Tensions between India and Pakistan are soaring in the aftermath of the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Pakistan's defense ministerKhawaja Asif has stoked fears of a looming Indian military incursion. In a stark warning Asif has declared that Islamabad has reinforced its forces in anticipation of what he calls an imminent strike by India, escalating the already volatile situation between the two nuclear armed rivals.

Pakistan minister Khawaja Asif signals nuclear readiness; Islamabad launches 2 major air warfare drills

As tensions with Pakistan boil after the bloody Pahalgam terror attack, New Delhi is sending a clear message: We are ready for any fight—on land, at sea, and in the skies. India signs $7.4 billion deal to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets. Watch in for more details!

India's air dominance: Rafales, upgraded Mirages & Tejas

Anticipating a strong response from India following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani Air Force has begun two major air warfare drills.

Breaking | Rattled Pakistan conducts major air warfare drills in anticipation of India strike

India and France formally inked 63,000 crore rupees or $7 billion deal to buy 26 Rafale marine fighter jets. This will clear the way for the Indian Navy to acquire 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft as part of the agreement negotiated with France under a government-to-government framework. Watch in for more details!

India, France sign Rs 63,000 crore mega deal for 26 Rafale-marine jets for Navy

India on Monday (April 28) officially signed a deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, valued at around ₹64,000 crore ($7.41 billion), for the Indian Navy.
The agreement comes after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the government-to-government contract earlier this month. Deliveries of the new jets are expected to start in about three and a half years and should be completed within six and a half years.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-m-roars-in-indias-answer-to-pakistans-terror-games-9009226">Rafale M roars in: India's answer to Pakistan&rsquo;s terror games</a>
Under the deal, India will receive 22 single-seat Rafale Marine jets designed for combat missions and four twin-seat trainers to help pilots prepare for operations at sea. Built by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, these advanced fighters are set to be deployed on INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier.
The new Rafale jets will work alongside the Navy&rsquo;s current fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K fighters, which are based on both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, an older aircraft carrier also of Russian origin. The MiG-29Ks, bought between 2004 and 2010, have faced reliability issues over the years, with only 15% to 47% of them reported as operational at times, according to a 2016 report.
<h2>A strategic upgrade for the Navy and Air Force</h2>
The addition of the Rafale Marine jets It will not just replace ageing aircraft but will significantly modernise India&rsquo;s naval air power.
The agreement is also expected to benefit the Indian Air Force (IAF). The new jets will support the IAF&rsquo;s &ldquo;buddy-buddy&rdquo; mid-air refuelling system, allowing up to 10 Rafale aircraft to refuel each other during missions, which will extend their operational range.
The IAF already flies 36 Rafale fighter jets, which were purchased under a ₹60,000 crore deal signed with France in 2016. The first Rafale jets for the IAF arrived in Ambala in 2020, marking a major leap in India&rsquo;s air strength.
<h2>Why did India order exactly 26 jets?</h2>
The decision to buy exactly 26 Rafale Marine fighters is closely tied to the design of INS Vikrant. Launched in 2022, the carrier has the capacity to hold 26 aircraft.
The Navy&rsquo;s order includes 22 single-seaters for combat missions and four twin-seaters for pilot training, making full use of the carrier&rsquo;s available space.
Choosing 25 or 27 jets would have either left a spot empty or exceeded the ship&rsquo;s carrying capacity. Though no official explanation has been given, it is clear that ordering 26 jets matches the operational needs of the carrier perfectly.

India news: Under the deal, India will receive 22 single-seat Rafale Marine jets designed for combat missions and four twin-seat trainers to help pilots prepare for operations at sea.

India on Monday (April 28) officially signed a deal with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, valued at around ₹64,000 crore ($7.41 billion), for the Indian Navy. The agreement comes after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the government-to-government contract earlier this month. Deliveries of the new jets are expected to start in about three and a half years and should be completed within six and a half years. Also read: Rafale M roars in: India's answer to Pakistan’s terror games Under the deal, India will receive 22 single-seat Rafale Marine jets designed for combat missions and four twin-seat trainers to help pilots prepare for operations at sea. Built by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation, these advanced fighters are set to be deployed on INS Vikrant, India's first indigenous aircraft carrier. The new Rafale jets will work alongside the Navy’s current fleet of Russian-made MiG-29K fighters, which are based on both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, an older aircraft carrier also of Russian origin. The MiG-29Ks, bought between 2004 and 2010, have faced reliability issues over the years, with only 15% to 47% of them reported as operational at times, according to a 2016 report. A strategic upgrade for the Navy and Air Force The addition of the Rafale Marine jets It will not just replace ageing aircraft but will significantly modernise India’s naval air power. The agreement is also expected to benefit the Indian Air Force (IAF). The new jets will support the IAF’s “buddy-buddy” mid-air refuelling system, allowing up to 10 Rafale aircraft to refuel each other during missions, which will extend their operational range. The IAF already flies 36 Rafale fighter jets, which were purchased under a ₹60,000 crore deal signed with France in 2016. The first Rafale jets for the IAF arrived in Ambala in 2020, marking a major leap in India’s air strength. Why did India order exactly 26 jets? The decision to buy exactly 26 Rafale Marine fighters is closely tied to the design of INS Vikrant. Launched in 2022, the carrier has the capacity to hold 26 aircraft. The Navy’s order includes 22 single-seaters for combat missions and four twin-seaters for pilot training, making full use of the carrier’s available space. Choosing 25 or 27 jets would have either left a spot empty or exceeded the ship’s carrying capacity. Though no official explanation has been given, it is clear that ordering 26 jets matches the operational needs of the carrier perfectly.

India, France ink ₹63,000 crore deal to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets: Why did New Delhi order 26 jets, and not 25 or 27?

India, France sign ₹63,000 crore mega deal for 26 Rafale fighters

BREAKING: NIA is probing a possible Huawei link in the Pahalgam terror attack, as part of a broader investigation into cross-border involvement.

BREAKING: NIA probes 'Huawei Link' in Pahalgam terror attack case

Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels. The ban has been imposed on media houses and individual content creators.

Pahalgam Attack: Indian government has banned 16 Pakistani YouTube channels

Jammu and Kashmir police have begun search operations, homes of 13 individuals are being searched in lieu of Pahalgam terror attack.

BREAKING: Jammu and Kashmir begin search operations in Doda and Kishtwar districts

Heatwave conditions have arrived earlier than expected in Delhi and across parts of northwest and central India. The IMD has issued a six-day alert, with temperatures in New Delhi expected to hit 40°C. Gujarat’s Saurashtra-Kutch region is also under a heatwave warning. Residents are advised to take precautions as extreme heat intensifies. Watch to know more!

Delhi to witness relief from intense heat as IMD predicts rain

PM Modi's strong message over Pahalgam attack, high level meeting likely to happen today.

Pahalgam terror attack: High level meeting likely at PM Modi's residence

As discussions on the India–U.S. Trade deal gain momentum with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Delhi... Indian exporters face a critical reality: understanding and complying with U.S. Non-preferential rules of origin is essential to benefit from the new trade dynamics.

U.S.- India trade talks gain momentum

China condemned the Pahalgam terror attack but avoided commenting on Pakistan’s alleged role, maintaining a neutral stance.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: China condemns attack but stays silent on Pakistan's involvement

After the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, India blamed Pakistan, sparking rising tensions. Pakistan denied involvement and warned of retaliation.

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Ceasefire violations reported across LoC, NIA takes over

India will acquire 26 Rafale-Marine jets from France, including weapons and support, to boost Navy capabilities on INS Vikrant.

Indian Navy to get 26 Rafale-Marine fighters, France to supply weapons with aircraft

Security forces tracked the Pahalgam attackers at least four times in South Kashmir over five days and even exchanged fire once, according to Indian Express sources.

BREAKING: Security forces track Pahalgam attackers four times, exchange fire once, say sources

Pahalgam Terror Attack: Pakistan gears up for potential clash with India

On April 25, 2025, Pakistani troops fired across the LoC in Poonch, violating the ceasefire again. India responded; no casualties were reported.

BREAKING: Pakistan troops fire across the Line Of Control, violate ceasefire AGAIN

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, with both nations taking strong military and diplomatic stances. Amidst the crisis, China and Pakistan hold talks, while the UN issues a diluted condemnation. Reports hint at China-Pakistan collaboration at the UNSC.

India-Pak tensions: Wang Yi calls for restrain between Pakistan and India

There's a rush at the Attari-Wagah border as 537 Pakistani nationals return home since April 24. Meanwhile, 850 Indian nationals have returned to India during the same period. The deadline for Pakistani nationals to return ends today, with medical visas valid till April 29.

Attari border rush: Pakistan nationals return home

India-Pak tensions: China condemns attack but stays silent on Pakistan's involvement

As tensions rise between India and Pakistan, questions loom over Pakistan's ability to afford a military conflict. With India rapidly modernizing its military capabilities, can Pakistan sustain a war effort?

India-Pak tensions: After its brush with bankruptcy, can Pakistan afford conflict?

India and Pakistan heighten military preparedness amid rising tensions. India boosts naval presence in the Arabian Sea, while Pakistan conducts a three-day air warfare exercise, deploying fighter jets and airlifting ammunition and missiles. Reports suggest China has supplied PL-15 missiles to Pakistan, further escalating the situation.

India-Pak tensions: India naval movements in Arabian Sea, Pak arms bases in South

Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise. A social activist was shot and killed in J&K's Kupwara, while security forces blew up homes of 9 terrorists. Meanwhile, Amit Shah meets Delhi Police Commissioner amid heightened security concerns. The RSS Chief supports govt actions, while Pakistan remains silent on returning BSF constable. International leaders, including the FBI Director and UAE President, express support for India. Watch this for more details!

Pahalgam attack| PM Modi: Will give the harshest punishment

Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan after 27 people were killed on Tuesday (April 22) in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam district, a popular tourist destination of India, the Indian Navy successfully test-fired a medium-range surface-to-air missile INS Surat against a sea-skimming target in the Arabian Sea on Thursday (April 24)

Indian Navy reaffirms its readiness for long-range precision strikes

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calls for a united fight against terrorism after a deadly attack in Pahalgam that killed 27 people. He vows no mercy for the guilty, urging collective action to tackle terrorism in the region

Breaking| CM Omar: Time to unite against terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir

J&K: Pakistani troops open fire at Indian posts along LoC

Indian Navy successfully tests anti-ship missile in Arabian Sea

J&K: Security forces blow up homes of 9 terrorists after Pahalgam attack

As discussions on the India-US trade deal gain momentum with US Vice President JD Vance's visit to Delhi, Indian exporters face a critical reality. Understanding and complying with US nonreferential rules of origin is essential to benefit from the new trade dynamics. The United States currently imposes tariffs of up to 245% on Chinese goods, while tariffs on products from other countries remain much lower, around 10%.

US-India trade talks gain momentum, Indian firms eye export opportunities

Crude oil prices have plunged to a four-year low, but don't expect cheaper fuel anytime soon.

Despite the global drop, Indian consumers are still paying high rates at the pump.

Why?

Oil companies are grappling with inventory losses, weak refining margins, and gas under-recoveries.

Here's why the relief you're hoping for isn’t arriving just yet.

Take a look...

Why is fuel still expensive in India?

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