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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched two indigenously built warships 'Surat' and 'Udaygiri' at the Mazagon Docks in Mumbai.
This is the first time that the two indigenously built warships have been launched concurrently, the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) said.
The MDL is a premier ship and submarine building defence public sector undertaking.
'Surat' is the fourth ship of Project 15B Destroyers, which heralds a significant makeover of the P15A (Kolkata Class) destroyers, and is named after the commercial capital of Gujarat and also the second largest commercial hub of western India after Mumbai, the Navy said.
The Project 15B class of ships are the Navy's next generation stealth guided missile destroyers being built at the MDL.
'Udaygiri', named after a mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, is the third ship of Project 17A Frigates. It is a follow on of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems, the Navy said.
The new warship is the reincarnation of the erstwhile 'Udaygiri', the Leander Class ASW Frigate, which saw numerous challenging operations in its illustrious service to the country, spanning over three decades from February 1976 to August 2007, it added.

Watch | Indigenous warships 'Surat' & 'Udaygiri' launched; know their features

The ships have been designed&nbsp;by the Directorate of Naval Design and around 75% of the orders for equipment and systems have been placed on indigenous firms, giving a big push to &lsquo;make in India

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched two indigenously built warships 'Surat' and 'Udaygiri' at the Mazagon Docks in Mumbai.
This is the first time that the two indigenously built warships have been launched concurrently, the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) said.
The MDL is a premier ship and submarine building defence public sector undertaking.
'Surat' is the fourth ship of Project 15B Destroyers, which heralds a significant makeover of the P15A (Kolkata Class) destroyers, and is named after the commercial capital of Gujarat and also the second largest commercial hub of western India after Mumbai, the Navy said.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/india-beats-china-russia-with-first-plane-landing-using-indigenous-navigation-system-by-indigo-1651226127139" target="_blank">India beats China, Russia with first plane landing using indigenous navigation system by IndiGo</a>
The Project 15B class of ships are the Navy's next generation stealth guided missile destroyers being built at the MDL.
'Udaygiri', named after a mountain range in Andhra Pradesh, is the third ship of Project 17A Frigates. It is a follow on of the P17 Frigates (Shivalik Class) with improved stealth features, advanced weapons and sensors and platform management systems, the Navy said.
The new warship is the reincarnation of the erstwhile 'Udaygiri', the Leander Class ASW Frigate, which saw numerous challenging operations in its illustrious service to the country, spanning over three decades from February 1976 to August 2007, it added.

((SHORT OPENING BYTE WITH TRANSLATION))
 RAJNATH SINGH, DEFENCE MINISTERhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBQMoWKK04(1:09:11 - 1:09:26)TRANSLATION - We have successfully delivered the message that we will purge terrorism here, and if it is perpetrated from abroad, we will go to that land, we will not hesitate in crossing the border and taking action.
 
((SUNJWAN ATTACK VISUALS))
A day after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, India's defence minister issued a stern warning.Rajnath Singh said that it a formal decision of the government to cross the border, and strike at the source of terrorism if required.
 
((2019 PULWAMA ATTACK VISUALS))
It was a reference to the surgical strikes and air strikes conducted by the armed forces following the Uri and Pulwama terror attacks respectively.Indian forces had struck at terror launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in September 2016 and February 2019.
 
((RAJNATH VISUALS))
Rajnath Singh was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of 1971 war veterans in Assam's Guwahati.
 
BYTERAJNATH SINGH, DEFENCE MINISTERhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBQMoWKK04
 (1:08:41 - 1:09:31)GUWAHATI, ASSAM23 APRIL 2022YOUTUBE: RAJNATH SINGH
TRANSLATION - Under PM Modi's leadership, we're achieving success in both internal and external security fronts. Our government has a clear approach. We are working to purge terrorism on Indian soil. We have successfully delivered the message that we will purge terrorism here, and if it is perpetrated from abroad, we will go to that land, we will not hesitate in crossing the border and taking action. This is our formal decision. 
 
((ARMY IN J&K FILE VISUALS))
VO: Rajnath Singh also clarified that the Indian armed forces are not in favour of imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in any part of India.AFSPA is accused by critics of giving sweeping powers and immunity to military personnel.
 
BYTERAJNATH SINGH, DEFENCE MINISTERhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBQMoWKK04
(1:05:59 - 1:07:00, 1:07:32 - 1:08:01, 1:08:14 - 1:08:34)GUWAHATI, ASSAM23 APRIL 2022YOUTUBE: RAJNATH SINGH
 
TRANSLATION - When I was Home Minister, I remember getting appeals in Meghalaya and Arunachal that AFSPA should be revoked there. That was done. Now Amit Shah is the Home Minister. State governments also contributed. Himanta Biswa Sarma played a major role in that. AFSPA has been fully revoked in 23 districts of Assam. In Manipur and Nagaland, there are 15 police station areas each, where AFSPA has been revoked. Removal of AFSPA is due to durable peace and stability coming to northeast.Our Army does not want AFSPA imposition. Internal security is not Army's job. This is the job of state police and central paramilitary forces. Army wants freedom from internal security job so that it can focus on defending the borders. In Jammu and Kashmir, all 3 wings of military want removal of AFSPA at the soonest. AFSPA imposition is due to the situation. Army is not responsible. 
=======================================
 
CAPTIONSDefence minister's message'Cross-border action' warning'Will purge terror from India'Rajnath invoked surgical strikesMinister explained AFSPA issue'Army against AFSPA imposition''Internal security not army's job'

'Indian forces will cross border to...': Defence minister Rajnath Singh's warning day after Sunjwan terror attack before PM Modi's J&K visit

'Indian forces will cross border to...': Defence minister, after J&K terror attack before PM Modi's trip


THUMBNAIL 'ARMY'S JOB NOT TO...': RAJNATH ON AFSPA
&nbsp;
((SHORT OPENING BYTE WITH TRANSLATION))
 &nbsp; RAJNATH SINGH, DEFENCE MINISTER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBQMoWKK04 (1:09:11 - 1:09:26) TRANSLATION -&nbsp;We have successfully delivered the message that we will purge terrorism here, and if it is perpetrated from abroad, we will go to that land, we will not hesitate in crossing the border and taking action.
&nbsp;
 ((SUNJWAN ATTACK VISUALS))
 A day after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, India's defence minister issued a stern warning. Rajnath Singh said that it a formal decision of the government to cross the border, and strike at the source of terrorism if required.
&nbsp;
 ((2019 PULWAMA ATTACK VISUALS))
 It was a reference to the surgical strikes and air strikes conducted by the armed forces following the Uri and Pulwama terror attacks respectively. Indian forces had struck at terror launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in September 2016 and February 2019.
&nbsp;
 ((RAJNATH VISUALS))
 Rajnath Singh was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of 1971 war veterans in Assam's Guwahati.
&nbsp;
 BYTE RAJNATH SINGH, DEFENCE MINISTER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBQMoWKK04
&nbsp; (1:08:41 - 1:09:31) GUWAHATI, ASSAM 23 APRIL 2022 YOUTUBE: RAJNATH SINGH
 TRANSLATION - Under PM Modi's leadership, we're achieving success in both internal and external security fronts. Our government has a clear approach. We are working to purge terrorism on Indian soil. We have successfully delivered the message that we will purge terrorism here, and if it is perpetrated from abroad, we will go to that land, we will not hesitate in crossing the border and taking action. This is our formal decision.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
 ((ARMY IN J&amp;K FILE VISUALS))
 VO: Rajnath Singh also clarified that the Indian armed forces are not in favour of imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in any part of India. AFSPA is accused by critics of giving sweeping powers and immunity to military personnel.
&nbsp;
 BYTE RAJNATH SINGH, DEFENCE MINISTER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHBQMoWKK04
(1:05:59 - 1:07:00, 1:07:32 - 1:08:01, 1:08:14 - 1:08:34) GUWAHATI, ASSAM23 APRIL 2022 YOUTUBE: RAJNATH SINGH
&nbsp;
TRANSLATION - When I was Home Minister, I remember getting appeals in Meghalaya and Arunachal that AFSPA should be revoked there. That was done. Now Amit Shah is the Home Minister. State governments also contributed. Himanta Biswa Sarma played a major role in that. AFSPA has been fully revoked in 23 districts of Assam. In Manipur and Nagaland, there are 15 police station areas each, where AFSPA has been revoked. Removal of AFSPA is due to durable peace and stability coming to northeast. Our Army does not want AFSPA imposition. Internal security is not Army's job. This is the job of state police and central paramilitary forces. Army wants freedom from internal security job so that it can focus on defending the borders.&nbsp; In Jammu and Kashmir, all 3 wings of military want removal of AFSPA at the soonest. AFSPA imposition is due to the situation. Army is not responsible.&nbsp;
 =======================================
&nbsp;
CAPTIONS Defence minister's message 'Cross-border action' warning 'Will purge terror from India' Rajnath invoked surgical strikes Minister explained AFSPA issue 'Army against AFSPA imposition' 'Internal security not army's job'

<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-weight: 400; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: inherit; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: #000000; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Rajnath Singh said that it a formal decision of the government to cross the border, and strike at the source of terrorism if required.

A day after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, India's defence minister issued a stern warning.&nbsp;Rajnath Singh said that it a formal decision of the government to cross the border, and strike at the source of terrorism if required.
 Singh said, "Under PM Modi's leadership, we're achieving success in both internal and external security fronts. Our government has a clear approach. We are working to purge terrorism on Indian soil. We have successfully delivered the message that we will purge terrorism here, and if it is perpetrated from abroad, we will go to that land, we will not hesitate in crossing the border and taking action. This is our formal decision."
 It was a reference to the surgical strikes and air strikes conducted by the armed forces following the Uri and Pulwama terror attacks respectively.&nbsp;Indian forces had struck at terror launch pads in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in September 2016 and February 2019.
 Rajnath Singh also clarified that the Indian armed forces are not in favour of imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in any part of India.&nbsp;AFSPA is accused by critics of giving sweeping powers and immunity to military personnel.
 Singh said, "When I was Home Minister, I remember getting appeals in Meghalaya and Arunachal that AFSPA should be revoked there. That was done. Now Amit Shah is the Home Minister. State governments also contributed. Himanta Biswa Sarma played a major role in that. AFSPA has been fully revoked in 23 districts of Assam. In Manipur and Nagaland, there are 15 police station areas each, where AFSPA has been revoked. Removal of AFSPA is due to durable peace and stability coming to northeast."
ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/politics/amit-shah-s-uniform-civil-code-hint-art-370-ram-mandir-caa-triple-talaq-done-ucc-soon-1650719170996" target="_blank">Amit Shah's Uniform Civil Code hint: 'Art 370, Ram Mandir, CAA, triple talaq done; UCC soon'</a>
 He added, "Our Army does not want AFSPA imposition. Internal security is not Army's job. This is the job of state police and central paramilitary forces. Army wants freedom from internal security job so that it can focus on defending the borders.&nbsp;In Jammu and Kashmir, all 3 wings of military want removal of AFSPA at the soonest. AFSPA imposition is due to the situation. Army is not responsible."
 Rajnath Singh was speaking at the felicitation ceremony of 1971 war veterans in Assam's Guwahati.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday approved archiving, declassification and compilation of histories of wars and operations by India.&nbsp;The statement released by the Defence Ministry said that 'timely publication of war histories would give people accurate account of the events, provide authentic material for academic research and counter the unfounded rumours.'
Each organisation under the ministry&nbsp;such as the Army, Air Force, Navy, Integrated Defence Staff, Assam Rifles and Indian Coast Guard, will transfer the records -- including war diaries, letters of proceedings and operational record books -- to the ministry&rsquo;s History Division for proper upkeep, archival and writing of histories.
According to the policy, records should ordinarily be declassified in 25 years. It is for the first time that a government has issued a policy regarding declassification of defense-related information.
However, it is not immediately clear if details and documents related to India's conflict with China in 1962 and Indian Army's Operation Bluestar in 1984 will be declassified under this policy or not. Officials&nbsp;have indicated that a high-level committee at the MoD would decide these matters on a case-to-case basis.

Centre approves declassification of war documents and histories

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday approved archiving, declassification and compilation of histories of wars and operations by India.&nbsp;The statement released by the Defence Ministry said that 'timely publication of war histories would give people accurate account of the events, provide authentic material for academic research and counter the unfounded rumours.'
Each organisation under the ministry&nbsp;such as the Army, Air Force, Navy, Integrated Defence Staff, Assam Rifles and Indian Coast Guard, will transfer the records -- including war diaries, letters of proceedings and operational record books -- to the ministry&rsquo;s History Division for proper upkeep, archival and writing of histories.
According to the policy, records should ordinarily be declassified in 25 years. It is for the first time that a government has issued a policy regarding declassification of defense-related information.
However, it is not immediately clear if details and documents related to India's conflict with China in 1962 and Indian Army's Operation Bluestar in 1984 will be declassified under this policy or not. Officials&nbsp;have indicated that a high-level committee at the MoD would decide these matters on a case-to-case basis.

Centre on Monday told Delhi HC the Chief of Defence Staff, Bipin Rawat, has confirmed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is considering deployment of army in Delhi to tackle the Covid-19 crisis.
A petition was earlier filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions for handing over the management of oxygen in the national capital to the Army to ensure uninterrupted supply to Covid-19 hospitals and facilities.
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, told the court that deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had already written Rajnath Singh for the assistance of the Army to handle the situation.
The hospitals in the national capital are stressed amid a massive surge in coronavirus cases in the few weeks.

Rajnath Singh mulls Army deployment in Delhi to tackle Covid crisis

Def Min mulls army deployment in Delhi to tackle Covid-19 crisis
Petition in HC to direct handing over of oxygen supply to Army AAP's&nbsp;Manish&nbsp;Sisodia&nbsp;wrote to Rajnath&nbsp;Singh seeking Army's help&nbsp;
Hospitals in Delhi&nbsp;continue to grapple with oxygen shortage

Centre on Monday told Delhi HC the Chief of Defence Staff, Bipin Rawat, has confirmed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is considering deployment of army in Delhi to tackle the Covid-19 crisis.
A petition was earlier filed in the Delhi High Court seeking directions for handing over the management of oxygen in the national capital to the Army to ensure uninterrupted supply to Covid-19 hospitals and facilities.
Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, told the court that deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had already written Rajnath Singh for the assistance of the Army to handle the situation.
The hospitals in the national capital are stressed amid a massive surge in coronavirus cases in the few weeks.

News agency ANI has released a video purported to be the disengagement process by PLA troops currently underway in Pangong Tso in Ladakh.

Watch: first video of disengagement by Indian, Chinese troops in Ladakh

News agency ANI has released a video purported to be the disengagement process by PLA troops currently underway in Pangong Tso in Ladakh, citing defence sources. The video shows Indian and Chinese military tanks moving back. Reports quoting govt sources also say that the disengagement will be complete in 15-20 days, and the strategic heights India has occupied in the south bank will be the last to be vacated in this phase. India and China have agreed to pull back troops from a bitterly contested lake area high in the western Himalayas, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday. China's defence ministry said frontline troops from the two countries had begun to pull back from the shores of the lake on Wednesday.

News agency ANI has released a video purported to be the disengagement process by PLA troops currently underway in Pangong Tso in Ladakh, citing defence sources. The video shows Indian and Chinese military tanks moving back.
Reports quoting govt sources also say that the disengagement will be complete in 15-20 days, and the strategic heights India has occupied in the south bank will be the last to be vacated in this phase.
India and China have agreed to pull back troops from a bitterly contested lake area high in the western Himalayas, Defence Minister <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/big-breakthrough-india-china-agree-to-disengage-at-pangong-lake-rajnath-singh-says-in-rs-1613023864013" target="_blank" >Rajnath Singh said on Thursday</a>.
China's defence ministry said frontline troops from the two countries had begun to pull back from the shores of the lake on Wednesday.
&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/rajnath-singh-in-lok-sabha-armoured-vehicles-back-at-base-india-conceded-nothing-to-china-1613050735732" target="_blank" >Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha: Armoured vehicles back at base, India conceded nothing to China</a>

2+2 dialogue: India, US sign landmark defence pact BECA

The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement or BECA was signed on Tuesday as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the third edition of the 2+2 talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper, in New Delhi. The signing of BECA with the US is a "significant" move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said as he briefed the press after the high-level talks held at Hyderabad House in the national capital. The agreement gives India access to classified geo-spatial data as well as critical information. The signing of the long-negotiated defence pact comes in the backdrop of India's tense border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.

India, US sign landmark defence pact BECA during 2+2 dialogue

India US signed&nbsp;Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement&nbsp;
Rajnath&nbsp;Singh:&nbsp;signing of BECA&nbsp;significant move
BECA gives India access to geo-spatial data, critical information

The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement or BECA was signed on Tuesday as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the third edition of the 2+2 talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper, in New Delhi. The signing of BECA with the US is a "significant" move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said as he briefed the press after the high-level talks held at Hyderabad House in the national capital. The agreement gives India access to classified geo-spatial data as well as critical information. The signing of the long-negotiated defence pact comes in the backdrop of India's tense border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.

US Sanctions on Iran won't impact Chabahar port: Trump govt

The Trump administration has assured India that US sanctions on Iran will not impact the development of the Chabahar&nbsp;port&nbsp;

US sanctions on Iran won't affect Chabahar&nbsp;port: Trump govt
Trump administration assures India ahead of 2+2 dialogue
India-US 2+2 ministerial talks starts on Monday Oct 26
Mike Pompeo&nbsp;slated to visit India to meet EAM&nbsp;on Oct 26
India reached out to US after sanctions imposed on Iran

The sanctions imposed by United States on Iran will not impact India's development of Chabahar Port in the country, Washington has reportedly informed New Delhi through diplomatic channels on October 12. The Trump administration's assurance comes ahead of the India-US 2+2 ministerial meeting that begins on Monday, October 26. US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper are slated to visit New Delhi to meet External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 26-27. Earlier in October, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on 18 major Iranian banks, that led to India reaching out to the US on concerns regarding the Chabahar port.

Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 on September 28, 2020 which is an improvement on the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016. Releasing the document Rajnath Singh said, &ldquo;Happy to unveil the new Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 Document today after incorporating comments and suggestions from a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The DAP 2020 has been aligned with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s vision of &lsquo;Atmanirbhar Bharat&rsquo; and empowering the Indian domestic industry through &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative with the ultimate aim of turning India into a global manufacturing hub.&rdquo; He also clarified that in the new DAP, only companies having&nbsp; more than 50% Indian ownership will be allowed to participate in &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; categories of procurement including under Strategic Partnership, Make I and 2 and Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) categories.

Corporatisation of Ordnance Factories

The Government on September 11 has set up an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). Other ministers in the EGoM are the Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Law &amp; Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of State for Labour &amp; Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Minister of State for Personal, Public Grievance &amp; Pensions Jitendra Singh. The EGoM is to oversee and guide the entire process, including deciding on conversion of OFB into a single Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) or as multiple DPSUs, matters related to various categories of employees including transition support and redeployment plan of employees, &nbsp;protection of their salary and pension of existing employees and treatment for land assets of OFB.

'Ladakh Union Territory illegal': China reacts to border bridges

There seems to be no end to the India-China border tensions. Amid the standoff in eastern Ladakh along the LAC, China on Tuesday sharply reacted to the opening of 44 new bridges near the borders by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Stating that it "does not recognize the Ladakh Union Territory illegally set up by India", it said it is opposed to all infrastructure building in the region. Zhao Lijian, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, called the border infrastructure development "the root cause for the tension between the two sides". India and China has been locked in a standoff for five months now and despite several rounds of talks there has been no easing of tensions.

China reacts to India's border infrastructure
Do not recognize Ladakh Union Territory, China says
Ladakh&nbsp;region illegally set-up, China accuses
&nbsp;

There seems to be no end to the India-China border tensions. Amid the standoff in eastern Ladakh along the LAC, China on Tuesday sharply reacted to the opening of 44 new bridges near the borders by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Opposing all infrastructure development in the region, China reiterated&nbsp;that it "does not recognize the Ladakh Union Territory, which it said was&nbsp;"illegally set up by India". Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, called the border infrastructure development "the root cause for the tension between the two sides". India and China has been locked in a standoff for five months and despite several rounds of talks there has been no easing of tensions.

Part of a mission: Rajnath hits out at China amid Ladakh row

After Pakistan, China is also creating a dispute at the border with India as if it was part of a "mission", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday, as Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh for over five months

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday that after Pakistan, China is also creating a dispute at the border with India as if it was part of a "mission". His remark came as Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh for over five months.&nbsp;The defence minister, speaking at an online event after inaugurating 44 bridges, said India is not only facing the situations along the frontiers resolutely, but it is also bringing in major development including in border areas. A majority of these bridges are expected to significantly improve movement of troops in areas along the border with China in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors.
Rajnath&nbsp;slams China on Ladakh border dispute Part of China's mission to create dispute: Rajnath 'Major development along the frontiers with China' 44 bridges to improve troop movement: Rajnath

PTI,&nbsp;New Delhi: After Pakistan, China is also creating a dispute at the border with India as if it was part of a "mission", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday, as Indian and Chinese troops remain locked in a standoff in eastern Ladakh for over five months.
The defence minister, speaking at an online event after inaugurating 44 bridges, said India is not only facing the situations along the frontiers resolutely, but it is also bringing in major development including in border areas.
"You are well aware of the conditions created along our northern and eastern borders. First it was Pakistan, and now also by China, as if a border dispute is being created under a mission. We have a border of about 7,000 km with these countries where the tension continues," Singh said.
The defence minister was speaking after inaugurating the bridges built in strategically key areas of Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
A majority of these bridges are expected to significantly improve movement of troops in areas along the border with China in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh sectors, officials said.
Both India and China held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the border standoff. However, no breakthrough has been achieved to defuse the situation.
Singh said in the challenging times of COVID-19 and despite the border tensions and disputes caused by Pakistan and China, the country was not only resolutely facing them but also bringing about historical changes in all sectors of development.
The defence minister also laid the foundation stone for Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. This 450 metre-long tunnel would ensure all-weather connectivity across Nechiphu pass.
The bridges inaugurated by Singh included 10 in Jammu and Kashmir, eight in Ladakh, two in Himachal Pradesh, four each in Punjab and Sikkim and eight each in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh.
In his address, Singh complimented the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for their achievements in improving infrastructure in border areas and said that dedication of 44 bridges in one go in itself was a record.
He said the annual budget of BRO that varied from Rs 3,300 crore to Rs 4,600 crore in years between 2008 and 2016, saw a substantial rise and is pegged at over Rs 11,000 crore in 2020-21.
"There was no reduction of this budget despite COVID-19," he said Singh said construction of the bridges will benefit both the civilian population as well as the military in the areas.
"Our armed forces personnel are deployed in large numbers in areas where transport is not available throughout the year," he said, noting improvement in border infrastructure will significantly help armed forces.
"These roads are not only for strategic needs, but they also reflect equal participation of all stakeholders in the development of the nation," Singh said.
The defence minister praised the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for working tirelessly even during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown period.
The defence ministry said despite unprecedented snowfall breaking a 60-year record, all strategic passes and roads were cleared for traffic about one month before their average yearly opening dates.
"I am happy to know that over 2,200 kilometers of roads have been cut by the BRO during the last two years, using the latest technologies, and state-of-the-art equipment. Also, surfacing was carried out on about 4200 kms of roads," he added.
Amid the border standoff with China, India is expediting work on several key projects including on a strategic road linking Darcha in Himachal Pradesh with Ladakh that will criss-cross a number of high-altitude snow-bound passes.
The nearly 290-km-long road will be crucial for the movement of troops and heavy weaponry into the frontier bases of the Ladakh region and will provide a crucial link to the Kargil region.&nbsp;

Opposition attacks govt over scrapping Question Hour

The opposition on Monday hit out at the government for scrapping the Question Hour in the Monsoon Session, govt says ask question during Zero Hour

The opposition on Monday hit out at the government for scrapping the Question Hour in the Monsoon Session due to curtailed timings amid the Covid pandemic. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the govt has single out the Question Hour as it is trying to strangulate the democracy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tried to placate the opposition saying that the MPs can ask questions during the half-hour-long zero hour. ((Bytes: Adhir&nbsp;and Rajnath))

The opposition on Monday hit out at the government for scrapping the Question Hour in the Monsoon Session due to curtailed timings amid the Covid pandemic. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the govt has single out the Question Hour as it is trying to strangulate the democracy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tried to placate the opposition saying that the MPs can ask questions during the half-hour-long Zero&nbsp;Hour.

First batch of Rafale jets formally inducted in IAF

First batch of five Rafale jets formally inducted into Indian Air Force at an impressive ceremony in Ambala, attended by&nbsp;Union defence minister, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly

First batch of five Rafale jets which arrived in India from France on July 29 was formally inducted into Indian Air Force at an impressive ceremony in Ambala. The event was attended by Union defence minister, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly.&nbsp;The defence ministers were present for the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja' at the Rafale induction ceremony, at Ambala airbase, following which they witnessed the air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation.&nbsp;The multirole and one of the most advanced flying machines, Rafale would be part of 17-Squadron, which is popularly known as the &ldquo;Golden Arrows&rdquo;, at the Ambala airbase.

First batch of five Rafale jets which arrived in India from France on July 29 was formally inducted into Indian Air Force at an impressive ceremony in Ambala. The event was attended by Union defence minister, Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly.
The defence ministers were present for the traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja', following which they witnessed the air display of Rafale fighter aircraft flanked by SU-30 and Jaguar aircraft in arrow formation
Chief of defence staff, General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, defence Secretary Ajay Kumar along with other senior officers of ministry of defence and armed forces were also present to mark the important milestone in the history of the IAF.
The multirole and one of the most advanced flying machines, Rafale would be part of 17-Squadron, which is popularly known as the &ldquo;Golden Arrows&rdquo;, at the Ambala airbase.

Rafale jets to be formally inducted into IAF today

The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets will be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on Thursday at&nbsp;Ambala air base

The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets will be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on Thursday at the&nbsp;air base&nbsp;in Ambala. The induction&nbsp;comes at the crucial time when India is engaged in an escalating border row with China in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp;A number of dignitaries including defence minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria&nbsp;will attend the ceremony.&nbsp;The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29. These jets&nbsp;are known for air-superiority and precision strikes.

New Delhi, PTI: The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets will be formally inducted into the Indian Air Force on Thursday at the&nbsp;air base&nbsp;in Ambala,&nbsp;at a time India is engaged in an escalating border row with China in eastern Ladakh.
A galaxy of dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will attend the ceremony.
"The program will include ceremonial unveiling of the Rafale aircraft, a traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja', air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by 'Sarang aerobatic team'," an IAF spokesperson said, describing the ceremony as a "very important milestone" in the history of the force.
The Rafale jets, produced by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes.
IAF Spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale fleet before its ceremonial induction into the 17 squadron of the force.
The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore.
The French delegation at the ceremony will include French envoy Emmanuel Lenain, Air Gen Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of French Air Force, Chairman and Chief Executive of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier and CEO of missile maker MBDA Eric Beranger.
After the ceremony, Parly and Singh will hold talks in Ambala on ways to further deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation after the ceremony, they said.
Ten Rafale jets have been delivered to India so far and five of them stayed back in France for imparting training to IAF pilots. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021. A second batch of four to five Rafale jets are likely to arrive in India by November. Sources said a preliminary discussion on a possible procurement of another batch of 36 Rafale jets by India from France may figure in the talks between Singh and Parly.

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