Russia has announced new defence deals with India ahead of PM Narendra Modi's 2-day visit to Moscow. Watch to know more.

Russian agency announces production of 'mango' missiles for Indian army's tanks

India-Russia ties: Russian agency announces production of 'mango' missiles for India

India-Russia ties: Russia to produce 'Mango' missiles for T-72 & T-90 tanks in India

Shares of Indian defense companies were buzzing in trade, surging up to 13% on July 5 after Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the country's defense production recorded its highest-ever growth in 2023-24. Watch in for more details!

Indian defence stocks surge 13% following record defence production growth

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud received a warm welcome on Tuesday during his first visit to Turkey since he took office in 2022. The prince was hosted by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and pledged to boost Saudi-Turkish defense ties.

Saudi defence minister pledges to boost ties with Turkey

State-owned Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced early on Thursday it signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with Turkish companies to "support the localisation of defence industries" in the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia-Turkiye to boost defence ties

More than 20 NATO members will meet the military Alliance Target of spending at least 2% of their respective GDPs on defence this year now this is as per NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

NATO summit next week: NATO to discuss defence expenditure aims

Pakistan on Wednesday announced a nearly 15 per cent hike in its defence spending and allocated Rs 2,122 billion in the 2024-25 budget, marking a significant increase from last year amidst strenuous efforts to secure a fresh loan from the IMF to meet the cash-strapped nation's external liabilities.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, the first budget of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) coalition government which came to power after the February 8 general elections.

Last year, the government allocated Rs 1,804 billion for defence, which was higher than the Rs 1,523 billion allocated the previous year.

Aurangzeb said the government set a 3.6 per cent GDP growth target for the next year -- higher than the 3.5 per cent set for the outgoing year. The country however missed that target and could only achieve 2.38 per cent growth.

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He said the total volume of the budget would be Rs 18,877 billion and announced a Rs 2,122 billion allocation for defence spending, reflecting a 14.98 per cent increase.

Over Rs 1,804 billion was budgeted for the fiscal year 2023-24, ending on June 30. The defence sector expenses are the second biggest component of the annual expenditure after the debt payments, which for the next year would be Rs 9,700 billion and constitute the single biggest expense of the debt-trapped country, which is dependent on loans from friendly nations like China.

He said the inflation target for the next fiscal year would be 12 per cent while the budget deficit would be 6.9 per cent of the GDP.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-us-unveils-new-sanctions-targeting-russia-moscow-vows-aggressive-respond-731187">Ukraine war: US unveils new sanctions targeting Russia, Moscow vows 'aggressive' respond</a>

The minister said the tax collection target would be Rs 12,970 billion -- 38 per cent higher than the previous year.

He said the non-tax revenue target of the government would be Rs 3,587 billion against Rs 2,963 billion set for the previous year.

The government also decided to provide a historic Rs 1,500 billion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at the federal level and by adding the provincial component of the development budget, the net PSDP comes to a whopping Rs 3,797 billion.

The minister said the economic crisis had ended and the government fast-tracked the development process by offering new opportunities. He also announced plans to speed up the privatisation of loss-making state-owned entities as well as outsource various airports.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putins-military-manoeuvres-raise-tensions-in-the-west-731200">Putin's military manoeuvres raise tensions in the West</a>

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The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers protested during the budget speech by raising slogans against the government. They alleged that the government was not legitimate as it came to power through fraud in the elections.

After the budget speech, the session was adjourned.

As per the government’s tentative plan, a general debate on the budget would start on June 20 and would continue till June 24.

The members will take part in the debate and vote on cut motions on June 26 and 27 whereas the budget will be passed on June 28.

The new budget presentation comes as the government is trying to get another loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and several of its pre-conditions, including the revenue targets, have been already accepted and included in the budget estimates.

There is growing consensus among experts that without a fresh bailout package from the IMF, Pakistan would find it almost impossible to meet its external obligations.

Earlier, according to an Associated Press of Pakistan report, the budget was prepared while considering the existing challenges being faced by the economy on domestic and international fronts.

Hence, mitigating people’s sufferings, transforming the agriculture sector, promoting Information Technology (IT), boosting exports, promoting industrial growth and bolstering businesses, would be the main focus of the document, it reported quoting sources.

The APP also said the government is firmly committed to presenting a pro-people, business-friendly and progressive Federal Budget FY 2024-25 and would pursue policies aimed at fiscal consolidation to contain the budget deficit.

In addition to fiscal management, revenue mobilisation, measures for economic stabilisation and growth, reduction in non-development expenditures, job creation and people-friendly policies for the socioeconomic prosperity of the country would feature in the budget.

It would also focus on social sector development besides introducing reforms for improving governance and boosting the private sector for investment.

On the revenue side, the government would introduce measures for bringing improvements in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitating tax-payers.

Keeping in view the robust growth of revenues during the current fiscal year (2023-24), the government is likely to set the revenue collection target at over Rs 12 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Pakistan on Wednesday announced a nearly 15 per cent hike in its defence spending and allocated Rs 2,122 billion in the 2024-25 budget, marking a significant increase from last year amidst strenuous efforts to secure a fresh loan from the IMF to meet the cash-strapped nation's external liabilities.

Pakistan on Wednesday announced a nearly 15 per cent hike in its defence spending and allocated Rs 2,122 billion in the 2024-25 budget, marking a significant increase from last year amidst strenuous efforts to secure a fresh loan from the IMF to meet the cash-strapped nation's external liabilities. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presented the budget in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, the first budget of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) coalition government which came to power after the February 8 general elections. Last year, the government allocated Rs 1,804 billion for defence, which was higher than the Rs 1,523 billion allocated the previous year. Aurangzeb said the government set a 3.6 per cent GDP growth target for the next year -- higher than the 3.5 per cent set for the outgoing year. The country however missed that target and could only achieve 2.38 per cent growth. Also Read | US: Off-duty guard fatally shoots teen mistaking toy gun for real firearm He said the total volume of the budget would be Rs 18,877 billion and announced a Rs 2,122 billion allocation for defence spending, reflecting a 14.98 per cent increase. Over Rs 1,804 billion was budgeted for the fiscal year 2023-24, ending on June 30. The defence sector expenses are the second biggest component of the annual expenditure after the debt payments, which for the next year would be Rs 9,700 billion and constitute the single biggest expense of the debt-trapped country, which is dependent on loans from friendly nations like China. He said the inflation target for the next fiscal year would be 12 per cent while the budget deficit would be 6.9 per cent of the GDP. Also Read | Ukraine war: US unveils new sanctions targeting Russia, Moscow vows 'aggressive' respond The minister said the tax collection target would be Rs 12,970 billion -- 38 per cent higher than the previous year. He said the non-tax revenue target of the government would be Rs 3,587 billion against Rs 2,963 billion set for the previous year. The government also decided to provide a historic Rs 1,500 billion Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at the federal level and by adding the provincial component of the development budget, the net PSDP comes to a whopping Rs 3,797 billion. The minister said the economic crisis had ended and the government fast-tracked the development process by offering new opportunities. He also announced plans to speed up the privatisation of loss-making state-owned entities as well as outsource various airports. Watch | Putin's military manoeuvres raise tensions in the West × The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers protested during the budget speech by raising slogans against the government. They alleged that the government was not legitimate as it came to power through fraud in the elections. After the budget speech, the session was adjourned. As per the government’s tentative plan, a general debate on the budget would start on June 20 and would continue till June 24. The members will take part in the debate and vote on cut motions on June 26 and 27 whereas the budget will be passed on June 28. The new budget presentation comes as the government is trying to get another loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and several of its pre-conditions, including the revenue targets, have been already accepted and included in the budget estimates. There is growing consensus among experts that without a fresh bailout package from the IMF, Pakistan would find it almost impossible to meet its external obligations. Earlier, according to an Associated Press of Pakistan report, the budget was prepared while considering the existing challenges being faced by the economy on domestic and international fronts. Hence, mitigating people’s sufferings, transforming the agriculture sector, promoting Information Technology (IT), boosting exports, promoting industrial growth and bolstering businesses, would be the main focus of the document, it reported quoting sources. The APP also said the government is firmly committed to presenting a pro-people, business-friendly and progressive Federal Budget FY 2024-25 and would pursue policies aimed at fiscal consolidation to contain the budget deficit. In addition to fiscal management, revenue mobilisation, measures for economic stabilisation and growth, reduction in non-development expenditures, job creation and people-friendly policies for the socioeconomic prosperity of the country would feature in the budget. It would also focus on social sector development besides introducing reforms for improving governance and boosting the private sector for investment. On the revenue side, the government would introduce measures for bringing improvements in the system of tax collection, broadening the tax base, and facilitating tax-payers. Keeping in view the robust growth of revenues during the current fiscal year (2023-24), the government is likely to set the revenue collection target at over Rs 12 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Pakistan hikes defence budget by nearly 15 per cent in 2024-25

In an interview with the U.S. media, A top American military official said that he would turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape if China tries to invade Taiwan. What is America's hellscape strategy? Will it even be effective against the Chinese PLA? Gravitas explores.

US threatens to turn Taiwan Strait into a hellscape if Chinese troops moves towards Taipei

With tensions high as ever in the Taiwan Strait, the top US admiral of the Navy Fleet in the Indo-Pacific has threatened to turn Taiwan straight into an unmanned hellscape in the event of China invading Taiwan.

US Admiral's chilling warning to Beijing regarding 'Taiwan Hellscape'

With tensions high as ever in the Taiwan Strait, top US admiral of the Navy Fleet in the Indo-Pacific has threatened to turn the Taiwan straight into an unmanned hellscape in the event of China invading Taiwan.

US prepares first line of defence in Taiwan, plans to turn Taiwan strait into 'hellscape'

US prepares first line of defence in Taiwan

After some strategic manoeuvring, the allocation of ministerial portfolios in India is finally out, with some key ministries assigned to big names that retained the roles they held in the Modi 2.0 cabinet. Crucial ministries in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet include the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

S Jaishankar, who spearheaded India's diplomatic strategy throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict once again gets External Affairs Ministry. With no changes seen in the big four ministries, Rajnath Singh once more gets Defence Ministry, Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Ministry and Minister of Corporate Affairs whereas&nbsp;Amit Shah gets Minister of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation.&nbsp;

These four ministries are the members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which oversees debates within the national security apparatus. CCS also holds sway over pivotal decisions concerning important appointments, and national security issues.

The CCS is responsible for formulating policies related to security and defence, making decisions on defence expenditure and handling matters of national security significance. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and defence preparedness of India.

In the Modi 2.0 cabinet, the Ministry of Home was held by Amit Shah, the Ministry of Defence was held by Rajnath Singh, External Affairs by S Jaishankar, and Ministry of Finance by Nirmala Sitharaman.&nbsp;

In PM Modi's first cabinet, Rajnath Singh held home ministry, defence was held by Nirmala Sitharaman, late Sushma Swaraj held external affairs and finance was given to late Arun Jaitley.&nbsp;

Modi on Monday (June 10) held his first cabinet meeting after taking the oath the previous day. Major faces seen during the meet also included Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, JP Nadda&nbsp;among others.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After some strategic manoeuvring, the allocation of ministerial portfolios in India is finally out, with some key ministries assigned to big names that retained the roles they held in the Modi 2.

After some strategic manoeuvring, the allocation of ministerial portfolios in India is finally out, with some key ministries assigned to big names that retained the roles they held in the Modi 2.0 cabinet. Crucial ministries in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet include the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of External Affairs. S Jaishankar, who spearheaded India's diplomatic strategy throughout the Russia-Ukraine conflict once again gets External Affairs Ministry. With no changes seen in the big four ministries, Rajnath Singh once more gets Defence Ministry, Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Ministry and Minister of Corporate Affairs whereas Amit Shah gets Minister of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation. These four ministries are the members of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) which oversees debates within the national security apparatus. CCS also holds sway over pivotal decisions concerning important appointments, and national security issues. The CCS is responsible for formulating policies related to security and defence, making decisions on defence expenditure and handling matters of national security significance. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and defence preparedness of India. In the Modi 2.0 cabinet, the Ministry of Home was held by Amit Shah, the Ministry of Defence was held by Rajnath Singh, External Affairs by S Jaishankar, and Ministry of Finance by Nirmala Sitharaman. In PM Modi's first cabinet, Rajnath Singh held home ministry, defence was held by Nirmala Sitharaman, late Sushma Swaraj held external affairs and finance was given to late Arun Jaitley. Modi on Monday (June 10) held his first cabinet meeting after taking the oath the previous day. Major faces seen during the meet also included Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, S Jaishankar, JP Nadda among others. (With inputs from agencies)

Modi 3.0: Who secured India's key ministries: Home, foreign, defence and finance?

#Gravitas | A team from the U.S. is currently in India to hold discussions on the acquisition of MQ-9B drones. On this edition of Gravitas deep dive, we talk about the history of UAVs and how the 'hunter-killer' drone variant came to be.

Gravitas Deep Dive: How US's MQ-9B 'Predator' Will Enhance India’s Maritime Security

#Gravitas | India is ramping up its naval defence facilities around the peninsula. It is building an undersea fortress to house nuclear submarines called INS Varsha. Should China watch out?

India's undersea fortress for nuclear submarines: Project Varsha

The wars conflicts and Rising security concerns are forcing countries around the world to increase their military spending. Global military spending reached a record high in 2023 surging 6.8% to almost 2.5 trillion dollar. This marks the ninth consecutive year of increase with 2023 being the steepest rise since 2009. Watch in for more details!

Global military expenditure reaches over $2.4 trillion in 2023

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- According to the reports, Britain’s air defence systems are "very limited, to the point of being negligible", as the Ministry of Defence warned of the gravest risk of attack from the skies in 30 years. Watch in for more details!

Report: UK's air defence systems almost negligible

UK's Ministry of Defence suffered a significant data breach. The personal information of UK military personnel has been hacked. A third-party payroll system used by the MoD was attacked. This system included names and bank details of current and past members of the armed forces.

Who is hacking UK armed forces’ personal data?

A historic defence pact that could reshape geopolitics around West Asia is in near completion. Saudi Arabia and the United States are set to be closing in on a landmark defense pact and nuclear artificial intelligence cooperation dubbed as Plan B.

Riyadh pushes for US defence pact

Israel and Saudi are at the 'cusp of a deal'

US defence giant Northrop Grumman has tested an underwater drone that looks like a monster manta ray. The drone is capable of carrying multiple payloads of various sizes, and the machine is autonomous and war-ready.

US military flaunts massive unmanned 'Manta Ray'

U.S. defence giant Northrop Grumman has tested an underwater drone that looks like a monster manta ray. The drone is capable of carrying multiple payloads of various sizes, and the machine is autonomous, and war-ready. Gravitas brings you the details of this monster spy drone.

Gravitas | America's new 'Monster Manta Ray' underwater spy drone

A historic defence pact that could reshape geopolitics around West Asia is near completion. Saudi Arabia and the United States are set to be closing in on a landmark defense pact and nuclear artificial intelligence cooperation dubbed as Plan B.

Saudi Arabia-US explore bilateral defence pact

In a first, India has exported defence products worth over Rupees 21,000 crore. India has successfully delivered BrahMos missile to the Philippines, India has also delivered two Dornier 228 jets to Guyana. Is this the start of India's defence boom?

India to deliver BrahMos missile to Philippines, India's first major defence export deal

India is broadening its military footprint. India will soon deploy defence attaché in some African states & other nations. This marks a significant shift in India's strategic approach to bolstering ties with key regions.

India to send defence attaché to African states, Armenia & Philippines

Israel for the first time deployed its ship-mounted defence system, called the C-Dome, against a “suspicious” target that entered the country’s airspace near the southern city of Eilat, the military said Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

Israel's C-Dome defence system: How does it work?

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given a stern message to Pakistan speaking to an Indian news outlet on terror emanating from Pakistan. Watch the video to know more.

India: Defence Minister says, 'will enter home of anti-India elements & kill them

In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week. This visit marks the first military-level exchange between the two nations following the elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Partnership'.

The deepening of ties between Greece and India has been underscored by a series of high-profile engagements in recent times. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a visit to India, closely following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Greece the previous year.

Modi's visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the southern European nation in over four decades, signaling a renewed commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations.

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Military cooperation between the two countries has seen a notable upsurge, with collaborative efforts evident in various defense exercises. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, demonstrated the growing partnership in defense capabilities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-75th-anniversary-us-spent-219-trillion-on-nato-over-75-years-how-much-other-members-contributed-707744">NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed?</a>

Similarly, the Indian Navy's engagement in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, further strengthened maritime collaboration between the two nations.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-elections-2024-indias-first-time-voter-from-chennai-speaks-to-wion-707786">Indian elections 2024: India's first-time voter from Chennai speaks to WION</a>

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Beyond military maneuvers, India and Greece have found common ground on several issues, further cementing their diplomatic camaraderie. Both nations have consistently aligned in their mutual support on Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.

In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week.

In a significant stride towards bolstering defence ties between Greece and India, General Dimitris Houpis, the Chief of the General Staff of the Greek Armed Forces, is set to visit India next week. This visit marks the first military-level exchange between the two nations following the elevation of their bilateral relations to a 'Strategic Partnership'. The deepening of ties between Greece and India has been underscored by a series of high-profile engagements in recent times. Earlier this year, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a visit to India, closely following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to Greece the previous year. Modi's visit marked the first time an Indian Prime Minister had visited the southern European nation in over four decades, signaling a renewed commitment to fostering stronger bilateral relations. Also Read | Thailand: Ferry passengers jump into sea to save their life from fire on board Military cooperation between the two countries has seen a notable upsurge, with collaborative efforts evident in various defense exercises. The Indian Air Force's active participation in the INIOCHOS-23 multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force, demonstrated the growing partnership in defense capabilities. Also Read | NATO 75th anniversary: US spent $21.9 trillion on NATO over 75 years; How much other members contributed? Similarly, the Indian Navy's engagement in a Passage Exercise with the Hellenic Naval Ship Nikiforos Fokas during a visit to Souda Bay, Crete, further strengthened maritime collaboration between the two nations. Watch | Indian elections 2024: India's first-time voter from Chennai speaks to WION × Beyond military maneuvers, India and Greece have found common ground on several issues, further cementing their diplomatic camaraderie. Both nations have consistently aligned in their mutual support on Kashmir and Cyprus. Greece has also backed India's bid for a permanent seat on an expanded United Nations Security Council.

Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen

Gravitas | BrahMos & Dorniers: India's record defence export

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