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In a move aimed at deepening strategic ties in North Africa, India has opened a dedicated Defence Wing in Rabat and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Morocco to formalize and expand military cooperation. Image Source: Defence Minister Singh The agreement, signed by India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdeltif Loudiyi, lays the foundation for a broad-based security partnership covering counter-terrorism, defence industry collaboration, joint training, cyber defence, peacekeeping, and maritime security. Key Strategic Shift The decision to establish a permanent defence presence in Morocco signals a calibrated shift in India’s West Africa and Mediterranean outreach.  It is the first such defence wing India has opened in the Maghreb region, reflecting New Delhi’s intent to forge long-term military and industrial linkages with Rabat. Focus Areas Under the MoU: Joint military exercises and officer training Defence industry collaborati...

In a direct address to India’s top military leadership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the urgent need to prepare for wars that are increasingly unpredictable in nature, duration, and domain.  Speaking at the Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata on September 16, he stated, “Wars of today are so sudden and unpredictable… It can be two months, a year, or even five years. We need to ensure that our surge capacity remains sufficient.” Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025 in Kolkata The Defence Minister called on the Armed Forces to move beyond traditional concepts of warfare and prepare for invisible threats--ranging from information and ideological attacks to ecological and biological warfare.  He asserted that a “technology-friendly” and “self-reliant” defence architecture is essential for India’s long-term strategic autonomy. Rajnath Singh underlined the strategic priority of self-reliance in defence, calling it “a necessity, not a slogan.” He credited in...

India has launched a historic first: ten women officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force set sail on the indigenously-built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni for a nine-month circumnavigation covering 26,000 nautical miles .  The expedition, christened Samudra Pradakshina , was virtually flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from South Block as the team departed from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Image Source: PIB “This voyage is a glowing symbol of Nari Shakti , the jointness of our Armed Forces, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s global vision,” Singh said, calling it a “spiritual sadhana” of discipline and willpower. Over the next nine months, the crew will sail eastward, cross the Equator twice, round the Capes of Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope, and navigate the world’s most dangerous waters — the Southern Ocean and Drake Passage.  They will halt at four international ports: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttelton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Canada) and Cape Tow...

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed New Delhi’s vision for a harmonious global order rooted in care, equity, and collective progress during an address at the World Leaders Forum in New Delhi on August 22, 2025.  Citing India’s civilisational ethos, Singh said the country’s rise is guided not by the ambition to dominate, but by the commitment to the global good. “In our tradition, the measure of strength is not in the ability to command, but in the capacity to care,” he said. Image Source: Defence Minister Framing India as a key architect of an evolving and inclusive global order, Singh contrasted India’s developmental trajectory with that of its western neighbour.  Responding to a recent remark by Pakistan’s Army Chief, who likened India’s economy to a sports car and Pakistan’s to a dump truck, Singh said the comparison was “not a joke, but a confession.”  He added, “If two nations gained independence at the same time, and one flourished while the other fell...

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his annual Sandesh to Soldiers on the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, described Operation Sindoor as a balanced and precise military response to global asymmetric warfare; hailed it as a demonstration of a new vision for modern warfare, built on cutting-edge technology, accurate intelligence, and indigenous capability; stressed that India remains tolerant but will unite and act decisively when its safety and dignity are challenged; and vowed that no matter how deep terrorism’s roots, its complete destruction will be ensured. Image Source: HQ IDS INDIA Singh said the operation, executed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, integrated drone warfare, layered air defence, electronic warfare, and network-centric operations to strike nine terror training camps -- including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed -- within minutes, avoiding civilian and Pakistani military targets, without crossing the Line of C...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday laid the foundation stone for BEML’s Greenfield Rail Manufacturing facility -- BRAHMA -- at Umaria in Madhya Pradesh, describing it as both a leap in infrastructure and a statement of intent on India’s security posture.  Image Source: Marketing Maverick on X Citing the recent Operation Sindoor as proof of India’s ability to strike deep and neutralise terrorist threats, Singh warned, “We do not provoke anyone, but those who provoke us will not be spared.” Singh said the success of Operation Sindoor was built on indigenous equipment, crediting India’s decade-long drive towards Aatmanirbharta in the defence sector.  “We have moved from being dependent buyers to supplying our own forces and even friendly nations,” he noted, pointing to record defence production in FY 2024–25 at ₹1.51 lakh crore and exports at ₹23,622 crore. BRAHMA: Scale, Scope, and Sustainability Planned over 148 acres, BRAHMA will produce advanced rolling stock...

India commemorated the 26th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26 with solemn national tributes, large-scale outreach to the families of martyrs, and a strong emphasis on modernisation and military readiness.  The Indian Army led the commemorations at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh , paying homage to the 545 soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1999 Kargil War.  Image Source: Defence Minister The central events were attended by top political and military leadership including Dr Mansukh Mandaviya , MoS Defence Sanjay Seth , Ladakh Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta , and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi . Over two days, the armed forces honoured the fallen through a series of symbolic and technological tributes.  These included the lighting of 545 lamps—each representing a fallen hero—religious prayers by leaders of multiple faiths, and emotional interactions with the Next of Kin of martyrs.  In a rare gesture, the Army reached out to al...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the first Governing Council Meeting of the National Cadet Corps Alumni Association (NCCAA) on July 11, 2025, at South Block in New Delhi, underscoring the role of former cadets as key contributors to national development. Image Source: RMOIndia on X The NCCAA, a newly established flagship body, aims to bring together former and current NCC cadets under a common platform to continue supporting India’s largest uniformed youth organisation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the association’s first registered member; Rajnath Singh is the second. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister described the NCC as a unique institution shaping India’s youth through discipline and patriotism. He said the alumni, now leaders across various sectors, are not just passive participants in the country’s growth but active architects of change. Singh called for their inclusion in driving developmental goals and enhancing national unity. He urged the Associ...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received a flood of birthday greetings from across the political spectrum as he marked another year in public life. Tributes poured in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, chief ministers, and leaders from various parties. They lauded his decades-long contribution to Indian politics, national security, and public service. Image Source: BorgoHainSBG on X Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes and praised Singh for his “hardworking nature and wisdom.” He commended the Defence Minister’s “commendable efforts” in strengthening India’s armed forces and advancing self-reliance in the defence sector, adding, “Praying for his long and healthy life.” Responding to the Prime Minister’s message, Rajnath Singh expressed gratitude and praised Modi’s leadership, stating, “Under your able leadership, India is growing fast and getting stronger. Your recent 5-nation official visit is a testimony to India’s rising clout and stature.” Union H...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the 2025 Controllers’ Conference of the Defence Accounts Department in New Delhi, underscored the critical importance of agility, financial precision, and indigenous capability in India’s defence planning.  Citing the global recognition of Indian systems post-Operation Sindoor, he stated that the valour displayed and successful deployment of domestic equipment have significantly raised international interest in Indian defence products. Image Source: RajnathSingh on X He called for a shift in the department’s role—from controller to facilitator—especially as private sector participation expands.  Emphasizing the volatility of today’s geopolitical climate, he warned that "peace time is an illusion," and urged the system to prepare for sudden shifts in financial and operational demands. Framing defence expenditure as an economic investment with multiplier impact, Singh urged integration of Defence Economics into budgeting, highl...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the Indian Armed Forces responded to the recent Pahalgam terror attack with precision and restraint, dismantling terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) under Operation Sindoor .  He emphasised that while terrorists targeted civilians based on their religious identity, the Indian response was guided by national duty and discipline. Image Source: HQ IDS on X Speaking at an event in Hyderabad marking the 128th birth anniversary of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, the Defence Minister asserted that the Armed Forces, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are fully empowered to take decisive action against terrorism whenever required. Rajnath Singh said Operation Sindoor was conducted with utmost caution to avoid civilian casualties, highlighting the Armed Forces’ professional approach in neutralising terror infrastructure. He described the operation as an example of "karma rooted in d...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urged China to preserve the positive momentum in bilateral relations and refrain from introducing fresh tensions. Speaking after his talks with Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ meeting, Singh called the dialogue "constructive and forward-looking." Image Source: RM Rajnath Singh on X Singh emphasised the need for mutual restraint and sustained diplomacy, stating, “It is incumbent on both sides to avoid adding new complexities to the bilateral relationship.” This marks the latest engagement between India and China as ties gradually stabilise after years of border tension.  Notably, 2024 saw the final phases of disengagement between Indian and Chinese troops in the Depsang and Demchok sectors of eastern Ladakh—an area long fraught with friction since the deadly Galwan clash of 2020. The meeting also coincided with India’s decision to resume the Kail...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao.  This marked a key moment in India-Russia military diplomacy as Singh described the interaction as “insightful”. He noted the discussions were focused on deepening the long-standing defence partnership between the two nations. Image Source: Raksha Mantri The meeting comes at a time when the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is looking to recalibrate regional security architecture in the face of rising terrorism, geopolitical tensions, and strategic uncertainty.  India, while reaffirming its commitment to the SCO’s objectives, has firmly resisted attempts to dilute its core interests, particularly on counterterrorism. At the Qingdao summit, Singh refused to endorse the joint communiqué after members failed to reach consensus on unambiguous condemnation of terrorism.  This decision is seen as consistent with India’s prev...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a decisive stance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meet in Qingdao, China on Thursday, refusing to sign the joint statement after India objected to diluted language on terrorism.  Image Source: Khushi Ram on X The SCO, comprising ten member states including China, Russia, Pakistan and India, eventually scrapped the declaration altogether, underscoring the depth of the divergence. Singh’s move reflected India’s consistent, uncompromising position on terrorism and strategic autonomy.  In his address, he warned against the use of terrorism as a state policy—without naming Pakistan, but clearly referring to its continued support for cross-border terror.  Citing the recent Pahalgam attack, which bore the signature of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Singh demanded that nations backing such acts face consequences. He stated bluntly that there could be no tolerance or double standards when it comes to terrorism, and c...

In a forceful message at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Conclave, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning to nations using terrorism as statecraft. He declared that India will not tolerate double standards in the global fight against terror. Image Source: Saroja Singh on X “Those who sponsor, nurture and utilise terrorism for selfish ends must face consequences. Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy. There must be zero tolerance,” Singh said in Qingdao. Citing the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were gunned down based on religious profiling, Singh said the pattern was consistent with previous Lashkar-e-Taiba operations. He confirmed that India’s swift Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, had targeted and dismantled cross-border terror hubs. “India has made it clear—epicentres of terror are no longer safe. We will not hesitate to act decisively.” Singh called on SCO member st...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has authorized the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to issue Joint Instructions and Joint Orders binding on all three military services. The decision replaces the earlier system where each service — Army, Navy, and Air Force — issued separate directives on common matters. Image Source: Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS), this reform introduces a more agile, coordinated, and unified command structure, streamlining procedures, eliminating redundancies, and fostering operational coherence across services. The first Joint Order emphasizes the need for procedural simplification, greater efficiency, transparency, and enhanced synergy, and thus marks a decisive move towards true jointness and integration of India’s armed forces. The institutional framework for this unified command structure is managed through HQ IDS, which was created ...

India’s Ministry of Defence has finalized 13 emergency procurement contracts worth ₹1,981.90 crore for the Indian Army.  The deals were executed under the Emergency Procurement (EP) mechanism against a sanctioned budget of ₹2,000 crore. Image Source: Indian Army on X The fast-track acquisitions aim to rapidly bolster the Army’s situational awareness, mobility, protection, and firepower in counter-terror operations.  Equipment secured includes Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDDIS), Low Level Lightweight Radars (LLLR), VSHORADS launchers and missiles, drones, loitering munitions, VTOL systems, Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles (QRFVs), bulletproof jackets, ballistic helmets, and night sights for rifles. All procurements prioritize indigenous systems, reflecting India’s focus on self-reliance in defence.  The EP route remains central to addressing urgent capability gaps and equipping frontline troops with mission-critical technology on accelerated timel...

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead India’s delegation at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Qingdao, China, from June 25-26, 2025.  The meeting will focus on regional and international security, counter-terrorism cooperation, and defence collaboration among SCO member states. Image Source: RM/MoD on X Singh is expected to reaffirm India’s commitment to SCO principles, call for unified efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, and promote greater economic cooperation and connectivity within the bloc.  He will also hold bilateral talks with counterparts from China, Russia, and other participating nations. The SCO, founded in 2001, includes India, China, Russia, Pakistan, and six other Eurasian nations. India became a full member in 2017.  China currently holds the 2025 Chair under the theme ‘Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move’ .

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday declared that Operation Sindoor had delivered a decisive message to terror groups and their state sponsors, firmly signalling that India would no longer remain passive in the face of cross-border terrorism.  Speaking to soldiers at the Northern Command headquarters in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, Singh lauded the Indian Armed Forces and intelligence agencies for their precision strikes that dismantled terrorist infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Image Source: Defence Minister on X “Operation Sindoor sent a powerful message to terrorists and their patrons that New India is assertive, resolute and will no longer be a victim of terrorism, but respond with strength & strategy,” Singh asserted, underlining the government’s clear policy shift.  He described the operation as both a military action and a political warning: “Operation Sindoor is not over yet. This is just a pause. I want to tell t...

India and Australia have deepened their defence partnership and affirmed a joint stance against terrorism during a high-level meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi. The dialogue came just weeks after the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 Indian civilians and has since reshaped the tone of India's diplomatic and security outreach. Image Source: DefenceMinister on X Both sides unequivocally condemned the attack, with Marles extending condolences and reaffirming Canberra’s full support for India’s counter-terror response. Rajnath Singh underscored India's sovereign right to act in self-defence against cross-border terrorism, describing New Delhi’s retaliatory actions as “measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible.” The two leaders committed to strengthening counter-terrorism collaboration, signalling growing strategic convergence between the two democracies amid risi...