Defence Street

Category: Press Release

  • Indian Coast Guard Conducts Regional Search And Rescue (SAR) Exercise in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

    Indian Coast Guard Conducts Regional Search And Rescue (SAR) Exercise in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

    New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. The Indian Coast Guard conducted Regional Search and Rescue exercise during 28 -29 March 2023 at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The aim of the exercise was to simulate a real time maritime distress scenario and highlight the functioning of Search and Rescue (SAR) organisation for a mass rescue operation. The exercise involved all stakeholders with effective use of available resources towards M-SAR (Maritime Search and Rescue) contingency efficiently.

    The exercise simulated an Offshore Support vessel (OSV) carrying more than hundreds of passengers that reported a distress call of major fire onboard off Kakinada. Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kakinada coordinated with all resource agencies to save the lives in distress. The state disaster contingency plan was invoked to support the operations at sea. External Fire Fighting of the distressed vessel, Abandon ship drill, deployment of Rescue boat, Jason Cradle, Scramble net, Life raft, life buoy, surveillance by drone, de-induction of casualty rescue by helicopter and medical management were conducted during the exercise. The ashore preparations included setting up of Incident Command Post, Triage for treatment of casualties and necessary facilities for management of critical casualties.

    Sea area off Kakinada was chosen as the venue for the exercise considering the large-scale exploration and production activities in the Krishna Godavari basin which makes the area potential to emergencies necessitating large scale SAR response. The two-day long workshop and exercise enhanced knowledge and understanding, promoting cooperation and coordination amongst member agencies for a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO), wherein the efforts of a single agency may not be sufficient.

  • Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his Romanian counterpart Mrs Simona Cojocaru hold bilateral talks

    Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his Romanian counterpart Mrs Simona Cojocaru hold bilateral talks

    New Delhi, 28th March, 2023. Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane and State Secretary and Chief of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations of Romania, Mrs Simona Cojocaru held a bilateral meeting on defence cooperation in New Delhi on March 28, 2023. A wide range of issues encompassing military to military cooperation, military training and courses, defence co-development and co-production and capacity building were discussed in the meeting.

    Both countries signed an Agreement on Defence Cooperation, giving further impetus to bilateral defence cooperation. Both sides shared their perspectives on regional security challenges and expressed their commitment to work together to enhance cooperation in all defence sectors.

  • Maiden Passing Out Parade of Agniveers 01/22 Batch At Ins Chilka

    Maiden Passing Out Parade of Agniveers 01/22 Batch At Ins Chilka

    New Delhi, 28th March 2023. A total of 2585 Agniveers (incl 272 women) of the Indian Navy passed out from the portals of INS Chilka, at Odhisa, in a first of its kind ceremonial, post sunset Passing Out Parade, held on 28 Mar 23 under the aegis of Southern Naval Command. The parade was reviewed by Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of VAdm MA Hampiholi, the Flag Officer Commanding-in -Chief, Southern Naval Command, Hon’ble Member of Parliament PT Usha, eminent sports personality Mithali Raj and eminent naval veterans.

    The passing out parade marks, not only the successful culmination of 16 weeks of their ab-initio rigorous naval training, but also the start of a new voyage in the Indian Navy, where men and women will work together to make the Indian Navy a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof force.

    During his address, the CNS urged the passing out trainees to hone their skills further and develop a strong foundation of knowledge, willingness to learn and commitment to excel in their respective careers that lay ahead. He also urged them to uphold Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage, in pursuit of Nation building.

    The Chief Guest also awarded medals and trophies to the meritorious Agniveers on the occasion. Amalakanti Jayaram, Agniveer (SSR), Ajith P, Agniveer (MR) were awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR & MR respectively in men’s category. Khushi, Agniveer (SSR) was the Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit. A Rolling Trophy, instituted to commemorate the vision of Late General Bipin Rawat – the first CDS was awarded to her by the daughters of Late Gen Bipin Rawat.

    In the day, during the Valedictory function, the Chief of the Naval Staff gave away the overall Championship Trophy to Eklavaya Division and Runners Up Trophy to Angad and Shivaji Division. He also unveiled the summer edition of Ankur – the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, in the presence of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command and Commodore NP Pradeep, Commanding Officer, INS Chilka.

  • Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurates direct flight between Ahmedabad and Gatwick

    Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurates direct flight between Ahmedabad and Gatwick

    • The flight will operate three days a week
    • This connectivity will boost trade and commerce and help Indian students studying in the UK

    New Delhi, 28th March, 2023. Union Minister of Civil Aviation & Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated a direct flight between Ahmedabad and Gatwick today.

    The non-stop flight between Ahmedabad and Gatwick will be operated by Air India commencing from 28th March, 2023 as per the following schedule:

    Flt No. From To Freq. Dep. Time (LT) Arr. Time (LT)
    AI171 AMD LGW Thrice a week 1150 1640
    AI172 LGW AMD Thrice a week 2000 0850+1

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    In his address, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that this new air connectivity will bring in new opportunities for trade and commerce and help Indian students studying in the UK.

    Speaking on the connectivity in Ahmedabad, the minister stated that the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad currently has the capacity to handle 50 lakh domestic and 25 lakh international passengers. The government aims to increase the passenger capacity of Ahmedabad to 1.60 crore.

    In 2013-14, Ahmedabad was connected to only 20 destinations and under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, in the last 9 years the connectivity has increased to 57 destinations, he added. In last 9 years, the weekly air traffic movement from Ahmedabad has increased from 980 per week to 2036 per week, increase by 128%.

    On the development of civil aviation in Gujarat, Shri Scindia said that the Union Government has given specific attention to the infrastructure development in the state. A new terminal has been developed in Kandla, a new integrated terminal building in Surat with the cost of Rs 250 crore, and a new ATC Tower cum technical building in Vadodara.  Currently, Gujarat has 10 airports, and with the development of two new greenfield airports in Dholera with a cost of Rs 1305 crore and Hirasar Rajkot with a cost of Rs 1405 crore this number will increase to 12.

    In Gujarat, the number of flights operational from airports of Gujarat has increased to over 2500 from 1175 in 2013-14. Under the RCS UDAN scheme, Gujarat has been awarded 83 routes and 55 of them have already been operationalized and the rest will be operational soon.

    Shri. Balwantsinh Rajput, Minister, Government of Gujarat; Shri Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Shri. Campbell Wilson, CEO-Air India were also present.

  • Port Visit of INS Sumedha at Algiers

    Port Visit of INS Sumedha at Algiers

    New Delhi, 28th March, 2023. INS Sumedha, presently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, entered Algiers, Algeria on 26 Mar 23 for an operational turn around. The ship was received at Port Algiers by officers of the Algerian Navy and officials from Embassy of India, Algiers.

    The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. It also demonstrates the Indian Navy’s outreach to friendly maritime nations.

    During the visit, the two navies will share best practices and experiences through cross deck visits, professional interactions, sports fixtures and cultural visits.

    Indigenously built, INS Sumedha is a stealth offshore patrol vessel constructed at Goa Shipyard Ltd and is fitted with a state-of-the-art weapon and sensor package. She is routinely deployed for fleet support operations such as anti-piracy patrol, SAR, HADR, surveillance and escort missions. She can carry an Advanced Light Combat Helicopter onboard.

  • India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, stability & enhance defence capabilities, says Raksha Mantri during 1st India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave in Pune

    India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, stability & enhance defence capabilities, says Raksha Mantri during 1st India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave in Pune

    • Reiterates support to partner-countries in all defence-related matters
    • Shri Rajnath Singh invites African companies to explore Indian defence equipment & technologies to fulfill their security needs
    • “India-Africa ties drive South-South cooperation to build a multi-polar world order, more responsive to the aspirations of developing countries”

    New Delhi, 28th March, 2023. India will continue to work with African nations to promote regional security, foster stability and enhance the defence capabilities together. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during the first edition of India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave organised on the sidelines of 2nd Africa-India Joint Exercise ‘AFINDEX’ in Pune, Maharashtra on March 28, 2023. The Conclave was attended by Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chiefs & representatives of 31 African nations, along with other civil and defence dignitaries.

    Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to provide support to African partner-countries in all defence related matters, including capability enhancement of their Armed Forces, to ensure their economic growth and social development. He emphasised that the full potential of a nation’s progress can be realised only when its security is ensured.

    “We believe that preservation of individual human rights such as the right to life and personal liberty, right to employment, right to livelihood, etc. are dependent on a strong and effective state apparatus which can ensure the Rule of Law as well as promote economic growth & social development. Development can only take place in a safe and secure environment. Though many of us have come a long way since our independence, there are many African countries where the capacity building of state systems is still a work in progress,” the Raksha Mantri said, while emphasising the need to build robust state structures which can cater to the needs and aspirations of the people.

    India has been at the forefront of providing training to the Armed Forces of African nations and equipping them with necessary skills to face the security challenges of the 21st century. The training programmes cover a wide range of areas, including counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping, maritime security and specialised training in new domains such as cyber warfare and drone operations. It also encompasses training civilians in areas such as disaster management, humanitarian aid and medical assistance. A large number of African Countries’ Armed Forces personnel continue to visit India for training in different areas.

    The Raksha Mantri added that the Joint Exercises between India and African nations provide an excellent opportunity for the Armed Forces to learn from each other and promote interoperability. He termed ‘AFINDEX’ as a reflection of India’s continued focus on African nations to develop capacities and enhance mutual capabilities. “As maritime neighbours linked by the Indian Ocean, our cooperation in maritime security & hydrography and countering terrorism & extremism will be essential for regional peace and prosperity,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh described capacity building in terms of defence equipment and platforms as another critical aspect of India’s military cooperation with its Africa partners. He invited the African countries to explore Indian defence equipment and technologies to fulfill their security needs. “India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years. A defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created here which has the advantage of abundant technical manpower. The Indian defence industry can work with you to fulfil your defence requirements. With the aim to empower our African friends to indigenously meet their defence requirements, we are also committed to sharing our expertise and knowledge in defence manufacturing, research and development,” he said.

    Elaborating further on the India-Africa ties, the Raksha Mantri stated that “we are united by the common goals of eradicating poverty, achieving sustainable development, promoting peace & harmony and improving the quality of life of the people.” He added that this partnership drives the South-South cooperation to build a truly multi-polar world order which is more responsive to the aspirations of developing countries.

    Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the people of India and Africa together represent a third of humanity, a demographic dividend which has to be used wisely. He called for turning this huge human resource into an engine of growth and development. “Many African nations have the fastest rate of growth of population in the world. As per some projections, by 2050, there would be one African, out of every four people in the world. Therefore, if humanity has to develop, Africa has to develop. Today, Africa is today home to more than a billion vibrant people, with more than two thirds of them under the age of 35. If this human capital is supported with the right opportunities, it will become the growth engine for not just Africa, but also for the entire world,” he added.

    The Raksha Mantri described relative technological backwardness as one of the most important causes holding the developing world from high economic growth rates. Stating that new and emerging technologies provide an opportunity to leapfrog this gap, he extended India’s expertise in digital and clean & green technologies for the benefit of African nations. He made special mention of India’s achievement of financial inclusion of the entire citizenry through Unified Payment Interface (UPI), describing it as a Financial Revolution. He also stressed that the exchange of ideas and practices will be two-way and India is keen to learn from the experiences of its African friends.

    The India-Africa Army Chiefs’ Conclave was structured on the central theme of ‘Africa-India Militaries for Regional Unity – AMRUT’. It was aimed to strengthen and improve synergy between militaries of India and African nations as part of regional cooperation mechanism.

    The Conclave focussed on joint training and defence cooperation amongst the nations to evolve an institutionalised framework in order to enhance collaboration in the fields of joint military training, execution of peacekeeping operations; besides promoting Indian defence industries. It is a major landmark in deep-rooted defence ties between India and African nations, thereby enhancing regional cooperation.

  • The Chief of HNDGS meets the organisers of DEFEA

    The Chief of HNDGS meets the organisers of DEFEA

    March 27th, the Chief of the National Defence General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, had a meeting in his office with the organisers of DEFEA 2023 Exhibition together with the President of the Hellenic Defense Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEKPY), Mr. Anastasios Rozolis. In the meeting, participated the President of the exhibition organising company ROTA S.A. Mr. Georgios Tsausoglou, the managing director Mr. Alexios Lagoudakis and the Director of “DEFEA 2023” Mr. Vasilios Barkas.

    During the meeting, which was particularly friendly, the organisation and coordination between the NDGS and the exhibition executives were discussed. Additionally the planning of actions regarding the holding of the upcoming “DEFEA 2023” which will take place from May 9 to 11 in Athens. It should be noted that in the year 2021, the DEFEA exhibition took place for the first time in Athens (https://geetha.mil.gr/defea-2021-2/).

    The Chief of NDGS referred to the importance of organising high-level defence equipment exhibitions, through which the country’s capabilities are highlighted and projected both at the level of organization and in the field of defence industry. He especially mentioned that DEFEA provides opportunities to exchange views, know-how and information on modern developments as well as to showcase the training and operational potential of the Armed Forces.

    The organisers of the exhibition expressed their appreciation for the significant contribution of the Armed Forces to its ultimate success.

  • Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Scheme

    Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Scheme

    New Delhi, 27th March 2023. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework was launched by the Government with the aim to foster innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace Sector by engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes and academia to promote self-reliance. Up to 28 February 2023, 139 iDEX winners have been provided grants/fund. The Services, after successful trials, have placed supply orders on three iDEX winners. Moreover, the Ministry has also accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 13 more iDEX products.

    iDEX offers technical handholding through 19 associated Partner Incubators of iDEX, easier and faster access to test facilities/infrastructure available with various Government agencies, co-creation and co-innovation using smooth operating procedures and minimal documentation, to the iDEX winners, thus making the entire regime conducive for them. iDEX has launched challenges on frontier technologies/ domains like artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality (AR)/ Virtual Reality (VR), Autonomous/ Unmanned Solutions, Stealth, Domain Awareness, Secure Communications, Simulation, Navigation, Predictive Maintenance, Space, Cyber Security etc. to ensure that the Services enjoy a technological edge over their adversaries.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Abir Ranjan Biswas in Rajya Sabha today.

  • Raksha Mantri receives Rs. 224 Crore as Second Interim Dividend from BEL for FY 2022-23

    Raksha Mantri receives Rs. 224 Crore as Second Interim Dividend from BEL for FY 2022-23

    The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh receiving second interim dividend cheque of Rs 224.27 crore for Financial Year 2022-23 from the Chairman & Managing Director of Bharat Electronics Limited, Shri Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, in New Delhi on March 27, 2023. The Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane is also seen.

    New Delhi, 27th March 2023. Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a Navratna Defence PSU, presented the second interim dividend cheque of Rs. 224,27,53,160.40/- to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today on March 27, 2023. BEL has declared 60% percent as Second Interim Dividend (Rs. 0.60/- per share) to its shareholders for the financial year 2022 – 23.

    This is the 20th consecutive year that BEL is paying Interim Dividend. BEL has paid 60% percent as First Interim Dividend (Rs. 0.60/- per share) in February 2023 to its shareholders for the financial year 2022 – 23. It has also paid a total dividend of 450% on its paid-up capital for the financial year 2021 – 22.

  • Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurates Gorata Martyr Memorial and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and hoists the 103 feet high tricolor at Gorata Maidan in Bidar, Karnataka

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurates Gorata Martyr Memorial and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and hoists the 103 feet high tricolor at Gorata Maidan in Bidar, Karnataka

    • In 1948, at this place, the Nizam killed hundreds of people for hoisting a two-and-a-half-feet tricolor, I am fortunate to hoist a 103-feet tall tricolor at the same place today
    • On 17th September 2014, on the occasion of Hyderabad Liberation Day, laid the foundation stone of a memorial so that the whole country could pay tribute to the martyrs of Gorata for hundreds of years, fortunate to get the opportunity of inaugurating it today
    • Had Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel not been there, Hyderabad and Bidar would never have become independent, this monument of Sardar Patel is a symbol of liberation of the people of Hyderabad-Karnataka-Marathwada from the cruel rule of the Nizam
    • There is also a plan to build a huge memorial and a light and sound show at a cost of Rs 50 crore, so that visitors and tourists coming not only from Karnataka but from all over the country can be told the story of great martyrs
    • When Shri Yediyurappa  became the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he changed the name of ‘Hyderabad-Karnataka’ -a sign of slavery to ‘Kalyana-Karnataka’
    • The state government increased the reservation quota for Vokkaligas from 4% to 6% and for Panchamasalis, Veerashaivas and other Lingayat categories from 5% to 7% in Karnataka
    • The government addressed the injustices done to the SC communities by providing 6% reservation for SC-Left, 5.5% for SC-Right, 4.5% for SC -Lambani, Bhovi, Korcha, Korma and 1% for other SC communities
    • Be it Mumbai-Karnataka or South-Karnataka or Kalyan-Karnataka or Bengaluru, the balanced development of the state can only be done by the full majority government ofour party
    • These historic decisions taken by the Government of Karnataka will ensure proper social justice to all sections of backward classes
    • For the development of Kalyan Karnataka Rs 3000 crore were provided, which has been increased to Rs 5000 crore in this budget

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image001CIYY.jpg

    New Delhi, 26th March, 2023. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Gorata Martyr Memorial and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial and also unfurled the 103 feet high tricolor at Gorata ground in  Bidar, Karnataka today. On this occasion, former Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri B. S. Yediyurappa and many other dignitaries were present.

    Paying tributes to the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Amit Shah said that had Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel not been there, Hyderabad and Bidar would never have become independent. This monument of Sardar Patel is a symbol of liberation of the people of Hyderabad-Karnataka-Marathwada from the cruel rule of the Nizam. Shri Shah said that today is a very important day because in 1948, at this place, the Nizam killed hundreds of people for hoisting a two-and-a-half-feet tricolor and I am fortunate to hoist a 103-feet tall tricolor at the same place today.

    https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002B4N5.jpg

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that on 17th September 2014, on the occasion of Hyderabad Liberation Day, he had laid the foundation stone of a memorial so that the whole country could pay tribute to the martyrs of Gorata for hundreds of years. Shri Shah said that he is fortunate to get the opportunity of inaugurating it today. He said there is also a plan to build a huge memorial and a light and sound show at a cost of Rs 50 crore, so that visitors and tourists coming not only from Karnataka but from all over the country can be told the story of great martyrs.

    Shri Amit Shah said that even today, the Government of Telangana is hesitating to celebrate Hyderabad Liberation Day but the Central Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has decided that every year on Hyderabad Liberation Day a grand ceremony will be organized. He said that after the construction of the memorial, next year the ceremony of Hyderabad Liberation Day will be organized in Gorata village itself.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, said that due to appeasement and vote bank politics, the previous governments never remembered the people who fought for the liberation of Hyderabad and gave 4% minority reservation based on religion, which was contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. Shri Shah said that his party’s government without believing in appeasement politics made changes in reservation and abolished minority reservation and increased the reservation quota for Vokkaligas from 4% to 6%. While the quota for Panchamasalis, Veerashaivas and other Lingayat categories was increased from 5% to 7%. Along with this, by giving 6% reservation for SC-Left, 5.5% for SC- Right, 4.5% for SC-Lambani, Bhovi, Korcha, Korma and 1% for other Scheduled Caste communities injustice done to the SC communities was done away with. Shri Shah said that be it Mumbai-Karnataka or South-Karnataka or Kalyan-Karnataka or Bengaluru, the balanced development of the state can only be done by the full majority government of our party. He said that these historic decisions taken by the Government of Karnataka would ensure appropriate social justice to all sections of backward classes.

    When Shri Yediyurappa  became the Chief Minister of Karnataka, he changed the name of ‘Hyderabad-Karnataka’-a sign of slavery to ‘Kalyana-Karnataka’. The government gave Rs 3000 crore for the development of Kalyan Karnataka, which has been increased to Rs 5000 crore in this budget. He said that the government resolved several issues in the region including Upper Bhadra Project, Kalasa-Banduri Project, Phase II of Upper Krishna Project, Yetina Hall Drinking Water Project. The Union and the State government jointly constructed the 411 kilometer long Bidar-Kalburgi-Bellary road at a cost of Rs.7700 crore and launched Ganga Kalyani Yojana of worth Rs.1115 crore for small and marginal farmers. Model University and Central Institute of Petrochemical Engineering at a cost of Rs.5 crore have also been established.

    The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that through the PM KisanYojana, 54 lakh farmers of the state are getting Rs.10,000 directly into their bank accounts every year. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, by providing gas, toilets, electricity to every household, 5 kg free food grains to every poor person and free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, the government has done many developments work for the welfare of crores of poor people of the country.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has secured the country completely. Construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya was stuck for the last several years. After the Supreme Court’s judgement, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, performed Bhumipujan and laid the foundation of the Ram Mandir. The previous governments did not remove Article-370 from Jammu and Kashmir due to vote bank politics, while on 5 August 2019, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi abolished Article-370 and made Kashmir a part of India forever. The result of this is that today our Kashmir has become free from terrorism and has progressed on the path of prosperity and development. He said that the government will continue to work tirelessly for the all-round development of the entire Karnataka.