defence Minister said Ladakh has tremendous potential in tourism, adding that "better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers".

"The Siachen area is now open for tourists and Tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes," he tweeted. He described the bridge as a symbol of the Centre`s resolve of bringing "positive change and all-round development" of the nation.

"Through initiatives like these, the people of this region will have the opportunity to become part of India`s growth story", he said, according to a Defence Minister release. Terming connectivity as one of the most important aspects of development, the Defence Minister said that new avenues can be opened through people-to-people contact.

Sandwiched between strategic Karakoram and Chang Chenmo ranges, the bridge is 430-metre long at an altitude of about 15,000 feet and has been constructed using micro piling technology.

The construction has been completed in record 15 months.

Col Chewang Rinchen, born on November 11, 1931, at Sumur, Nubra Valley in Ladakh region, is known as the "Lion of Ladakh" for his extraordinary acts of courage in defending Leh and Partapur sector.

"He is one of only six armed forces personnel to have been twice awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest Indian Gallantry Award," the release said.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General Ranbir Singh, DG BRO Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal were among those present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated `Col Chewang Rinchen Setu`, a strategically important bridge, over Shyok river in Ladakh region. The 430-meter-long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and connects Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday inaugurated `Col Chewang Rinchen Setu`, a strategically important bridge, over Shyok river in Ladakh region. The 430-meter-long bridge has been built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and connects Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh. "This bridge has been completed in record time. It will not only provide all-weather connectivity in the region but also be a strategic asset in the border areas," Singh said in a tweet after inaugurating the bridge. The Defence Minister said Ladakh has tremendous potential in tourism, adding that "better connectivity in Ladakh would certainly bring tourists in large numbers". "The Siachen area is now open for tourists and Tourism. From Siachen Base Camp to Kumar Post, the entire area has been opened for tourism purposes," he tweeted. He described the bridge as a symbol of the Centre`s resolve of bringing "positive change and all-round development" of the nation. "Through initiatives like these, the people of this region will have the opportunity to become part of India`s growth story", he said, according to a Defence Minister release. Terming connectivity as one of the most important aspects of development, the Defence Minister said that new avenues can be opened through people-to-people contact. Sandwiched between strategic Karakoram and Chang Chenmo ranges, the bridge is 430-metre long at an altitude of about 15,000 feet and has been constructed using micro piling technology. The construction has been completed in record 15 months. Col Chewang Rinchen, born on November 11, 1931, at Sumur, Nubra Valley in Ladakh region, is known as the "Lion of Ladakh" for his extraordinary acts of courage in defending Leh and Partapur sector. "He is one of only six armed forces personnel to have been twice awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest Indian Gallantry Award," the release said. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General Ranbir Singh, DG BRO Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal were among those present on the occasion.

Siachen area opens for tourists as Rajnath Singh inaugurates strategic bridge in eastern Ladakh

Amid complaints of favouritism in its medical branch, the powers of transfer and deployment of doctors in the Army have been given to the Army Headquarters.

"After the complaints were received from different quarters about favouritism in transfers and postings of doctors in the Army, it has now been decided that these matters would now be handled by the Adjutant General`s branch," Army sources told.

The sources said there were multiple complaints about posting of doctors where individuals have spent their entire careers in only metropolitan cities.

"There has been a complaint about a doctor couple who spent over 20 years of their career between Delhi and Pune together. It is because of such complaints that such a decision has been taken," the sources said.

The sources said it was also observed that in the Navy and the Air Force, transfers and postings of doctors are done by the respective services.

Doctors in the armed forces are part of the Army Medical Corps which is under the Defence Ministry.

Sources said the powers of posting and transfer were given temporarily to the Army Headquarters some time ago and recently the arrangement was formalised.

In the recent past, there was another case involving a senior officer of the Army Medical Corps against whom an enquiry was ordered for misuse of government funds.

Amid complaints of favouritism in its medical branch, the powers of transfer and deployment of doctors in the Army have been given to the Army Headquarters. "After the complaints were received from different quarters about favouritism in transfers and postings of doctors in the Army, it has now been decided that these matters would now be handled by the Adjutant General`s branch," Army sources told.

Amid complaints of favouritism in its medical branch, the powers of transfer and deployment of doctors in the Army have been given to the Army Headquarters. "After the complaints were received from different quarters about favouritism in transfers and postings of doctors in the Army, it has now been decided that these matters would now be handled by the Adjutant General`s branch," Army sources told. The sources said there were multiple complaints about posting of doctors where individuals have spent their entire careers in only metropolitan cities. "There has been a complaint about a doctor couple who spent over 20 years of their career between Delhi and Pune together. It is because of such complaints that such a decision has been taken," the sources said. The sources said it was also observed that in the Navy and the Air Force, transfers and postings of doctors are done by the respective services. Doctors in the armed forces are part of the Army Medical Corps which is under the Defence Ministry. Sources said the powers of posting and transfer were given temporarily to the Army Headquarters some time ago and recently the arrangement was formalised. In the recent past, there was another case involving a senior officer of the Army Medical Corps against whom an enquiry was ordered for misuse of government funds.

To do away with 'favouritism' charges, Army Headquarters takes charge of doctors' postings

Afghanistan's badly stretched police are taking heavy casualties as attempts build to set up peace talks with Taliban militants, prompting a move to pull back from vulnerable outposts across the country.

US advisers have for years pushed commanders to abandon isolated checkpoints that serve little purpose beyond showing a presence but which act as a magnet for attacks by mobile Taliban fighters, increasingly armed with night-vision equipment.

Following a change at the top of the interior ministry last year, officials say 6,452 police outposts and checkpoints all over Afghanistan are being assessed as part of efforts to reduce losses and cut the rate of desertion by police who feel abandoned by their commanders.

Abdul Moqim Abdulrahimzai, director-general of operations and plans at the interior ministry, said more than 210 police outposts and checkpoints had been closed in 17 provinces and another 200 had been identified for closure.

"These remote outposts did not contribute to security and were sitting ducks, a soft target for the Taliban to pick on them," Abdulrahimzai said.

"...Those areas will not be abandoned but will remain under our close surveillance and we will respond to security threats when needed," he said.

Fawad Aman, deputy spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said the government was also planning to merge several small, remote army outposts into larger bases.

The government no longer issues detailed casualty figures but officials say around half of the tens of thousands of losses suffered over the years were at isolated checkpoints.

Over the last three years, the 200 outposts identified for closure suffered 5,000 attacks that killed 2,260 police and wounded 3,601, according to an interior ministry document seen by Reuters.

At just one outpost in a remote area of the southern province of Helmand, more than 300 police were killed during dozens of insurgent attacks in the same period.

President Ashraf Ghani said last year 28,000 police and soldiers had been killed since 2015, with US commanders warning that such losses are unsustainable. US officers estimate that forces operating mainly from checkpoints suffer around double the level of casualties as forces on manoeuvre.

The issue has gained renewed importance as the Taliban negotiate with the United States over a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops as a first step towards opening full peace talks with the Afghan government.

At the same time, apparently aiming to strengthen their negotiating position, the Taliban have stepped up attacks on security forces, which have been heavily dependent on US air support and intelligence.

A mixture of institutional inertia, lack of training and a fear of being seen to abandon ground to the Taliban has helped keep hundreds of ineffective checkpoints open, observers say.

Some police commanders also use highway checkpoints to levy illegal tolls from motorists and Abdulrahimzai said a number of checkpoints along the highway connecting the capital Kabul to the strategic southern province of Kandahar had been removed because the police extorted money from truck drivers.

As the pullback continues, however, officials must persuade the public that it means more than just abandoning ground to the Taliban.

"Since the checkpoints have been removed, the Taliban usually come on the road and stop cars for inspection," said Mohammad Aref, a taxi driver who travels the Kabul-Kandahar highway every day.

"At least the checkpoints gave us a sense of security. Now there is none."

Afghanistan's badly stretched police are taking heavy casualties as attempts build to set up peace talks with Taliban militants, prompting a move to pull back from vulnerable outposts across the country.

Afghanistan's badly stretched police are taking heavy casualties as attempts build to set up peace talks with Taliban militants, prompting a move to pull back from vulnerable outposts across the country. US advisers have for years pushed commanders to abandon isolated checkpoints that serve little purpose beyond showing a presence but which act as a magnet for attacks by mobile Taliban fighters, increasingly armed with night-vision equipment. Following a change at the top of the interior ministry last year, officials say 6,452 police outposts and checkpoints all over Afghanistan are being assessed as part of efforts to reduce losses and cut the rate of desertion by police who feel abandoned by their commanders. Abdul Moqim Abdulrahimzai, director-general of operations and plans at the interior ministry, said more than 210 police outposts and checkpoints had been closed in 17 provinces and another 200 had been identified for closure. "These remote outposts did not contribute to security and were sitting ducks, a soft target for the Taliban to pick on them," Abdulrahimzai said. "...Those areas will not be abandoned but will remain under our close surveillance and we will respond to security threats when needed," he said. Fawad Aman, deputy spokesman for the Defence Ministry, said the government was also planning to merge several small, remote army outposts into larger bases. The government no longer issues detailed casualty figures but officials say around half of the tens of thousands of losses suffered over the years were at isolated checkpoints. Over the last three years, the 200 outposts identified for closure suffered 5,000 attacks that killed 2,260 police and wounded 3,601, according to an interior ministry document seen by Reuters. At just one outpost in a remote area of the southern province of Helmand, more than 300 police were killed during dozens of insurgent attacks in the same period. President Ashraf Ghani said last year 28,000 police and soldiers had been killed since 2015, with US commanders warning that such losses are unsustainable. US officers estimate that forces operating mainly from checkpoints suffer around double the level of casualties as forces on manoeuvre. The issue has gained renewed importance as the Taliban negotiate with the United States over a timetable for the withdrawal of US troops as a first step towards opening full peace talks with the Afghan government. At the same time, apparently aiming to strengthen their negotiating position, the Taliban have stepped up attacks on security forces, which have been heavily dependent on US air support and intelligence. A mixture of institutional inertia, lack of training and a fear of being seen to abandon ground to the Taliban has helped keep hundreds of ineffective checkpoints open, observers say. Some police commanders also use highway checkpoints to levy illegal tolls from motorists and Abdulrahimzai said a number of checkpoints along the highway connecting the capital Kabul to the strategic southern province of Kandahar had been removed because the police extorted money from truck drivers. As the pullback continues, however, officials must persuade the public that it means more than just abandoning ground to the Taliban. "Since the checkpoints have been removed, the Taliban usually come on the road and stop cars for inspection," said Mohammad Aref, a taxi driver who travels the Kabul-Kandahar highway every day. "At least the checkpoints gave us a sense of security. Now there is none."

Afghan police pull back from isolated outposts as losses mount

The Ministry of Defence in its annual report on Thursday slammed Pakistan for avoiding to take "action against Jihadi and internationally proscribed terror outfits that target Pakistan’s neighbours," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

It added that India will continue to take "robust and decisive steps to ensure national security" until Pakistan takes "credible and irreversible steps" to stop supporting terror groups and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure used to launch attacks against India.&nbsp;

The report further added that the Pulwama attack, that killed over 40 CRPF personnel in February this year, shows that India remains a "persistent" target of Pakistan's cross-border terrorism policy.&nbsp;

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Defence Ministry: Pulwama attack by JeM confirmed that India remains a persistent target of Pakistan’s state sponsored cross border terrorism policy. India’s response included a successful preemptive non-military anti-terror aerial strike on largest JeM training camp in Balakot. <a href="https://t.co/5A61REUyMt">https://t.co/5A61REUyMt</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151814792786653184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Pulwama attack by JeM confirmed that India remains a persistent target of Pakistan’s state-sponsored cross border terrorism policy. India’s response included a successful preemptive non-military anti-terror aerial strike on largest JeM training camp in Balakot," the report stated.

"Terrorist groups are being continuously encouraged (by Pakistan military) to infiltrate into India under cover of massive cross border firing in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering an appropriate response from Indian armed forces," the report stated.&nbsp;

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Defence Ministry Annual Report: Until Pakistan takes credible &amp; irreversible steps to stop supporting terror groups and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure used to launch attacks against India, India will continue to take robust and decisive steps to ensure national security. <a href="https://t.co/wmRNGYDdFh">pic.twitter.com/wmRNGYDdFh</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1151815603893805056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On China, the report said that as compared to last year, the number of face-offs and aggressive interactions during transgressions by the Chinese Army into Indian territory have reduced this year.

"After the disengagement from Doklam plateau by both sides on August 28, 2017, strength of Indian and Chinese Army has been reduced there. Indian Army is monitoring Chinese activities in the area and is adequately prepared to respond to any contingency there," the report added.&nbsp;

This comes a day after Mumbai attack mastermind and JuD chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">Hafiz Saeed was arrested by&nbsp;Pakistan</a>'s Punjab government on Wednesday over terror financing charges. He has been sent on 7-day judicial remand.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India has dismissed the arrest and has called it a drama which New Delhi has seen in the past.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We have seen the arrest reports. This has been going on for a long time. The arrest-release drama has happened more than 8 times since 2001."

"The question is, will Saeed be tried this time. We reiterate Saeed is a designated terrorist, listed by the UN," Kumar added.

The Ministry of Defence in its annual report on Thursday slammed Pakistan for avoiding to take "action against Jihadi and internationally proscribed terror outfits that target Pakistan’s neighbours," news agency ANI reported.

The Ministry of Defence in its annual report on Thursday slammed Pakistan for avoiding to take "action against Jihadi and internationally proscribed terror outfits that target Pakistan’s neighbours," news agency ANI reported. It added that India will continue to take "robust and decisive steps to ensure national security" until Pakistan takes "credible and irreversible steps" to stop supporting terror groups and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure used to launch attacks against India. The report further added that the Pulwama attack, that killed over 40 CRPF personnel in February this year, shows that India remains a "persistent" target of Pakistan's cross-border terrorism policy. Defence Ministry: Pulwama attack by JeM confirmed that India remains a persistent target of Pakistan’s state sponsored cross border terrorism policy. India’s response included a successful preemptive non-military anti-terror aerial strike on largest JeM training camp in Balakot. https://t.co/5A61REUyMt — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2019 × "Pulwama attack by JeM confirmed that India remains a persistent target of Pakistan’s state-sponsored cross border terrorism policy. India’s response included a successful preemptive non-military anti-terror aerial strike on largest JeM training camp in Balakot," the report stated. "Terrorist groups are being continuously encouraged (by Pakistan military) to infiltrate into India under cover of massive cross border firing in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering an appropriate response from Indian armed forces," the report stated. Defence Ministry Annual Report: Until Pakistan takes credible & irreversible steps to stop supporting terror groups and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure used to launch attacks against India, India will continue to take robust and decisive steps to ensure national security. pic.twitter.com/wmRNGYDdFh — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2019 × On China, the report said that as compared to last year, the number of face-offs and aggressive interactions during transgressions by the Chinese Army into Indian territory have reduced this year. "After the disengagement from Doklam plateau by both sides on August 28, 2017, strength of Indian and Chinese Army has been reduced there. Indian Army is monitoring Chinese activities in the area and is adequately prepared to respond to any contingency there," the report added. This comes a day after Mumbai attack mastermind and JuD chief Hafiz Saeed was arrested by Pakistan's Punjab government on Wednesday over terror financing charges. He has been sent on 7-day judicial remand. Meanwhile, India has dismissed the arrest and has called it a drama which New Delhi has seen in the past. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "We have seen the arrest reports. This has been going on for a long time. The arrest-release drama has happened more than 8 times since 2001." "The question is, will Saeed be tried this time. We reiterate Saeed is a designated terrorist, listed by the UN," Kumar added.

Pulwama attack confirms that India remains persistent target of Pakistan’s terrorism policy: Defence report

The Defence Ministry on Monday issued four tenders worth over Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of warships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard.

"While the RFP for 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) and 8 Missile-cum-Ammunition Barges have been issued to shortlisted Indian shipyards," the ministry said in a release.

The RFP for hovercrafts also includes the initial requirement for six of these vessels of the Indian Army.

"In addition to the above, few more RFPs for more shipbuilding projects are likely to be issued in the next few months," the ministry said.

In order to make the process of qualifying the shipyards for the issue of RFPs for shipbuilding projects of various ships and craft of the Navy and the Coast Guard more objective and to encourage participation by a larger number of Indian shipyards, an exercise was undertaken by the ministry along with the Navy and the Coast Guard.

This led to the rationalisation of guidelines for the capacity assessment of shipyards that have been promulgated recently.

Rationalisation and promulgation of financial selection criteria have paved the way for issue of RFPs for a large number of shipbuilding projects that have been pending.

"In a significant move to encourage smaller shipyards, participation in the projects with the anticipated annual outflow of less than Rs 75 crore has been restricted to smaller shipyards having an average annual turnover less than Rs 500 crore," the release said.

In addition to a wide application in military and coastal surveillance, Air Cushion Vehicles have substantial potential in the commercial sector like civil transportation, disaster management and tourism.

Considering the need for absorbing the relevant design and construction technology for building these craft in India at affordable cost, a feature to encourage joint development of design by Indian shipyards in collaboration with a foreign design house of ACVs or by sourcing the design for construction of ACVs with substantial Indian content has been included in the RFP for ACVs.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Monday issued four tenders worth over Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of warships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard. "While the RFP for 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) and 8 Missile-cum-Ammunition Barges have been issued to shortlisted Indian shipyards," the ministry said in a release.

The Defence Ministry on Monday issued four tenders worth over Rs 15,000 crore for the acquisition of warships and craft for the Navy and the Coast Guard. "While the RFP for 6 Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMVs) has been issued to seven shipyards, RFPs for 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 12 Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) and 8 Missile-cum-Ammunition Barges have been issued to shortlisted Indian shipyards," the ministry said in a release. The RFP for hovercrafts also includes the initial requirement for six of these vessels of the Indian Army. "In addition to the above, few more RFPs for more shipbuilding projects are likely to be issued in the next few months," the ministry said. In order to make the process of qualifying the shipyards for the issue of RFPs for shipbuilding projects of various ships and craft of the Navy and the Coast Guard more objective and to encourage participation by a larger number of Indian shipyards, an exercise was undertaken by the ministry along with the Navy and the Coast Guard. This led to the rationalisation of guidelines for the capacity assessment of shipyards that have been promulgated recently. Rationalisation and promulgation of financial selection criteria have paved the way for issue of RFPs for a large number of shipbuilding projects that have been pending. "In a significant move to encourage smaller shipyards, participation in the projects with the anticipated annual outflow of less than Rs 75 crore has been restricted to smaller shipyards having an average annual turnover less than Rs 500 crore," the release said. In addition to a wide application in military and coastal surveillance, Air Cushion Vehicles have substantial potential in the commercial sector like civil transportation, disaster management and tourism. Considering the need for absorbing the relevant design and construction technology for building these craft in India at affordable cost, a feature to encourage joint development of design by Indian shipyards in collaboration with a foreign design house of ACVs or by sourcing the design for construction of ACVs with substantial Indian content has been included in the RFP for ACVs.

Defence Ministry issues 4 tenders of over Rs 15,000 crore for Navy, Coast Guard vessels

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 01st, 2019

Thousands of protesters marched towards Sudan's defence ministry on Sunday demanding the ruling military hand over power to civilians. A doctor's group linked to the opposition said one protester in his 20s was shot dead in a rally in the northern city of Atbara as opposition groups reported demonstrations in cities across Sudan. Reuters could not verify those accounts.

Thousands of Sudanese march towards defence ministry in Khartoum

The Defence Ministry is one of the most high profile portfolios. But controversies have slowed down India's march towards modernization of the defence forces. Watch this report from Gravitas.

Gravitas: Modi 2.0: Upgrading India'S Defences

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-man-of-all-seasons-carries-vajpayees-legacy-of-ajatshatru-222854">Rajnath Singh </a>was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet</a>. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister.

He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister</a>

A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties.

Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government.

Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance

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One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/modi-20-prominent-faces-of-the-58-member-ministerial-team-222972">In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team</a>

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure.

Rajnath Singh was on Friday appointed as Minister of Defence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s second Cabinet. The BJP heavyweight headed the Ministry of Home Affairs in Modi`s first tenure. Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, incursion attempts by Pakistan and China, and the emergence of Islamic State were among the top challenges faced by Singh as Home Minister. He represents the Lucknow Lok Sabha seat, a constituency he won for the second consecutive in recently-concluded Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, he represented Gautam Budhh Nagar in 2009. Also read: Amit Shah, PM Modi's right-hand man, is India's new Home Minister A politician for over four decades, Singh is well known for maintaining cordial relations with political leaders irrespective of their parties. Known for his excellent oratory skills, the 67-year-old leader started his career as an RSS volunteer and joined politics in 1974 as secretary of Jana Sangh's Mirzapur unit. He was later elected as an MP from Mirzapur in 1977.He also served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and as a Cabinet Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s government. Watch: Amit Shah gets Home, Rajnath Singh defence, Nirmala Sitharaman finance × One of the senior most leaders in the Modi Cabinet, he has also served as the president of the BJP twice, 2005 to 2009 and 2013 to 2014. The Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday announced portfolios for 24 cabinet ministers, 9 ministers of state with independent charge and 24 Ministers of State (MoS) in Union Cabinet for the 17th Lok Sabha. Prime Minister Modi and his Council of Ministers on Thursday took the oath of office at Rashtrapati Bhavan for a second consecutive term. In pics: Prominent faces of the 58-member ministerial team

Rajnath Singh moves to South Block, gets Defence Ministry

IT major Tech Mahindra Tuesday said it has signed a defence contract worth Rs 300 crore, its biggest till date.

As part of the 'Armed Forces Secure Access Card' (AFSAC) Project, Tech Mahindra will implement RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) based access control system across all naval bases and ships, a statement said.

The new AFSAC card will replace the existing paper-based identity card for all Navy personnel, including dependents and ex-servicemen, it added.

The Mumbai-based company will develop a secure application to manage the access control devices, network devices and the AFSAC card through a data centre, it said.

"Scheduled to be implemented over the next two years, the project will ensure smooth issuance, handling, administration, management and life cycle support of AFSAC Cards on a turnkey basis," it added.

Tech Mahindra President, India Business and Corporate Affairs Sujit Baksi said the order further cements the company's role as one of the leading system integrators globally.

"With our proven expertise in tech enablement and digital transformation, we look forward to collaborating with the Indian Navy in ramping up the national security infrastructure," he added.

Tech Mahindra is already working with entities like Coal India, India Ports Association, Kanpur Smart City and others.

Commodore Atul Kumar, Project Director, Indian Navy, said, "The security of Indian Naval establishments against unauthorized access, is a thrust area and the AFSAC Project will be an important step towards achieving this aim."&nbsp;

IT major Tech Mahindra Tuesday said it has signed a defence contract worth Rs 300 crore, its biggest till date. As part of the 'Armed Forces Secure Access Card' (AFSAC) Project, Tech Mahindra will implement RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) based access control system across all naval bases and ships, a statement said.

IT major Tech Mahindra Tuesday said it has signed a defence contract worth Rs 300 crore, its biggest till date. As part of the 'Armed Forces Secure Access Card' (AFSAC) Project, Tech Mahindra will implement RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) based access control system across all naval bases and ships, a statement said. The new AFSAC card will replace the existing paper-based identity card for all Navy personnel, including dependents and ex-servicemen, it added. The Mumbai-based company will develop a secure application to manage the access control devices, network devices and the AFSAC card through a data centre, it said. "Scheduled to be implemented over the next two years, the project will ensure smooth issuance, handling, administration, management and life cycle support of AFSAC Cards on a turnkey basis," it added. Tech Mahindra President, India Business and Corporate Affairs Sujit Baksi said the order further cements the company's role as one of the leading system integrators globally. "With our proven expertise in tech enablement and digital transformation, we look forward to collaborating with the Indian Navy in ramping up the national security infrastructure," he added. Tech Mahindra is already working with entities like Coal India, India Ports Association, Kanpur Smart City and others. Commodore Atul Kumar, Project Director, Indian Navy, said, "The security of Indian Naval establishments against unauthorized access, is a thrust area and the AFSAC Project will be an important step towards achieving this aim."

Tech Mahindra inks defence contract worth Rs 300 crore

The Defence Ministry has rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging the appointment of his junior, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vice-admiral-karanbir-singh-appointed-chief-of-naval-staff-replaces-sunil-lanba-205038">Vice Admiral Karambir Singh</a>, as the next Navy Chief, holding that seniority is not the sole criteria for selection.&nbsp;

In order, the defence ministry said Verma's statutory petition dated April 10 against the appointment of Vice Admiral Singh to the top post is devoid of merit and has been rejected in the exercise of powers under Section 23 of the Navy Act 1957.&nbsp;

Verma, commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and senior-most naval commander, had moved a military tribunal last month questioning Vice Admiral Singh's appointment as the next Navy Chief, overlooking his seniority. Singh will take over as the new Navy chief from incumbent Admiral Sunil Lanba, who is retiring on May 31.

The tribunal had on April 25 directed the defence ministry to decide Verma's petition within three weeks.

"The Chief of Naval Staff is selected from amongst the senior most eligible Vice-Admirals of the Indian Navy in the rank of Commander-in-Chief/VCNS (Vice Chief of Naval Staff) through a rigorous selection process, where seniority though an important consideration is not the sole criteria for selection," the defence ministry said in its order in response to Verma's petition.&nbsp;

"Thus in the past&nbsp;too seniority has been dispensed with in appointment of CNS," it said.&nbsp;

In the order, the defence ministry also mentioned about two letters of "Severe Displeasure" issued to Verma on October 28, 2005, and June 29, 2007, saying "it would be incorrect to say that throughout his service tenure he has never been informed or communicated about any shortcomings or misdemeanours"&nbsp;against him.&nbsp;

It said he was also not appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the two operational commands of the Indian Navy -- Eastern and the Western Command.&nbsp;

The defence ministry said a thorough selection process was conducted under which overall service profile of all the contenders for the top post was examined.

It said specific parameters for selection were applied uniformly to all the contenders and based on the assessment, it was found that Vice Admiral Verma, though being the senior most eligible officer, was found unsuitable to hold the post of the Chief of the Naval Staff.&nbsp;

"The central government is also satisfied that no unsubstantiated, frivolous, extraneous or irrelevant consideration has had a bearing on the said selection," the defence ministry said.

In his petition, Verma had mentioned about the Navy Order (Special) 01/2012 which, he said, laid down procedure for selection of officers to ranks of Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral, adding thrust of it was a merit cum-seniority-based approach.&nbsp;

He said the same procedure ought to have been applied for selection of the next Chief of Naval Staff.&nbsp;

To this, the defence ministry said the Navy Order does not cover the appointment of the Navy Chief.

The Armed Forces Tribunal here is scheduled to hear the case on Monday.

A lawyer of Verma said the vice admiral will challenge at the AFT the government's order rejecting his petition.

Verma had filed a statutory complaint with the Defence Ministry on April 10, challenging the appointment of Singh, and asked it to respond within 10 days. 
However, as there was no response from the ministry, he approached the AFT on April 24.

In his petition, Verma wondered why he was overlooked for the top post despite being the senior-most in the line of command, terming as "wrongful" the government's decision to appoint Singh to the post.

While appointing the Army chief in 2016, the government did not follow the long-held tradition of going by seniority. Bipin Rawat was appointed Army chief superseding then Eastern Command Chief Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern Command Chief PM Hariz.

Besides Verma, the other contenders for the Navy Chief post included Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, FOC-in-C of Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar and FOC-in-C of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla.

Singh, who is at present serving as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, will be the first helicopter pilot to become chief of naval staff.

Verma is the brother of former Navy chief Nirmal Kumar Verma.&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry has rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging the appointment of his junior, Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, as the next Navy Chief, holding that seniority is not the sole criteria for selection.

The Defence Ministry has rejected Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging the appointment of his junior, Vice Admiral Karambir Singh, as the next Navy Chief, holding that seniority is not the sole criteria for selection. In order, the defence ministry said Verma's statutory petition dated April 10 against the appointment of Vice Admiral Singh to the top post is devoid of merit and has been rejected in the exercise of powers under Section 23 of the Navy Act 1957. Verma, commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command and senior-most naval commander, had moved a military tribunal last month questioning Vice Admiral Singh's appointment as the next Navy Chief, overlooking his seniority. Singh will take over as the new Navy chief from incumbent Admiral Sunil Lanba, who is retiring on May 31. The tribunal had on April 25 directed the defence ministry to decide Verma's petition within three weeks. "The Chief of Naval Staff is selected from amongst the senior most eligible Vice-Admirals of the Indian Navy in the rank of Commander-in-Chief/VCNS (Vice Chief of Naval Staff) through a rigorous selection process, where seniority though an important consideration is not the sole criteria for selection," the defence ministry said in its order in response to Verma's petition. "Thus in the past too seniority has been dispensed with in appointment of CNS," it said. In the order, the defence ministry also mentioned about two letters of "Severe Displeasure" issued to Verma on October 28, 2005, and June 29, 2007, saying "it would be incorrect to say that throughout his service tenure he has never been informed or communicated about any shortcomings or misdemeanours" against him. It said he was also not appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the two operational commands of the Indian Navy -- Eastern and the Western Command. The defence ministry said a thorough selection process was conducted under which overall service profile of all the contenders for the top post was examined. It said specific parameters for selection were applied uniformly to all the contenders and based on the assessment, it was found that Vice Admiral Verma, though being the senior most eligible officer, was found unsuitable to hold the post of the Chief of the Naval Staff. "The central government is also satisfied that no unsubstantiated, frivolous, extraneous or irrelevant consideration has had a bearing on the said selection," the defence ministry said. In his petition, Verma had mentioned about the Navy Order (Special) 01/2012 which, he said, laid down procedure for selection of officers to ranks of Rear Admiral and Vice Admiral, adding thrust of it was a merit cum-seniority-based approach. He said the same procedure ought to have been applied for selection of the next Chief of Naval Staff. To this, the defence ministry said the Navy Order does not cover the appointment of the Navy Chief. The Armed Forces Tribunal here is scheduled to hear the case on Monday. A lawyer of Verma said the vice admiral will challenge at the AFT the government's order rejecting his petition. Verma had filed a statutory complaint with the Defence Ministry on April 10, challenging the appointment of Singh, and asked it to respond within 10 days. However, as there was no response from the ministry, he approached the AFT on April 24. In his petition, Verma wondered why he was overlooked for the top post despite being the senior-most in the line of command, terming as "wrongful" the government's decision to appoint Singh to the post. While appointing the Army chief in 2016, the government did not follow the long-held tradition of going by seniority. Bipin Rawat was appointed Army chief superseding then Eastern Command Chief Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern Command Chief PM Hariz. Besides Verma, the other contenders for the Navy Chief post included Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, FOC-in-C of Western Naval Command Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar and FOC-in-C of Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla. Singh, who is at present serving as the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief (FOC-in-C) of the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam, will be the first helicopter pilot to become chief of naval staff. Verma is the brother of former Navy chief Nirmal Kumar Verma.

Defence Ministry rejects Vice Admiral Bimal Verma's petition challenging appointment of Navy Chief

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

"The Defence Ministry cleared the Rs 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI.

The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas.

For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers which were procured long back in the 1980s and are in need of an upgrade.

The Narendra Modi led government has not let the election season affect the military modernisation plans as Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security meetings are being held regularly to clear important acquisitions for the forces.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships.

The Defence Ministry on Friday approved Indian Navy's proposal to acquire 10 Kamov-31 choppers from Russia at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore to strengthen its capability against aerial threats to its aircraft carriers and large warships. "The Defence Ministry cleared the Rs 3,600 crore proposal for buying around 10 Kamov-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control choppers for the aircraft carrier operations and deployment on future warships," government sources told ANI. The decision was taken by the Defence Ministry at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council led by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Navy already has a fleet of 12 of these Kamov-31 choppers which sanitise the air space around the aircraft carriers and destroyers operating in open seas. For the anti-submarine warfare operations, the Navy has a fleet of Russian Kamov-28 choppers along with the Seaking choppers which were procured long back in the 1980s and are in need of an upgrade. The Narendra Modi led government has not let the election season affect the military modernisation plans as Defence Acquisition Council and Cabinet Committee on Security meetings are being held regularly to clear important acquisitions for the forces.

Defence Ministry clears Navy's Rs 3,600 crore deal with Russia for 10 Kamov-31 choppers

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After the Pulwama attack, the Narendra Modi government has given emergency powers to the three services to buy whatever equipment is required by them for safeguarding the borders with Pakistan.

Under the powers given to the three services they can buy the equipment of their choice within three months at the cost of up to Rs 300 crore per case, government sources told ANI.

The emergency powers were given to the forces within few weeks after the Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF personnel were killed and India started increasing vigil at the borders with Pakistan, they said.

In this regard, the services are moving a number of proposals like, the Army has moved a proposal to buy around 250 spike missiles from Israel, which would be meeting its emergency requirements.

The Air Force has also shown interest in the acquisition of certain missiles from the international market which would help it in meeting requirements, in case of hostilities on borders.

For the procurement under the emergency orders, the forces need not even take concurrence of the Integrated Financial Advisor from the defence finance department.

The defence Ministry feels that since the forces have to fight wars, they should decide on their requirement and priority in the acquisition and buy that equipment.&nbsp;

After the Pulwama attack, the Narendra Modi government has given emergency powers to the three services to buy whatever equipment is required by them for safeguarding the borders with Pakistan.

After the Pulwama attack, the Narendra Modi government has given emergency powers to the three services to buy whatever equipment is required by them for safeguarding the borders with Pakistan. Under the powers given to the three services they can buy the equipment of their choice within three months at the cost of up to Rs 300 crore per case, government sources told ANI. The emergency powers were given to the forces within few weeks after the Pulwama attack in which 44 CRPF personnel were killed and India started increasing vigil at the borders with Pakistan, they said. In this regard, the services are moving a number of proposals like, the Army has moved a proposal to buy around 250 spike missiles from Israel, which would be meeting its emergency requirements. The Air Force has also shown interest in the acquisition of certain missiles from the international market which would help it in meeting requirements, in case of hostilities on borders. For the procurement under the emergency orders, the forces need not even take concurrence of the Integrated Financial Advisor from the defence finance department. The defence Ministry feels that since the forces have to fight wars, they should decide on their requirement and priority in the acquisition and buy that equipment.

Post-Pulwama attack, government grants emergency powers to armed forces to buy weapon systems

The original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage as the then Defence Minister A K Antony felt there was something wrong in the process and asked for a review, defence ministry sources claimed.

The sources talked about Antony's intervention while asserting that there was no deal arrived at during the UPA regime to procure 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA).

The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper then the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore.

The sources said Antony's apprehensions may have been genuine and he may have had bonafide reasons for such an intervention. The price negotiating committee was at that time examining the deal after initially getting approval for it from the then defence minister.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-cabinet-approves-purchase-of-36-rafale-fighter-jets-source-6629">&nbsp;Indian cabinet approves purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets: Source</a>

The sources also said that the Eurofighter Typhoon had offered to bring down their prices by 25 per cent after Rafale was declared L1 vendor.

"Such a proposal after declaring the winning bidder was not at all acceptable as per laid down procedure. You cannot do that," said a source.

Alleging a "scam", the opposition Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to USD 80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of USD 241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates.

The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for purchase of 126 MMRCA for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning.

However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime.

Asked why NDA government did not go for Eurofighter Typhoon as it had offered a 25 per cent price cut, the sources said several European countries were involved in manufacturing of Eurofighter and France was preferred for the inter- governmental deal.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-attacks-jaitley-sitaraman-with-facts-over-rafale-deal-32340">Congress president</a>, on Friday, called out Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Twitter and said: "You said the UPA never released prices of Defence purchases? To nail your lie, here are 3 Parliamentary replies by the UPA with full transparency on pricing. Now do ask our Raksha Mantri to tell India how much each RAFALE jet cost."&nbsp;

With that, he attached screenshots of documents - one dated 9 August 2010 titled "Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov" and another 4 March 2013 titled "Upgradation of Aircraft" - by the Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

The sources said the rates cannot be compared as price depended on the weapons package.

In a detailed statement, the defence ministry had on Wednesday termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rs 58,000-crore deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security.

It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet.

The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence&nbsp;minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of 126 jets.

The sources talked about Antony's intervention while asserting that there was no deal arrived at during the UPA regime to procure 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA)

The original deal to procure 126 fighter jet could not go through during the UPA rule despite reaching the final stage as the then Defence Minister A K Antony felt there was something wrong in the process and asked for a review, defence ministry sources claimed. The sources talked about Antony's intervention while asserting that there was no deal arrived at during the UPA regime to procure 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). The Congress has been ramping up attack on the government over the Rafale issue, claiming that the deal negotiated under its rule was much cheaper then the contract signed by the Modi government to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets from France at a cost of Rs 58,000 crore. The sources said Antony's apprehensions may have been genuine and he may have had bonafide reasons for such an intervention. The price negotiating committee was at that time examining the deal after initially getting approval for it from the then defence minister. Also read: Indian cabinet approves purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets: Source The sources also said that the Eurofighter Typhoon had offered to bring down their prices by 25 per cent after Rafale was declared L1 vendor. "Such a proposal after declaring the winning bidder was not at all acceptable as per laid down procedure. You cannot do that," said a source. Alleging a "scam", the opposition Congress has been asking the government whether the per aircraft price of Rafale, according to international bids opened on December 12, 2012, comes to USD 80.95 million (Rs 526.1 crore) as against the Modi government's per aircraft negotiated price of USD 241.66 Million (Rs 1,570.8 crore) as per current exchange rates. The UPA government floated a tender in 2007 for purchase of 126 MMRCA for the Air Force and, post negotiations, two of them--Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon -- remained in the reckoning. However, the deal could not be finalised by the UPA regime. Asked why NDA government did not go for Eurofighter Typhoon as it had offered a 25 per cent price cut, the sources said several European countries were involved in manufacturing of Eurofighter and France was preferred for the inter- governmental deal. The Congress president, on Friday, called out Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Twitter and said: "You said the UPA never released prices of Defence purchases? To nail your lie, here are 3 Parliamentary replies by the UPA with full transparency on pricing. Now do ask our Raksha Mantri to tell India how much each RAFALE jet cost." With that, he attached screenshots of documents - one dated 9 August 2010 titled "Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov" and another 4 March 2013 titled "Upgradation of Aircraft" - by the Ministry of Defence. The sources said the rates cannot be compared as price depended on the weapons package. In a detailed statement, the defence ministry had on Wednesday termed as "unfounded" allegations made by the Congress about the Rs 58,000-crore deal, asserting that the demand to disclose details such as its value was "unrealistic" as doing so might compromise India's national security. It had said giving an item-wise cost and other information would reveal details about weapons systems and customisation of the jet. The ministry had said that in 2012, the then defence minister exercised an unprecedented personal veto on the laid down institutional process then underway for the procurement of 126 jets.

There was no Rafale deal under UPA: Defence ministry sources

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector.

''A proposal for buying 10 lakh hand grenades from an Indian firm would be considered by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting to be chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week,'' government sources told ANI.

The more than Rs 500 crore proposal is critical as the government has already taken care of the main personal weapon requirements of the Army soldiers by signing two contracts for modern rifles.

In the first case, a contract worth over Rs 700 crore for around 75,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from an American firm has been signed while a joint venture has been formed with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh modern AK-203 assault rifles.

The project for acquiring new hand grenades is required for the replacement of the existing HE-36 grenades manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board.&nbsp;

The multi-mode grenades have been developed by the DRDO and a production agency has been selected to manufacture them in large numbers.&nbsp;

Hand grenades are among the few critical weapons that soldiers need in the time of war as they can be used to cause heavy&nbsp; 
damage to enemy positions or bunkers apart from taking out their soldiers.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heightened after the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

India avenged the attack by striking the Balakot terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector.

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector. ''A proposal for buying 10 lakh hand grenades from an Indian firm would be considered by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting to be chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week,'' government sources told ANI. The more than Rs 500 crore proposal is critical as the government has already taken care of the main personal weapon requirements of the Army soldiers by signing two contracts for modern rifles. In the first case, a contract worth over Rs 700 crore for around 75,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from an American firm has been signed while a joint venture has been formed with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh modern AK-203 assault rifles. The project for acquiring new hand grenades is required for the replacement of the existing HE-36 grenades manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board. The multi-mode grenades have been developed by the DRDO and a production agency has been selected to manufacture them in large numbers. Hand grenades are among the few critical weapons that soldiers need in the time of war as they can be used to cause heavy damage to enemy positions or bunkers apart from taking out their soldiers. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heightened after the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. India avenged the attack by striking the Balakot terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Defence Ministry plans to buy 10 lakh hand grenades for combat troops

The indigenously developed Pinaka-guided rocket system was successfully test fired on Monday at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in a boost to artillery capability of the Army, the defence ministry said.

The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system.&nbsp;

"The indigenously developed guided Pinaka, developed by DRDO, will significantly boost the capability of the artillery to make precision hits," the defence ministry said.

About the tests, it said the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies.&nbsp;

"Telemetry systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path. All the mission objectives have been met," the ministry said.&nbsp;

The indigenously developed Pinaka-guided rocket system was successfully test fired on Monday at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in a boost to artillery capability of the Army, the defence ministry said.

The indigenously developed Pinaka-guided rocket system was successfully test fired on Monday at Pokhran desert in Rajasthan, in a boost to artillery capability of the Army, the defence ministry said. The weapon system is equipped with state-of-the-art guidance kit comprising of an advanced navigation and control system. "The indigenously developed guided Pinaka, developed by DRDO, will significantly boost the capability of the artillery to make precision hits," the defence ministry said. About the tests, it said the weapon systems impacted the intended targets with high precision and achieved desired accuracies. "Telemetry systems tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path. All the mission objectives have been met," the ministry said.

Pinaka-guided weapons system successfully test fired: Defence Ministry

Defence Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-flogging-a-dead-horse-says-sitharaman-after-uproar-in-parliament-over-rafale-196013">Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday</a> described a media report on Rafale deal as "slanderous". The report published by a leading Indian daily stated that the defence ministry objected to the "parallel negotiations" by the Prime Minister's Office into the deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Sitharaman brought to notice the comments made by the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar on the MoD dissent note. She alleged that the publication "conveniently" decided not to report Parrikar's comments.&nbsp;

In a copy of the Ministry of Defence' dissent note on Rafale negotiations accessed by news agency ANI, Parrikar noted, "It appears PMO and French President office are monitoring the progress of the issue which was an outcome of the summit meeting. Para 5 appears to be an over-reaction".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
ANI accesses the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s reply to MoD dissent note on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> negotiations. "Defence Secretary (G Mohan) may resolve the matter in consultation with Principal Secretary to PM" <a href="https://t.co/yXGQJNiDvB">pic.twitter.com/yXGQJNiDvB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093768778448556032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a written remark on the note Parrikar further added, "remain calm, nothing to worry, everything is going alright".

Ex-defence secretary G Mohan Kumar, who at the time handled negotiations on Rafale, told ANI that whatever has been brought out by media reports had nothing to do with the pricing issue.

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“It was incumbent on the newspaper, the Hindu to put the reply of then Raksha Mantri Shri Parrikar on record too in its story but they omitted it.” 
 
Watch full statement by Raksha Mantri Smt. <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> in Lok Sabha today on a malicious news report published on the Rafale deal. <a href="https://t.co/MwecghzTY7">pic.twitter.com/MwecghzTY7</a>
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"It was about sovereign guarantees and general terms and conditions," G Mohan Kumar said.

Meanwhile, Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who headed Rafale negotiations from the Indian side, expressed dissatisfaction over the media report and claimed that "the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there".

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Air Marshal SBP Sinha: Note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note? <a href="https://t.co/ufx5q2xGOK">https://t.co/ufx5q2xGOK</a>
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"It was very surprising for me to know that in the article printed today a note within MoD has been used to malign this procurement by concealing facts, the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there," Sinha told news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"The note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note?" Sinha added.&nbsp;

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused PM Modi of robbing the Indian Air Force of more than four billion dollars.

Gandhi cited a newspaper report that alleged that the Prime Minister's Office held parallel negotiations with France, which the defence ministry had objected to.

The Congress-led Opposition had disrupted the lower house of Parliament after a report claimed the then defence secretary had objected to the PMO allegedly conducting price negotiations with the French company.

Sitharaman said the Opposition was playing into the hands of multinational companies and vested interests and not working in the interests of the Indian Air Force.

India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha was also disrupted after Congress sought to raise the Rafale issue.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday described a media report on Rafale deal as "slanderous". The report published by a leading Indian daily stated that the defence ministry objected to the "parallel negotiations" by the Prime Minister's Office into the deal.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday described a media report on Rafale deal as "slanderous". The report published by a leading Indian daily stated that the defence ministry objected to the "parallel negotiations" by the Prime Minister's Office into the deal. Sitharaman brought to notice the comments made by the then defence minister Manohar Parrikar on the MoD dissent note. She alleged that the publication "conveniently" decided not to report Parrikar's comments. In a copy of the Ministry of Defence' dissent note on Rafale negotiations accessed by news agency ANI, Parrikar noted, "It appears PMO and French President office are monitoring the progress of the issue which was an outcome of the summit meeting. Para 5 appears to be an over-reaction". ANI accesses the then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s reply to MoD dissent note on #Rafale negotiations. "Defence Secretary (G Mohan) may resolve the matter in consultation with Principal Secretary to PM" pic.twitter.com/yXGQJNiDvB — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × In a written remark on the note Parrikar further added, "remain calm, nothing to worry, everything is going alright". Ex-defence secretary G Mohan Kumar, who at the time handled negotiations on Rafale, told ANI that whatever has been brought out by media reports had nothing to do with the pricing issue. “It was incumbent on the newspaper, the Hindu to put the reply of then Raksha Mantri Shri Parrikar on record too in its story but they omitted it.” Watch full statement by Raksha Mantri Smt. @nsitharaman in Lok Sabha today on a malicious news report published on the Rafale deal. pic.twitter.com/MwecghzTY7 — BJP (@BJP4India) February 8, 2019 × "It was about sovereign guarantees and general terms and conditions," G Mohan Kumar said. Meanwhile, Air Marshal SBP Sinha, who headed Rafale negotiations from the Indian side, expressed dissatisfaction over the media report and claimed that "the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there". Air Marshal SBP Sinha: Note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note? https://t.co/ufx5q2xGOK — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2019 × "It was very surprising for me to know that in the article printed today a note within MoD has been used to malign this procurement by concealing facts, the remarks of the Defence Minister are not there," Sinha told news agency ANI. "The note has nothing to do with Indian team's negotiation on Rafale procurement as this note wasn't initiated by Indian negotiating team. It has been initiated by SK Sharma, who was not part of Indian negotiation team. On whose behest he initiated this note?" Sinha added. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused PM Modi of robbing the Indian Air Force of more than four billion dollars. Gandhi cited a newspaper report that alleged that the Prime Minister's Office held parallel negotiations with France, which the defence ministry had objected to. The Congress-led Opposition had disrupted the lower house of Parliament after a report claimed the then defence secretary had objected to the PMO allegedly conducting price negotiations with the French company. Sitharaman said the Opposition was playing into the hands of multinational companies and vested interests and not working in the interests of the Indian Air Force. India's upper house of Parliament the Rajya Sabha was also disrupted after Congress sought to raise the Rafale issue.

'Over reaction... nothing to worry,' said Manohar Parrikar on defence ministry's dissent note on Rafale deal

Cricketer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/yes-i-made-enemies-but-i-slept-in-peace-gautam-gambhir-182607">Gautam Gambhir</a> Saturday urged the Ministry of Defence to help a man, claiming to be war veteran, after he spotted him begging in Connaught Place here.

The ace cricketer posted a picture of the man on Twitter and said that he could not get support from the Army due to "technical reasons".

"He's Mr Peethambaran, who served in the Indian Army in 1965 &amp;1971 wars which can be verified by his ID. He claims due to technical reasons he can't get support from d Army," Gambhir tweeted.

"I'd urge @adgpi @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD to intervene as he is begging at A block Connaught Place," he said in the tweet.

Responding to the tweet, the defence ministry assured a "quick and complete" response.&nbsp;

"We appreciate the concern raised by you and assure that the response will be quick and complete. @adgpi," the defence spokesperson tweeted.&nbsp;

Cricketer Gautam Gambhir Saturday urged the Ministry of Defence to help a man, claiming to be war veteran, after he spotted him begging in Connaught Place here. The ace cricketer posted a picture of the man on Twitter and said that he could not get support from the Army due to "technical reasons".

Cricketer Gautam Gambhir Saturday urged the Ministry of Defence to help a man, claiming to be war veteran, after he spotted him begging in Connaught Place here. The ace cricketer posted a picture of the man on Twitter and said that he could not get support from the Army due to "technical reasons". "He's Mr Peethambaran, who served in the Indian Army in 1965 &1971 wars which can be verified by his ID. He claims due to technical reasons he can't get support from d Army," Gambhir tweeted. "I'd urge @adgpi @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD to intervene as he is begging at A block Connaught Place," he said in the tweet. Responding to the tweet, the defence ministry assured a "quick and complete" response. "We appreciate the concern raised by you and assure that the response will be quick and complete. @adgpi," the defence spokesperson tweeted.

Gautam Gambhir tweets picture of Army veteran begging, defence ministry assures 'quick' action

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council &nbsp;(DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.&nbsp;

The project comes under Defence Ministry's "strategic partnership" (SP) model that aims at providing significant filip to the government "Make in India" program. This is the second such project under the SP model.

SP model calls for indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner who will collaborate with foriegn OEM to set up production faculty in the country.&nbsp;

Accrding to Defence ministry's release "model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through tranfer if niche techologies and higher indigenous content thereby enhancing self sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the armed forces."

The first project under the SP model was indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters in August 2018.&nbsp;

Construction of six submarines the defence ministry has said "is expected to provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco system in India through tranfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill set."

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore.

In a major decision, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday approved indigenous construction of six submarines for the Indian navy, accounting for a total cost of Rs 40,000 crore. The project comes under Defence Ministry's "strategic partnership" (SP) model that aims at providing significant filip to the government "Make in India" program. This is the second such project under the SP model. SP model calls for indigenous manufacturing of major defence platforms by an Indian strategic partner who will collaborate with foriegn OEM to set up production faculty in the country. Accrding to Defence ministry's release "model has a long term vision of promoting India as a manufacturing hub for defence equipment through tranfer if niche techologies and higher indigenous content thereby enhancing self sufficiency for meeting the future requirements of the armed forces." The first project under the SP model was indigenous production of 111 naval utility helicopters in August 2018. Construction of six submarines the defence ministry has said "is expected to provide a major boost to the existing submarine design and manufacturing eco system in India through tranfer of design and equipment technology as well as necessary skill set."

India approves indigenous construction of six submarines for Rs 40,000 crore

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/if-trump-and-kim-can-meet-why-not-other-countries-nepal-on-stalled-saarc-summit-189572">Nepal Army </a>Chief General Purna Chandra Thapa will be reaching here on a four-day long visit to India, beginning January 12.&nbsp;

During the visit General Thapa shall interact with senior Indian Army hierarchy and visit formations based at Jaipur and Lucknow, Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

"Chief of the Army Staff, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seek-assurance-from-india-on-currency-notes-of-higher-denomination-nepal-foreign-minister-to-wion-189396">Nepal Army will be visiting India</a> from January 12 to 15, 2019, on his first official bilateral visit after taking over the command of the Nepal Army," said the statement, adding "the visit symbolises the deep-rooted military to military ties and shall be a platform to further strengthen the defence cooperation between the two armies."

Based on an age-old tradition existing between the armies of both countries, the Nepal Army Chief will be conferred with the Honorary Rank of 'General of Indian Army' by President Ram Nath Kovind on January 12 at Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

"During the visit, General Purna Chandra Thapa shall be interacting with senior Indian Army hierarchy and shall be visiting formations based at Jaipur and Lucknow," the statement further added.

During the visit General Thapa shall interact with senior Indian Army hierarchy and visit formations based at Jaipur and Lucknow, Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

Nepal Army Chief General Purna Chandra Thapa will be reaching here on a four-day long visit to India, beginning January 12. During the visit General Thapa shall interact with senior Indian Army hierarchy and visit formations based at Jaipur and Lucknow, Defence Ministry said in a statement on Friday. "Chief of the Army Staff, Nepal Army will be visiting India from January 12 to 15, 2019, on his first official bilateral visit after taking over the command of the Nepal Army," said the statement, adding "the visit symbolises the deep-rooted military to military ties and shall be a platform to further strengthen the defence cooperation between the two armies." Based on an age-old tradition existing between the armies of both countries, the Nepal Army Chief will be conferred with the Honorary Rank of 'General of Indian Army' by President Ram Nath Kovind on January 12 at Darbar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. "During the visit, General Purna Chandra Thapa shall be interacting with senior Indian Army hierarchy and shall be visiting formations based at Jaipur and Lucknow," the statement further added.

Nepal army chief on four-day India visit from January 12

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday accused the Congress of running the Defence ministry "probably with brokers and dalals" and the party is now feeling restless since they could neither buy nor make money in the Rafale deal.

Sitharaman said, "Allegations are thrown every time the Congress becomes frustrated. They probably ran the Defence Ministry with a lot of brokers and `dalals` in between. The current government is showing that it is possible to run the Defence Ministry without brokers. With brokers and `dalals` they were still spending time and not buying important equipment that we need. Congress is now feeling restless because they couldn`t buy, they couldn`t make money. They couldn`t perform and left the Air Force where it was."

The Defence Minister`s comments came as she addressed a detailed press conference on the occasion of the second anniversary of the surgical strike and touched upon a number of issues including infiltration, Rafale deal and Defence cooperation with Russia among others.

On being asked about speculations of Dassault and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having some `working agreement` in the past, the Defence Minister clarified, "There isn`t anything called a working agreement, negotiations happen. No agreement with HAL was made even during the past regime."

Sitharaman also rubbished former French president Francois Hollande`s claim that Reliance Defence was nominated by the Indian government to partner with Dassault Aviation for the deal, asserting that this matter would have international implications.

She said, "It`s a commercial agreement with a company in France with a company in India. There are 70-80 companies with whom Dassault is going with the agreement. Former French president had said that they were given no option, so does it mean we gave a list of 70-80 companies and said to go ahead with all these? This matter will now have an impact on international relations. I am not saying it is true or not, but former president of France is facing an allegation of his associate having received some funds for some purpose and in such a situation, he said this. Does it mean that he just wanted to say something to divert (attention of) journalists?"

"The intergovernmental agreement does not name anybody. If on a commercial consideration, a company goes to have an agreement with another company, it is their look out to see who they have to go with", She added.

Sitharaman also accused the Congress-led government of delay in decision making which hampered the operational readiness of the Air Force. "Every comparison that is being made, be of the price, procedure, etc are all with that situation where the UPA did not buy it, did not had a contract with anybody, UPA delayed its decision making.

When the squadron strength of the Air Force was drastically falling down from 42 squadrons to 33, they just kept spending time without having any consideration for the operational readiness of the Air force," she said.

Speaking on S-400 air defence negotiations, she asserted, "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised. We have a big legacy of buying Defence equipment from Russia and even today many of these equipment are still working. Our continuing Defence cooperation with Russia is a big legacy issue."

On being quizzed about the alleged politicisation of the surgical strike, Sitharaman said, "Surgical strikes happened because we are repeatedly having these attacks in the name of many non-state actors who are intruding and we are trying to eliminate them. In an unfortunate incident they managed to get into a military base and attacked people who were sleeping and we did attack back. Our soldiers did their duty after facing unprovoked attack in their own military base. Is it wrong to retaliate in this given circumstances? If the soldiers have taken this action, are we to be ashamed of it?"

Replying to a question of alleged rise in infiltration, the Defence Minister said, "There are intrusions in the border and we are also eliminating a lot of them at the border itself. I would believe an action of this kind would deter Pakistan from training and sending in the terrorists. My action will continue at the border irrespective of whether they have learned a lesson or not."

Sitharaman, however, refused to comment on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh`s cryptic comment in which he had said that, "something big has happened in past two-three days across the border to avenge the brutal killing of the soldier".&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday accused the Congress of running the Defence ministry "probably with brokers and dalals" and the party is now feeling restless since they could neither buy nor make money in the Rafale deal.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday accused the Congress of running the Defence ministry "probably with brokers and dalals" and the party is now feeling restless since they could neither buy nor make money in the Rafale deal. Sitharaman said, "Allegations are thrown every time the Congress becomes frustrated. They probably ran the Defence Ministry with a lot of brokers and `dalals` in between. The current government is showing that it is possible to run the Defence Ministry without brokers. With brokers and `dalals` they were still spending time and not buying important equipment that we need. Congress is now feeling restless because they couldn`t buy, they couldn`t make money. They couldn`t perform and left the Air Force where it was." The Defence Minister`s comments came as she addressed a detailed press conference on the occasion of the second anniversary of the surgical strike and touched upon a number of issues including infiltration, Rafale deal and Defence cooperation with Russia among others. On being asked about speculations of Dassault and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) having some `working agreement` in the past, the Defence Minister clarified, "There isn`t anything called a working agreement, negotiations happen. No agreement with HAL was made even during the past regime." Sitharaman also rubbished former French president Francois Hollande`s claim that Reliance Defence was nominated by the Indian government to partner with Dassault Aviation for the deal, asserting that this matter would have international implications. She said, "It`s a commercial agreement with a company in France with a company in India. There are 70-80 companies with whom Dassault is going with the agreement. Former French president had said that they were given no option, so does it mean we gave a list of 70-80 companies and said to go ahead with all these? This matter will now have an impact on international relations. I am not saying it is true or not, but former president of France is facing an allegation of his associate having received some funds for some purpose and in such a situation, he said this. Does it mean that he just wanted to say something to divert (attention of) journalists?" "The intergovernmental agreement does not name anybody. If on a commercial consideration, a company goes to have an agreement with another company, it is their look out to see who they have to go with", She added. Sitharaman also accused the Congress-led government of delay in decision making which hampered the operational readiness of the Air Force. "Every comparison that is being made, be of the price, procedure, etc are all with that situation where the UPA did not buy it, did not had a contract with anybody, UPA delayed its decision making. When the squadron strength of the Air Force was drastically falling down from 42 squadrons to 33, they just kept spending time without having any consideration for the operational readiness of the Air force," she said. Speaking on S-400 air defence negotiations, she asserted, "Negotiation on S-400 air defence systems has been on for a long while and it is at a stage where it can be finalised. We have a big legacy of buying Defence equipment from Russia and even today many of these equipment are still working. Our continuing Defence cooperation with Russia is a big legacy issue." On being quizzed about the alleged politicisation of the surgical strike, Sitharaman said, "Surgical strikes happened because we are repeatedly having these attacks in the name of many non-state actors who are intruding and we are trying to eliminate them. In an unfortunate incident they managed to get into a military base and attacked people who were sleeping and we did attack back. Our soldiers did their duty after facing unprovoked attack in their own military base. Is it wrong to retaliate in this given circumstances? If the soldiers have taken this action, are we to be ashamed of it?" Replying to a question of alleged rise in infiltration, the Defence Minister said, "There are intrusions in the border and we are also eliminating a lot of them at the border itself. I would believe an action of this kind would deter Pakistan from training and sending in the terrorists. My action will continue at the border irrespective of whether they have learned a lesson or not." Sitharaman, however, refused to comment on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh`s cryptic comment in which he had said that, "something big has happened in past two-three days across the border to avenge the brutal killing of the soldier".

Congress probably ran Defence ministry with brokers: Sitharaman

Adding fuel to the ongoing Rafale controversy, former French President François Hollande dropped a bombshell on Friday when he said in an interview to a French media that&nbsp;Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

In an article published by French journal Mediapart, Hollande to a question about who selected Reliance as a partner and why said it was the Indian government that proposed Reliance’s name and Dassault had no choice but to take the company given to it.

“We did not have a say in that. The Indian government proposed this service group, and Dassault negotiated with Ambani. We did not have a choice, we took the interlocutor we were given,” said Hollande. The interview was published in French and excerpts of Hollande’s interview were tweeted by French Newspaper LeMonde journalist Julien Boissou.

Hollande’s reported statement contradicts Indian government’s claim that the agreement between Dassault and Reliance was a commercial pact between two private parties and the government had nothing to do with it.

However, the&nbsp;Defence Ministry on Friday reiterated that neither government had any say in the "commercial decision".

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The report referring to fmr French president Mr. Hollande's statement that GOI insisted upon a particular firm as offset partner for the Dassault Aviation in Rafale is being verified. 
It is reiterated that neither GoI nor French Govt had any say in the commercial decision.
— Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/1043128661757415424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The report referring to former French president Mr. Hollande`s statement that government of India insisted upon a particular firm as offset partner for the Dassault Aviation in Rafale is being verified," the Defence Ministry said in a tweet.

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Former French President François Hollande contradicts the Indian government. According to him, Anil Ambani (Reliance Defence) was not chosen by Dassault : "We didn't have a choice. We took the partner that was given to us" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a><a href="https://t.co/YX1rMQlqvk">https://t.co/YX1rMQlqvk</a>
— julien bouissou (@jubouissou) <a href="https://twitter.com/jubouissou/status/1043094027111809024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Manish Tewari immediately&nbsp;joined issue and retweeted the article and asked Hollande: “President (Former) Francois Hollande should also enlighten us how the price went up from 590 crores in 2012 to 1690 crores in 2015 per Rafale fighter jet? Escalation of a mere 1100 crores. I am sure the Euro equivalent would not be a problem to calculate.”

The opposition has been alleging that the Anil Ambani firm was favoured in the Rs 21,000 crore contract at the cost of state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) despite the private firm having no prior experience in aerospace manufacturing.&nbsp;

The Narendra Modi government has repeatedly said it was Dassault that chose its India partner and that the government has had no say in the deal.&nbsp;

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President ( Former) Francois Hollande should also enlighten us how the price went up from 590 crores in 2012 to 1690 crores in 2015 per Rafale fighter jet? Escalation of a mere 1100 crores. I am sure the Euro equivalent would not be a problem to calculate <a href="https://twitter.com/jubouissou?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jubouissou</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fhollande?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fhollande</a> <a href="https://t.co/j9aJbc6EAy">https://t.co/j9aJbc6EAy</a>
— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManishTewari/status/1043113194267533312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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(With agency inputs)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Adding fuel to the ongoing Rafale controversy, former French President François Hollande dropped a bombshell on Friday when he said in an interview to a French media that Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Adding fuel to the ongoing Rafale controversy, former French President François Hollande dropped a bombshell on Friday when he said in an interview to a French media that Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal. In an article published by French journal Mediapart, Hollande to a question about who selected Reliance as a partner and why said it was the Indian government that proposed Reliance’s name and Dassault had no choice but to take the company given to it. “We did not have a say in that. The Indian government proposed this service group, and Dassault negotiated with Ambani. We did not have a choice, we took the interlocutor we were given,” said Hollande. The interview was published in French and excerpts of Hollande’s interview were tweeted by French Newspaper LeMonde journalist Julien Boissou. Hollande’s reported statement contradicts Indian government’s claim that the agreement between Dassault and Reliance was a commercial pact between two private parties and the government had nothing to do with it. However, the Defence Ministry on Friday reiterated that neither government had any say in the "commercial decision". The report referring to fmr French president Mr. Hollande's statement that GOI insisted upon a particular firm as offset partner for the Dassault Aviation in Rafale is being verified. It is reiterated that neither GoI nor French Govt had any say in the commercial decision. — Defence Spokesperson (@SpokespersonMoD) September 21, 2018 × "The report referring to former French president Mr. Hollande`s statement that government of India insisted upon a particular firm as offset partner for the Dassault Aviation in Rafale is being verified," the Defence Ministry said in a tweet. Former French President François Hollande contradicts the Indian government. According to him, Anil Ambani (Reliance Defence) was not chosen by Dassault : "We didn't have a choice. We took the partner that was given to us" #Rafalehttps://t.co/YX1rMQlqvk — julien bouissou (@jubouissou) September 21, 2018 × Congress leader Manish Tewari immediately joined issue and retweeted the article and asked Hollande: “President (Former) Francois Hollande should also enlighten us how the price went up from 590 crores in 2012 to 1690 crores in 2015 per Rafale fighter jet? Escalation of a mere 1100 crores. I am sure the Euro equivalent would not be a problem to calculate.” The opposition has been alleging that the Anil Ambani firm was favoured in the Rs 21,000 crore contract at the cost of state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) despite the private firm having no prior experience in aerospace manufacturing. The Narendra Modi government has repeatedly said it was Dassault that chose its India partner and that the government has had no say in the deal. President ( Former) Francois Hollande should also enlighten us how the price went up from 590 crores in 2012 to 1690 crores in 2015 per Rafale fighter jet? Escalation of a mere 1100 crores. I am sure the Euro equivalent would not be a problem to calculate @jubouissou @fhollande https://t.co/j9aJbc6EAy — Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) September 21, 2018 × (With agency inputs)

Former French president Hollande says Indian government proposed Anil Ambani’s Reliance for Rafale deal

The Defence Ministry is likely to finalise in the next few days the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme.

Sources said that the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is likely to be given the responsibility to implement the project as against the government's earlier indication that private shipbuilders would be involved in constructing the submarines.

A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), defence ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, is likely to deliberate extensively on the submarine project in the next few days, the sources said.

The government is seriously considering involving MDL in the nearly $ 8 billion project, they said.

Last year, the ministry had given indications that the six submarines would be built under the strategic partnership model with the involvement of private players.

The strategic partnership model was unveiled in May last year under which select private firms are to be roped in to build military platforms such as submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities.

Six Scorpene-class submarines are currently being built under 'Project 75' of the Indian Navy. The submarines, designed by French firm Naval Group, are being built by the Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.

The project P-75 (I) will be a follow-on for Project 75.&nbsp

The Defence Ministry is likely to finalise in the next few days the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme

The Defence Ministry is likely to finalise in the next few days the broad contours of Indian Navy's ambitious project to build six advanced submarines under the multi-billion P-75 (I) programme. Sources said that the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) is likely to be given the responsibility to implement the project as against the government's earlier indication that private shipbuilders would be involved in constructing the submarines. A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), defence ministry's highest decision-making body on procurement, is likely to deliberate extensively on the submarine project in the next few days, the sources said. The government is seriously considering involving MDL in the nearly $ 8 billion project, they said. Last year, the ministry had given indications that the six submarines would be built under the strategic partnership model with the involvement of private players. The strategic partnership model was unveiled in May last year under which select private firms are to be roped in to build military platforms such as submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign entities. Six Scorpene-class submarines are currently being built under 'Project 75' of the Indian Navy. The submarines, designed by French firm Naval Group, are being built by the Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. The project P-75 (I) will be a follow-on for Project 75.

MDL may play lead role in building six advanced submarines for Navy

The Indian government finally signed a&nbsp;major contract to make bullet-proof jackets for Indian soldiers who were in desperate need of the life-saving kit from a long time.

The signed contract under 'Make In India' was won by small Delhi based company, SMPP Pvt Ltd. The company has a Research and Development Centre in Okhla, Delhi.

“The new jackets meet the most advanced GSQRs 1438 (technical parameters) standards of the Indian Army. These bullet-proof jackets have 'Boron Carbide Ceramic', which is the lightest material for ballistic protection,” said SMPP chairman S C Kansal in a statement.

1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets will be procured for 639 crore rupees for the army and are expected to be delivered within three years.

These jackets were finalised after a series of 'stringent field evaluation trials', said Nirmala Sitharaman-led Defence Ministry.

Indian&nbsp;army has been struggling to get the life-saving kit from a very long time. In 2009 the army first made a request for more than 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets but the order got delayed due to no vendor cleared the trials conducted by the army.

These ergonomically designed Bullet-proof Jackets&nbsp;have modular parts&nbsp;providing immense protection and flexibility to soldiers operating in different operational situations ranging from long-distance patrolling to high-risk room intervention scenarios,” said an officer.

These jackets can sustain the impact of hard steel core bullets during the combat and will provide 360-degree protection to soldiers.

In 2016 army made an emergency purchase of 50,000 bullet-proof jackets but as the jackets did not meet the standards that were required as it was designed on older specifications.

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The Signed contract under 'Make In India' was won by small Delhi based company, SMPP Pvt Ltd. The company has a Research and Development Centre, Okhla, Delhi

The Indian government finally signed a major contract to make bullet-proof jackets for Indian soldiers who were in desperate need of the life-saving kit from a long time. The signed contract under 'Make In India' was won by small Delhi based company, SMPP Pvt Ltd. The company has a Research and Development Centre in Okhla, Delhi. “The new jackets meet the most advanced GSQRs 1438 (technical parameters) standards of the Indian Army. These bullet-proof jackets have 'Boron Carbide Ceramic', which is the lightest material for ballistic protection,” said SMPP chairman S C Kansal in a statement. 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets will be procured for 639 crore rupees for the army and are expected to be delivered within three years. These jackets were finalised after a series of 'stringent field evaluation trials', said Nirmala Sitharaman-led Defence Ministry. Indian army has been struggling to get the life-saving kit from a very long time. In 2009 the army first made a request for more than 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets but the order got delayed due to no vendor cleared the trials conducted by the army. These ergonomically designed Bullet-proof Jackets have modular parts providing immense protection and flexibility to soldiers operating in different operational situations ranging from long-distance patrolling to high-risk room intervention scenarios,” said an officer. These jackets can sustain the impact of hard steel core bullets during the combat and will provide 360-degree protection to soldiers. In 2016 army made an emergency purchase of 50,000 bullet-proof jackets but as the jackets did not meet the standards that were required as it was designed on older specifications.

Watch: Indian Army to finally get upgraded bullet-proof jackets

The vice chiefs of the armed forces have been granted additional powers to carry out specific procurements to ensure operational preparedness, the defence ministry said.

It said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the enhancement of powers to the vice chiefs of the three services to make certain categories of procurement.

&quot;This delegation (of power) will greatly enhance the ability of the armed forces to keep a high degree of serviceability of the in-service equipment, procurement of stores including ammunition,&quot; said the ministry.

It said the additional financial delegation to the armed forces will be in the segment of revenue procurement.

The ministry said the enhancement of powers of the vice chiefs is for cases under &#39;Single Tender Enquiry&#39; (STE) and the Proprietary Article Certificate (PAC) categories.

Officials said a cap of Rs 50 crore for the PAC and Rs 5 crore for STE procurement was applicable.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the enhancement of powers to the vice chiefs of the three services to make certain categories of procurement

The vice chiefs of the armed forces have been granted additional powers to carry out specific procurements to ensure operational preparedness, the defence ministry said. It said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the enhancement of powers to the vice chiefs of the three services to make certain categories of procurement. "This delegation (of power) will greatly enhance the ability of the armed forces to keep a high degree of serviceability of the in-service equipment, procurement of stores including ammunition," said the ministry. It said the additional financial delegation to the armed forces will be in the segment of revenue procurement. The ministry said the enhancement of powers of the vice chiefs is for cases under 'Single Tender Enquiry' (STE) and the Proprietary Article Certificate (PAC) categories. Officials said a cap of Rs 50 crore for the PAC and Rs 5 crore for STE procurement was applicable.

Vice Chiefs of 3 services given additional financial powers

The National Human Rights Commission has acknowledged the complaint filed by three children of Army officers&nbsp;in the wake of a series of stone-pelting incidents and mob attacks on army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The&nbsp; children moved the National Human Rights Commission and filed a petition to protect army personnel&#39;s human rights

NHRC issued a statement today noting that the complainants have also sought its &quot;intervention for an appropriate enquiry in the recent incident of stone-pelting and assault by an unruly and disruptive mob on army personnel in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on January 27&quot;.

The commission observed that, &quot;it will be appropriate to call for a factual report from the Ministry of Defence, through its secretary, to know the present status of the situation and steps taken by the Union government on the points raised by the complainants regarding alleged humiliation and violation of the human rights of the Army personnel in the state of Jammu and Kashmir&quot;.

The defence secretary has already been communicated with to procure a report in four weeks.&nbsp;

In their <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/protect-soldiers-human-rights-army-kids-write-to-nhrc-against-stone-pelters-32210">complaint</a>, the three children of Army officers have said they were &quot;disturbed&quot; by the recent incidents of stone-pelting and assaults by unruly and disruptive mob on security forces.

&quot;As young Indians and citizens of this great country, especially as children of army personnel, we are concerned about the state of affairs of the troops serving in the disturbed areas and we are compelled to approach the Hon&#39;ble Commission to seek intervention in the matter and initiate appropriate inquiry in the incidents of violations of human rights of the members of the armed forces,&quot; read the official letter.&nbsp;

The defence secretary has already been communicated with to procure a report in four weeks

The National Human Rights Commission has acknowledged the complaint filed by three children of Army officers in the wake of a series of stone-pelting incidents and mob attacks on army personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The children moved the National Human Rights Commission and filed a petition to protect army personnel's human rights NHRC issued a statement today noting that the complainants have also sought its "intervention for an appropriate enquiry in the recent incident of stone-pelting and assault by an unruly and disruptive mob on army personnel in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on January 27". The commission observed that, "it will be appropriate to call for a factual report from the Ministry of Defence, through its secretary, to know the present status of the situation and steps taken by the Union government on the points raised by the complainants regarding alleged humiliation and violation of the human rights of the Army personnel in the state of Jammu and Kashmir". The defence secretary has already been communicated with to procure a report in four weeks. In their complaint, the three children of Army officers have said they were "disturbed" by the recent incidents of stone-pelting and assaults by unruly and disruptive mob on security forces. "As young Indians and citizens of this great country, especially as children of army personnel, we are concerned about the state of affairs of the troops serving in the disturbed areas and we are compelled to approach the Hon'ble Commission to seek intervention in the matter and initiate appropriate inquiry in the incidents of violations of human rights of the members of the armed forces," read the official letter.

Army children's plea against stone-pelters: NHRC demands factual report from defence ministry 

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