<a href="https://www.wionews.com/...economy/oecd-hails-india-reforms-pegs-62- growth-in-2020-264158">&nbsp;India's economy</a> probably expanded at its weakest pace in more than six years in the quarter to September, a Reuters poll showed, as consumer demand and private investment weakened further and a global slowdown hit exports.

The median of a poll of economists showed annual growth in gross domestic product of 4.7 per cent&nbsp;in the quarter, down from 5.0 per cent&nbsp;in the previous three months and 7 per cent&nbsp;for the corresponding period of 2018.

Economic growth could dip to around 4 per cent&nbsp;in the September quarter, two domestic television channels said on Wednesday, citing government sources.

If the latest figure for expansion of gross domestic product is 4.7 per cent&nbsp;or less, the quarter will have registered the slowest expansion in 26 quarters, since 4.3 per cent&nbsp;in January-March 2013.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-uk-reaffirm-commitment-on-counter- terrorism-cooperation-264974">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>'s government has taken several steps, including cutting corporate tax in September, to boost investments and bolster economic growth.

Economists in a Reuters poll predicted the Reserve Bank of India would cut its repo rate for the sixth time in a row, by 25 basis points, to 4.90 per cent&nbsp;at its Dec. 3-5 meeting.

"Agrarian distress and dismal income growth so far, coupled with subdued income growth expectation in urban areas, have weakened consumption demand considerably," said Devindra Pant, chief economist at Fitch arm India Ratings &amp; Research.

"Even the festive demand has failed to revive it," he said, citing data on non-food credit, auto sales and select fast-moving consumer goods.

'Economic emergency'

On Wednesday, in a heated parliamentary debate on the economic slowdown affecting jobs, opposition parties said millions of people had lost their jobs and the country faced an "economic emergency".

In her reply, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cbic-suspends-assistant-commissioner-deepak- pandit-for-misusing-powers-264782">Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman</a> said the economy faced a slowdown but no "recession" and cited several government measures to support economic growth.

On Thursday, she sought parliament's approval to spend $2.7 billion in addition to a budgeted 27.86 trillion rupees ($388 billion) in the 2019/20 fiscal year.

Economists said with persistently tight domestic credit and weak corporate profits, India's recovery could be delayed and the pick-up would remain below potential.

India needs to grow at around 8 per cent&nbsp;to create enough jobs for its millions of young people joining the labour force each year.

The unemployment rate in October rose to 8.5 per cent, its highest since August 2016, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), though the government estimates that urban unemployment declined.

Some economists, however, said economic growth could pick up in the second half of the current fiscal year, after the government took steps to support real estate and non-bank finance companies.

"The economic slowdown has bottomed out in the September quarter," said N.R. Bhanumurthy, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, a Delhi-based government think tank.

"With easing of credit and pick up in festival demand, economic growth is expected to pick up from October onward."

India's economy probably expanded at its weakest pace in more than six years in the quarter to September, a Reuters poll showed, as consumer demand and private investment weakened further and a global slowdown hit exports.

India's economy probably expanded at its weakest pace in more than six years in the quarter to September, a Reuters poll showed, as consumer demand and private investment weakened further and a global slowdown hit exports. The median of a poll of economists showed annual growth in gross domestic product of 4.7 per cent in the quarter, down from 5.0 per cent in the previous three months and 7 per cent for the corresponding period of 2018. Economic growth could dip to around 4 per cent in the September quarter, two domestic television channels said on Wednesday, citing government sources. If the latest figure for expansion of gross domestic product is 4.7 per cent or less, the quarter will have registered the slowest expansion in 26 quarters, since 4.3 per cent in January-March 2013. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has taken several steps, including cutting corporate tax in September, to boost investments and bolster economic growth. Economists in a Reuters poll predicted the Reserve Bank of India would cut its repo rate for the sixth time in a row, by 25 basis points, to 4.90 per cent at its Dec. 3-5 meeting. "Agrarian distress and dismal income growth so far, coupled with subdued income growth expectation in urban areas, have weakened consumption demand considerably," said Devindra Pant, chief economist at Fitch arm India Ratings & Research. "Even the festive demand has failed to revive it," he said, citing data on non-food credit, auto sales and select fast-moving consumer goods. 'Economic emergency' On Wednesday, in a heated parliamentary debate on the economic slowdown affecting jobs, opposition parties said millions of people had lost their jobs and the country faced an "economic emergency". In her reply, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the economy faced a slowdown but no "recession" and cited several government measures to support economic growth. On Thursday, she sought parliament's approval to spend $2.7 billion in addition to a budgeted 27.86 trillion rupees ($388 billion) in the 2019/20 fiscal year. Economists said with persistently tight domestic credit and weak corporate profits, India's recovery could be delayed and the pick-up would remain below potential. India needs to grow at around 8 per cent to create enough jobs for its millions of young people joining the labour force each year. The unemployment rate in October rose to 8.5 per cent, its highest since August 2016, according to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), though the government estimates that urban unemployment declined. Some economists, however, said economic growth could pick up in the second half of the current fiscal year, after the government took steps to support real estate and non-bank finance companies. "The economic slowdown has bottomed out in the September quarter," said N.R. Bhanumurthy, an economist at the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, a Delhi-based government think tank. "With easing of credit and pick up in festival demand, economic growth is expected to pick up from October onward."

India's economy seen growing at 4.7 per cent in September quarter

India plans to take more steps to boost consumer demand including injecting liquidity through banks and simplifying personal taxes, a top government economic adviser said on Friday, in a bid to raise economic growth from six-year lows.

Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser at the Finance Ministry, said the government had slashed corporate taxes to attract investment and was looking for ways to boost consumer demand to support that investment.

"In the short-run, we are taking steps to increase consumption so that anticipating that consumption, investment also goes up," he told Reuters in an interview.

One of the measures on the table is aimed at easing personal taxation and making the whole tax administration simpler. The government is also considering the report of a task force to bring India's six-decades-old tax legislation more into line with those of other countries.

Subramanian said the government planned to make public the recommendations of the task force.

"The direct tax code task force has submitted its report," he said, adding that the steps that have already been taken to streamline the tax administration are likely to help in improving the tax buoyancy.

Last month Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/corporate-tax-cut-may-act-as-a-steroid-for-the-economy-254318">cut corporate tax </a>rates from over 30 per cent&nbsp;to 25 per cent, and to 15 per cent&nbsp;for new manufacturing companies, putting it on a par or even ahead of some of its Asian peers.

That landmark move has raised hopes that the government might consider similar cuts to personal taxes to put more money into the hands of consumers and especially the middle class who form the core of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling group.

A source in the finance ministry said the task force's recommendations - which include cuts in the income tax rate by up to 10 per cent&nbsp;- could be announced even before the presentation in February of the annual budget for fiscal 2020/21, which starts in April.

"Timing of the implementation is a political call," said the source, adding that officials have already held discussions on the issue.

Growth in April-June slipped to 5 per cent, its slowest pace since 2013. The International Monetary Fund has cut its growth forecast to 6.1 per cent&nbsp;for this fiscal year from an initial 7 per cent, citing a slowdown in domestic and global demand.

New Delhi has also been trying to boost domestic growth through an infrastructure package and a new loan program organised with the banking sector that has doled out loans worth over 800 billion rupees.

Subramanian said the government has asked the banks to buy out assets from the crisis-hit non-banking finance companies to improve liquidity in the market.

"The government will do all that it takes to take back the growth on the high trajectory."

Referring to banking reforms, he said, the government was focussed on the merger of some state banks, aiming to cut down the number of state banks to 12 from 27 in 2017, and has asked them to take corporate default cases to bankruptcy courts only above a threshold limit.

India plans to take more steps to boost consumer demand including injecting liquidity through banks and simplifying personal taxes, a top government economic adviser said on Friday, in a bid to raise economic growth from six-year lows.

India plans to take more steps to boost consumer demand including injecting liquidity through banks and simplifying personal taxes, a top government economic adviser said on Friday, in a bid to raise economic growth from six-year lows. Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser at the Finance Ministry, said the government had slashed corporate taxes to attract investment and was looking for ways to boost consumer demand to support that investment. "In the short-run, we are taking steps to increase consumption so that anticipating that consumption, investment also goes up," he told Reuters in an interview. One of the measures on the table is aimed at easing personal taxation and making the whole tax administration simpler. The government is also considering the report of a task force to bring India's six-decades-old tax legislation more into line with those of other countries. Subramanian said the government planned to make public the recommendations of the task force. "The direct tax code task force has submitted its report," he said, adding that the steps that have already been taken to streamline the tax administration are likely to help in improving the tax buoyancy. Last month Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cut corporate tax rates from over 30 per cent to 25 per cent, and to 15 per cent for new manufacturing companies, putting it on a par or even ahead of some of its Asian peers. That landmark move has raised hopes that the government might consider similar cuts to personal taxes to put more money into the hands of consumers and especially the middle class who form the core of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling group. A source in the finance ministry said the task force's recommendations - which include cuts in the income tax rate by up to 10 per cent - could be announced even before the presentation in February of the annual budget for fiscal 2020/21, which starts in April. "Timing of the implementation is a political call," said the source, adding that officials have already held discussions on the issue. Growth in April-June slipped to 5 per cent, its slowest pace since 2013. The International Monetary Fund has cut its growth forecast to 6.1 per cent for this fiscal year from an initial 7 per cent, citing a slowdown in domestic and global demand. New Delhi has also been trying to boost domestic growth through an infrastructure package and a new loan program organised with the banking sector that has doled out loans worth over 800 billion rupees. Subramanian said the government has asked the banks to buy out assets from the crisis-hit non-banking finance companies to improve liquidity in the market. "The government will do all that it takes to take back the growth on the high trajectory." Referring to banking reforms, he said, the government was focussed on the merger of some state banks, aiming to cut down the number of state banks to 12 from 27 in 2017, and has asked them to take corporate default cases to bankruptcy courts only above a threshold limit.

India to take more steps to boost consumer demand, growth: Chief Economic Adviser

India is likely to exempt foreign portfolio investors from an increase in taxes that was part of the budget approved by parliament but heavily criticised, a government official said on Thursday.

The budget provided for increased personal income taxes on those with an annual income of more than 20 million rupees ($283,045).

The official, who declined to be named, said the government will either issue a notification or an executive order, which could be later submitted to parliament for approval, to exempt the foreign portfolio investors, mainly registered as trusts, from the increase in surcharge on super-rich taxpayers

India is likely to exempt foreign portfolio investors from an increase in taxes that was part of the budget approved by parliament but heavily criticised, a government official said on Thursday.

India is likely to exempt foreign portfolio investors from an increase in taxes that was part of the budget approved by parliament but heavily criticised, a government official said on Thursday. The budget provided for increased personal income taxes on those with an annual income of more than 20 million rupees ($283,045). The official, who declined to be named, said the government will either issue a notification or an executive order, which could be later submitted to parliament for approval, to exempt the foreign portfolio investors, mainly registered as trusts, from the increase in surcharge on super-rich taxpayers

India looks to exempt foreign portfolio investors from higher taxes: Government official

Finance Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nirmala-sitharaman-the-first-full-time-woman- defence-minister-retained-as-union-minister-222866"> Nirmala Sitharaman</a> has ruled out reconsidering a plan to issue foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds, she was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday, despite warnings of long-term risk for the economy.

On Thursday, Reuters reported that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wanted the finance ministry to reassess the idea of issuing foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds and seek wider consultation.

"I am not doing any review. I have not been asked by anybody to do a review," Sitharaman told the Economic Times.

This month, Sitharaman, presenting the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/budget-2019-nirmala-sitharaman-focuses-on-gaon-gareeb-aur-kisan-in-her-first-budget-233232">budget</a> for the fiscal year 2019/2020 that began on April 1, said India would look to issue overseas foreign currency sovereign bonds in addition to raising funds from the domestic market.

The proposal has been criticised by former heads of the Reserve Bank of India, economists and allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who argue it could create long-term economic risks by exposing the government's liabilities to currency fluctuations.

“The government would start raising a part of its gross borrowing programme in external markets in external currencies. This will also have a beneficial impact on the demand situation for government securities in the domestic market,” Sitharaman told the Economic Times.

The government plans to borrow nearly $10 billion from the foreign overseas market, out of total planned borrowing of about $103 billion in 2019/20.

Sitharaman told the newspaper that details such as the timing of the issue and the exact size had not been worked out.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has ruled out reconsidering a plan to issue foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds, she was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday, despite warnings of long-term risk for the economy.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has ruled out reconsidering a plan to issue foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds, she was quoted as saying in an interview published on Sunday, despite warnings of long-term risk for the economy. On Thursday, Reuters reported that the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) wanted the finance ministry to reassess the idea of issuing foreign currency overseas sovereign bonds and seek wider consultation. "I am not doing any review. I have not been asked by anybody to do a review," Sitharaman told the Economic Times. This month, Sitharaman, presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2019/2020 that began on April 1, said India would look to issue overseas foreign currency sovereign bonds in addition to raising funds from the domestic market. The proposal has been criticised by former heads of the Reserve Bank of India, economists and allies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, who argue it could create long-term economic risks by exposing the government's liabilities to currency fluctuations. “The government would start raising a part of its gross borrowing programme in external markets in external currencies. This will also have a beneficial impact on the demand situation for government securities in the domestic market,” Sitharaman told the Economic Times. The government plans to borrow nearly $10 billion from the foreign overseas market, out of total planned borrowing of about $103 billion in 2019/20. Sitharaman told the newspaper that details such as the timing of the issue and the exact size had not been worked out.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says no rethink on overseas sovereign bonds: Report

The BSE Sensex fell 638 points to 39,028.59 as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/post-budget-sensex-slips-400-points-car-companies-bleed-233893">Dalal Street reacted to finance</a> minister Nirmala Sitharaman Budget on Friday. Nifty was down 193 points at 11, 617 as markets continued to tank.

The biggest loser was Punjab National Bank(PNB) stocks which fell over nine per cent. On Saturday, PNB had said it had reported a borrowing fraud of Rs 3,800 crore rupees in Bhushan Power &amp; Steel Ltd's account to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Bhushan Power and Steel, one of India's most indebted companies, was among the first 12 companies referred by the RBI India to a bankruptcy court.

Shares of Maruti Suzuki hit a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/post-budget-sensex-slips-400-points-car-companies-bleed-233893">new low of Rs 6,151 falling </a>over three per cent post Budget on Monday. Other car stocks to fell with Hero Motorcorp and Tata Motors.

After the Budget on Friday, the Sensex had closed 0.99 per cent lower at 39,513.39. The broader Nifty had closed down 1.14 per cent at 11,811.15 points.

Meanwhile, international crude prices were little changed on Monday as traders weighed geopolitical risks against the impact of the China-US trade war on the global economy.

Brent crude futures were down 3 cents by 0300 GMT at $64.20. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 6 cents at $57.57 a barrel.

Asian stocks were also hit on Monday after US jobs report dashed hopes that the Federal Reserve would slash interest rates this month with with Hong Kong down 1.8 per cent, Shanghai 2.4 per cent lower and Tokyo off 0.9 per cent.

The BSE Sensex fell 638 points to 39,028.59 as Dalal Street reacted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman Budget on Friday. Nifty was down 193 points at 11, 617 as markets continued to tank.

The BSE Sensex fell 638 points to 39,028.59 as Dalal Street reacted to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman Budget on Friday. Nifty was down 193 points at 11, 617 as markets continued to tank. The biggest loser was Punjab National Bank(PNB) stocks which fell over nine per cent. On Saturday, PNB had said it had reported a borrowing fraud of Rs 3,800 crore rupees in Bhushan Power & Steel Ltd's account to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Bhushan Power and Steel, one of India's most indebted companies, was among the first 12 companies referred by the RBI India to a bankruptcy court. Shares of Maruti Suzuki hit a new low of Rs 6,151 falling over three per cent post Budget on Monday. Other car stocks to fell with Hero Motorcorp and Tata Motors. After the Budget on Friday, the Sensex had closed 0.99 per cent lower at 39,513.39. The broader Nifty had closed down 1.14 per cent at 11,811.15 points. Meanwhile, international crude prices were little changed on Monday as traders weighed geopolitical risks against the impact of the China-US trade war on the global economy. Brent crude futures were down 3 cents by 0300 GMT at $64.20. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was up 6 cents at $57.57 a barrel. Asian stocks were also hit on Monday after US jobs report dashed hopes that the Federal Reserve would slash interest rates this month with with Hong Kong down 1.8 per cent, Shanghai 2.4 per cent lower and Tokyo off 0.9 per cent.

Post Budget, Sensex down over 630 points; PNB stocks fall further

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman breaking from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2019-sitharaman-expected-to-announce-slew-of-measures-to-boost-economy-pronounce-relief-to-tax-payers-233129">tradition carried the Budget documents </a>in a four-fold red cloth instead of a briefcase as the nation awaited the presentation of the Union Budget in Parliament today.

As per tradition, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on President Ramnath Kovind before presenting the Union Budget.&nbsp;

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Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian on FM Nirmala Sitharaman keeping budget documents in four fold red cloth instead of a briefcase: It is in Indian tradition. It symbolizes our departure from slavery of Western thought. It is not a budget but a 'bahi khata'(ledger) <a href="https://t.co/ZhXdmnfbvl">pic.twitter.com/ZhXdmnfbvl</a>
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"It is in Indian tradition. It symbolises our departure from slavery of Western thought. It is not a budget but a 'bahi khata'(ledger)," chief economic advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/a-brief-about-what-is-union-budget-233147/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This will be Nirmala Sitharaman's first Budget presentation as the new finance minister under the Modi government which won a second term after a mammoth victory in the general election on May 23rd.

Ahead of the Budget, the Indian stock market opened up 0.29 per cent higher at 40,025.85, the broader NSE Nifty was also up 0.26 per cent at 11,976.

Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the government's Economic Survey on Thursday had forecast that India's GDP could get back up to 7 per cent in the current fiscal but cautioned that it will face challenges.

Market analysts believe the Narendra Modi-led government will boost spending in the current Budget in order to spur growth.&nbsp;

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman breaking from tradition carried the Budget documents in a four-fold red cloth instead of a briefcase as the nation awaited the presentation of the Union Budget in Parliament today.

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman breaking from tradition carried the Budget documents in a four-fold red cloth instead of a briefcase as the nation awaited the presentation of the Union Budget in Parliament today. As per tradition, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on President Ramnath Kovind before presenting the Union Budget. Chief Economic Advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian on FM Nirmala Sitharaman keeping budget documents in four fold red cloth instead of a briefcase: It is in Indian tradition. It symbolizes our departure from slavery of Western thought. It is not a budget but a 'bahi khata'(ledger) pic.twitter.com/ZhXdmnfbvl — ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2019 × "It is in Indian tradition. It symbolises our departure from slavery of Western thought. It is not a budget but a 'bahi khata'(ledger)," chief economic advisor Krishnamurthy Subramanian said. This will be Nirmala Sitharaman's first Budget presentation as the new finance minister under the Modi government which won a second term after a mammoth victory in the general election on May 23rd. Ahead of the Budget, the Indian stock market opened up 0.29 per cent higher at 40,025.85, the broader NSE Nifty was also up 0.26 per cent at 11,976. Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the government's Economic Survey on Thursday had forecast that India's GDP could get back up to 7 per cent in the current fiscal but cautioned that it will face challenges. Market analysts believe the Narendra Modi-led government will boost spending in the current Budget in order to spur growth.

In a first, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman carries Budget documents in four-fold red cloth

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said an additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess of one rupee will be imposed on petrol and diesel.&nbsp;

Presenting the Union Budget, she said crude prices have softened from their highs and it gives her room to review excise duty and cess on petrol and diesel.

"I propose to increase special additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess each by one rupee a litre on petrol and diesel," she said.

On Friday, petrol and diesel were being retailed for Rs 64.33 and Rs 70.51 a litre respectively in Delhi. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel were priced at Rs 67.40 a litre and Rs 76.15 a litre.&nbsp;

Domestic fuel prices have barely changed this year. Rates of petrol and diesel have risen merely Rs 1.67 and Rs 1.86 a litre respectively since January 1.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, crude oil rates have risen about $9 a barrel, or 17%, this year from a low of $53.8 at the beginning of the year to $63 a barrel now. Crude touched $75 in April.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said an additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess of one rupee will be imposed on petrol and diesel. Presenting the Union Budget, she said crude prices have softened from their highs and it gives her room to review excise duty and cess on petrol and diesel.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said an additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess of one rupee will be imposed on petrol and diesel. Presenting the Union Budget, she said crude prices have softened from their highs and it gives her room to review excise duty and cess on petrol and diesel. "I propose to increase special additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess each by one rupee a litre on petrol and diesel," she said. On Friday, petrol and diesel were being retailed for Rs 64.33 and Rs 70.51 a litre respectively in Delhi. In Mumbai, petrol and diesel were priced at Rs 67.40 a litre and Rs 76.15 a litre. Domestic fuel prices have barely changed this year. Rates of petrol and diesel have risen merely Rs 1.67 and Rs 1.86 a litre respectively since January 1. Meanwhile, crude oil rates have risen about $9 a barrel, or 17%, this year from a low of $53.8 at the beginning of the year to $63 a barrel now. Crude touched $75 in April.

Budget 2019: Petrol, diesel get dearer with additional excise duty and road and infrastructure cess

New home minister and BJP president Amit Shah has emerged as a clear number two in PM Modi's&nbsp;2.0 government. All-powerful and important <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-s-jaishankar-enter-cabinet-committee-on-security-224609">Cabinet Committees</a> reconstituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are either headed by him or Amit Shah.&nbsp;

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is present in most of the ministries whereas presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is limited to two sub committees. In fact, Rajnath Singh is absent from both Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs and Cabinet Committee of Parliamentary Affairs.

The Cabinet Committee of appointments which deals with the appointment of senior bureaucrats and constitutional bodies only constitutes of Prime Minister and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-pm-modis-right-hand-man-is-indias-new-home-minister-223085">Amit Shah</a>. The Cabinet Committees on Parliamentary Affairs and Accommodation is being headed by Amit Shah himself.

The character of Cabinet Committee of Security remains the same where along with Prime Minister, all top four ministers are present including Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh is also part of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Additionally, the Prime Minister has created Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth and Cabinet Committee on Skill Development and Employment which are being headed by Prime Minister Modi himself.

In most of the Cabinet Committees, Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goel have been well represented.

New home minister and BJP president Amit Shah has emerged as a clear number two in PM Modi's 2.0 government. All-powerful and important Cabinet Committees reconstituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are either headed by him or Amit Shah.

New home minister and BJP president Amit Shah has emerged as a clear number two in PM Modi's 2.0 government. All-powerful and important Cabinet Committees reconstituted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are either headed by him or Amit Shah. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is present in most of the ministries whereas presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is limited to two sub committees. In fact, Rajnath Singh is absent from both Cabinet Committee of Political Affairs and Cabinet Committee of Parliamentary Affairs. The Cabinet Committee of appointments which deals with the appointment of senior bureaucrats and constitutional bodies only constitutes of Prime Minister and Amit Shah. The Cabinet Committees on Parliamentary Affairs and Accommodation is being headed by Amit Shah himself. The character of Cabinet Committee of Security remains the same where along with Prime Minister, all top four ministers are present including Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh is also part of Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. Additionally, the Prime Minister has created Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth and Cabinet Committee on Skill Development and Employment which are being headed by Prime Minister Modi himself. In most of the Cabinet Committees, Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goel have been well represented.

Home Minister Amit Shah emerges as clear number 2 in Modi government 2.0

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy

Defence Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/elections&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwij04er6uXhAhWl7XMBHTQpCTYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hKaCpQ_PWhnNMpuYsbxxD"> Nirmala Sitharaman</a> on Tuesday, interacted with the officers of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/ins-shakti-ins-kolkata-arrive-in-chinas-qingdao-port-for-multinational-naval-exercise-212649&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjhyNPR6uXhAhVWiHAKHQ1NAKMQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3I1XEwkx-DT8INjKM6Pxxs">Indian Navy</a> at Naval Commanders` Conference here to discuss the security challenges faced by the country, she also stated that a strong navy was essential to India`s ability to secure itself.

"A strong navy remains a necessary guarantor of India`s security and prosperity," said the Defense Minister.

She also applauded the Navy for the swift action it took after the Pulwama terror attacks, switching from exercise mode in Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2019 to rapid deployment in the North Arabian Sea.

"Indian Navy`s rapid transition from exercise mode (TROPEX 2019) to Battle mode was impressive," she said.

Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Navy Chief-designate Vice Admiral Karambir Singh and Director General Coast Guard Rajendra Singh, were present at the conference.

The meeting took place a couple of days after eight coordinated bomb blasts shook Sri Lanka leaving 310 people dead and more than 500 injured during Easter celebrations on Sunday.

Indian Coast Guard has been put on high alert along the maritime border with Sri Lanka to ensure the security of the nation from any fleeing terrorists from the group which carried out the ghastly attacks. &nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, interacted with the officers of the Indian Navy at Naval Commanders` Conference here to discuss the security challenges faced by the country, she also stated that a strong navy was essential to India`s ability to secure itself.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday, interacted with the officers of the Indian Navy at Naval Commanders` Conference here to discuss the security challenges faced by the country, she also stated that a strong navy was essential to India`s ability to secure itself. "A strong navy remains a necessary guarantor of India`s security and prosperity," said the Defense Minister. She also applauded the Navy for the swift action it took after the Pulwama terror attacks, switching from exercise mode in Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) 2019 to rapid deployment in the North Arabian Sea. "Indian Navy`s rapid transition from exercise mode (TROPEX 2019) to Battle mode was impressive," she said. Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, Navy Chief-designate Vice Admiral Karambir Singh and Director General Coast Guard Rajendra Singh, were present at the conference. The meeting took place a couple of days after eight coordinated bomb blasts shook Sri Lanka leaving 310 people dead and more than 500 injured during Easter celebrations on Sunday. Indian Coast Guard has been put on high alert along the maritime border with Sri Lanka to ensure the security of the nation from any fleeing terrorists from the group which carried out the ghastly attacks.

Nirmala Sitharaman addresses top Navy officials on country's security challenges

WION Fineprint, 8th February, 2019

Early implementation of a secure communication line between Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence, India and Secretary of Defence was the main focus of recent phone conversation between the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting United States Secretary of Defence Patrick M. Shanahan.

Speaking to WION exclusively, Pentagon Spokesman US Army Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn said, "Both sides are reviewing the technical specifications for establishing the two secure communication lines and look forward to early implementation."

"At the inaugural US-India Ministerial 2+2 in New Delhi on September 6, the two sides agreed to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence of India and the US Secretary of Defense," he added.

During the 2+2 dialogue, India and US signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which will help New Delhi get access to advanced US defence systems and enable it to utilise its existing US-origin platforms. Last year, Washington also granted New Delhi Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status which will give India access to high-end US technology for defence purposes. India is the third Asian country after Japan and South Korea to get the STA-1 Status.

During PM Modi's US visit in June of 2016, the US recognised India as a "major defence partner" which commits Washington to facilitate technology sharing with India. Under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), both New Delhi and Washington are also exploring the possibilities of co-development and co-production.

In December of 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman was on a 5-day US visit during which she met with the then US Secretary of Defence James N Mattis and visited the headquarters of the INDO-US Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) in Honolulu, Hawaii. She also visited Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam and boarded a US Guided Missile Destroyer.

US Pacific Command (PACOM), which is the largest US command, was renamed as INDO-PACOM as part of Indo Pacific concept which is being supported by both the countries.&nbsp;

Early implementation of a secure communication line between Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence, India and Secretary of Defence was the main focus of recent phone conversation between the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting United States Secretary of Defence Patrick M.

Early implementation of a secure communication line between Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence, India and Secretary of Defence was the main focus of recent phone conversation between the Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and acting United States Secretary of Defence Patrick M. Shanahan. Speaking to WION exclusively, Pentagon Spokesman US Army Lt. Col. Dave Eastburn said, "Both sides are reviewing the technical specifications for establishing the two secure communication lines and look forward to early implementation." "At the inaugural US-India Ministerial 2+2 in New Delhi on September 6, the two sides agreed to establish secure communication between the Minister of External Affairs of India and the US Secretary of State and Minister of Defence of India and the US Secretary of Defense," he added. During the 2+2 dialogue, India and US signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which will help New Delhi get access to advanced US defence systems and enable it to utilise its existing US-origin platforms. Last year, Washington also granted New Delhi Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status which will give India access to high-end US technology for defence purposes. India is the third Asian country after Japan and South Korea to get the STA-1 Status. During PM Modi's US visit in June of 2016, the US recognised India as a "major defence partner" which commits Washington to facilitate technology sharing with India. Under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), both New Delhi and Washington are also exploring the possibilities of co-development and co-production. In December of 2018, Nirmala Sitharaman was on a 5-day US visit during which she met with the then US Secretary of Defence James N Mattis and visited the headquarters of the INDO-US Pacific Command (INDO-PACOM) in Honolulu, Hawaii. She also visited Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam and boarded a US Guided Missile Destroyer. US Pacific Command (PACOM), which is the largest US command, was renamed as INDO-PACOM as part of Indo Pacific concept which is being supported by both the countries.

Looking forward to secure communication line: US on Sitharaman-Shanahan talks

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits historic Peal Harbor site

India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top US commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America.

Sitharaman described her US visit as part of her endeavour to "take forward the bilateral defence cooperation".

Noting that the India-US relationship in defence has acquired the dimensions of a strategic partnership over the last decade, she said that the two countries have made considerable progress.

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On board the US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy on 6 December 2018 at Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, Hawaii. <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USAmbIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbassyUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/yXjzdsfFSc">pic.twitter.com/yXjzdsfFSc</a>
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman/status/1070846086154055680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Sitharaman capped off her trip with a visit to Hawaii, the headquarters of what early this year was rechristened as US Indo-Pacific Command.

The US calls Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific. It has renamed Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM.

"Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order which has brought decades of peace, stability and prosperity. We are global partners on defence and security, and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a free and open Indo-Pacific," said US INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Phil Davidson.

US INDOPACOM, at the conclusion of Sitharaman's visit, said that this partnership was a reflection of the increasing strategic importance of the US-India security relationship and the progress both countries have made in advancing their defence cooperation.

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. <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/nsitharaman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nsitharaman</a> given a ceremonial welcome by <a href="https://twitter.com/INDOPACOM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INDOPACOM</a> U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Phil Davidson on 6 December 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewsLive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewsLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Jin7HW77N">pic.twitter.com/4Jin7HW77N</a>
— India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS/status/1070775297157619712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The scope for mutual coordination and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region continues to grow. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, Indian officials said.

The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition to the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force.

Meeting her American counterpart at the Pentagon on Monday, Sitharaman said the recent high-level meetings are an indication of the depth and quality of "our bilateral partnership, as well as our mutual desire" to work closely on a range of bilateral and global issues.

While no announcements were made with regard to shifting of F-16 production base to India or deals in armed drones, officials privy to the high-level talks said: "The US is leaning a way forward" in meeting India's needs and aspirations in the defence sector and is taking steps that would help it achieve its strategic goals.

There is a "mutual desire to move positively and quickly" in defence relationship, Sitharaman told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, which was also her only media interaction during the visit.

In one month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vice President Mike Pence and then US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinjo Abe in a trilateral meeting wherein Indo-Pacific and regional peace was discussed.

Early this summer, Mattis met Modi.

Sitharaman, India's first woman defence minister, was accorded a red-carpet welcome during her maiden visit to the US in this capacity wherein she was given a rare look-in and briefing into the various aspects of US armed forces, defence industry and the ecosystem that the US has developed over the last few decades involving the military, strategic thinking community, research and industrial base.

In San Francisco, the hub of innovation and start-ups Sitharaman and her delegation was given an insight into the American defence research set-up and the best defence practices that can be adopted by India.

The current situation in the Indo-Pacific region was the topic of focus during Sitharaman's meetings with US leaders, besides which a wide range of issues was covered, including the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, recent developments in Sri Lanka, Maldives and quick coordination between the two powerful armies for peace purposes, officials said.

Issues like CAATSA and purchase of major defence equipment from Russia including S-400 did crop up during the meeting, but the Americans gave an impression that the Trump administration is "eager than ever" to enhance its defence trade and strategic ties with India.

While making it clear that India can buy weapons from any country it sees fit, the American leadership suggested the Asian nation to select the US over other countries.

Some of the existing rules, regulations and legislation have slowed the process of defence acquisition from the US, the Indian delegation said.

This was said despite major changes like India being accorded a 'major defence partner' status in 2016, placed in the STA-1 category this year and signing the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement in September.

Given India's geographical location, its representatives said they were willing to place orders for the latest military hardware and technology and not for anything else.

The officials said India does not want simple defence trade as co-development and co-production need to be essential in the India-US defence relationship.

The US appeared on the same page but expressed their sense of frustration over India's defence procurement process.

China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea and has also laid claims on the Senkaku islands under the control of Japan in the East China Sea.

Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the South China Sea.

The US is periodically deploying its naval ships and fighter planes to assert freedom of navigation.

India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top US commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America.

India and the US are global partners in defence and regional security, a top US commander has said, as Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman toured the headquarters of the strategic Indo-Pacific command in Hawaii before concluding her maiden visit to America. Sitharaman described her US visit as part of her endeavour to "take forward the bilateral defence cooperation". Noting that the India-US relationship in defence has acquired the dimensions of a strategic partnership over the last decade, she said that the two countries have made considerable progress. On board the US Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy on 6 December 2018 at Joint Base Pearl Harbour Hickam, Hawaii. @USAmbIndia @IndianEmbassyUS @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/yXjzdsfFSc — Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) December 7, 2018 × Sitharaman capped off her trip with a visit to Hawaii, the headquarters of what early this year was rechristened as US Indo-Pacific Command. The US calls Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific. It has renamed Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command or INDOPACOM. "Our two democratic nations are committed to upholding a rules-based international order which has brought decades of peace, stability and prosperity. We are global partners on defence and security, and this exemplifies our mutual cooperation to assure a free and open Indo-Pacific," said US INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Phil Davidson. US INDOPACOM, at the conclusion of Sitharaman's visit, said that this partnership was a reflection of the increasing strategic importance of the US-India security relationship and the progress both countries have made in advancing their defence cooperation. . @DefenceMinIndia @nsitharaman given a ceremonial welcome by @INDOPACOM U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Phil Davidson on 6 December 2018 @SpokespersonMoD @MEAIndia @PIB_India @DDNewsLive pic.twitter.com/4Jin7HW77N — India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) December 6, 2018 × The scope for mutual coordination and collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region continues to grow. Air forces of India and the US are currently conducting a 12-day military exercise in Kalaikunda and Panagarh air bases in West Bengal, with an aim to enhance operational coordination, Indian officials said. The 'Ex Cope India-18' will be the fourth edition to the series of bilateral drills between the Indian Air Force and the US Air Force. Meeting her American counterpart at the Pentagon on Monday, Sitharaman said the recent high-level meetings are an indication of the depth and quality of "our bilateral partnership, as well as our mutual desire" to work closely on a range of bilateral and global issues. While no announcements were made with regard to shifting of F-16 production base to India or deals in armed drones, officials privy to the high-level talks said: "The US is leaning a way forward" in meeting India's needs and aspirations in the defence sector and is taking steps that would help it achieve its strategic goals. There is a "mutual desire to move positively and quickly" in defence relationship, Sitharaman told reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, which was also her only media interaction during the visit. In one month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Vice President Mike Pence and then US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinjo Abe in a trilateral meeting wherein Indo-Pacific and regional peace was discussed. Early this summer, Mattis met Modi. Sitharaman, India's first woman defence minister, was accorded a red-carpet welcome during her maiden visit to the US in this capacity wherein she was given a rare look-in and briefing into the various aspects of US armed forces, defence industry and the ecosystem that the US has developed over the last few decades involving the military, strategic thinking community, research and industrial base. In San Francisco, the hub of innovation and start-ups Sitharaman and her delegation was given an insight into the American defence research set-up and the best defence practices that can be adopted by India. The current situation in the Indo-Pacific region was the topic of focus during Sitharaman's meetings with US leaders, besides which a wide range of issues was covered, including the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, recent developments in Sri Lanka, Maldives and quick coordination between the two powerful armies for peace purposes, officials said. Issues like CAATSA and purchase of major defence equipment from Russia including S-400 did crop up during the meeting, but the Americans gave an impression that the Trump administration is "eager than ever" to enhance its defence trade and strategic ties with India. While making it clear that India can buy weapons from any country it sees fit, the American leadership suggested the Asian nation to select the US over other countries. Some of the existing rules, regulations and legislation have slowed the process of defence acquisition from the US, the Indian delegation said. This was said despite major changes like India being accorded a 'major defence partner' status in 2016, placed in the STA-1 category this year and signing the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement in September. Given India's geographical location, its representatives said they were willing to place orders for the latest military hardware and technology and not for anything else. The officials said India does not want simple defence trade as co-development and co-production need to be essential in the India-US defence relationship. The US appeared on the same page but expressed their sense of frustration over India's defence procurement process. China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea and has also laid claims on the Senkaku islands under the control of Japan in the East China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counterclaims over the South China Sea. The US is periodically deploying its naval ships and fighter planes to assert freedom of navigation.

'US is leaning a way forward' in meeting India's needs and aspirations in defence sector: Officials

Nirmala Sitharaman on Pakistan's peace talk

Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said former French president Francois Hollande's claims on the Rafale deal have come at a time when he himself was facing allegations that his partner had received "some funds for some purpose."

She was apparently referring to reports which suggested that Anil Ambani group firm Reliance Entertainment had signed a pact to finance a film by French actress producer Julie Gayet, partner of Francois Hollande, in a quid pro quo deal for getting the Rafale offset contract.

Reliance Entertainment has refuted the allegations, saying that no payments were made to her.

The reports had suggested that Reliance Entertainment signed the pact with Gayet's company ahead of Hollande's 2016 India visit and India signing a pact to acquire 36 Rafale fighter aircraft under a government-to-government deal.

Speaking to reporters at the Officers Training Academy here, the defence minister said, "... Here was the former president of France who himself is facing an allegation of his associate having received some funds for some purpose.

It (allegation) may be true or may not be true. But in such a situation, the former president saying this..."

On September 21, a French media report quoted Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale jet fighter deal and France did not have a choice.

The defence minister also took a swipe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi's August 30 tweet, saying he seemed to be predicting Hollande's actions well in advance.

"...It is done well in advance. It is very interesting," she said. On August 30, Gandhi tweeted "Globalised corruption. This #Rafale aircraft really does fly far and fast! It's also going to drop some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks. Modi ji please tell Anil, there is a big problem in France."

To a question on much-delayed S-400 deal with Russia, Sitharaman said the deal was almost at a stage where it could be finalised.

Asked if the 'surgical strike' across the border, the second anniversary of which is being observed RPT observed today, has deterred intrusions, she said a lot of them were being eliminated at the border itself and they were not allowed to come in.

"I would believe that action of this kind would deter Pakistan in training and sending terrorists," she said.

On reports that a defence ministry official had raised objections on-record to the Rafale deal before it was signed in 2016, Sitharaman said various committees hold discussions for every procurement.

"During talks every opinion is recorded, differential opinions are also recorded. But after that, when the decision has to be taken, all of them have to come on the same page and take a call," she said.&nbsp;

Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said former French president Francois Hollande's claims on the Rafale deal have come at a time when he himself was facing allegations that his partner had received "some funds for some purpose.

Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said former French president Francois Hollande's claims on the Rafale deal have come at a time when he himself was facing allegations that his partner had received "some funds for some purpose." She was apparently referring to reports which suggested that Anil Ambani group firm Reliance Entertainment had signed a pact to finance a film by French actress producer Julie Gayet, partner of Francois Hollande, in a quid pro quo deal for getting the Rafale offset contract. Reliance Entertainment has refuted the allegations, saying that no payments were made to her. The reports had suggested that Reliance Entertainment signed the pact with Gayet's company ahead of Hollande's 2016 India visit and India signing a pact to acquire 36 Rafale fighter aircraft under a government-to-government deal. Speaking to reporters at the Officers Training Academy here, the defence minister said, "... Here was the former president of France who himself is facing an allegation of his associate having received some funds for some purpose. It (allegation) may be true or may not be true. But in such a situation, the former president saying this..." On September 21, a French media report quoted Hollande as purportedly saying that the Indian government proposed Reliance Defence as partner for Dassault Aviation in the Rs 58,000 crore Rafale jet fighter deal and France did not have a choice. The defence minister also took a swipe at Congress President Rahul Gandhi's August 30 tweet, saying he seemed to be predicting Hollande's actions well in advance. "...It is done well in advance. It is very interesting," she said. On August 30, Gandhi tweeted "Globalised corruption. This #Rafale aircraft really does fly far and fast! It's also going to drop some big bunker buster bombs in the next couple of weeks. Modi ji please tell Anil, there is a big problem in France." To a question on much-delayed S-400 deal with Russia, Sitharaman said the deal was almost at a stage where it could be finalised. Asked if the 'surgical strike' across the border, the second anniversary of which is being observed RPT observed today, has deterred intrusions, she said a lot of them were being eliminated at the border itself and they were not allowed to come in. "I would believe that action of this kind would deter Pakistan in training and sending terrorists," she said. On reports that a defence ministry official had raised objections on-record to the Rafale deal before it was signed in 2016, Sitharaman said various committees hold discussions for every procurement. "During talks every opinion is recorded, differential opinions are also recorded. But after that, when the decision has to be taken, all of them have to come on the same page and take a call," she said.

Rafale: Hollande's claims come at time when his associate facing charges, says Nirmala Sitharaman

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

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday he had sent a legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal.

In the notice, the AAP leader demanded that the Rafale deal be scrapped and Dassault Reliance Aerospace be barred from handling or manufacturing Rafale fighter jets. He also sought a probe by a Supreme Court-monitored special investigation team (SIT).

"My client (Singh) is constrained to issue this legal notice in the subject matter (Rafale Deal) due to your covert actions and deeds with regard to the pricing and induction of strategic partner of a company with zero credentials much to the detriment to the security of the nation," the notice, sent to Sitharaman by Singh's lawyers, read.

He threatened to approach the court if the defence minister failed to heed to his demands in the next three days. A legal notice is a precursor to a case being filed in a court. 
Commenting on the issue, Singh said, "The Rafale deal involves a 'mahaghotala' (mega scam) of Rs 36,000 crore. When I raised the issue in the Parliament, along with other UPA MPs, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre gave contradictory replies."

"Our allegations have been proved by French former president (Francois) Hollande's statement. I also asked the government why the 78-year-old HAL was denied manufacturing of the planes, while a 12-day-old Reliance company was given (the contract). No reply has been given by the government," Singh told reporters.

The Rafale controversy took a new turn last week after Hollande, who was the French president when the Rs 58,000-crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government had proposed the name of Reliance as the offset partner for the aerospace giant.

Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.&nbsp;

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday he had sent a legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh said Tuesday he had sent a legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal. In the notice, the AAP leader demanded that the Rafale deal be scrapped and Dassault Reliance Aerospace be barred from handling or manufacturing Rafale fighter jets. He also sought a probe by a Supreme Court-monitored special investigation team (SIT). "My client (Singh) is constrained to issue this legal notice in the subject matter (Rafale Deal) due to your covert actions and deeds with regard to the pricing and induction of strategic partner of a company with zero credentials much to the detriment to the security of the nation," the notice, sent to Sitharaman by Singh's lawyers, read. He threatened to approach the court if the defence minister failed to heed to his demands in the next three days. A legal notice is a precursor to a case being filed in a court. Commenting on the issue, Singh said, "The Rafale deal involves a 'mahaghotala' (mega scam) of Rs 36,000 crore. When I raised the issue in the Parliament, along with other UPA MPs, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre gave contradictory replies." "Our allegations have been proved by French former president (Francois) Hollande's statement. I also asked the government why the 78-year-old HAL was denied manufacturing of the planes, while a 12-day-old Reliance company was given (the contract). No reply has been given by the government," Singh told reporters. The Rafale controversy took a new turn last week after Hollande, who was the French president when the Rs 58,000-crore deal was announced, was quoted as saying by French publication Mediapart that France was given "no choice" on the selection of the Indian partner for Dassault and the Indian government had proposed the name of Reliance as the offset partner for the aerospace giant. Modi had announced the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft after holding talks with Hollande on April 10, 2015, in Paris.

AAP leader sends legal notice to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over Rafale deal

Rahul Gandhi is back with yet another file of facts and is pushing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for answers on Rafale jet deal.&nbsp;

The Congress president, on Friday, called out Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Twitter and said: &quot;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.&quot;&nbsp;

With that, he attached screenshots of documents - one dated 9 August 2010 titled &quot;Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorshkov&quot; and another 4 March 2013 titled &quot;Upgradation of Aircraft&quot; - by the Ministry of Defence.&nbsp;

The documents mention several &lsquo;parliamentary replies&rsquo; on the prices of several defence purchases made during the UPA government.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dear Mr Jaitlie, 
 
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DealMeinKuchKalaHai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DealMeinKuchKalaHai</a> <a href="https://t.co/txb2Cc1BHh">pic.twitter.com/txb2Cc1BHh</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/961930076668473344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, defending the government&#39;s decision against making the break-up of the nearly Rs 58,000 crore deal public, said when UPA was in power, then defence ministers Pranab Mukherjee and A K Antony had on 15 occasions told Parliament that giving out such details would be against the interest of national security.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/allegations-against-rafale-deal-shameful-disservice-to-armed-forces-nirmala-sitharaman-24474">Allegations against Rafale deal &#39;shameful&#39;, &#39;disservice&#39; to armed forces: Nirmala Sitharaman</a>

He hit back at the Congress over the Rafale deal, accusing it of &quot;seriously compromising&quot; country&#39;s security by seeking details of armaments purchased along with the aircraft.

He also advised Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to &quot;learn&quot; from former defense minister Pranab Mukherjee &quot;lessons on national security.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-tweaked-rafale-deal-to-benefit-one-businessman-rahul-gandhi-24356">Rahul has </a>been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 2016 deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets. &quot;What is the price that the Prime Minister has spent on Rafale,&quot; Gandhi had asked on Tuesday.

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>

Gandhi, raising the pitch on the Rafale jet deal, has asked for a discussion in parliament under a rule that makes it a must for the government to answer.

The Congress president alleges that there is &quot;something fishy&quot; about the deal to buy 126 fighter jets and that is the reason Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/your-boss-silencing-you-rahul-gandhi-asks-nirmala-sitharaman-24541">silent on it.</a>

Gandhi, raising the pitch on the Rafale jet deal, has asked for a discussion in parliament under a rule that makes it a must for the government to answer

Rahul Gandhi is back with yet another file of facts and is pushing Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for answers on Rafale jet 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 documents mention several ‘parliamentary replies’ on the prices of several defence purchases made during the UPA government. Dear Mr Jaitlie, 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.#DealMeinKuchKalaHai pic.twitter.com/txb2Cc1BHh — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) February 9, 2018 × Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, defending the government's decision against making the break-up of the nearly Rs 58,000 crore deal public, said when UPA was in power, then defence ministers Pranab Mukherjee and A K Antony had on 15 occasions told Parliament that giving out such details would be against the interest of national security. Also read: Allegations against Rafale deal 'shameful', 'disservice' to armed forces: Nirmala Sitharaman He hit back at the Congress over the Rafale deal, accusing it of "seriously compromising" country's security by seeking details of armaments purchased along with the aircraft. He also advised Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to "learn" from former defense minister Pranab Mukherjee "lessons on national security." Rahul has been targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 2016 deal to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets. "What is the price that the Prime Minister has spent on Rafale," Gandhi had asked on Tuesday. Also read: Indian cabinet approves purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets: Source Gandhi, raising the pitch on the Rafale jet deal, has asked for a discussion in parliament under a rule that makes it a must for the government to answer. The Congress president alleges that there is "something fishy" about the deal to buy 126 fighter jets and that is the reason Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman are silent on it.

Rafale deal: Rahul fires fresh salvo at Arun Jaitley, Nirmala Sitharaman