Defence minister Rajnath Singh formally inducted the five Rafale fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF) today at the Ambala air base in Haryana in a ceremony for which French defence minister Florence Parly has also been invited. Air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in an arrow formation.

Rafale induction ceremony held at Ambala airbase: French Defence Minister at the ceremony

Defence minister Rajnath Singh formally induct the five Rafale fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF) today at the Ambala air base in Haryana in a ceremony for which French defence minister Florence Parly has also been invited. Air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in an arrow formation.

'Sarva Dharma puja' at Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala airbase, Rafale formally inducted in IAF

Finally, the first batch of five Rafale fighter jets has formally been inducted as part of the 17 Squadron at Ambala Air Force Station today.

Rafale induction ceremony at Ambala airbase: Aircraft becomes part of IAF's 17 squadron

Five Rafale jets will be inducted into the Indian Air Force at 10 am in Ambala air base. The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to buy 36 jets for ₹ 59,000 crore.

IAF to formally induct Rafale aircraft in IAF: Aircraft will be part of IAF's 17 squadron

French Defence Minister Florence Parly arrived in India on September 10 to attend the ceremony marking the induction of the first batch of Rafale combat jets into the Indian Air Force (IAF) and to take forward cooperation in key areas such as the Indo-Pacific and joint exercises.

India-French Defence Ministers to attend Rafale induction in IAF

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to formally induct Rafale

France and India held a bilateral meet after Defence minister Rajnath Singh formally inducted the five Rafale fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF) today at the Ambala air base.

India-France joint press conference on Rafale

The hypersonic air-breathing scramjet technology was successfully demonstrated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Monday.

India to get Hypersonic missile in the next 5 years | Indigenous Hypersonic Weapons

Hypersonic speed is generally accepted to be Mach 5, or 3,836.35 miles per hour in conditions of 20 degrees Celsius at sea level.

India enters 'Hypersonic Regime' with successful missile test

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is holding talks with his Chinese counterpart in Moscow. As China pitches for talks, the Chinese state mouthpiece - Global Times is hurling insults and sabre rattling

Gravitas: India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to meet his Chinese counterpart

<p>India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.</p>

<p>Singh arrived in Tehran from Moscow after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries.</p>

<p>"Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Tehran this evening. He will be meeting the Iranian Defence Minister (Brigadier General Amir Hatami) during his visit," his office said in a tweet.</p>

<p>A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. India had earlier said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect.</p>

<p>"We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other," Singh said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states.</p>

<p>Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond.</p>

<p>Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy.</p>

<p>Iran has observer status in the SCO, which was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.</p>


India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday arrived in Tehran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart and discuss bilateral defence ties. His visit comes a day after he urged the Persian Gulf countries to resolve their differences through dialogue based on mutual respect. Singh arrived in Tehran from Moscow after concluding his three-day visit to Russia where he attended a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers. He also held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Russia, China and the Central Asian countries. "Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Tehran this evening. He will be meeting the Iranian Defence Minister (Brigadier General Amir Hatami) during his visit," his office said in a tweet. A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the US and the UAE in recent weeks have flared up tension in the region. India had earlier said that it was deeply concerned about the situation in the Persian Gulf and called upon the countries in the region to resolve their differences by dialogue based on mutual respect. "We call upon countries in the region - all of which are dear and friendly to India, to resolve differences by dialogue based on mutual respect, sovereignty and non interference in internal affairs of each other," Singh said in his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the SCO, Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states. Last month, Iranian navy briefly seized control of a Liberian-flagged oil tanker in what the US said were international waters near the Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman to the south and the Arabian Sea beyond. Iran has threatened to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if the United States tries to strangle its economy. Iran has observer status in the SCO, which was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

India's defence minister lands in Iran, will discuss bilateral ties

According to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he had a “very fruitful” meeting with his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and regional security issues, including Afghanistan.

Indian Defence Minister meets Iranian counterpart, discusses bilateral issues

<p>India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.</p>

<p>China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh.</p>

<p>The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes.</p>
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia/status/1301949065450549248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers which took place earlier in the day.</p>

<p>India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping.</p>

<p>This was the first high-level in-person meeting between the two sides amid the LAC row.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, foreign ministers of both countries -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Wang Yi, &nbsp;and special representatives on border issues -- NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi -- had a telephonic conversation and a virtual meeting.</p>

<p>What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it&nbsp;is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.</p>

<p>Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh.</p>

<p>Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row.</p>

<p>India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC.</p>

<p>India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts.</p>

<p>Last four months also saw the Galwan incident -- on June 15 -- in which India lost 20 soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been silent on the number.</p>

<p>India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. However, no meeting happened then.</p>


India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart on Friday in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or the SCO meet. China's defence minister General Wei Fenghe had requested for a meeting with Rajnath Singh. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. The meeting between Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Chinese Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe in Moscow is over. The meeting lasted for 2 hours and 20 minutes. — रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) September 4, 2020 × Singh and Wei are in Moscow to attend a meeting of the SCO defence ministers which took place earlier in the day. India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are part of the SCO grouping. This was the first high-level in-person meeting between the two sides amid the LAC row. Earlier, foreign ministers of both countries -- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Wang Yi, and special representatives on border issues -- NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi -- had a telephonic conversation and a virtual meeting. What transpired in the Rajnath-Fenghe meet is still not known, but it is expected to ease the situation at the line of actual control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter standoff in multiple places in eastern Ladakh. Tensions flared up in the region after China unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Indian territory in the southern bank of Pangong lake five days ago when the two sides were engaged in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border row. India occupied a number of strategic heights on the southern bank of Pangong lake and strengthened its presence in Finger 2 and Finger 3 areas in the region to thwart any Chinese actions. China has strongly objected to India's move. However, India has maintained that the heights are on its side of the LAC. India has also rushed in additional troops and weapons to the sensitive region following the Chinese attempts. Last four months also saw the Galwan incident -- on June 15 -- in which India lost 20 soldiers. China also suffered casualties but has been silent on the number. India had received a request from China for a meet with Rajnath Singh when he was in Moscow for victory day celebrations earlier this year. However, no meeting happened then.

India's defence minister holds talks with Chinese counterpart in Moscow amid LAC row

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on September 5 left Moscow for Iran where he will meet his Iranian counterpart Brigadier General Amir Hatami and discuss bilateral defence ties.

India's Defence Minister lands in Tehran, Will hold talks with Iranian Defence Minister

<p>In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source said the defence minister told the Chinese side that India will "not cede an inch of land" and was "determined to protect integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost".</p>

<p>All "issues of friction" were discussed in detail in the first high-level political in-person engagement between the two sides amid heightened tensions between the two countries.</p>

<p>Earlier, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi had engaged and special representatives -- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese FM -- have engaged but only telephonically or via video conference.</p>

<p>The Chinese readout has blamed New Delhi saying "responsibility lies entirely with India". India, on the hand, has been focussing on how "actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo" was the cause of the current crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to the Indian readout, stated that the "current situation should be handled responsibly" and that neither side "should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas."</p>


In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh.

In the two-and-a-half-hour-long meeting between India's defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Chinese counterpart -- General Wei Fenghe -- in Moscow on Friday, the former firmly told Beijing that not an inch would be ceded, and that complete disengagement should happen including at the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. A source said the defence minister told the Chinese side that India will "not cede an inch of land" and was "determined to protect integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost". All "issues of friction" were discussed in detail in the first high-level political in-person engagement between the two sides amid heightened tensions between the two countries. Earlier, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Chinese FM Wang Yi had engaged and special representatives -- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese FM -- have engaged but only telephonically or via video conference. The Chinese readout has blamed New Delhi saying "responsibility lies entirely with India". India, on the hand, has been focussing on how "actions of the Chinese troops, including amassing of a large number of troops, their aggressive behaviour and attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo" was the cause of the current crisis. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, according to the Indian readout, stated that the "current situation should be handled responsibly" and that neither side "should take any further action that could either complicate the situation or escalate matters in the border areas."

Not even an inch will be ceded: India's defence minister told Chinese counterpart in Moscow meet

After China accused India of being fully responsible for the LAC stand-off in Ladakh, the Indian Defence Ministry called for calm and appealed against "action that could complicate the situation or escalate matters in border areas".

India issues statement post Moscow meet, calls for calm at LAC

Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe has reportedly told his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh that India bears full responsibility for current China-India border tensions.

India-China locked in bitter border row, China says 'India fully responsible'

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe in Moscow, Russia. This meeting marks the first direct face-to-face talks between the political leadership in New Delhi and Beijing since border tensions began early May.

Indian DM Rajnath Singh holds talks with Chinese Defence minister in Moscow

<p>Amid tensions over border row between India and China, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is seeking a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Russia where both leaders have gathered for the Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet, people familiar with the issue said on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi has so far not commented on the Chinese gesture and it has to be seen whether Singh meets Wei on Friday during a meet among SCO defence ministers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-reaches-russia-to-attend-sco-meet-324875">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Russia to attend SCO meet</a></strong></p>

<p>For about four months, Indian and Chinese forces are engaged in a standoff in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency PTI reported that the Indian mission has been informed by Beijing over its keenness to have a meeting with both the defence ministers on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Moscow. But, so far, there has not been any official confirmation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few days ago, tensions escalated in the eastern side after China unsuccessfully tried to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong when both the sides were participating in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Delhi on Thursday said the standoff in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese unilateral actions directed towards changing the status quo.</p>

<p>It also said that negotiations are the only way forward to resolve the issue.&nbsp;</p>


Amid tensions over border row between India and China, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is seeking a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Russia where both leaders have gathered for the Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet, people familiar with the issue said on Thursday.

Amid tensions over border row between India and China, Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghi is seeking a meeting with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in Russia where both leaders have gathered for the Cooperation Organization (SCO) meet, people familiar with the issue said on Thursday. New Delhi has so far not commented on the Chinese gesture and it has to be seen whether Singh meets Wei on Friday during a meet among SCO defence ministers. Also read | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Russia to attend SCO meet For about four months, Indian and Chinese forces are engaged in a standoff in eastern Ladakh. News agency PTI reported that the Indian mission has been informed by Beijing over its keenness to have a meeting with both the defence ministers on the sidelines of the SCO meet in Moscow. But, so far, there has not been any official confirmation. A few days ago, tensions escalated in the eastern side after China unsuccessfully tried to occupy Indian territory in the Southern Bank of Pangong when both the sides were participating in diplomatic and military talks to resolve the festering border crisis. New Delhi on Thursday said the standoff in Ladakh over the past four months is a "direct result" of Chinese unilateral actions directed towards changing the status quo. It also said that negotiations are the only way forward to resolve the issue.

Will Rajnath Singh meet Chinese defence minister following Beijing's request?

Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has requested for a meet with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or SCO meet on Friday.

WION Dispatch: 'Differences should be resolved by dialogue', says Rajnath Singh

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.</p>

<p>India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country.</p>

<p>In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states here in the Russian capital, Singh said that our goal should be security and growth for all in the region, but we are far from achieving security and growth for all.</p>

<p>He said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern.</p>

<p>According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm.</p>

<p>Those deaths, along with 760 additional civilian casualties, came amid raised hopes that the Afghan government and the Taliban would begin substantive peace talks and prioritise efforts to protect all Afghans from the impact of coronavirus.</p>

<p>At the SCO meeting, Singh said: ?India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process?.</p>

<p>He also praised the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, saying it is useful for exchanging notes among the member states.</p>

<p>The SCO comprises eight member states -- India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled.</p>

<p>The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.</p>

<p>India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate.</p>

<p>India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future.</p>

<p>There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan.</p>

<p>India has in the past conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure should be put on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil.&nbsp;</p>


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that India remains concerned over the security situation in Afghanistan and will continue to support the efforts of its people and government for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. India has been keenly following the evolving political situation after the US signed a peace deal with the Taliban in February. The deal provided for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, effectively drawing curtains to Washington's 18-year war in the country. In his address at the combined meeting of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Collective Security Treaty Organisation and Commonwealth of Independent States member states here in the Russian capital, Singh said that our goal should be security and growth for all in the region, but we are far from achieving security and growth for all. He said that the security situation in Afghanistan remains a concern. According to a recent UN report, as many as 533 Afghan civilians - including more than 150 children - were killed in war-torn Afghanistan due to fighting, highlighting the urgent need for all parties to the conflict to do more to protect civilians from harm. Those deaths, along with 760 additional civilian casualties, came amid raised hopes that the Afghan government and the Taliban would begin substantive peace talks and prioritise efforts to protect all Afghans from the impact of coronavirus. At the SCO meeting, Singh said: ?India will continue to support the efforts of the people and government of Afghanistan for an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled inclusive peace process?. He also praised the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan, saying it is useful for exchanging notes among the member states. The SCO comprises eight member states -- India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. It has been supporting a national peace and reconciliation process which is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001. India has also been maintaining that care should be taken to ensure that any such process does not lead to any "ungoverned spaces" where terrorists and their proxies can relocate. India has been calling upon all sections of the political spectrum in Afghanistan to work together to meet the aspirations of all people in that country including those from the minority community for a prosperous and safe future. There have been global concerns over Pakistan's support to the Taliban and other terror groups operating in Afghanistan. India has in the past conveyed to the Trump administration that pressure should be put on Pakistan to crack down on terror networks operating from its soil.

India concerned at Afghan security situation, will continue to support people, govt: Rajnath Singh at SCO

Chinese defence minister requests meeting with Rajnath Singh in Moscow

China requests meeting with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on sidelines of SCO meet

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Russia on Wednesday to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and meet Russian counterpart for strengthening defence cooperation between both the countries.</p>

<p>"Reached Moscow this evening. Looking forward to my bilateral meeting with the Russian Counterpart General Sergey Shoygu tomorrow," Singh tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Здравствуйте Russia!<br />
Reached Moscow this evening. Looking forward to my bilateral meeting with the Russian Counterpart General Sergey Shoygu tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/FgayfbJIIR">https://t.co/FgayfbJIIR</a></p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1301219359868637184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-defence-minister-rajnath-singh-to-visit-russia-next-week-323832">India's defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Russia next week</a></strong></p>

<p>"Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Moscow on a three day visit to Russia. He was received by Ambassador (D. B. Venkatesh Varma) and Major General Bukhteev Yury Nikolaevich at the airport," said, the Indian embassy, in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> was received by Ambassador,upon his arrival in Moscow. RM will be attending Joint Meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO member states. <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mfa_russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mod_russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefProdnIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefProdnIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/adgpi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adgpi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/indiannavy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@indiannavy</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ny98vqKUNy">pic.twitter.com/Ny98vqKUNy</a></p>
— India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndEmbMoscow/status/1301227556620906496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Singh "will be attending Joint Meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO member states," it further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-taking-advantage-of-covid-19-outbreak-india-one-such-example-us-diplomat-324867">China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat</a></strong></p>

<p>The SCO meeting is being held when the border standoff between both SCO members, India and China remain tense.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gen Wei Fenghe and Pervez Khattak, the defence ministers of China and Pakistan respectively are also expected to attend the event.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian officials have not hinted of any meeting between Singh and Wei on the sidelines of the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They also said the Indian defence minister, in his three-day visit, will also hold talks with the Russian defence minister, where he will push Kremlin for expediting supply of various weapon systems, contracts of which were completed earlier.&nbsp;</p>


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Russia on Wednesday to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and meet Russian counterpart for strengthening defence cooperation between both the countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached Russia on Wednesday to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and meet Russian counterpart for strengthening defence cooperation between both the countries. "Reached Moscow this evening. Looking forward to my bilateral meeting with the Russian Counterpart General Sergey Shoygu tomorrow," Singh tweeted. Здравствуйте Russia! Reached Moscow this evening. Looking forward to my bilateral meeting with the Russian Counterpart General Sergey Shoygu tomorrow. https://t.co/FgayfbJIIR — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 2, 2020 × Also read | India's defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Russia next week "Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reached Moscow on a three day visit to Russia. He was received by Ambassador (D. B. Venkatesh Varma) and Major General Bukhteev Yury Nikolaevich at the airport," said, the Indian embassy, in a tweet. RM Shri @rajnathsingh was received by Ambassador,upon his arrival in Moscow. RM will be attending Joint Meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO member states. @MEAIndia @mfa_russia @mod_russia @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @DefProdnIndia @adgpi @IAF_MCC @indiannavy pic.twitter.com/Ny98vqKUNy — India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) September 2, 2020 × Singh "will be attending Joint Meeting of Defence Ministers of SCO, CIS and CSTO member states," it further said. Also read | China taking advantage of COVID-19 outbreak, India one such example: US Diplomat The SCO meeting is being held when the border standoff between both SCO members, India and China remain tense. Gen Wei Fenghe and Pervez Khattak, the defence ministers of China and Pakistan respectively are also expected to attend the event. Indian officials have not hinted of any meeting between Singh and Wei on the sidelines of the visit. They also said the Indian defence minister, in his three-day visit, will also hold talks with the Russian defence minister, where he will push Kremlin for expediting supply of various weapon systems, contracts of which were completed earlier.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches Russia to attend SCO meet

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will leave for Russia today to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the ministry said on Tuesday. The Defence Minister will be on a three-day visit to Russia.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to leave for Russia

<p>India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia next week for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meet. Russia is the chair of BRICS and SCO grouping for this year and will be holding all meetings -- that traditionally happen annually.</p>

<p>Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu, who recently met Indian envoy D Bala Venkatesh Varma, conveyed to him that he looks forward to meet Rajnath Singh next week in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu with Indian envoy to Russia D. Bala Venkatesh Varma " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd16582d-d681-4546-aee7-695dd6f6a6f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG-20200828-WA0135.jpg" /></p>

<p>This is the second visit of Singh to Russia. He had visited Moscow earlier this year in June for the Victory Day Parade. An Indian Tri-Service contingent also took part in the parade at Moscow's Red Square.</p>

<p>Russia on September 10 will host SCO Foriegn minister meet and India's external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is expected to visit Russia for the meet.</p>

<p>While the ministry of external affairs has confirmed that it has received invitation from Russia for the meet, it has not been formally annouced if the EAM will go.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia next week for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meet. Russia is the chair of BRICS and SCO grouping for this year and will be holding all meetings -- that traditionally happen annually.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh will visit Russia next week for the SCO or Shanghai Cooperation Organisation defence ministers' meet. Russia is the chair of BRICS and SCO grouping for this year and will be holding all meetings -- that traditionally happen annually. Russian defence minister Sergey Shoygu, who recently met Indian envoy D Bala Venkatesh Varma, conveyed to him that he looks forward to meet Rajnath Singh next week in Moscow. This is the second visit of Singh to Russia. He had visited Moscow earlier this year in June for the Victory Day Parade. An Indian Tri-Service contingent also took part in the parade at Moscow's Red Square. Russia on September 10 will host SCO Foriegn minister meet and India's external affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar is expected to visit Russia for the meet. While the ministry of external affairs has confirmed that it has received invitation from Russia for the meet, it has not been formally annouced if the EAM will go.

India's defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Russia next week

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the proposal to expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 173 border and coastal districts from where one lakh new cadets will be inducted, an official statement said on Sunday.</p>

<p>The expansion of the NCC was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Saturday.</p>

<p>He said the NCC will be expanded in border and coastal districts so that these areas "get trained manpower for disaster management, and the youth will also get skill training for making their career in the armed forces".</p>

<p>The defence ministry's statement said Singh has approved the NCC proposal "for a major expansion scheme".</p>

<p>"More than 1,000 schools and colleges have been identified in border and coastal districts where NCC will be introduced," it said.</p>

<p>A total of one lakh cadets from 173 border and coastal districts will be inducted into the NCC, it said, adding that one-third of them will be girls.</p>

<p>"As part of the expansion plan, a total of 83 NCC units will be upgraded (Army 53, Navy 20, Air Force 10) to impart NCC training to the cadets in the border and coastal areas," the ministry noted.</p>

<p>The Army will provide training and administrative support to NCC units located in border areas, it said.</p>

<p>The Navy will provide support to NCC units in coastal areas and the Air Force will provide support to those located close to its stations, it added.</p>

<p>The NCC is a youth development movement managed by the armed forces. It also provides exposure to cadets in a wide range of activities, with a distinct emphasis on social services, discipline and adventure training.</p>

<p>It is open to all regular students of schools and colleges on a voluntary basis.</p>

<p>The NCC expansion plan will be implemented in partnership with state governments, the ministry said.</p>

<p>Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi had said, "About 173 districts in our border areas, our coastal areas share their boundaries with some or the other nation's border or coastline. In the coming days, NCC would be extended in those border districts for the youth there."</p>

<p>"We will train around one lakh new NCC cadets from bordering areas, and we will work towards the idea that amongst those, one-third of them are our daughters," he had said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the proposal to expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 173 border and coastal districts from where one lakh new cadets will be inducted, an official statement said on Sunday.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the proposal to expand the National Cadet Corps (NCC) in 173 border and coastal districts from where one lakh new cadets will be inducted, an official statement said on Sunday. The expansion of the NCC was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech on Saturday. He said the NCC will be expanded in border and coastal districts so that these areas "get trained manpower for disaster management, and the youth will also get skill training for making their career in the armed forces". The defence ministry's statement said Singh has approved the NCC proposal "for a major expansion scheme". "More than 1,000 schools and colleges have been identified in border and coastal districts where NCC will be introduced," it said. A total of one lakh cadets from 173 border and coastal districts will be inducted into the NCC, it said, adding that one-third of them will be girls. "As part of the expansion plan, a total of 83 NCC units will be upgraded (Army 53, Navy 20, Air Force 10) to impart NCC training to the cadets in the border and coastal areas," the ministry noted. The Army will provide training and administrative support to NCC units located in border areas, it said. The Navy will provide support to NCC units in coastal areas and the Air Force will provide support to those located close to its stations, it added. The NCC is a youth development movement managed by the armed forces. It also provides exposure to cadets in a wide range of activities, with a distinct emphasis on social services, discipline and adventure training. It is open to all regular students of schools and colleges on a voluntary basis. The NCC expansion plan will be implemented in partnership with state governments, the ministry said. Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Modi had said, "About 173 districts in our border areas, our coastal areas share their boundaries with some or the other nation's border or coastline. In the coming days, NCC would be extended in those border districts for the youth there." "We will train around one lakh new NCC cadets from bordering areas, and we will work towards the idea that amongst those, one-third of them are our daughters," he had said.

Defence minister approves proposal to expand NCC in 173 border, coastal districts

In a big push to Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Ministry of Defence has decided to impose a ban on 101 import items to boost indigenisation of defence production.

Rajnath Singh announces embargo on import of 101 defence items

<p>India will hold off on importing 101 items of military equipment in an effort to boost domestic defence production, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday.</p>

<p>Singh said a separate budget of nearly 520 billion rupees ($7 billion) has been created for domestic capital procurement this fiscal year.</p>

<p>He said the ministry has prepared a list of 101 items for which the embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024.</p>

<p>"The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative," Singh said on Twitter while making the announcement.</p>

<p>"The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024," Singh wrote in a series of tweets.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmanirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmanirbharBharat</a> initiative. MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond given timeline to boost indigenisation of defence production.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317269599518721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Taking cue from that evocation, the Ministry of Defence has prepared a list of 101 items for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timeline indicated against them. This is a big step towards self-reliance in defence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmanirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmanirbharBharat</a></p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317413657075715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation."</p>

<p>The list of 101 embargoed items comprises some high technology weapon systems like artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars and many other items.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This decision will offer a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to manufacture the items in the negative list by using their own design and development capabilities or adopting the technologies designed &amp; developed by DRDO to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317668377104385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The list is prepared by MoD after several rounds of consultations with all stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, public &amp; private industry to assess current and future capabilities of the Indian industry for manufacturing various ammunition &amp; equipment within India.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317727512604672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Almost 260 schemes of such items were contracted by the Tri-Services at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore between April 2015 and August 2020. It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292317793086365696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Singh said all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for domestic production of equipment identified under a negative list for import are met, adding the measures will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand-holding of the industry by the defence services.</p>

<p>"The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024. The aim behind promulgation of the list is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation," he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024. Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292318262655479809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">All necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for production of equipment as per the Negative Import List are met, which will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand holding of the industry by the Defence Services.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292318328619282432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">MoD has also bifurcated the capital procurement budget for 2020-21 between domestic and foreign capital procurement routes. A separate budget head has been created with an outlay of nearly Rs 52,000 crore for domestic capital procurement in the current financial year.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1292318459083120641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


India will hold off on importing 101 items of military equipment in an effort to boost domestic defence production, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday.

India will hold off on importing 101 items of military equipment in an effort to boost domestic defence production, defence minister Rajnath Singh announced on Sunday. Singh said a separate budget of nearly 520 billion rupees ($7 billion) has been created for domestic capital procurement this fiscal year. He said the ministry has prepared a list of 101 items for which the embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024. "The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative," Singh said on Twitter while making the announcement. "The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024," Singh wrote in a series of tweets. The Ministry of Defence is now ready for a big push to #AtmanirbharBharat initiative. MoD will introduce import embargo on 101 items beyond given timeline to boost indigenisation of defence production. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × Taking cue from that evocation, the Ministry of Defence has prepared a list of 101 items for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timeline indicated against them. This is a big step towards self-reliance in defence. #AtmanirbharBharat — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × "Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation." The list of 101 embargoed items comprises some high technology weapon systems like artillery guns, assault rifles, corvettes, sonar systems, transport aircraft, light combat helicopters (LCHs), radars and many other items. This decision will offer a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to manufacture the items in the negative list by using their own design and development capabilities or adopting the technologies designed & developed by DRDO to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × The list is prepared by MoD after several rounds of consultations with all stakeholders, including the Armed Forces, public & private industry to assess current and future capabilities of the Indian industry for manufacturing various ammunition & equipment within India. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × Almost 260 schemes of such items were contracted by the Tri-Services at an approximate cost of Rs 3.5 lakh crore between April 2015 and August 2020. It is estimated that contracts worth almost Rs 4 lakh crore will be placed upon the domestic industry within the next 6 to 7 years. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × Singh said all necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for domestic production of equipment identified under a negative list for import are met, adding the measures will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand-holding of the industry by the defence services. "The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 and 2024. The aim behind promulgation of the list is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation," he said. The embargo on imports is planned to be progressively implemented between 2020 to 2024. Our aim is to apprise the Indian defence industry about the anticipated requirements of the Armed Forces so that they are better prepared to realise the goal of indigenisation. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × All necessary steps would be taken to ensure that timelines for production of equipment as per the Negative Import List are met, which will include a co-ordinated mechanism for hand holding of the industry by the Defence Services. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 × MoD has also bifurcated the capital procurement budget for 2020-21 between domestic and foreign capital procurement routes. A separate budget head has been created with an outlay of nearly Rs 52,000 crore for domestic capital procurement in the current financial year. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 9, 2020 ×

India to halt imports of 101 defence items, announces Rajnath Singh

<p>Three Iranian missiles landed near the Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday after Iran's Revolutionary Guard staged a mock attack on a fake aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, in a drill which saw two US bases briefly put on missile alert.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tracking-rafales-journey-to-ambala-indias-new-beast-undergoes-air-to-air-refueling-316539"><strong>In pics: Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling</strong></a><br />
<br />
Al-Dhafra is&nbsp;temporarily home to five French-built Rafale fighter jets on their way to India for that country's air force.</p>

<p>The first batch of five Rafale jets had taken off from France on July 27 and will reach India today (July 29). These fighter jets took off from the Merignac airbase in southern France's Bordeaux.</p>

<p>CNN's Barbara Starr tweeted, "CNN has learned US bases at Al Udeid and Al Dhafra went on alert this am when intel indicators showed an Iranian missile possibly headed that way. Personnel told to take cover for several minutes. No missile struck, US officials say they took prudent precautionary measures."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CNN has learned US bases at Al Udeid and Al Dhafra went on alert this am when intel indicators showed an Iranian missile possibly headed that way. Personnel told to take cover for several minutes. No missile struck, US officials say they took prudent precautionary measures</p>
— Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) <a href="https://twitter.com/barbarastarrcnn/status/1288139384378851328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>The fighter jets, built by French aviation firm Dassault, will be inducted in the Indian Air Force fleet in Haryana's Ambala.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bon Voyage: Indian Ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> interacts with the Indian pilots of the Rafale. Congratulates and wishes them a safe flight to India with a single hop. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ResurgentIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ResurgentIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MeaIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dassault_OnAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dassault_OnAir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/jk3IWD9tYU">pic.twitter.com/jk3IWD9tYU</a></p>
— India in France (@Indian_Embassy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indian_Embassy/status/1287620263002230784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>India bought 36 Rafale jets from France in a Rs 59,000-crore inter-governmental deal in 2016 and first trance will arrive in India on July 29.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Three Iranian missiles landed near the Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday after Iran's Revolutionary Guard staged a mock attack on a fake aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, in a drill which saw two US bases briefly put on missile alert.

Three Iranian missiles landed near the Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday after Iran's Revolutionary Guard staged a mock attack on a fake aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, in a drill which saw two US bases briefly put on missile alert. In pics: Tracking Rafale's journey to Ambala: India's new beast undergoes air-to-air refueling Al-Dhafra is temporarily home to five French-built Rafale fighter jets on their way to India for that country's air force. The first batch of five Rafale jets had taken off from France on July 27 and will reach India today (July 29). These fighter jets took off from the Merignac airbase in southern France's Bordeaux. CNN's Barbara Starr tweeted, "CNN has learned US bases at Al Udeid and Al Dhafra went on alert this am when intel indicators showed an Iranian missile possibly headed that way. Personnel told to take cover for several minutes. No missile struck, US officials say they took prudent precautionary measures." CNN has learned US bases at Al Udeid and Al Dhafra went on alert this am when intel indicators showed an Iranian missile possibly headed that way. Personnel told to take cover for several minutes. No missile struck, US officials say they took prudent precautionary measures — Barbara Starr (@barbarastarrcnn) July 28, 2020 × The fighter jets, built by French aviation firm Dassault, will be inducted in the Indian Air Force fleet in Haryana's Ambala. Bon Voyage: Indian Ambassador to #France interacts with the Indian pilots of the Rafale. Congratulates and wishes them a safe flight to India with a single hop. #ResurgentIndia #NewIndia #Rafale@IAF_MCC @MeaIndia @rajnathsingh @Dassault_OnAir @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/jk3IWD9tYU — India in France (@Indian_Embassy) July 27, 2020 × India bought 36 Rafale jets from France in a Rs 59,000-crore inter-governmental deal in 2016 and first trance will arrive in India on July 29. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran missiles land near UAE airbase where Indian Rafale jets are on overnight halt: Reports

<p>The first batch of five Rafale jets have taken off from France and will reach India on Wednesday (July 29). These fighter jets took off from the Merignac airbase in southern France's Bordeaux today.</p>

<p><b>In pics:&nbsp;</b><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/21-years-of-kargil-vijay-diwas-how-indian-army-dragged-pakistani-infiltrators-out-316048" hreflang="en">21 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas: How Indian Army dragged Pakistani infiltrators out</a></p>

<p>The fighter jets, built by French aviation firm Dassault, will be inducted in the Indian Air Force fleet in Haryana's Ambala.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bon Voyage: Indian Ambassador to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> interacts with the Indian pilots of the Rafale. Congratulates and wishes them a safe flight to India with a single hop. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ResurgentIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ResurgentIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a><a href="https://twitter.com/IAF_MCC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IAF_MCC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MeaIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Dassault_OnAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dassault_OnAir</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DefenceMinIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/jk3IWD9tYU">pic.twitter.com/jk3IWD9tYU</a></p>
— India in France (@Indian_Embassy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indian_Embassy/status/1287620263002230784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>India bought 36 Rafale jets from France in a Rs 59,000-crore inter-governmental deal in 2016 and first trance will arrive in India on July 29.&nbsp;</p>

<p>12 IAF pilots and engineering crew have been fully trained on the Rafale fighter jets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These jets will cover 7,000 km from France to India. The journey consists of air-to-air fueling and a stop at the French airbase in UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Delivery of ten aircraft has been completed on schedule. Five will stay back in France for training Mission. The delivery of all thirty six aircraft will be completed on schedule by the end of 2021," the Indian embassy in France said in a statement.</p>

<p>Jawed Ashraf, the Indian ambassador to France, interacted with IAF pilots before they took off from Bordeaux.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bon Voyage: Indian Ambassador to #France interacts with the Indian pilots of the Rafale. Congratulates and wishes them a safe flight to India with a single hop," the Indian embassy in France tweeted.</p>

<p>Last month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called French counterpart Florence Parly, to assure timely delivery of the jets amid coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>


The first batch of five Rafale jets have taken off from France and will reach India on Wednesday (July 29). These fighter jets took off from the Merignac airbase in southern France's Bordeaux today.

The first batch of five Rafale jets have taken off from France and will reach India on Wednesday (July 29). These fighter jets took off from the Merignac airbase in southern France's Bordeaux today. In pics: 21 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas: How Indian Army dragged Pakistani infiltrators out The fighter jets, built by French aviation firm Dassault, will be inducted in the Indian Air Force fleet in Haryana's Ambala. Bon Voyage: Indian Ambassador to #France interacts with the Indian pilots of the Rafale. Congratulates and wishes them a safe flight to India with a single hop. #ResurgentIndia #NewIndia #Rafale@IAF_MCC @MeaIndia @rajnathsingh @Dassault_OnAir @DefenceMinIndia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/jk3IWD9tYU — India in France (@Indian_Embassy) July 27, 2020 × India bought 36 Rafale jets from France in a Rs 59,000-crore inter-governmental deal in 2016 and first trance will arrive in India on July 29. 12 IAF pilots and engineering crew have been fully trained on the Rafale fighter jets. These jets will cover 7,000 km from France to India. The journey consists of air-to-air fueling and a stop at the French airbase in UAE. "Delivery of ten aircraft has been completed on schedule. Five will stay back in France for training Mission. The delivery of all thirty six aircraft will be completed on schedule by the end of 2021," the Indian embassy in France said in a statement. Jawed Ashraf, the Indian ambassador to France, interacted with IAF pilots before they took off from Bordeaux. "Bon Voyage: Indian Ambassador to #France interacts with the Indian pilots of the Rafale. Congratulates and wishes them a safe flight to India with a single hop," the Indian embassy in France tweeted. Last month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called French counterpart Florence Parly, to assure timely delivery of the jets amid coronavirus pandemic.

First batch of Rafale jets take off from France; will arrive in India on July 29

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