Latest news with #AnnualSummit
Hans India
15 hours ago
- General
- Hans India
Australian Defence Minister meets PM Modi, backs India's fight against cross-border terrorism
New Delhi: Visiting Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday, reiterating Australia's support in India's fight against cross border terrorism. Prime Minister Modi congratulated Marles on the historic victory of the Australian Labor Party in the recent Federal elections and also extended an invitation to Australian PM Anthony Albanese for the Annual Summit, to be held in India later this year. "Glad to meet Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles. Had a productive discussion on deepening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which marks its fifth anniversary today. Our shared vision for a stable, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide our collaboration," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting. According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the two leaders exchanged ideas to further strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which completed five years on Wednesday. The PMO stated that during their discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Marles reiterated Australia's support in India's fight against cross border terrorism. "They underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas such as defence industrial collaboration, resilient supply chains, critical minerals, new and emerging technologies. They reaffirmed that the shared vision for a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific continues to guide the bilateral collaboration," read a statement issued after the meeting. Earlier in the day, Marles held a bilateral meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as both ministers strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Singh highlighted India's right to respond in self-defence against cross-border terrorism and described New Delhi's actions against Pakistan as measured, non-escalatory, proportionate and responsible. The two sides agreed to work together to combat terrorism in all its forms. "Reviewed the full range of the India-Australia defence partnership during the extremely fruitful meeting with Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi. His personal commitment and leadership in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation has emerged as an important pillar of our Comprehensive Strategic partnership. India thanks Australia for its unequivocal support to India's resolute response against the barbaric act of terror in Pahalgam," Defence Minister Singh posted on X. The two Ministers welcomed the signing of the Australia-India Joint Research Project and agreed to intensify and diversify defence industry collaboration. They deliberated to further the defence science and technology collaboration projects when they meet in Australia later this year for the third India-Australia 2+2 ministerial meeting. They also reviewed the progress made since the last 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023. "The meeting offered an opportunity to both sides to review the status of bilateral engagements in the context of emerging regional and global scenarios. The discussions covered a wide range of issues such as defence strategic cooperation and security, including industry collaboration, cyber and new emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, hydrography and maritime security. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global security issues of mutual interest," read a statement issued by India's Ministry of Defence. Underscoring that Wednesday marks the fifth anniversary of signing of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both sides expressed satisfaction and recognised that defence has emerged as an important pillar of the collaboration.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
AP CM Chandrababu to attend CII Annual Summit in Delhi
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is currently visiting Delhi, where he is set to participate in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Summit taking place at 4.30 pm today. During the summit, he is expected to present the state's development plans, investment opportunities, and government policies to CII members. CM Naidu arrived in Delhi on Thursday evening after concluding a three-day Mahanadu event in Kadapa. He was warmly welcomed at the airport by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu, TDP MPs, and supporters. Following his arrival, he proceeded directly to his official residence, Vanjanpath. After participating in the CII conference, the Chief Minister will return to Vijayawada, where he is scheduled to arrive at 8.30 pm. Following his commitments in Vijayawada, CM Naidu is scheduled to embark on a tour of Rajahmundry on Saturday.
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
"Bold, decisive decision": Rajnath Singh says 5th gen fighter AMCA aircraft will boost India's defence
New Delhi [India], May 29 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, the Government, with industry participation plans to develop five prototypes of the 5th generation fighter aircraft, which will later lead to series production. Addressing the Annual Summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in the national capital, Singh said the decision should be considered a milestone in the history of the 'Make in India' programme The project, he said, will promote self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in the defence field. Through the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme Execution Model, the private sector will get an opportunity to participate in a mega defence project along with public sector companies for the first time. 'This is a very bold and decisive decision, which will strengthen India's defence capabilities as well as provide depth and new heights to the aerospace sector in this country' Rajnath Singh said. The Defence Ministry said on Wednesday that Singh has approved the AMCA Programme Execution Model, which will significantly enhance India's indigenous defence capabilities and foster a robust domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to execute the programme through industry partnership. Addressing the plenary event of CII here today, the Defence Minister highlighted the important role being played by the defence sector in India's growth journey by enumerating the feats achieved due to the initiatives taken by the Government in the last decade. 'Ten to eleven years ago, our defence production was approx. Rs 43,000 crore. Today, it has crossed the record figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with a contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore by the private sector,' he said. 'Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed a record figure of Rs 24,000 crore today. Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are reaching around 100 countries. Over 16,000 MSMEs, associated with the defence sector, have become the backbone of the supply chain. These companies are not only strengthening our self-reliance journey, but are also providing employment to lakhs of people' he said Today, the Union Minister said that India is not only producing fighter aircraft and missile systems, it is also getting ready for New Age Warfare Technology. 'We are continuously making headway even in frontier technologies. Our progress in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security is being recognised on the global stage. India has the potential to become a development hub for engineering, high precision manufacturing and future technologies,' Singh said. Dubbing the Indian industry as the carrier of the collective aspirations of the nation, the Defence Minister said that only the common efforts and synergy of the Government and the Industry can make India a developed nation by 2047. He also stressed that, in today's times, the strength of a nation is not evaluated just by its economic index like GDP, foreign investment or export figures, it also depends on the confidence a country can inspire in its citizens and the global community. '...Today, an atmosphere of uncertainty is visible in the entire world. Conflicts are going on everywhere. Though there can be many reasons for this, but the fundamental reason for today's international uncertainty is lack of trust. On the contrary, if we look at our country, our endeavour has been to create a strong environment of trust between different regions, communities, and economic segments within the country. We have achieved unprecedented success through these efforts...' 'Trust lasts only when a country has the confidence that it can protect its geopolitical interests, ensure the safety of its citizens, and remain stable in the face of future uncertainties. The morale of the nation remains high only when it knows that its today is secure, and tomorrow is safe,' Singh said. At the CII event the service chiefs were felicitated post Operation Sindoor. 'In Operation Sindoor, the people of the whole country have seen, understood and felt the success of the Make in India campaign. Today it has been proved that Make in India is important for both the security and prosperity of India,' defence minister said. The Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen. (ANI)
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
India's defence production surges to all-time high of Rs 1.46 lakh crore: Rajnath Singh
New Delhi: India's indigenous defence production has surged to an all-time high of Rs 1.46 lakh crore, with exports increasing to a record Rs 24,000 crore in 2024-25, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. Addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Annual Summit here, Rajnath Singh said, 'Our defence production, which was only Rs 43,000 crore 10 to 11 years ago, has now crossed a record figure of Rs 1,46,000 crore, with the private sector's contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore. Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed a record figure of Rs 24,000 crore today.' He described Make in India as crucial for security and prosperity, stating that the use of indigenous systems during Operation Sindoor has proved that India has the power to penetrate any armour of the enemy. 'Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are reaching around 100 countries. Over 16,000 MSMEs associated with the defence sector have become the backbone of the supply chain. These companies are not only strengthening our self-reliance journey, but are also providing employment to lakhs of people,' the minister said. He further stated that the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme execution model, will open an opportunity for the private sector to participate in a mega defence project along with public sector companies for the first time, further bolstering the Make in India drive in the defence industry which played a key role in the success of Operation Sindoor. The minister termed the execution model for the AMCA programme to build 5th generation fighter aircraft in India as a bold and decisive step, which will take the domestic aerospace sector to greater heights. 'Under the AMCA project, the plan is to develop five prototypes, which will be followed by series production. It is a key milepost in the history of the Make-in-India programme,' he said. Highlighting the success of Make in India during Operation Sindoor, Singh stated that the Indian Armed Forces were able to take effective action against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK with the strengthened indigenous defence capabilities. Rajnath Singh again made it clear that PoK is a part of India, and the people who got geographically and politically separated will, sooner or later, voluntarily return to India. 'The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to its resolve of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Most of the people in PoK have a deep connection with India. There are only a few who have been misled,' he said. The defence minister emphasised that the government has given priority to policy clarity, indigenisation, economic resilience and strategic autonomy, and the success of these efforts can be ensured only when all the stakeholders, including innovators, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers, become strong partners in this national mission. He exhorted the Indian industry to focus on national interests, more than company interests. 'If securing company interests is your karma, safeguarding national interests is your dharma,' he said. Sharing his views on the theme of the summit 'Building Trust & India First', Singh stated that it is a matter of great pride that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has become the fourth largest economy. 'Today, India is not just a consumer of defence technology, but has also become a producer and exporter. When the world approaches us for high-end defence systems, it is not just a market indication, it is a respect for our capability,' he said. Rajnath Singh further stated that today India is not only producing fighter aircraft and missile systems, but it is also getting ready for New Age Warfare Technology. 'Our progress in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security is being recognised on the global stage,' he added.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Rajnath Singh calls AMCA ‘bold, decisive' move to strengthen India's defence arsenal
India has taken a significant step in strengthening its defence capabilities with the approval of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft ( AMCA ) programme execution model. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Thursday that the government, involving industry participation, plans to develop five prototypes of this fifth-generation fighter jet. This initiative marks a major milestone in the 'Make in India' programme, aiming to enhance self-reliance in defence manufacturing. AMCA: A game-changer for India's defence industry At the Annual Summit of the Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII ) in New Delhi, Rajnath Singh called the move 'a very bold and decisive decision,' emphasising how it will strengthen India's defence and elevate its aerospace sector. The Defence Ministry confirmed Singh's approval of the AMCA Programme Execution Model on Wednesday, stating it would significantly boost India's indigenous defence capabilities and build a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem. The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), part of DRDO , will lead the project, executing it through partnerships with both private and public sector companies. For the first time, private industry will have the chance to work alongside public sector units in such a large-scale defence project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Photos Captured the Exact Wrong Moment Read More Undo Rising defence production and exports Rajnath Singh highlighted the rapid growth of India's defence sector over the last decade. 'Ten to eleven years ago, our defence production was approximately Rs 43,000 crore. Today, it has crossed Rs 1,46,000 crore, with a contribution of over Rs 32,000 crore by the private sector,' he said. Exports have seen an even more striking rise. 'Our defence exports, which were around Rs 600-700 crore 10 years ago, have surpassed Rs 24,000 crore today. Our weapons, systems, sub-systems, components, and services are reaching around 100 countries.' Singh also pointed to the critical role of over 16,000 MSMEs, which form the backbone of the defence supply chain, creating jobs for hundreds of thousands of people. Live Events Preparing for new age warfare Singh stressed that India is not only producing conventional fighter jets and missile systems but also advancing in frontier technologies like Artificial Intelligence , Cyber Defence, Unmanned Systems, and Space-Based Security. 'Our progress in these fields is being recognised on the global stage,' he said, adding that India has the potential to become a hub for engineering, high-precision manufacturing, and future technologies. He underlined the importance of unity between government and industry to realise the vision of a developed India by 2047. 'The strength of a nation is not just its GDP or exports. It depends on the confidence it inspires in its citizens and the world,' Singh said. Operation Sindoor: Proving value of 'Make in India' The Defence Minister also referenced Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation eliminated over 100 terrorists linked to groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. 'In Operation Sindoor, the people of the whole country have seen, understood and felt the success of the Make in India campaign. Today it has been proved that Make in India is important for both the security and prosperity of India,' Singh declared at the CII event where service chiefs were felicitated. What makes fifth-generation fighters special? Fifth-generation fighter jets are cutting-edge aircraft with stealth technology, advanced sensors, and superior manoeuvrability designed to gain the upper hand in combat. They can cruise at supersonic speeds without using afterburners, enhancing their stealth and fuel efficiency. Currently, only a few countries produce these jets: the US with the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II; Russia with the Su-57; China with the Chengdu J-20; and soon South Korea and Turkey with their own models. India's AMCA Project: Specifications and timeline The AMCA is a twin-engine, 25-tonne fighter with advanced stealth features to evade enemy radar. Dr Krishna Rajendra Neeli, project director at ADA, claims India's fifth-gen fighter will be on par or superior to global counterparts. It is expected to carry four long-range air-to-air missiles and multiple precision-guided weapons, with a payload capacity of 1,500 kg. A first in India, the jet will feature a Divertless Supersonic Intake. In March last year, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the development of five prototypes at an initial cost of Rs 15,000 crore. The ADA aims to deliver the first prototype by 2031, with series production set to start by 2035. The Defence Ministry emphasised that both private and public sectors will have equal opportunities to participate. Companies can bid independently, as joint ventures, or in consortia, provided they are Indian and comply with national laws. This approach is expected to encourage collaboration with firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited , Tata , Adani, and Larsen & Toubro, strengthening India's defence industrial base. Why AMCA matters now India's Air Force currently operates only 30-32 fighter squadrons, below the sanctioned strength of 42. Several squadrons are also due for retirement in the next decade. This makes rapid development of the AMCA critical to maintain aerial superiority. Meanwhile, Pakistan is upgrading its arsenal with help from China and Turkey. Beijing itself is testing sixth-generation fighter prototypes, underscoring the urgency for India to keep pace. China is reportedly testing two sixth-generation jets, including the J-36 and the V-shaped twin-engine J-50. These aircraft feature tailless designs and three engines, suggesting high range and payload capabilities. Experts like Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute note the size and power of these planes indicate China's push for air dominance. Globally, countries like Britain, Japan, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain are collaborating on their own next-generation fighter programmes.
