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Tag: Rajnath Singh

  • Aero India 2021 to propel India as defence manufacturing hub: Rajnath Singh

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: AS world’s first hybrid airshow is set to take-off in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Aero India-2021 will position India as investment, innovation, and defence manufacturing hub and provide unprecedented access, insights and opportunities to participants to connect and collaborate with Indian and global leaders. 

    The three-day event will help Karnataka further consolidate its position as one of the most favoured investment destinations for the foreign and domestic investors as well as emerge as one of the gateways to invest in the defence sector in India, Singh said.

    As many as 600 exhibitors from India and abroad will showcase their products. Meeting of Defence Ministers of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is one of the key highlights of the event. Over 200 MoU are likely to be signed during the three-day event.

    ‘US a reliable partner’

    Speaking to reporters on the eve of Aero India earlier in the day,  US Chargé d’Affaires Don Heflin said the US is a reliable partner to India’s defence sector offering the world’s best defence equipment. India plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific region, and cooperation between the two countries advances the shared vision of a rules-based international order that promotes the prosperity and security of all countries, Heflin added.

    Kelli L. Seybolt, Deputy Undersecretary for the Air Force, International Affairs, said: “India is one of our premier security partners in the Indo-Pacific and together we are deepening defence ties through avenues like exercises, cooperative agreements, and the integration of advanced US defence systems and platforms into the Indian armed services.”

  • Can’t remain dependent on other countries for India’s defence: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday India cannot remain dependent on other countries for its defence.

    Under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan India is looking forward to increase its defence manufacturing capabilities, said Singh, who inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s second LCA-Tejas production line here.

    “India cannot remain dependent on other countries for its defence”, he said.

    Singh said Tejas is not only indigenous, but is also better than its foreign equivalents on several parameters and also comparatively cheaper.

    “Many countries have shown interest in Tejas. India will achieve the target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore in the field of defence manufacturing in (a) few years”, the Minister said.

    The delivery of the Tejas LCA to the Indian Air Force under a Rs 48,000-crore deal will begin from March 2024 and around 16 aircraft will be rolled out annually till the completion of the total supply of 83 jets, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, R Madhavan said recently.

    Madhavan had also said that a number of countries have shown keen interest in procurement of Tejas and that the first export order is likely to come by in the next couple of years.

    The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13 approved the Rs 48,000- crore deal to procure 73 Tejas Mk-1A variants and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 trainer aircraft from the HAL to boost the Indian Air Force’s combat prowess.

  • Rajnath Singh to inaugurate HAL’s second LCA production line on Tuesday

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Tejas Light Combat Aircraft’s second production line here on Tuesday, according to HAL officials.

    The event comes a day before the opening of the Aero India 2021, the country’s premier aerospace and Defence exhibition, commencing at Air Force Station Yelahanka here on Wednesday.

    The delivery of the Tejas LCA to the Indian Air Force under a Rs 48,000-crore deal will begin from March 2024 and around 16 aircraft will be rolled out annually till the completion of the total supply of 83 jets, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited R Madhavan said recently.

    Madhavan had also said that a number of countries have shown keen interest in procurement of the Tejas aircraft and that the first export order is likely to come by in the next couple of years.

    The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13approved the Rs 48,000-crore deal to procure 73 Tejas Mk-1A variantsand 10 LCA Tejas Mk-1 trainer aircraft from the HAL to boost the Indian Air Force’s combat prowess.

  • Bengal BJP trying to rope in Yogi or Rajnath as Shah calls off visit

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI/KOLKATA:  Though Union home minister Amit Shah cancelled his trip to West Bengal at the eleventh hour, the BJP’s Howrah  rally on Sunday, where Trinamool Congress functionaries, including two MPs, four MLAs and a former minister, are expected to join the party, will take place as scheduled, BJP’s state president Dilip Ghosh confirmed on Friday. 

    “Since the Union home minister’s visit has been cancelled, a senior leader from the party’s leadership will be present in the rally in Howrah to welcome the defectors from the TMC,’’ said Ghosh.

    Sources in the Bengal BJP said they are trying to bring any of the other big leaders like JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh or Yogi Adityanath to the event where the TMC’s functionaries are scheduled to join the saffron camp.

    Shah was set to address two rallies in West Bengal on Saturday and Sunday, and attend several programmes as the BJP steps up its campaign in the poll-bound state where assembly elections are expected to be held in April-May. 

    Shah’s Bengal visit was much awaited event aiming to the Matua vote-share ahead of the upcoming 2021 Assembly elections. 

    As the electorates of the religious sect wanted Shah to announce a deadline of giving them citizenship by implementing CAA, the promise that the BJP had made in 2019 general elections and secured electoral dividend riding on it. 

    During Shah’s visit last month, six TMC MLAs and an MP had joined BJP along with 45 district-level functionaries. 

    Meanwhile, the TMC was on Friday rocked by a fresh bout of desertions as former minister Rajib Banerjee quit the party and several other leaders rallied behind him, deepening the crisis in the party. After quitting the Mamata Banerjee cabinet, Rajib Banerjee on Friday resigned from the party and as MLA of the West Bengal Assembly.

    A slew of disgruntled TMC leaders, including some MLAs such as Prabir Ghosal and Baishali Dalmiya, who was recently expelled from the party and former Howrah Mayor Rathin Chakraborty, spoke out against the TMC leadership.

    Incidentally, Shah was scheduled to address a rally in Rajib Banerjee’s home district Howrah on January. 31. 

  • Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, other leaders pay tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary

    By ANI
    NEW DELHI: Union Home Affairs Minister, Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders paid tributes to Punjab Kesari and freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary on Thursday.

    Union Home Minister remembered his work during the freedom struggle.

    “Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai ji, a son of our Maa Bharati, who while bearing the cruelty and atrocities of the British rule, worked continuously for the freedom of the people. Lala ji’s sacrifice and the unrestrained struggle for the independence of the country still inspires patriotism and inspiration among the countrymen,” Shah tweeted (roughly translated from Hindi).

    पंजाब केसरी लाला लाजपत राय जी माँ भारती के ऐसे वीर सपूत थे जिन्होंने अंग्रेज़ों की क्रूरता और अत्याचारों को सहते हुए जन-जन में स्वाधीनता की अलख जगाने का काम किया।देश की आजादी के लिए लाला जी का बलिदान व अप्रतिम संघर्ष आज भी देशवासियों में राष्ट्रभक्ति व प्रेरणा का संचार करता है। pic.twitter.com/wZb308bBBL
    — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 28, 2021

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also remembered Punjab Kesari and said that he instilled a sense of national love within the countrymen.

    “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai, I remember and salute him. During the Indian freedom struggle, he instilled a sense of national love within the countrymen and encouraged the youth to come forward. His contribution will continue to inspire future generations of the country as well,” he tweeted.

    पंजाब केसरी लाला लाजपत राय की जयंती के अवसर पर मैं उन्हें स्मरण एवं नमन करता हूँ। भारतीय स्वाधीनता संग्राम के दौरान उन्होंने देशवासियों के भीतर राष्ट्रप्रेम की भावना भरने और युवाओं को आगे आने के लिए प्रोत्साहित किया। उनका योगदान देश की भावी पीढ़ियों को भी प्रेरणा देता रहेगा।
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 28, 2021

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla offered floral tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai at the Parliament.

    “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of “Punjab Kesari” Lala Lajpat Rai ji, he paid a wreath in the Central Hall of Parliament today. Lala ji’s principles will always inspire us,” he tweeted.

    Union Minister of Railways, Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal saluted Lala Lajpat Rai.

    “Salute to him on the birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai who sacrificed his life for the independence of the country. Their lives, ideals and sacrifices will always inspire all of us to work for the progress of the nation,” he said.

    Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi also offered floral tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai and remembered his valour and supreme sacrifice.

    “Offered floral tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai, today at the Parliament House. A firebrand nationalist leader, Lalaji’s valour and supreme sacrifice gave new life to India’s freedom struggle,” Joshi tweeted.

    Offered floral tributes to Lala Lajpat Rai, today at the Parliament House. A firebrand nationalist leader, Lalaji’s valour and supreme sacrifice gave new life to India’s freedom struggle. pic.twitter.com/cu0YkDK791
    — Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 28, 2021

    Born on January 28, 1865, Lala Lajpat Rai played a pivotal role in the Indian Independence movement. He was one of the three in the Lal Bal Pal trio namely Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal – social reformers and freedom fighters who helped India gain independence from the British rule. 

  • Newly appointed US Secretary of Defence and Rajnath Singh discuss regional and global issues

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received an introductory telephone call from the newly appointed US Secretary of Defence Gen. (Retired) Lloyd Austin on 27 January 2021.

    Ministry of Defence (MoD) in its official statement said, “Defence Minister and Secretary Austin discussed bilateral, regional and global issues.”

    During the telephonic talk, they reaffirmed their commitment to work together to strengthen the multifaceted India – US defence cooperation and the strategic partnership, added the MoD.

    Spoke with my US counterpart, @SecDef Austin & conveyed my warm wishes on his appointment.We reiterated our firm commitment to deepen India-US defence cooperation. We exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest to strengthen our strategic partnership.
    — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 27, 2021

    Previously, Rajnath Singh had Congratulated Secretary Austin on his appointment.

    The United State Senate confirmed the nomination of General (retired) Lloyd Austin to serve as the 28th secretary of the defence department and he is the first-ever African American to occupy the top Pentagon position under President Joe Biden administration.

    The US House of Representatives had passed a special waiver giving exemption to Austin from the seven-year ‘cooling off period’ for retired generals taking over as defence secretary. The Senate approved the waiver by 69-27 votes.  

  • India will not reduce troops unless China initiates process: Rajnath on Ladakh row

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: India will not reduce the number of troops unless China initiates the process, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday over the eastern Ladakh standoff while exuding confidence of finding a solution to the row through talks.

    The defence minister also said India is developing infrastructure in border areas at a “very fast rate”, adding China has objected to some of the projects.

    “Reduction in the number of troops won’t happen. India won’t reduce troops deployment unless China initiates the process,” he told TV news channel Times Now in an interview.

    According to a transcript of the interview issued by the channel, when asked about the dialogue process with China on the row, Singh said, “There is no deadline when it comes to matter like the ongoing standoff. You can’t fix a date.”

    “We are confident of finding a solution through talks,” he said.

    About a news report that China was constructing a village in Arunachal Pradesh, the defence minister said it was along the border and that such infrastructure has been developed for several years.

    “Now, India has also started constructing infrastructure near the LAC at a fast pace considering the requirements of the locals as well as our forces. We are developing our infrastructure at a very fast rate,” he said.

    When referred to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s observation that ties with China is at its lowest point in four decades and asked whether Beijing has broken India’s trust, Singh said, “Without a doubt, they broke our trust.”

    ALSO READ | India, China maintaining close communication on next round of military talks: MEA

    Referring to the next round of military talks, he said China recently proposed dialogue on January 19.

    “We received the information a day before the proposed meet, so we asked the Chinese side to reschedule the meet on January 23 or 24. India is always open to dialogue,” he said.

    Asked about the farmers’ protests over three farm laws, Singh said the government has always stressed that there should be clause by clause discussions.

    “The government has always said that there should be clause by clause discussions. Wherever the need arises, we will make the amendments. This is what I can recall. But if the farmers want more thorough discussions, the agriculture minister has given them a proposal that the government is ready to put the laws on hold for 18 months.”

    “In the meantime, we will have discussions and see what amendments are needed. We will decide on this matter,” Singh said.

  • Over 3,000 military healthcare workers get COVID-19 vaccine jabs

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The armed forces on Saturday administered coronavirus vaccine to over 3,000 military doctors, nurses and healthcare personnel on the first day of the nation-wide vaccination drive.

    Sources in the security establishment said 3,129 health care workers of the Indian Army, deployed across the country including in Ladakh and some parts of Kashmir, were given the first doses.

    They said the vaccination drive will be gradually expanded and will cover the personnel deployed at frontline bases also.

    According to Navy officials, the COVID-19 vaccination drive for healthcare workers in the force was inaugurated in Delhi in the presence of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh.

    They said around 200 healthcare workers of the Indian Navy were administered the first doses on Saturday.

    The Indian Navy carried out the vaccination drive in its eastern, southern and western naval command areas, the officials said.

    In Mumbai, the first phase of immunisation against COVID-19 was initiated at naval hospital INHS Asvini.

    “The vaccination drive was rolled out with Rear Admiral Sheila Mathai, Commanding Officer, INHS Asvini receiving the first dose of the vaccine. A total of 100 healthcare workers including medical officers, nursing officers and other paramedical staff were vaccinated on day one there,” said an official.

    The Indian Air Force also launched the vaccination drive for its healthcare workers, but the number of people who were given the first doses was not immediately known.

    India on Saturday rolled out the world’s largest inoculation programme against COVID-19.

    “Our country doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, policemen and other frontline workers who waged war against Coronavirus are now going to get a protective shield in the form of a vaccine. In the next phase, the vaccination campaign will reach 300 million people. It will certainly be a huge achievement,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted.

    Singh said the whole country is thankful to the scientists who have played a role in the roll-out of India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

    “Today Prime Minister @narendramodi has taken decisive steps towards ensuring victory over the coronavirus crisis by launching the biggest vaccination campaign not only in India but of the whole world,” he said.

  • Indian Army has boosted country’s morale during border standoff with China: Rajnath Singh

    By PTI
    LUCKNOW: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said the Indian Army has boosted the morale of the country and also enabled the people to hold their heads high during the border standoff with China.

    Singh said this while addressing a gathering here during the ‘bhoomipujan’ and foundation stone laying ceremony of a new Command Hospital.

    “The charismatic (karishmaayi) performance by the Army during the India-China standoff has boosted the morale of the country and also enabled the citizens to hold their heads high,” he said, drawing a thunderous applause from the crowd.

    Army chief General MM Naravane and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the programme.

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveils India’s first indigenously developed driverless metro car

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday unveiled the country’s first indigenously designed and developed Driverless Metro Car at the BEML manufacturing facility here.

    The Minister, who visited the facility, said he was proud of the good work the team of engineers and technicians are doing at Bengaluru-headquartered BEML.

    “They are the real warriors of Atmanirbhar Bharat, taking India ahead”, he said.

    According to BEML, state-of-the-art driverless metro cars, being manufactured at the company’s Bangalore Complex, are made up of stainless steel body with a capacity of carrying 2280 passengers in six-cars Metro train-set.

    BEML bagged a total order of 576 cars for Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA)’s MRS1 project and the supply is scheduled progressively up to January 2024.

    BEML recently opened its Depot office at Charkop Metro Depot, MMRDA, Mumbai for commissioning, testing and round-the-clock services for Driverless Metro cars.

    Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar IAS, Secretary (Defence Production) and BEML Limited Chairman and Managing Director, Deepak Kumar Hota, were among those present on the occasion.

    Hota said, “BEMLs foray into metro manufacturing has been a defining moment in the urban transportation scenario in India”.

    Singh virtually launched the Aerospace Assembly Hangar, situated within BEMLs Bangalore Complex, and unveiled first indigenously manufactured Tatra Cabin by BEML.

    At the BEMLs Bangalore Complex, Singh inspected the Rail Hangars, the array of BEML equipment on display (from its Defence & Aerospace, Mining & Construction and Rail & Metro Divisions) and the newly launched Industrial Design Centre.