Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Leh and Ladakh on August 29.

It will be Singh's first visit after the abrogation of Article 370.

During the visit, the Defence Minister is expected to hold discussion with both locals and military officials deployed in the area, Defence officials said.

The Minister is expected to be briefed by the local military commanders about the security situation in both China as well as Pakistan border in Leh.

Rajnath Singh had visited Ladakh soon after taking over as the Defence Minister and also laid a wreath at the Siachen war memorial.

On August 5, the Central government had announced the move to abrogate Article 370 and also the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Leh and Ladakh on August 29. It will be Singh's first visit after the abrogation of Article 370. During the visit, the Defence Minister is expected to hold discussion with both locals and military officials deployed in the area, Defence officials said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Leh and Ladakh on August 29. It will be Singh's first visit after the abrogation of Article 370. During the visit, the Defence Minister is expected to hold discussion with both locals and military officials deployed in the area, Defence officials said. The Minister is expected to be briefed by the local military commanders about the security situation in both China as well as Pakistan border in Leh. Rajnath Singh had visited Ladakh soon after taking over as the Defence Minister and also laid a wreath at the Siachen war memorial. On August 5, the Central government had announced the move to abrogate Article 370 and also the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories. (With inputs from agencies)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Ladakh on August 29

Arun Jaitley's final journey: Countless tearful goodbyes for the BJP stalwart

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Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-waterways-wont-be-safe-if-iran-oil-exports-cut-to-zero-president-rouhani-244636">International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani</a> 
 
Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-all-necessary-measures-including-sanctions-on-us-companies-involved-in-arms-sale-to-taiwan-china-244609">Will take all necessary measures including sanctions on US companies involved in arms sale to Taiwan: China</a> 
 
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said in a statement that President Donald Trump had green-lighted the proposed sale after Congress was notified last week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-consulate-employee-in-hong-kong-being-held-in-china-foreign-ministry-244603">UK consulate employee in Hong Kong being held in China: Foreign ministry</a> 
 
Geng said the employee was from Hong Kong and therefore the issue was an internal matter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-iaf-chief-to-visit-france-to-receive-first-indian-rafale-fighter-plane-244646">Rajnath Singh, IAF chief to visit France to receive first Indian Rafale fighter plane</a> 
 
India has signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale combat jets from France, which will start arriving India from May next year.

China intrudes into Vietnam's economic zone, places Coast Guards near ONGC block Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels.

China intrudes into Vietnam's economic zone, places Coast Guards near ONGC block Bejing has placed two of its coast guard ships near ONGC's block. International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels. Will take all necessary measures including sanctions on US companies involved in arms sale to Taiwan: China Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said in a statement that President Donald Trump had green-lighted the proposed sale after Congress was notified last week. UK consulate employee in Hong Kong being held in China: Foreign ministry Geng said the employee was from Hong Kong and therefore the issue was an internal matter. Rajnath Singh, IAF chief to visit France to receive first Indian Rafale fighter plane India has signed a deal with France for the acquisition of 36 Rafale combat jets from France, which will start arriving India from May next year.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-talks-with-pakistan-only-on-pok-rajnath-singh-243890">Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday said that in order to modernize the Indian Air Force there is a need to develop indigenous technology in the defence sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.

While speaking at the seminar on 'Modernization and Indigenization Plans of Indian Air Force' in New Delhi, the Union Minister said, "There is a sizeable dependency on foreign equipment manufacturers for their subsystems and components. The need of the hour, therefore, is to progressively reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and develop comprehensive capabilities ourselves."

He also stated that the defence firms of the country have a huge opportunity in contributing to the domestic market in addition to the exports. Singh also voiced Centre's desire to encourage private industry investment in the defence sector.

"For the participation of Indian companies in the defence sector, a slew of measures have been put in place for the investment by private players. Up to 49 per cent of investment is allowed through automatic route and 100 per cent via government route on case to case basis."

"Also, a number of policies have been introduced for the development of defence infrastructure and promote indigenous development. In pursuit of Make In India, M&amp;M is the most preferred category for procurement and it is expected to promote indigenously designed products to bring significant development in defence, research and development," he added.

"We have just approved the proposal for providing test facilities of government entities to the private defence sector. A formal order on the same will soon be issued. This has removed various bottlenecks which used to come in way of using test facilities by private entities," Singh further stated.

The Union Defence Minister also urged the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish manufacturing facilities for their products in India and invest in the country through Foreign Direct Investment, joint ventures or via defence offset route.

He also informed the gathering that the Central Government has revised defence product list for the purpose of issuing industrial licenses under the Industries Development and Regulation Act, 1951.

"Testing equipment, production of equipment have been removed from the list. This has certainly reduced the entry barriers for the industry, especially the small and medium segment. The initial validity of the industrial license has also been increased from 3&nbsp;years to 15 years with a provision to the further extend it by 3 years on case to case basis," he added.

Singh also mentioned about Balakot airstrike and stated, "Indian Air Force is a technologically advanced and extremely potent force, the recent offensive strike against terrorist outfits in our neighbourhood speaks volumes about the reach and lethality of the formidable arm of the Indian Armed Forces."

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that in order to modernize the Indian Air Force there is a need to develop indigenous technology in the defence sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that in order to modernize the Indian Air Force there is a need to develop indigenous technology in the defence sector and reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers. While speaking at the seminar on 'Modernization and Indigenization Plans of Indian Air Force' in New Delhi, the Union Minister said, "There is a sizeable dependency on foreign equipment manufacturers for their subsystems and components. The need of the hour, therefore, is to progressively reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and develop comprehensive capabilities ourselves." He also stated that the defence firms of the country have a huge opportunity in contributing to the domestic market in addition to the exports. Singh also voiced Centre's desire to encourage private industry investment in the defence sector. "For the participation of Indian companies in the defence sector, a slew of measures have been put in place for the investment by private players. Up to 49 per cent of investment is allowed through automatic route and 100 per cent via government route on case to case basis." "Also, a number of policies have been introduced for the development of defence infrastructure and promote indigenous development. In pursuit of Make In India, M&M is the most preferred category for procurement and it is expected to promote indigenously designed products to bring significant development in defence, research and development," he added. "We have just approved the proposal for providing test facilities of government entities to the private defence sector. A formal order on the same will soon be issued. This has removed various bottlenecks which used to come in way of using test facilities by private entities," Singh further stated. The Union Defence Minister also urged the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to establish manufacturing facilities for their products in India and invest in the country through Foreign Direct Investment, joint ventures or via defence offset route. He also informed the gathering that the Central Government has revised defence product list for the purpose of issuing industrial licenses under the Industries Development and Regulation Act, 1951. "Testing equipment, production of equipment have been removed from the list. This has certainly reduced the entry barriers for the industry, especially the small and medium segment. The initial validity of the industrial license has also been increased from 3 years to 15 years with a provision to the further extend it by 3 years on case to case basis," he added. Singh also mentioned about Balakot airstrike and stated, "Indian Air Force is a technologically advanced and extremely potent force, the recent offensive strike against terrorist outfits in our neighbourhood speaks volumes about the reach and lethality of the formidable arm of the Indian Armed Forces."

Reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on modernising Indian Air Force

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gives a stiff message for Pakistan during addressing an assembly. He said that talks between India & Pakistan will only be on PoK now.

Defence Minister Rajnath's stiff message for Pakistan, ''will talk now only on PoK''

A Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting is underway at the official residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar are expected to attend the meeting.

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Delhi: A Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting to be held at Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's (File pic) residence, today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to attend the meeting. <a href="https://t.co/uXn1G57RtZ">pic.twitter.com/uXn1G57RtZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1162561092041740289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that India follows 'no first use' policy regarding nuclear weapons but said what would happen in future will depend on "circumstances".

"On the question of nuclear policy, till today, we have a policy of no-first-use. What happens in future, will depend on circumstances," Rajnath Singh told ANI after paying homage to late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the site where the country conducted its second nuclear tests during the regime of the NDA government in 1998.&nbsp;

A Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting is underway at the official residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar are expected to attend the meeting.

A Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting is underway at the official residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar are expected to attend the meeting. Delhi: A Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting to be held at Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's (File pic) residence, today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar to attend the meeting. pic.twitter.com/uXn1G57RtZ — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019 × Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had said that India follows 'no first use' policy regarding nuclear weapons but said what would happen in future will depend on "circumstances". "On the question of nuclear policy, till today, we have a policy of no-first-use. What happens in future, will depend on circumstances," Rajnath Singh told ANI after paying homage to late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the site where the country conducted its second nuclear tests during the regime of the NDA government in 1998.

Group of Ministers meeting underway at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's residence

A day after Pakistan announced to sever trade ties with India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said no country should get "such a neighbour".&nbsp;

He reiterated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s remark to state that no country has the privilege to change its neighbouring nation.

"Our main concern is our neighbour. The problem is you can change our friends but it is not in your hands to change your neighbour. I pray that no one gets a neighbour like we have," he said during his address to Army veterans at an event in New Delhi.

On Wednesday, Pakistan announced to cut trade and downgrade diplomatic relation with India after New Delhi abrogated special status to Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Parliament approved modification in Article 370 of the Constitution which provides subjects of the state with the special right on land, government jobs, scholarship among others.&nbsp;

Pakistan has also announced to approach the United Nation against scrapping of the special provisions.&nbsp;

A day after Pakistan announced to sever trade ties with India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said no country should get "such a neighbour". He reiterated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s remark to state that no country has the privilege to change its neighbouring nation.

A day after Pakistan announced to sever trade ties with India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said no country should get "such a neighbour". He reiterated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s remark to state that no country has the privilege to change its neighbouring nation. "Our main concern is our neighbour. The problem is you can change our friends but it is not in your hands to change your neighbour. I pray that no one gets a neighbour like we have," he said during his address to Army veterans at an event in New Delhi. On Wednesday, Pakistan announced to cut trade and downgrade diplomatic relation with India after New Delhi abrogated special status to Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 of the Constitution. On Tuesday, Parliament approved modification in Article 370 of the Constitution which provides subjects of the state with the special right on land, government jobs, scholarship among others. Pakistan has also announced to approach the United Nation against scrapping of the special provisions.

Hope no one gets a neighbour like ours: Rajnath Singh jabs Pakistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-cant-sustain-even-limited-war-against-india-rajnath-singh-238626">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to the island nation of Mozambique in southern Africa with an aim to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.

"Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3-day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation," the minister tweeted.

"Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India &amp; Mozambique during my visit," he added.\

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Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3 day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation. 
 
Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India &amp; Mozambique during my visit.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1155229930247999488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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There, Singh is scheduled to hold talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and Minister of National Defence Atanasio Ntumuke, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister during the visit. The Union Minister is also expected to sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to defence cooperation with the African nation.

Singh will be accompanied by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs.

The Ministry stressed that bilateral relations between India and Mozambique are seeing further improvement, following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the African country in July 2016.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to the island nation of Mozambique in southern Africa with an aim to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday embarked on a three-day visit to the island nation of Mozambique in southern Africa with an aim to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries. "Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3-day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation," the minister tweeted. "Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India & Mozambique during my visit," he added.\ Leaving New Delhi for Maputo on a 3 day visit to Mozambique. My visit to Mozambique is the first bilateral visit by any Indian Defence Minister to this amazing African nation. Look forward to deepen and strengthen defence cooperation between India & Mozambique during my visit. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 27, 2019 × There, Singh is scheduled to hold talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and Minister of National Defence Atanasio Ntumuke, Foreign Minister and Interior Minister during the visit. The Union Minister is also expected to sign three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) related to defence cooperation with the African nation. Singh will be accompanied by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and other senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and External Affairs. The Ministry stressed that bilateral relations between India and Mozambique are seeing further improvement, following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the African country in July 2016.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh embarks on three-day visit to Mozambique

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Pakistan cannot sustain a full-fledged or limited war against India which is why it has adopted a policy of pseudo war.

Paying tributes to Kargil war heroes in the Lok Sabha, he also said that the country has full faith in the valour of its armed forces.

"The way our armed forces have shown their charismatic valour in the wars fought against Pakistan, on that basis of that I can say that they cannot sustain a full-fledged or a limited war against India. That is why it is waging a proxy war," he said.

Singh also paid tributes to the soldiers of the Kargil war on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay and the victory of the Indian Army against infiltrating Pakistani troops while defending the country`s integrity.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla too paid his tributes and bowed before the courage and valour of the armed forces.

Paying tributes to the war heroes, Congress` Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sought a detailed discussion on the issue in the Lok Sabha

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Pakistan cannot sustain a full-fledged or limited war against India which is why it has adopted a policy of pseudo war.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said Pakistan cannot sustain a full-fledged or limited war against India which is why it has adopted a policy of pseudo war. Paying tributes to Kargil war heroes in the Lok Sabha, he also said that the country has full faith in the valour of its armed forces. "The way our armed forces have shown their charismatic valour in the wars fought against Pakistan, on that basis of that I can say that they cannot sustain a full-fledged or a limited war against India. That is why it is waging a proxy war," he said. Singh also paid tributes to the soldiers of the Kargil war on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the success of Operation Vijay and the victory of the Indian Army against infiltrating Pakistani troops while defending the country`s integrity. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla too paid his tributes and bowed before the courage and valour of the armed forces. Paying tributes to the war heroes, Congress` Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury sought a detailed discussion on the issue in the Lok Sabha

Pakistan can't sustain even limited war against India: Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Kargil on Saturday to pay tribute to soldiers&nbsp;who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.

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Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signs the ‘Visitors Book’ at Kargil War Memorial in Drass. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/1br0rkVXFb">pic.twitter.com/1br0rkVXFb</a>
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"I shall also be visiting Jammu region where two bridges built by BRO at Ujh in Kathua and Basantar in Samba will be dedicated to the nation," Singh said in a tweet earlier in the day.

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Leaving New Delhi for Drass on a day long visit to J&amp;K. Shall visit the Kargil War Memorial to pay tributes to the fallen soldiers. 
 
I shall also be visiting Jammu region where two bridges built by BRO at Ujh in Kathua and Basantar in Samba will be dedicated to the nation.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1152380392692826112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Singh's visit comes ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War, on July 26, to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

This year, the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War and the milestone is being celebrated in a grand manner by the Indian Army with a view to rekindling the pride and valour of all the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay.

On July 14, a 'Victory Flame'&nbsp;was lit by Singh at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26.

The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities and finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial.

Meanwhile, Army chief, Bipin Rawat also visited&nbsp;Dras sector to review the operational preparedness.

Recalling the valour and sacrifice of troops who fought in Operation Vijay in this sector in 1999, he exhorted all ranks to execute their assigned tasks with the same josh, vigour, and responsibility.

He also called upon all ranks of the 'Fire &amp; Fury'&nbsp;Corps to re-dedicate themselves towards upholding the values that the Indian Army stands for.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Kargil on Saturday to pay tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signs the ‘Visitors Book’ at Kargil War Memorial in Drass.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Kargil on Saturday to pay tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signs the ‘Visitors Book’ at Kargil War Memorial in Drass. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/1br0rkVXFb — ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019 × "I shall also be visiting Jammu region where two bridges built by BRO at Ujh in Kathua and Basantar in Samba will be dedicated to the nation," Singh said in a tweet earlier in the day. Leaving New Delhi for Drass on a day long visit to J&K. Shall visit the Kargil War Memorial to pay tributes to the fallen soldiers. I shall also be visiting Jammu region where two bridges built by BRO at Ujh in Kathua and Basantar in Samba will be dedicated to the nation. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 20, 2019 × Singh's visit comes ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War, on July 26, to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. This year, the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War and the milestone is being celebrated in a grand manner by the Indian Army with a view to rekindling the pride and valour of all the soldiers who took part in Operation Vijay. On July 14, a 'Victory Flame' was lit by Singh at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26. The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities and finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial. Meanwhile, Army chief, Bipin Rawat also visited Dras sector to review the operational preparedness. Recalling the valour and sacrifice of troops who fought in Operation Vijay in this sector in 1999, he exhorted all ranks to execute their assigned tasks with the same josh, vigour, and responsibility. He also called upon all ranks of the 'Fire & Fury' Corps to re-dedicate themselves towards upholding the values that the Indian Army stands for. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajnath Singh visits J&K to lay wreath at Kargil War Memorial

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial.

"I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their life for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh said on the occasion.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers attended the event.

Teams from several battalions of the Indian Army have undertaken trekking expeditions to commemorate the victory in various battles during the 1999 Kargil war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year.

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial. "I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their life for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh said on the occasion. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers attended the event. Teams from several battalions of the Indian Army have undertaken trekking expeditions to commemorate the victory in various battles during the 1999 Kargil war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lights 'Victory Flame' to commemorate Kargil war

Seeking to acquire the capability to hit enemy positions close to populated areas without causing collateral damage, the Indian Army is in the process of acquiring Excalibur guided long-range artillery ammunition which can strike targets more than 50 km away.

"The Indian Army is planning to acquire the Excalibur artillery ammunition from the Americans under the emergency procurement procedures," government sources said here.

The acquisition case is being processed under the emergency powers for procurement of weapon systems and ammunition to be war-ready in post-Pulwama attack-like situations.

The ammunition is being acquired for units deployed along the Line of Control where artillery shelling by Pakistan is a common feature.

The ammunition can be busted in the air as well as after its penetration into bunker-type structures by using its different fuses.

In a recent meeting, the Army briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about its plans to acquire the guided ammunition from the US which uses the GPS system to hit targets at ranges more than 50 km.

The Excalibur ammunition was developed in the US for improving the accuracy of the artillery shells in the war in Afghanistan which the Americans have been fighting for almost two decades now.

The Army has also started inducting the US-made M-777 ultra-light howitzers which can be used for firing the Excalibur ammunition.

The Army has also gone ahead with the purchase of the Spike anti-tank guided missiles which can be used against the enemy armoured columns.

The Indian Air Force recently acquired multiple ammunition and spares for its fighter aircraft to be war-ready.

The acquisition by the Air Force includes the Balakot airstrike-fame Spice 2000 bombs, made by Israel, including the version which can penetrate and destroy fortified structures.

The IAF has also acquired the Strum Ataka anti-tank guided missiles for its Mi-35 attack helicopters.&nbsp;

Seeking to acquire the capability to hit enemy positions close to populated areas without causing collateral damage, the Indian Army is in the process of acquiring Excalibur guided long-range artillery ammunition which can strike targets more than 50 km away.

Seeking to acquire the capability to hit enemy positions close to populated areas without causing collateral damage, the Indian Army is in the process of acquiring Excalibur guided long-range artillery ammunition which can strike targets more than 50 km away. "The Indian Army is planning to acquire the Excalibur artillery ammunition from the Americans under the emergency procurement procedures," government sources said here. The acquisition case is being processed under the emergency powers for procurement of weapon systems and ammunition to be war-ready in post-Pulwama attack-like situations. The ammunition is being acquired for units deployed along the Line of Control where artillery shelling by Pakistan is a common feature. The ammunition can be busted in the air as well as after its penetration into bunker-type structures by using its different fuses. In a recent meeting, the Army briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about its plans to acquire the guided ammunition from the US which uses the GPS system to hit targets at ranges more than 50 km. The Excalibur ammunition was developed in the US for improving the accuracy of the artillery shells in the war in Afghanistan which the Americans have been fighting for almost two decades now. The Army has also started inducting the US-made M-777 ultra-light howitzers which can be used for firing the Excalibur ammunition. The Army has also gone ahead with the purchase of the Spike anti-tank guided missiles which can be used against the enemy armoured columns. The Indian Air Force recently acquired multiple ammunition and spares for its fighter aircraft to be war-ready. The acquisition by the Air Force includes the Balakot airstrike-fame Spice 2000 bombs, made by Israel, including the version which can penetrate and destroy fortified structures. The IAF has also acquired the Strum Ataka anti-tank guided missiles for its Mi-35 attack helicopters.

Indian Army to buy American howitzer ammo for long-range accurate strikes

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed the Navy and called it the most important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "Act East Policy".

"I believe the Indian Navy is working as the most important component in our 'Act East Policy'. I believe Indian Navy will keep growing its strength," Singh said at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters here.

He also said that the Navy becomes more significant given neighbouring China's provocative activities. "Our neighbour China is always up to some activity or the other," he said.

He said the force not only plays an important role in maritime security but also assists authorities in tackling natural calamities.

Singh promised the naval personnel that he will try his best in resolving their housing problems. "I have been apprised about the housing problem. I will try my best to sort it out," he said.

Singh was on his maiden visit to the Eastern Naval Command as defence minister where he was briefed on the operational readiness of the Command and other aspects of maritime and coastal security on the eastern seaboard.

The minister also visited Indian Navy Submarines (INS) Shivalik and Sindhukirti and interacted with the crew members.

"Visited the indigenously conceived, designed and constructed frontline stealth frigate INS Shivalik and Indian Naval Submarine Sindhukirti at Visakhapatnam today. Indian Navy is maintaining a constant vigil against maritime threats and safeguarding our Nation's maritime interests," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed the Navy and called it the most important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "Act East Policy".

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed the Navy and called it the most important component of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's "Act East Policy". "I believe the Indian Navy is working as the most important component in our 'Act East Policy'. I believe Indian Navy will keep growing its strength," Singh said at the Eastern Naval Command headquarters here. He also said that the Navy becomes more significant given neighbouring China's provocative activities. "Our neighbour China is always up to some activity or the other," he said. He said the force not only plays an important role in maritime security but also assists authorities in tackling natural calamities. Singh promised the naval personnel that he will try his best in resolving their housing problems. "I have been apprised about the housing problem. I will try my best to sort it out," he said. Singh was on his maiden visit to the Eastern Naval Command as defence minister where he was briefed on the operational readiness of the Command and other aspects of maritime and coastal security on the eastern seaboard. The minister also visited Indian Navy Submarines (INS) Shivalik and Sindhukirti and interacted with the crew members. "Visited the indigenously conceived, designed and constructed frontline stealth frigate INS Shivalik and Indian Naval Submarine Sindhukirti at Visakhapatnam today. Indian Navy is maintaining a constant vigil against maritime threats and safeguarding our Nation's maritime interests," he tweeted.

Navy has important role in Act East Policy: Rajnath Singh

After getting re-elected to Parliament with a massive mandate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-pays-tribute-to-iaf-personnel-killed-in-an-32-crash-meets-their-family-members-229229">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Friday visited his constituency, Lucknow, where he said that BJP's thumping win in the elections was a "huge thing" as the party's vote share increased despite the SP-BSP alliance.

"After SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, even senior leaders used to think, we (BJP) will only get 10-15 seats and not 72. But even after staying in power for five years, there was no anti-incumbency. On the contrary, there was pro-incumbency. BJP's vote share increased," Singh said while addressing an event here.

The Defence Minister took the opportunity to praise the soldiers for enhancing the pride of the country.

"Our soldiers carried out a surgical strike and then conducted multiple air strikes in Balakot, which tells the world that India is a strong country, not a weak one," Singh said.

Singh further talked about the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the latter wants to fulfil the basic necessities of people. "For this, the government has already initiated several mega projects," he said.

&nbsp;

After getting re-elected to Parliament with a massive mandate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited his constituency, Lucknow, where he said that BJP's thumping win in the elections was a "huge thing" as the party's vote share increased despite the SP-BSP alliance.

After getting re-elected to Parliament with a massive mandate in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited his constituency, Lucknow, where he said that BJP's thumping win in the elections was a "huge thing" as the party's vote share increased despite the SP-BSP alliance. "After SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, even senior leaders used to think, we (BJP) will only get 10-15 seats and not 72. But even after staying in power for five years, there was no anti-incumbency. On the contrary, there was pro-incumbency. BJP's vote share increased," Singh said while addressing an event here. The Defence Minister took the opportunity to praise the soldiers for enhancing the pride of the country. "Our soldiers carried out a surgical strike and then conducted multiple air strikes in Balakot, which tells the world that India is a strong country, not a weak one," Singh said. Singh further talked about the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the latter wants to fulfil the basic necessities of people. "For this, the government has already initiated several mega projects," he said.

BJP's vote share increased despite SP-BSP alliance: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow

On the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in an early morning yoga session at Rajpath here and said that yoga was one of the biggest achievements of cultural diplomacy by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yoga-for-heart-care-this-years-theme-pm-modi-in-ranchi-229057">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>.

"It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who helped get Yoga international recognition. This was one of the biggest achievements of his cultural diplomacy," Rajnath said here after attending the yoga session along with a large number of people.

The Union Minister also took to Twitter to say: "I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives."

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On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YogaDay2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YogaDay2019</a> I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives. Join us live from Rajpath, New Delhi on my YouTube channel : <a href="https://t.co/XkgAaG7Ekf">https://t.co/XkgAaG7Ekf</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141885605699149824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Yoga Day in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, Union Ministers, BJP leaders and top government functionaries are participating in similar events across the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar performed Yoga in Rohtak.

Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took part in an event on the premises of the Parliament House complex along with parliamentarians and parliament staff.

BJP working president JP Nadda also performed yoga, along with other party leaders and workers at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay park near the party's headquarters here.

On the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in an early morning yoga session at Rajpath here and said that yoga was one of the biggest achievements of cultural diplomacy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On the 5th International Yoga Day on Friday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in an early morning yoga session at Rajpath here and said that yoga was one of the biggest achievements of cultural diplomacy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who helped get Yoga international recognition. This was one of the biggest achievements of his cultural diplomacy," Rajnath said here after attending the yoga session along with a large number of people. The Union Minister also took to Twitter to say: "I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives." On #YogaDay2019 I urge everyone to make Yoga an integral part of their lives. Join us live from Rajpath, New Delhi on my YouTube channel : https://t.co/XkgAaG7Ekf — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × While Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Yoga Day in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, Union Ministers, BJP leaders and top government functionaries are participating in similar events across the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar performed Yoga in Rohtak. Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla took part in an event on the premises of the Parliament House complex along with parliamentarians and parliament staff. BJP working president JP Nadda also performed yoga, along with other party leaders and workers at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay park near the party's headquarters here.

PM Modi helped get yoga international recognition: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh.

&nbsp;"Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted.

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Paid tributes to brave Air-warriors <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a>, who lost their lives in the unfortunate An-32 crash on 03 June, 19 in Arunachal Pradesh. 
 
They served the nation with confidence and courage. I salute their sacrifice in the line of duty. <a href="https://t.co/V8bH2aWh4L">pic.twitter.com/V8bH2aWh4L</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141927924418789376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The defence minister also met the family members of the deceased air warriors and offered his condolences.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. 
 
My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss. <a href="https://t.co/YcqmUrNNBz">pic.twitter.com/YcqmUrNNBz</a>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1141929931590361089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The IAF on Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh.

The plane had gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains.

(With inputs from PTI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel who died in an An-32 crash in Arunachal Pradesh. "Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss," he tweeted. Paid tributes to brave Air-warriors @IAF_MCC, who lost their lives in the unfortunate An-32 crash on 03 June, 19 in Arunachal Pradesh. They served the nation with confidence and courage. I salute their sacrifice in the line of duty. pic.twitter.com/V8bH2aWh4L — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × The defence minister also met the family members of the deceased air warriors and offered his condolences. Met with the families and friends of the deceased Air-warriors of An32 and shared my grief and heartfelt condolences with them. My thoughts and prayers are with them. May God give them strength to bear this monumental loss. pic.twitter.com/YcqmUrNNBz — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 21, 2019 × The IAF on Thursday completed the task of retrieving bodies of all its 13 personnel from the crash site of its AN-32 aircraft in the Pari mountains in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. All 13 personnel aboard the Russian-made AN-32 had perished in the crash on June 3 about 30 minutes after the aircraft took off from Jorhat in Assam for Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh. The plane had gone missing and remained traceless till June 11, when its wreckage was located in the Pari mountains. (With inputs from PTI)

Rajnath Singh pays tribute to IAF personnel killed in AN-32 crash, meets their family members

The government will form a committee to study the feasibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "One Nation, One Election", Union Minister Rajnath Singh said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's all-party meeting today. Most parties, he said, had supported the idea.

India Watch: The case for 'One Nation One Election'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-chaired-all-party-meeting-over-one-nation-one-election-underway-at-parliament-228677">One nation, One election</a>' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said&nbsp;while speaking to the media after the meeting.

NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi.

"Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said.

"CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added.

Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress.

The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to set up a panel to give suggestions on issues related to 'One nation, One election' proposal, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday after the meeting of heads of various political parties to discuss the 'Simultaneous Elections' concept. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address, said that a committee will be constituted to give its suggestions on the subject (One Nation, One Election) in a time-bound manner," Rajnath Singh said while speaking to the media after the meeting. NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, Bihar Chief Minister and JD (U) leader Nitish Kumar, SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, NCP chief Farooq Abdullah and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik and National People's Party leader Conard Sangma were among the leaders who attended the meeting chaired by PM Modi. "Most parties gave their support to One Nation, One Election," Rajnath Singh said. "CPI(M) and CPI had a difference of opinion but they didn't oppose the idea, just the implementation of it," he added. Meanwhile, several opposition parties, including the Congress, skipped the all-party meeting. Those joining the Congress in not attending the meeting included Shiv Sena, Samajwadi Party (SP), the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the DMK, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Trinamool Congress. The concept of 'One Nation, One Election', which was part of BJP's 2019 manifesto, was recommended by the Law Commission last year in August to save public money.

PM Modi to form committee for 'one nation, one election'

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with them various issues concerning the state.

During the 15-minute meeting with the home minister, the chief minister briefed him about the prevailing situation in Assam, where the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be published on July 31.

"It was a courtesy call and I have congratulated him on behalf of the people for being chosen as the home minister of the country. I have also briefed him about the prevailing law and order situation in Assam," he told reporters after the meeting with Shah.

Sonowal is also believed to have discussed with Shah about the situation which may arise after the publication of the final list of the NRC.

During his meeting with the defence minister, the chief minister discussed with him certain issues concerning Assam. 
 
&nbsp;

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with them various issues concerning the state.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday met Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with them various issues concerning the state. During the 15-minute meeting with the home minister, the chief minister briefed him about the prevailing situation in Assam, where the final list of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) will be published on July 31. "It was a courtesy call and I have congratulated him on behalf of the people for being chosen as the home minister of the country. I have also briefed him about the prevailing law and order situation in Assam," he told reporters after the meeting with Shah. Sonowal is also believed to have discussed with Shah about the situation which may arise after the publication of the final list of the NRC. During his meeting with the defence minister, the chief minister discussed with him certain issues concerning Assam.

Sarbananda Sonowal meets Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, discusses Assam situation

Union Defence Ministe, Rajnath Singh is added to 4 key Cabinet Committees. Rajnath Singh, who was initially made a member of just two key Cabinet Committees including security, will now also head the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

Rajnath Singh added to 4 key Cabinet Committees

Hours after initial order, Govt tweaks panels. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's name added to 4 more panels. Rajnath Singh now member of 6 committees. Watch this video to know more.

India Watch: Govt Tweaks Cabinet Committees

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was added in only two key cabinet committees initially, will now chair the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-emerges-as-clear-no-2-224821">Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary</a> Affairs and be a part of the all-important panel on political affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs takes all important political decisions in the ruling dispensation.&nbsp;

Singh was made a member of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) earlier and he is now a part of six key panels of the government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads various committees except the one on Parliamentary Affairs.&nbsp;

While the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has only Prime Minister Modi and Shah in it, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has Modi, Shah and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Modi, has Singh, Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sitharaman as its members.

The panel looks after issues related to national security and foreign affairs.

Shah will head the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Sitharaman and Goyal are its members.

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri are special invitees of the&nbsp; 
accommodation committee.

The key Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will have Singh, Shah, Gadkari, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Sitharaman, Tomar, Prasad and Badal among its members.

The others in the CCEA include Jaishankar, Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which recommends dates for holding parliament sessions, will be headed by Singh and will have Shah, Sitharaman, Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi as its members.

Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan are special invitees.

Shah was to head the committee according to a government order earlier, which has since been amended.

The cabinet committees are constituted or reconstituted when a new government takes over or the cabinet undergoes a reshuffle.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was added in only two key cabinet committees initially, will now chair the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and be a part of the all-important panel on political affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who was added in only two key cabinet committees initially, will now chair the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs and be a part of the all-important panel on political affairs, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs takes all important political decisions in the ruling dispensation. Singh was made a member of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) earlier and he is now a part of six key panels of the government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads various committees except the one on Parliamentary Affairs. While the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has only Prime Minister Modi and Shah in it, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) has Modi, Shah and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, besides Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Modi, has Singh, Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Sitharaman as its members. The panel looks after issues related to national security and foreign affairs. Shah will head the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Sitharaman and Goyal are its members. Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh and Housing and Urban Affairs and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri are special invitees of the accommodation committee. The key Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) will have Singh, Shah, Gadkari, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda, Sitharaman, Tomar, Prasad and Badal among its members. The others in the CCEA include Jaishankar, Goyal and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which recommends dates for holding parliament sessions, will be headed by Singh and will have Shah, Sitharaman, Paswan, Tomar, Prasad, Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi as its members. Ministers of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal and V Muraleedharan are special invitees. Shah was to head the committee according to a government order earlier, which has since been amended. The cabinet committees are constituted or reconstituted when a new government takes over or the cabinet undergoes a reshuffle.

Initially left out, Rajnath Singh included in all important Cabinet Committees

Newly appointed Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Siachen, the highest militarised zone in the world, on Monday to meet the armed forces troops posted there. In his first visit since assuming office in the new government, Singh will also interact with army personnel in Srinagar

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flies to Siachen

The newly-appointed defence minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/siachen-to-be-rajnath-singhs-first-visit-as-defence-minister-223574">Rajnath Singh began his Siachen visit</a> as he left New Delhi for Ladakh in the early hours on Monday.&nbsp;Rajnath Singh is visiting Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

Announcing his visit on Twitter, Singh said, "Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir."

"Looking forward to interact&nbsp;with the troops in Siachen," he also said.

Later in the day, he will also be meeting Indian Army personnel in Srinagar.

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Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to interact with the troops in Siachen. 
 
Later in the day, I would be meeting the Indian Army personnel in Srinagar.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1135351560903352320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to a report by ANI, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-and-health-services-equally-important-for-the-nation-rajnath-singh-223707">Rajnath Singh</a> will be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry.

At the glacier, Rajnath Singh would be briefed about the operations being conducted by the Army, along with the support of air effort by the Indian Air Force.

Siachen glacier is the world's highest battlefield. The Indian Army has deployed a brigade in the area where some posts are located above the altitude of 23,000 altitude which even poses difficulty in breathing.

The Indian Army has been maintaining the Siachen Glacier since 1984 under the Operation Meghdoot where Army soldiers doubled as mountaineers to reach the peaks and capture them defeating the Pakistan Army.

The newly-appointed defence minister, Rajnath Singh began his Siachen visit as he left New Delhi for Ladakh in the early hours on Monday. Rajnath Singh is visiting Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

The newly-appointed defence minister, Rajnath Singh began his Siachen visit as he left New Delhi for Ladakh in the early hours on Monday. Rajnath Singh is visiting Siachen to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan. Announcing his visit on Twitter, Singh said, "Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir." "Looking forward to interact with the troops in Siachen," he also said. Later in the day, he will also be meeting Indian Army personnel in Srinagar. Leaving New Delhi for Ladakh on a day long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to interact with the troops in Siachen. Later in the day, I would be meeting the Indian Army personnel in Srinagar. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 3, 2019 × According to a report by ANI, Rajnath Singh will be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry. At the glacier, Rajnath Singh would be briefed about the operations being conducted by the Army, along with the support of air effort by the Indian Air Force. Siachen glacier is the world's highest battlefield. The Indian Army has deployed a brigade in the area where some posts are located above the altitude of 23,000 altitude which even poses difficulty in breathing. The Indian Army has been maintaining the Siachen Glacier since 1984 under the Operation Meghdoot where Army soldiers doubled as mountaineers to reach the peaks and capture them defeating the Pakistan Army.

Rajnath Singh leaves for Siachen, will review security situation along the border

Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh reaches siachen that is the highest battleground in the world. Rajnath's visit to Siachen is to look for the security arrangements at the altitude of around 20,000 feets. Rajnath Singh pays tribute to martyred soliders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches 'The highest battleground' Siachen

As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh's first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier -- the world's highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Siachen

As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh`s first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier-- the world`s highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

During the visit, the Defence Minister would be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry, government sources told ANI.

At the glacier, Rajnath Singh would be briefed about the operations being conducted by the Army, along with the support of air effort by the Indian Air Force.

Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh, 14 Corps Commander, and Kargil war hero Lt General YK Joshi are also expected to brief him about the security situation in the region.

The Indian Army has deployed a brigade in the area where some posts are located above the altitude of 23,000 altitude which even poses difficulty in breathing.

During the UPA-1 regime, there were calls for demilitarising the glacier but the Army had put its foot down against the step.

The Indian Army has been maintaining the Siachen Glacier since 1984 under the Operation Meghdoot where Army soldiers doubled as mountaineers to reach the peaks and capture them defeating the Pakistan Army.

The Defence Minister is also expected to visit the nearby areas of the Siachen Glacier.

Soon after taking over yesterday, Rajnath Singh asked the officers-in-charge of different departments to prepare a detailed presentation for him on the ongoing projects and programmes and brief him on them soon.

The officers have also been asked to complete the projects in a time-bound manner to move effectively towards modernising the armed forces.

On Saturday, he was briefed about the different projects and works being undertaken by the Ministry and services by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and the three services chiefs.

As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh`s first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier-- the world`s highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan.

As Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh`s first visit outside the national capital would be to the Siachen Glacier-- the world`s highest battlefield - to review the security situation along the borders with Pakistan. During the visit, the Defence Minister would be accompanied by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat and other senior officials from the Defence Ministry, government sources told ANI. At the glacier, Rajnath Singh would be briefed about the operations being conducted by the Army, along with the support of air effort by the Indian Air Force. Northern Army Commander Lt General Ranbir Singh, 14 Corps Commander, and Kargil war hero Lt General YK Joshi are also expected to brief him about the security situation in the region. The Indian Army has deployed a brigade in the area where some posts are located above the altitude of 23,000 altitude which even poses difficulty in breathing. During the UPA-1 regime, there were calls for demilitarising the glacier but the Army had put its foot down against the step. The Indian Army has been maintaining the Siachen Glacier since 1984 under the Operation Meghdoot where Army soldiers doubled as mountaineers to reach the peaks and capture them defeating the Pakistan Army. The Defence Minister is also expected to visit the nearby areas of the Siachen Glacier. Soon after taking over yesterday, Rajnath Singh asked the officers-in-charge of different departments to prepare a detailed presentation for him on the ongoing projects and programmes and brief him on them soon. The officers have also been asked to complete the projects in a time-bound manner to move effectively towards modernising the armed forces. On Saturday, he was briefed about the different projects and works being undertaken by the Ministry and services by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and the three services chiefs.

Siachen to be Rajnath Singh's first visit as Defence Minister

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the National War Memorial in New Delhi today, shortly before taking charge of the Defence Ministry. He paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives for the country post-independence.

New Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to Martyrs

As India's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-moves-to-south-block-gets-defence-ministry-223127"> new defence minister, Rajnath Singh</a>'s most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness.&nbsp;

His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility.&nbsp;

As he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-20-rajnath-singh-is-defence-minister-amit-shah-home-nirmala-sitharaman-gets-finace-223084">takes charge of the ministry</a> just three months after India carried out <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/130-170-terrorists-died-following-balakot-airstrikes-says-award-winning-italian-journalist-217030">air strikes on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, it is expected that he will continue with the policy of hot pursuit in dealing with cross border terrorism.

Containing infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan will be another key focus area.

As the Defence Minister, Singh will face the challenge of strengthening the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force due to changing regional security matrix and geopolitical dynamics.

The forces have been pressing for equipping them to deal with hybrid warfare and Singh will have to attend to this crucial demand.

The government has been focusing on domestic defence production and Singh will have to carry forward a number of big-ticket reform initiatives, including implementing the ambitious "strategic partnership" model.

Under the new model, select Indian private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign defence majors.

Watch: Rajnath Singh in Modi's New Cabinet

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Singh also faces the challenge of modernising the defence research organisations and various other defence public sector undertakings so that they can produce state-of-the-art military hardware to match the requirement of the forces.

He is expected to focus on simplification of the acquisition process as the majority of the military modernisation programmes are delayed due to administrative hurdles.

Singh, who was Home Minister in the previous government, will also have to oversee carrying out of major reforms in the 12-lakh strong Army.

The Army has already finalised a blueprint for its reform including right-sizing of the force.&nbsp;

His predecessor Nirmala Sitharaman had taken on the opposition head-on with her fiery defence of the Rafale fighter jet deal and it will be interesting to see how Singh deals with the issue.

Officials said Singh will take charge as defence minister on Saturday.&nbsp;

As India's new defence minister, Rajnath Singh's most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness.

As India's new defence minister, Rajnath Singh's most crucial challenge will be to speed up the long-delayed modernisation of the three services besides ensuring overall coherence in their combat readiness. His another challenge will be to ensure peace and tranquillity along the frontier with China while developing required military infrastructure to deal with any possible Chinese hostility. As he takes charge of the ministry just three months after India carried out air strikes on a terrorist training camp in Pakistan's Balakot, it is expected that he will continue with the policy of hot pursuit in dealing with cross border terrorism. Containing infiltration of terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan will be another key focus area. As the Defence Minister, Singh will face the challenge of strengthening the combat capabilities of the Army, Navy and the Air Force due to changing regional security matrix and geopolitical dynamics. The forces have been pressing for equipping them to deal with hybrid warfare and Singh will have to attend to this crucial demand. The government has been focusing on domestic defence production and Singh will have to carry forward a number of big-ticket reform initiatives, including implementing the ambitious "strategic partnership" model. Under the new model, select Indian private firms will be roped in to build military platforms like submarines and fighter jets in India in partnership with foreign defence majors. Watch: Rajnath Singh in Modi's New Cabinet × Singh also faces the challenge of modernising the defence research organisations and various other defence public sector undertakings so that they can produce state-of-the-art military hardware to match the requirement of the forces. He is expected to focus on simplification of the acquisition process as the majority of the military modernisation programmes are delayed due to administrative hurdles. Singh, who was Home Minister in the previous government, will also have to oversee carrying out of major reforms in the 12-lakh strong Army. The Army has already finalised a blueprint for its reform including right-sizing of the force. His predecessor Nirmala Sitharaman had taken on the opposition head-on with her fiery defence of the Rafale fighter jet deal and it will be interesting to see how Singh deals with the issue. Officials said Singh will take charge as defence minister on Saturday.

As defence minister, major challenges await Rajnath Singh

As the Modi-led government returns to power, we take a look at the profiles of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his new council of ministers.

PM Modi's cabinet 2.0; Great powers, great responsibilities

Rajanth Singh took charge as the Defence Minister or Raksha Mantri and immediately held a meeting with the top military brass. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik, Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra and top officials of the ministry accorded a warm welcome to Mr Singh.

Rajnath Singh takes charge as Defence minister

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