Rajnath Singh

Indian Defence Exports Crossed Rs 21000 Cr For The First Time: Rajnath

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to announce that the country’s defence exports have soared to unprecedented levels, crossing the milestone of Rs 21,000 crore for the first time in the history of Independent India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on x,” Delighted to inform everyone that the Indian Defence Exports have scaled to unprecedented heights and crossed Rs 21000 crore mark for the first time in the history of Independent India! India’s defence exports have recahed to the level of Rs.21,083 Crore in the financial year 2023-24 which is a spectacular growth of 32.5 per cent over the previous fiscal.”

According to the statement posted by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India’s defence exports surged to a staggering Rs 21,083 crore in the financial year 2023-24, marking a remarkable growth rate of 32.5 per cent over the previous fiscal year.

India’s defence exports span across 84 countries and regions worldwide.

This phenomenal growth reflects the concerted efforts and strategic initiatives undertaken by the Defence Ministry, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to bolster India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and promote indigenous defence production.

The Defence Ministry has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at catalysing India’s defence manufacturing sector.

These initiatives have not only facilitated technological advancements but have also created a conducive environment for both public and private sectors to actively participate and contribute to the nation’s defence exports.

The success story of India’s defence exports owes much to the collective efforts of about 50 Indian companies, spanning both the public and private sectors, who have played a pivotal role in achieving this feat.

These companies have demonstrated commendable innovation, efficiency, and quality standards, thereby enhancing India’s reputation as a reliable supplier of defence equipment and technology.

India’s defence exports have diversified geographically, with exports reaching countries such as Italy, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Russia, UAE, Poland, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, Spain, Chile, among others.

This global outreach underscores the growing demand for Indian defence products and the increasing recognition of India’s capabilities in meeting the evolving security needs of nations worldwide.

Among the major defence items being exported, Personal Protective Items, Offshore Patrol Vehicles, ALH Helicopters, SU Avionics, Coastal Surveillance Systems, Light Engineering Mechanical Parts, Kavach MoD, among others, have emerged as key contributors to India’s defence export portfolio.

These cutting-edge defence technologies and equipment have garnered significant interest from international buyers, further enhancing India’s position as a leading exporter of defence hardware. (ANI)

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Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Celebrates Holi With Soldiers In Leh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday celebrated the festival of colours, Holi, with soldiers in Leh. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and General Officer Commanding, Fire and Fury Corps Lt Gen Rashim Bali.

The Raksha Mantri was intially scheduled to visit the Siachen area, the world’s highest battlefield, for the celebration but couldn’t do so due to the prevailing ‘inclement weather’. He spoke to the commanding officer deployed at Siachen over the phone and promised to visit them as soon as possible.

Speaking to jawans and other senior defence personnel on the occasion, the Raksha Mantri said, “If Delhi is our national capital, Ladakh is a capital of bravery and valour. Visiting you all to celebrate Holi makes this one of the happiest moments for me. Siachen is no ordinary land. It is an unshakeable symbol of India’s sovereignty and determination. It represents our national determination,” he said.

“I have said it many times before and will say it again: it is our duty to take care of you, your children, your parents…your family. We are always ready for that. I do not need to tell you here that with the same diligence with which you are working for this country by dedicating your body and mind, our government is also working for the betterment of our armed forces,” Rajnath added.

On the occasion, Singh requested Army Chief Manoj Pande to establish a new tradition by telling the Air chief and Navy chief that whenever a festival comes around, they should ring in the celebrations the day before with soldiers and armed forces personnel deployed at the frontiers and protecting the country’s sovereignty in the face of grave adversities.

From the snowy peaks of Kargil to the scorching deserts and plains of Rajasthan, or in a submarine deployed in the deep sea, the forces are ever-alert and awake to all external threats, the Raksha Mantri said. (ANI)

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Rajnath Singh

Our Govt Has Done More For Farmers: Rajnath

As protesting farmers continued to mass and hold their ground on Delhi’s borders on Saturday, amid attempts at a breakthrough in talks with the Centre, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi considered them as his family members.

Addressing the BJP’s ongoing national convention at the state-of-the-art Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, Rajnath said the NDA government has done more for farmers and the agriculture sector than all previous governments at the Centre.

The Defence Minister said the BJP’s roadmap for the country’s development will be before the people once the party is elected for a third, straight term at the Centre.

“A lot has been done over the last 10 years of this government in the interest of farmers. The highest input cost for farmers is the one that goes into purchasing and sourcing fertilisers. Across the world, today, a bag of urea is priced at Rs 3,000 but in our country, it is available at Rs 300 per bag. The budgetary allocation for the agricultural sector used to be Rs 25,000 crore before 2014. However, it has since been increased to Rs 1,25,000 crore. Nearly Rs 18 lakh crore has been received by farmers in the form of MSP in the last 10 years. Our government has given 2.5 per cent more MSP to the farmers. Also, till now, farmers have received Rs 2,80,000 crore under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Under PM Safal Bima Yojana, they paid Rs 30 crore in premiums and successfully claimed Rs 1.5 lakh crore,” Rajnath said.

“Today, India’s agricultural export has reached Rs 4 lakh crore. I previously served the country as the Agriculture Minister and can say with full confidence that our government has done more for the farmers than all previous regimes at the Centre combined. For PM, farmers are no less than his family members. He has always been very sympathetic towards the problems and distress faced by our farmers,” the Raksha Mantri added.

He stated further that under the Centre’s ‘Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme’, Rs 3 lakh crore in public wealth was saved from falling into the wrong hands.

“Our government strove relentlessly to transfer the money (allocated under central initiatives) to the account of every beneficiary under the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme. The result was that Rs 3 lakh crore in public money was saved from falling into the wrong hands. In 2014, startups in India numbered only between 300-500. Today, the number has grown upwards of 1,20,000. Mobile manufacturing, too, has gone up five times in just the last 10 years. To ensure ease of doing business, 40,000 compliances have either been removed or simplified. Capital expenditure has gone up five times in 10 years to Rs 10 lakh crore,” Rajnath said.

He noted further that more than 25,000 railway tracks have been laid and more than 1300 railway stations have seen an overhaul under the ‘Amrit Bharat Station’ Scheme.

“The length of the high-speed corridor, which was 500 km 10 years ago, has today increased to more than 4000 kms. Nearly two lakh gram panchayats in the country have been connected with optical fibre. Under Ayushman Bharat, more than Rs 1 lakh crore has been set aside for the poor. A discount of 80 per cent on medicines is also available at PM Jan Aushdi Kendras. It has saved the poor save Rs 30,000 crore in medical expenses,” he added.

“Today the poor are getting loans without guarantees. They are part of the guarantees of PM Modi,” Rajnath said.

In a veiled swipe at the TMC government in West Bengal over the violent crackdowns on Opposition protests and allegations of excesses on women in Sandeshkhali, the Defence Minister said such incidents are a blot on a civilized society.

“Whatever happened in Sandeshkhali is reprehensible. I commend our workers, who are fighting for the distressed women of Sandeshkhali in the face of state oppression and tyranny. Such incidents are a blot on a civilised society. It should be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said. (ANI)

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Rajnath Singh

Rajnath To Visit UK To Discuss Defence Issues

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a two-day visit to the United Kingdom on January 8, 2024 and will discuss bilateral issues with his counterpart Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official press release on Sunday.

The Defence Minister would be accompanied by a high-level Ministry of Defence delegation, comprising senior officials from DRDO, Service Headquarters, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Defence Production.

As per the Ministry, both leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of defence, security and industrial cooperation issues.

Rajnath Singh is also expected to call on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hold a meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron. He will also interact with the CEOs and industry leaders of the UK defence industry and meet with the Indian community there.

Earlier in November, Rajnath Singh held a telephonic conversation with his British counterpart Grant Shapps and discussed means to bolster closer defence relations as well as the security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the Defence Ministry, both ministers discussed a range of defence and security issues, with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific. They briefly reviewed the ongoing engagements and discussed possible cooperation in new domains.

The two leaders explored ways and means to develop closer defence relations. Grant Shapps also invited Rajnath Singh to visit the UK in the near future.

Singh also congratulated Shapps on his appointment as Secretary of State for Defence.

“Had a telephonic conversation with the UK Secretary of State for Defence Mr Grant Shapps. We discussed a range of defence and security related issues with particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific,” Rajnath Singh posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Shapps was appointed as the new Defence Secretary of United Kingdom in August, after Ben Wallace resigned from his position.

Notably, India and the UK are negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talks for FTA between India and the UK started in 2022 and the 12th round of negotiations took place from August 8-31 this year.

The India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched in 2021 along with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The Roadmap is a commitment to a partnership that delivers for both countries.(ANI)

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Agniveer recruitment

India-Italy Strengthen Defence Ties With Bilateral Talks and Agreements

India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, engaged in talks with his Italian counterpart Defence Minister, Guido Crosetto, in Rome during the first leg of his official visit to Italy and France.

These discussions laid the groundwork for enhanced defence cooperation between the two nations, touching upon various crucial aspects of their partnership, read the Ministry of Defence press release.

The high-level meeting between Rajnath Singh and Guido Crosetto saw deliberations on a broad spectrum of defence collaboration, including training initiatives, the exchange of information, joint maritime exercises, and bolstering maritime security.

However, the primary focus of the talks was to explore opportunities for advancing defence-industrial cooperation.

Both ministers acknowledged the complementary strengths and capabilities of India and Italy in the defence sector.

They discussed the potential for joint development projects and emphasized the importance of fostering interaction between Indian start-ups and Italian defence firms, read the press release.

This collaboration aims to leverage the innovative potential of Indian tech companies and the expertise of Italian defence enterprises.

Following the productive discussions, the two ministers signed an Agreement on Cooperation in the field of defence. This pivotal agreement is set to foster bilateral collaboration in a wide array of defence domains, including security and defence policy, research and development (R&D), military education, maritime domain awareness, the exchange of defence information, and industrial cooperation, read the press release.

Notably, the agreement encompasses co-development, co-production, and the establishment of joint ventures, signifying a comprehensive commitment to mutual growth and development in the defence sector.

Rajnath Singh’s visit to Italy commenced with an official Guard of Honour ceremony at Villa Madama, underlining the importance of the visit and the strong bilateral ties between India and Italy, read the press release.

Upon his arrival at Ciampino Airport, the Defence Minister was warmly received by Dr Neena Malhotra, the Indian Ambassador to Italy, and senior Italian officials, highlighting the warm diplomatic relations between the two nations.

This exchange of high-level visits, discussions, and agreements underscores the commitment of India and Italy to furthering their defence cooperation, with a shared vision of enhancing security, technological advancement, and strategic partnerships on the global stage. (ANI)

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Rajnath

Rajnath To Induct C-295 Aircraft Into IAF

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad today.

The Defence Minister will also formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

“Today, 25th September, I shall be in Ghaziabad to attend the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a drone exhibition cum display event. Shall also attend the unveiling ceremony of the IAF’s first C- 295 MW transport aircraft at Hindon Airbase. Looking forward to it,” posted the Defence Minister on X.

Notably, the IAF, recognizing the potential of indigenous drone design and development, is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India to jointly host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023.

This event, scheduled for September 25 and 26, will take place at the IAF’s Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad and will feature live aerial demonstrations.

In India, the utilization of drones is on the rise, spanning across military and civilian applications.

Drone technology has rapidly transformed both civil and defence sectors, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and elevating capabilities, said a press release.

The IAF has extensive experience in deploying Remotely Piloted Aircraft for Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

To harness the burgeoning drone technology sector in India, the IAF initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition, showcasing its faith in the nation’s drone capabilities, according to the release.

Now, with Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, the IAF is poised to further leverage this expertise.

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 promises to spotlight the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with an impressive lineup of over 50 live aerial demonstrations.

These demonstrations will encompass a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, said the release.

The event will also witness the active participation of more than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities.

Anticipated to draw approximately 5,000 attendees, Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 will serve as a convergence point for a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

Representatives from central government agencies, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts are expected to grace the event, said the release.

This collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India underscores the commitment to advancing drone technology and its applications in India.

The event promises to showcase the capabilities of Indian drones and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts.

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 marks a step towards harnessing the full potential of this transformative technology for the nation’s benefit. (ANI)

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Rajnath about Rahul Yaan

Rahul Yaan Not Launched In Last 20 yrs: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday took a potshot at the Congress party saying that they failed to launch Rahul Gandhi in the last 20 years.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday flagged off BJP’s ‘Parivartan Sankalp Yatra’ in Jaisalmer.

Rajnath Singh said “In a country where successful launching and landing of Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan is taking place, Congress’ “Rahul Yaan” has not been launched for the last twenty years.”

The Defence Minister also praised the Indian scientists for the recent successful launch of ‘Chandrayaan-3’.

“No one had ever doubted the capabilities and talent of the Indian Army and Indian scientists. I believe India took the same leap with the success of Chandrayaan 3 on August 23, 2023, that it took in 1998 when it conducted a successful nuclear test,” Rajnath Singh said.

Rajnath also targeted the Congress Party for raising questions on India’s space mission.

“Today India has reached the Moon and Mars and the entire country has successfully launched Aditya Dal-1. Even this time the landing of Chandrayaan took place, even then the Congress tried to raise questions in a subdued voice, but when it saw the mood of the country, it remained silent,” he said.

Before flagging off the ‘Parivartan Sankalp Yatra’, Rajnath offered prayers at Ramdevra Temple in Jaisalmer. Ramdevra temple is sacred to the folk deity of Rajasthan, Baba Ramdevji. The temple marks the eternal resting place of Baba Ramdevji, a saint of the 14th century who Hindus regard as the incarnation of Lord Krishna, while Muslims venerate him as Ramshah Pir.

“I feel happy to be present among you on the sacred land of Ramdevra, the land where an incarnate man like Baba Ramdev took samadhi. This area of ​​Jaisalmer holds a special place in my heart because this entire area is not only a desert land, but it is also the land of heroes and Tapobhoomi as well as the atomic land of India. The land of Pokhran, located nearby, has witnessed not one but five nuclear tests,” the Defence minister said.

“The Battle of “Longewala” was also fought on this soil during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 in which India won decisively, he added.

Rajasthan is scheduled to go to the polls later this year with the BJP and the incumbent Congress locked in a straight fight.

In 2018 the Congress had won 99 seats while the BJP had won 73 seats in the 200-member house. The Congress led by Ashok Gehlot formed the government with the support of Independents and the BSP. (ANI)

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Rajnath about LOC

India Will Cross LOC If: Rajnath Warns Pak

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said while the jawans of the Indian Army did not step across the Line of Control (LoC) during the Kargil conflict in 1999, they could have ventured inside enemy territory if they so wanted.

Addressing an event commemorating soliders, who laid down their lives on the line of duty, at the 24th Kargil Vijay Divas, on Wednesday, the Defence Minister said, “The honour and dignity of the nation are above everything else for us. And to save or restore our country’s honour and territorial integrity, we can go to any extent. The reason why our forces did not cross the LoC after emerging victors in ‘Ooeration Vijay’ on July 26 1999 is because we are a peace-loving country, which is rooted to its values and are committed to international laws.”
“We did not cross the LoC (during the Kargil conflict) but it does not mean if could not or cannot do so. We reserve the right to cross the LoC to defend our borders and will do so, if needed. Let there be no doubt about it,” he said.

He said the Kargil conflict was imposed on India.

“We did try to resolve all issues with Pakistan through diplomatic channels, but were backstabbed. Late Prime Minister Atal-Ji had made sincere efforts to address and resolve all issues, including Kashmir, by visiting Pakistan. However, as part of its nefarious designs, Pakistan sent its soldiers to capture some of our positions in Kargil. The enemy occupied vantage points and were strongly placed,” the minister said.

He said that Indian Army gave a befitting reply to Pakistani intruders during “Operation Vijay”, sending a message not only to the cross-border rival but the whole world, that when it comes to its national interests, the Indian army will not back down at any cost, Singh said.

“Even today, we are fully committed to safeguarding our national interests. It doesn’t matter who is in front of us. The public has reposed its faith in us and knows that the government will never compromise on the issue of national interest. Whether it is about Kargil or another incident, our army shown that wars are not fought with bombs and guns but on the courage of conviction and valour,” Singh said.

“Our government has given a free hand to the army to act however its wants to defend our borders and territorial integrity. Our army was always as powerful as it is today but the only thing lacking in previous years was political will. I want to assure you that the political will of the government has only become stronger in the last few years. The government stands firmly with our army,” he said. (ANI)

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Rajnath salutes at karigil vijay divas

Rajnath Salutes Jawans At Kargil Vijay Divas

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday saluted the brave sons of the soil, who put the nation first and did not hesitate to make the ultimate sacrifice in the Kargil conflict with Pakistan in 1999.

Addressing a sombre commemoration event after laying a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in the memory of the fallen bravehearts in the icy heights of Kargil, on Wednesday, Singh said, “I salute the brave sons of our soil, who sacrificed their all in the service and protection of their motherland. I salute our jawans, who put the nation first and did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives to defend our motherland.”
“I draw a lot strength and feel empowered whenever I find myself standing among our jawans. As I was paying tribute to the fallen jawans, I couldn’t help recollect the misadventure from across the border. I will never forget this day,” the Defence Minister said.

“The blood that our brave jawans have spilt on the frontlines have helped make India what it is today,” Singh added.

After the wreath-laying ceremony, the Raksha Mantri met with the family members of the soldiers, who made the ultimate sactifice in the 1999 Kargil conflict.

He also handed them mementos and shawls as a mark of respect to the fallen Kargil heroes.

Later, he paid a visit to the ‘Hut of Remembrance’ museum in Drass, which holds memorabilia testifying to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army in the Kargil conflict.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Singh on Wednesday arrived in Drass in the Kargil district of Ladakh for the 24th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.

The day is marked every year to pay homage to the fallen soldiers in the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan.

The Raksha Mantri laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial here in memory of the fallen bravehearts in the icy heights of Kargil. He was the chief guest at the sombre commemoration event.

Army Chief General Manoj Pande, too, paid floral tributes to the fallen jawans at the Kargil War Memorial while Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar also laid a wreath in memory of the bravehearts.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, also laid a wreath at the Kargil War Memorial in tribute to the fallen soldiers in the Kargil conflict.

In the conflict, which lasted over two months, the Army managed to push back the Pakistani intruders, who had been occupying certain vantage points in Kargil, raising the Tricolour on the territory wrested from the enemy.

The conflict played out in the frontlines in the Dras, Kargil and Batalik sectors of Kargil district. (ANI)

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Rajnath

Rajnath To Chair All Party Meet Today Ahead Of Parliament Monsoon Session

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to chair an all party meeting on Wednesday afternoon, convened by the Central government for the smooth functioning of the monsoon session of Parliament which begins on Thursday.

While the opposition parties will apprise the government of the issues they intend to raise during the session, the government also has prepared its legislative agenda.
Apart from it, a meeting of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) floor leaders is also scheduled for today.

The monsoon session of  Parliament will continue till August 11.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi has urged all parties to contribute towards productive discussions on legislative business and other items during the session.

There will be a total of 17 sittings during the session.

The Monsoon session will start in the old Parliament building.

Opposition parties held a unity meeting in Bengaluru on Tuesday and decided that the group will be called Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Leaders from 26 opposition parties attended the two-day Bengaluru meeting, the second such meeting after the first meeting held in Patna.

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance also held a meeting which was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The bill to replace the ordinance over control of services in Delhi is expected to come up during the monsoon session.

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2023, which received Cabinet nod earlier this month, is also expected to be introduced.

Meanwhile, the Congress is demanding discussions on several issues, including the Manipur situation, and assault on federal structures among others. (ANI)

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