As India commemorates the 78th Infantry Day on October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to social media to extend their greetings and salutations to the ranks and veterans of the Indian Infantry. Paying tribute to their courage, valor, and duty, PM Modi also shared pictures of jawans deployed on international borders, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the vital role they play in protecting the country. While observing the historic day that marks the landing of the first Indian troops in Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi also conveyed best wishes to the brave infantry personnel and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other top leaders, have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to businessman-philanthropist Ratan Tata, who passed away on Wednesday evening. PM Modi remembered Tata for his extraordinary leadership and contributions to society, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called him a "Titan of Indian industry." Tata, who was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, is known for his monumental contributions to the economy, trade and industry.
In a unique and exciting event, the Indian Air Force will be celebrating its 92nd Raising Day with a 7,000 km long car rally from Thoise to Tawang. The rally, called 'Vayu Veer Vijeta', will witness the participation of 52 air warriors, including women, who will drive through 16 halts and interact with students along the way. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also flag off the rally at the National War Memorial on October 1, making it a grand celebration of the IAF's illustrious history and achievements.
On October 8, 2024, India will celebrate the 92nd Indian Air Force Day, commemorating the establishment of the Indian Air Force and honoring its servicemen and pilots who have sacrificed their lives for the country. The celebrations will take place in Chennai, with major attendees including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The theme for this year's celebration is 'Bharatiya Vayusena: Saksham, Sashakt aur Aatmnirbhar', highlighting the IAF's commitment to self-reliance and modernization. From its humble beginnings as an auxiliary force, the Indian Air Force has transformed into one of the most formidable air forces in the world, playing crucial roles in both military operations and humanitarian missions. Let us honor and salute the bravery and dedication of the IAF personnel on this special day.
In a recent media interaction, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed his statement about the need for the Armed Forces to be prepared for war. He clarified that his intention was to emphasize the importance of maintaining peace in India and the world. Singh also highlighted the role of joint military operations, praised the Armed Forces for safeguarding national interests, and called for a comprehensive analysis of ongoing global conflicts to ensure preparedness for future challenges.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the country's top military leaders at a conference in Lucknow, stressing the importance of being prepared for future wars. He urged them to have a mix of traditional and modern warfare equipment while also developing capabilities in space and electronic warfare. Singh also called for a deeper analysis of conflicts happening in the region and the use of the latest technological advancements in data and artificial intelligence in military operations.
The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has given the green light to 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 1.45 lakh crore. These include the procurement of Future Ready Combat Vehicles, Air Defence Fire Control Radars, and Forward Repair Teams (Tracked). The Council also approved proposals to enhance the Indian Coast Guard's operational capabilities. The meeting paid tribute to the late Indian Coast Guard Director General Rakesh Pal, highlighting his contributions and expressing condolences to his family.
During his four-day visit to the US, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh met with top US officials, including Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss ongoing defence industrial collaboration between the two countries. Mr Singh also held a round-table meeting with senior leaders of the US defence industry, highlighting India's potential for investment and technology collaboration. The Indian minister emphasized the country's skilled workforce, favorable business environment, and large domestic market as attractive factors for US companies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington DC to discuss ongoing defence collaboration projects and potential areas for future cooperation between India and the United States. The meeting also covered geopolitical developments and regional security issues. Additionally, Singh met with US counterpart Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon to advance priority co-production projects, and participated in a round-table with US defence and technology companies to highlight India's welcoming environment for investment and technology collaborations.
During a four-day official visit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and other officials to deepen the Indo-US defence relationship. The visit resulted in the signing of two significant agreements to enhance cooperation and accelerate the Make in India programme, with the goal of achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. Singh's discussions with US defence companies also aimed to further bolster the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations.