Latest news with #SCO
India.com
40 minutes ago
- Business
- India.com
Not afraid of US, India to purchase S-400, R-37M and..., govt set to give a tough reply to..., not Pakistan, China
New Delhi: India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has had a very important meeting with Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers' meeting held in Qingdao, China. The clarity and frank language in which India's defense needs and technical cooperation with Russia have been talked about in India's official press release are an indication that India is now moving towards entering into a much-needed defense agreement with Russia to rapidly upgrade its air defense and air-to-air missile capabilities. What was the agenda? The official press release issued after the meeting between Rajnath Singh, and the Russian Defense Minister specifically talks about air defense systems, air-to-air missiles, modern capabilities and air platforms. Defense industry experts have already been indicating that India wants cooperation from Russia for indigenous production of air-to-air missiles and their integration in Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. A report this week said that India has seriously advanced the talks towards purchasing the S-500 air defense system from Russia. Production of long-range missiles in India At Aero India 2025, Russia officially proposed the sale of its long-range R-37M air-to-air missile, which is exported as RVV-BD, to India. In the Russian proposal, this missile was proposed to be locally produced in India under 'Make in India'. In March this year, the Russian state-owned arms company Rosoboronexport (ROE) confirmed that Russia and India are discussing joint development and production of modern guided aircraft missiles. The purpose of this partnership is not only to meet India's military needs, but also to export to friendly countries. That is, if this agreement is reached between India and Russia, India can make air-to-air missiles under Make in India and sell them to any third country, just like India sells BrahMos missiles. Increasing striking power of Su-30 MKI During Operation Sindoor, India fired BrahMos missiles on Pakistani military bases from Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The block-upgrade plan for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force was already underway, but after Operation Sindoor, it has now gained momentum. Russia has made it clear that it will work with Indian defense companies in this upgrade. This upgrade will be carried out in India under the leadership of HAL, and it includes new AESA radar, electronic warfare system, infrared search and track (IRST) and modern cockpit interface. This upgrade will prepare the aircraft according to the needs of 5th generation warfare.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Rajnath Singh Refuses To Sign SCO Draft Statement- What is Its Significance for India?
In a landmark visit to China—the first by an Indian Defence Minister since the deadly 2020 Galwan clash—Rajnath Singh made headlines by standing firm on one issue: Terrorism cannot be ignored. At the SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, Singh slammed "state-sponsored terrorism," referencing the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Indian civilians were killed. When the SCO draft statement failed to even mention this attack, India refused to sign. With the SCO operating on consensus, India's refusal scrapped the entire statement. Singh also invoked Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory military operation, warning that silence on terrorism equals complicity. This move signals a clear shift in India's foreign policy posture: diplomacy with spine. Find out why this wasn't just a meeting—it was a message.#rajnathsingh #sco #india #china #scomeeting #indiavschina #terrorism #operationsindoor #sco2025 #foreignpolicy #toi #toibharat #bharat #breakingnews #indianews Read More
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Russia backs India on cross-border terror, Rajnath talks arms delivery
NEW DELHI: Russia once again expressed its solidarity with India on the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh discussed cross-border terrorism and defence cooperation in a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov on the margins of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China on Thursday. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday informed that Singh also held bilateral meetings with the defence ministers of Belarus, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, with India's fight against terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor among the common issues discussed. The Singh-Belousov meeting included in-depth discussions on a range of subjects, covering current geopolitical situations, cross-border terrorism, and Indo-Russian defence cooperation. The MoD said key topics also included the 'supply of S-400 systems, Su-30 MKI upgrades, and procurement of critical military hardware in expeditious timeframes'. The S-400 advanced air defence system has the capability of targeting threats up to 400 km. It was deployed during Operation Sindoor. The contract for five missile systems was inked in 2018 for around `35,000 crore. India has so far received three squadrons of the air defence system, which are operationalised and deployed along the borders with China and Pakistan.
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
MyVoice: Views of our readers 28th June 2025
Gang-rape in law college exposes the rot in our social fabric In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, a student was gang-raped inside the premises of South Calcutta Law College by three individuals, who have since been arrested. This heinous act, committed in an institution meant to uphold justice, coming after the RG Kar Hospital outrage, exposes the rot in our social fabric. Despite stringent laws, incidents of rapes are a regular happening. The core problem lies not just in law enforcement, but in a society that remains apathetic and desensitized. These recurring horrors reflect a failure of conscience, not just of governance. There must be collective outrage and responsibility—not just after each incident, but in dismantling the very culture that normalises such brutality. Our daughters and sisters deserve safety, dignity, and justice—not just laws, but action against the culprits. N Sadhasiva Reddy, Bengaluru-56 Undeclared emergency still remains While the infamous national Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in June 1975 constitutes one of the darkest chapters of Indian history, why is the Centre 'commemorating' its 50th anniversary, while the nation, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is witnessing an undeclared emergency. The government is following actions that existed during the emergency days-putting opposition leaders behind bars and strangulating free speech and right to expression? In fact, letters to the editor that are critical of the government are seldom published in newspapers these days! Dr. George Jacob, Kochi RSS should get 'secular' and 'socialist' right The general secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Dattatreya Hosabale has let the RSS' ideological cat out of the bag by his call for a review of the insertion of 'secular' and 'socialist' in the Preamble of the Constitution during the Emergency. Would the RSS prefer to replace them with 'theocratic' and 'capitalist' from its verbal repertoire? The fact of the matter is that India is a land of many religions and a secular democracy. The thesis that Indian culture and the way of life should be predominantly based on the preeminence of the Vedic religious values and customs does not do justice to the country's multisource civilisation, demography, religious diversity and cultural ethos. The RSS cannot deny the existence of pre-Aryan India. Be that as it may, secularism, a legacy of the freedom struggle, is the talisman that provides a sense of fraternity among people of different faiths, living cheek by jowl, and keeps our country united. Secularism is upheld by the Supreme Court as a basic feature of the Constitution. Terms like 'secularism' and 'socialism' fit the bill despite BJP's ideological fountainhead's contrary view. G. David Milton, Maruthancode (TN) India did well at SCO meeting Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which met the other day, aspired to come up with a joint declaration on terrorism. Ironically, although the communique had a reference to Baluchistan, the Pahalgam massacre found no mention, despite Pakistan's role in the Pahalgam incident that killed 26 tourists. Would it not be appropriate if Pakistan is declared a terrorist nation? As it became obvious that the SCO members would shield Pakistan, India took the right decision in refusing to endorse the document. P R Ravinder, New Mirjalguda, Hyderabad. India's refusal to toe SCO line is praiseworthy India declined to sign the joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers' meet, hosted by China. Rajnath Singh stressed that peace and prosperity cannot coexist with terrorism. India objected to the final document for failing to acknowledge its concerns over terrorism, including the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Instead, the statement mentioned the train attack in Pakistan, allegedly by Baloch militants. Established in 2001 by six countries, SCO promotes peace and security in the Eurasian region. India clarified that it is not anti-West but remains firm on its stand against terror. It is a good decision to not be a part when one's opinion is not cared for. RS Narula, Patiala
Hans India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
India has done well by not signing the SCO joint statement
By not signing a tendentious joint statement at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet, India has made it clear that it will never allow Pakistan and its supporters to peddle their narrative at international forums. The draft statement did not have any reference to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 innocent lives were lost, but it did mention the Jaffar Express hijacking in Pakistan in March. Addressing the SCO gathering, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about the Pahalgam attack and the ensuing Operation Sindoor. He articulated Delhi's stand on terrorism in unambiguous terms: 'Peace and prosperity cannot co-exist with terrorism and proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction in the hands of non-state actors and terror groups. Dealing with these challenges requires decisive action... Some countries use cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy and provide shelter to terrorists. There should be no place for such double standards. SCO should not hesitate to criticise such nations.' The double standards continue because China, the wannabe superpower, keeps supporting and abetting Pakistan to chafe and fret India by whatever means possible, including jihad. Over the decades, China has provided Pakistan with military hardware, financial bailouts, nuclear assistance, and diplomatic cover on the world stage. This is not born out of altruism or ideological affinity—neither exists—but of a deliberate maneuver to keep India perpetually engaged in regional skirmishes, border tensions, and security concerns, thereby slowing down its strategic and economic ascent. Beijing's strategy is part of a broader geopolitical playbook often referred to as the 'String of Pearls' or the policy of 'encirclement.' Through this approach, China seeks to establish strong strategic footholds around India's periphery. This includes developing port infrastructure in countries like Sri Lanka (Hambantota), Pakistan (Gwadar) and Myanmar (Kyaukpyu), effectively tightening a strategic noose around India. By nurturing these relationships, China ensures that India's attention remains divided between defending its immediate borders and countering Beijing's increasing influence in the Indian Ocean region. Beijing's tacit and, at times, overt support for Pakistan's use of asymmetric warfare, including the indirect promotion of jihadist elements targeting India, is a particularly dangerous aspect of this strategy. While China officially distances itself from terrorism, it has repeatedly shielded Pakistan from international scrutiny, especially at forums like the UN Security Council, where Beijing has vetoed or stalled resolutions against Pakistan-based terrorists. This not only emboldens Pakistan but also sends signals to New Delhi that it must constantly remain on guard against cross-border terrorism and hybrid warfare tactics. By abetting Pakistan's antagonistic posture towards India, China ensures that a significant portion of India's resources—both financial and military—are tied up in managing regional conflicts, internal security threats, and defence preparedness against a two-front war scenario. This, in turn, diverts India's focus from economic reforms, infrastructure development, and global diplomatic initiatives that would otherwise propel it to great power status. Ultimately, China's aim is not necessarily to provoke a full-scale war, but to strategically annoy and frustrate India, keeping it politically and militarily overstretched. By exploiting Pakistan's historical animosity towards India and weaving it into its grand strategy, China hopes to slow down India's rise and consolidate its dominance in Asia. India's refusal to sign the statement will not make Islamabad or Beijing mend their ways, but it will make it difficult for them to sell their narrative.
