September 2018 - India Special Weapons News

India approves purchase of S-400 missile system from Russia Press TV 29 Sep 2018 -- India has approved a plan to purchase five Russian-built S-400 Triumph defense systems, despite earlier warnings from the US against any military transaction with Russia.
India 'will not let you fail' to reach Sustainable Development Goals, Foreign Minister tells UN UN News 29 Sep 2018 -- India is "totally committed" to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) said Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday, addressing the United Nations General Assembly's annual debate, promising to get there ahead of time, thanks to an "unprecedented economic and social transformation", now underway.
China Significantly Reduces Troops at Border With India – Government Source Sputnik 28 Sep 2018 -- During Thursday's meeting of the working mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), the two countries decided to undertake more confidence-building measures to maintain peace at the border. The meeting was held at Chengdu in the province of Sichuan in China.
Sanctions Trumped: Indian Cabinet Gives Final Nod for S-400 Deal with Russia Sputnik 27 Sep 2018 -- On September 20, the US imposed CAATSA sanctions on the Equipment Development Department (EDD) of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and on its director in response to China's purchase of Su-35 aircraft and the S-400 system. This had fueled speculations that India may postpone the signing of the contract with Russia.
Iran, Russia, China, India, Afghanistan hold security talks in Tehran Press TV 26 Sep 2018 -- Senior security officials from Iran, Russia, China, India and Afghanistan have attended a meeting in Tehran to explore ways of promoting peace and the fight against terrorism in the region.
Angara-A5 Carrier Rocket Receives First Orders to Launch Civilian Satellites Sputnik 26 Sep 2018 -- The Angara-A5 heavy-lift carrier rocket became subject to the first two contracts for launching civilian satellites, papers published on the Russian public procurement website on Wednesday said.
India Tests Pre-Induction Trial of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile Astra Sputnik 26 Sep 2018 -- The missile features a dual pulse rocket motor, making it highly maneuverable during endgame engagement and thereby endowing the missile with a high single shot kill probability (SSKP).
Indian Navy to Get Two Modern Vessels for Submarine Rescue in Next 3 Years Sputnik 26 Sep 2018 -- The 118-meter long vessels with around 7,650-ton displacement capacity will facilitate various activities such as submarine rescue, underwater inspection, testing or salvage, and recovery of objects/ships/aircraft lost at sea. The vessels will be manufactured by the state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
Five suspected militants, one Indian soldier killed in Kashmir Press TV 24 Sep 2018 -- A total of five suspected militants and one Indian soldier have been killed in fierce fighting in Kashmir over the past two days, the Indian army says, amid an escalation of violence in the disputed territory following the cancelation of high-level talks between New Delhi and Islamabad.
India Aims to Establish Firmest Conclusion of Water, Minerals on Moon's Surface Sputnik 24 Sep 2018 -- India's second moon mission, Chandrayaan-2, will begin its lunar studies in January-February 2019 with an orbiter that carries a wider range spectrometer that goes up to 5 microns to clearly provide a water signature.
Russia May Help India to Launch Country's First Manned Space Mission - Reports Sputnik 24 Sep 2018 -- Russia and India can conclude an agreement on the exchange of experience and interaction in preparation for the launch of the first Indian manned space mission, Indian media reported on Sunday.
Pakistan's Khan Denounces India's 'Arrogant' Decision To Cancel Talks RFE/RL 23 Sep 2018 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has denounced India's decision to cancel rare talks with Islamabad just one day after New Delhi said they would take place on the sidelines of the upcoming UN General Assembly.
Pakistan Slams India for Cancelling New York Talks VOA 22 Sep 2018 -- Pakistan has slammed rival India for abruptly cancelling a rare meeting between foreign ministers of the two countries that were scheduled on the sidelines of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly.
Imran Khan slams India's 'arrogant' decision to call off rare meeting Press TV 22 Sep 2018 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan says he is "disappointed" with the Indian government for its decision to call off a planned meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries, denouncing New Delhi's move as "arrogant and negative."
India's PM faces resignation calls over 'corruption' in French jet deal Press TV 22 Sep 2018 -- India's opposition parties have called for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his alleged role in a major military deal with France.
India cancels rare Pakistan meeting over 'brutal killings' Press TV 22 Sep 2018 -- India has cancelled a rare meeting between its foreign minister and her Pakistani counterpart just a day after announcing the talks would take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Pakistan's PM Khan urges India to resolve disputes, including Kashmir Press TV 21 Sep 2018 -- Newly-elected Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on his Indian counterpart to engage in bilateral efforts to resolve outstanding disputes, including the issue of Kashmir.
As India mulls buying S-400 from Russia, US threatens it with tough sanctions IRNA 21 Sep 2018 -- The purchase of major military equipment like the multi-billion-dollar S-400 Triumf from Russia would be considered as a 'significant transaction' and has a potential for imposing tough US sanctions, the Trump administration said Friday, as India mulls buying the air defense systems.
US threatens India with sanctions over plan to buy S-400 system Press TV 21 Sep 2018 -- The United States has threatened India with sanctions over New Delhi's decision to buy the S-400 air defense missile system from Russia.
India to pay for Iran oil in rupee: Indian media IRNA 20 Sep 2018 -- Indian refiners will pay for oil from Iran in rupee, using UCO Bank and IDBI Bank, from November 4 when petroleum-related sanctions against Iran take effect, Indian media reported on Thursday.
India to Pay for Oil Imports From Iran in Rupees to Skirt US Sanctions Sputnik 20 Sep 2018 -- Indian refiners are currently using European banks to make payments to Iran in euros for oil shipments. However, when US sanctions on Iran kick in on November 4, it will be difficult for India to settle economic transactions with Iran through European banks. Therefore, local banks IDBI and UCO bank have been chosen to route the payments in rupees.
India Cautiously Accepts Pakistan's Offer for Meeting Between Foreign Ministers Sputnik 20 Sep 2018 -- India has categorically clarified that the agreement to hold a meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers should not be considered a resumption of bilateral dialogue, which remains stalled since 2016 following a series of terror attacks on Indian military camps.
India Test Fires Tactical Ballistic Missile Akin to American MGM-140 Sputnik 20 Sep 2018 -- The Prahaar – capable of carrying conventional warheads up to 150 kilometers – is designed with the aim to neutralize threats emanating from Pakistan's Nasr, a tactical nuclear missile capable of devastating the Indian Army's armor units.
India's Home-Made Breathing Apparatus to Enable 45-min Deep Fording of T-90 Sputnik 18 Sep 2018 -- The apparatus will enable T-90 tank crews to conduct deep fording for at least 45 minutes. State-owned defense lab DRDO is expected to transfer the technology to the private sector for mass production, following which they will be made available to the army starting 2019.
S-400 Deal With Russia in Last Stage of Finalization - Indian Defense Minister Sputnik 18 Sep 2018 -- The Indian government has conveyed its position to the US on several occasions, including the first 2+2 ministerial dialogue recently concluded in New Delhi, that it will go ahead with the procurement of the Russian air defense systems despite sanctions.
India Starts Smart Fencing of Border With Pakistan Sputnik 18 Sep 2018 -- The high-tech surveillance system will create an invisible electronic barrier on land, water and even in the air and underground. The smart border fencing will help India's Border Security Force (BSF) to detect and foil infiltration bids.
UK, India Space Agencies Launch Twin Satellites Into Orbit, Collaborate Efforts Sputnik 17 Sep 2018 -- A joint venture between British, Australian, and Indian governments sent two state-of-the-art satellites into orbit on Sunday. Indian and British experts have hailed the project as the first of its kind and will help the British space industry achieve new ground on future programs.
Dead End for Spike-MR Deal: India Tests Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile Sputnik 17 Sep 2018 -- The successful tests of the man-portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM), developed by state-run DRDO, come less than a year after the Indian government scrapped a $500 million deal for the Israeli Spike-MR.
New Delhi attaches 'highest importance' to ties with Moscow: Indian FM Press TV 15 Sep 2018 -- Senior Indian and Russian officials have discussed ways to develop trade ties and remove barriers in investment, science and technology as well as other issues of mutual interests.
Social Media Causing Sleep Deprivation in Pilots – Indian Air Force Chief Sputnik 14 Sep 2018 -- The Indian Air Force has witnessed 31 plane crashes in the last four years; 45 percent of them were reportedly caused by human error. Five aircraft were destroyed in 2017-18.
India Continues to Use Foreign Launchers for Heavy Satellites Sputnik 13 Sep 2018 -- Against speculations that India was planning to completely ditch foreign agencies for satellite launches, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has engaged Arianespace for the launch of two crucial telecommunications satellites, GSAT-31 and GSAT-30.
Indian Air Force Chief Raises Concern Over Dearth of Fighter Jets Sputnik 12 Sep 2018 -- Observing that the combined air combat strength of China and Pakistan cannot be matched by India even if it were to add 200 fighter jets to its current fleet, India's air force chief has expressed hope that the addition of Rafale fighter aircraft and S-400 air defense systems would help plug the gap to a large extent.
India, Afghanistan Seek Ways to Obtain US Waiver on Trade Via Iranian Port Sputnik 11 Sep 2018 -- As the November 4 deadline for the actualization of US sanctions on Iran nears, India and Afghanistan have held their first tripartite meeting with Iran to devise a strategy to secure a sanctions waiver to carry out unhindered trade through Iran's Chabahar Port.
India's Anti-Pakistan Diplomacy Goes Awry; Nepal, Thailand Skip Military Drill Sputnik 10 Sep 2018 -- Nepal's decision to skip the BIMSTEC military drill has posed a big question mark over the Indian government's diplomatic adventurism pushing for the revival of the seven-member BIMSTEC in place of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) in a bid to marginalize Pakistan in the region.
India Joins Elite Club Possessing Air-to-Air Fighter Jet Refueling Capability Sputnik 10 Sep 2018 -- India's long-delayed Tejas fighter jet program has successfully demonstrated its air-to-air refueling capability during a trial involving an Ilyushin Il-78MKI tanker. The fighter jet used a Cobham-supplied refueling probe to connect with the tanker's hose-and-drogue system.
U.S., India Talks Demonstrate Shared Commitment, Pentagon Official Says AFPS 08 Sep 2018 -- The Sept. 6 "two-plus-two" dialogue in New Delhi between Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and their Indian counterparts provided "a demonstrable signal of the U.S. and India's shared commitment to a forward-looking strategic partnership based on shared values and strategic interests," chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said.
Secretary of Defense Mattis' Remarks at India 2+2 Joint Press Conference DoD 06 Sep 201 8-- Presenter: Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis
Remarks to the Press US Dept. of State 06 Sep 2018 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State
Mattis: U.S.-India Partnership Important for Indo-Pacific Stability AFPS 06 Sep 2018 -- Defense Secretary James N. Mattis arrived here yesterday, ready to engage with senior Indian officials to ensure the Indo-Pacific region remains free, safe, prosperous and secure.
U.S. Officials Seek to Boost Arms Sales to India AFPS 06 Sep 2018 -- A decade ago, U.S. arms sales to India amounted to virtually nothing. Today, the United States is the second-largest arms supplier to India, and U.S. officials say they hope to increase that business.
U.S.-India Defense Cooperation a 'Key Driver' of Overall Relationship AFPS 06 Sep 2018 -- U.S.-Indian defense cooperation has emerged "as the most significant dimension of our strategic partnership and as a key driver of our overall bilateral relationship," Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said at the conclusion of the two-plus-two talks here today.
U.S., India Tout Defense Ties, But No Breakthroughs On Iran, Russia Purchases RFE/RL 06 Sep 2018 -- The United States and India vowed to cooperate more closely on defense matters, but reported no breakthroughs regarding U.S. threats to impose sanctions over New Delhi's purchases of Iranian crude oil and Russian weaponry.
India Conducts First Air-to-Air Refueling of Home-Grown Fighter Jet Tejas Sputnik 06 Sep 2018 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has committed to purchase 324 Tejas, which means most of the shortfall will be fulfilled by the homegrown fighter jet. The jet is already integrated with Derby beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, while it will eventually boast advanced electronic warfare systems and the Russian-built GSh-23 autocannon.
No Decision on Sanctions Waiver for India for Purchase of Russian S-400 - Pompeo Sputnik 06 Sep 2018 -- India has already made it clear that it plans to purchase the S-400 from Russia, and that this is not contingent to US sanctions waiver. However, efforts were made by the two sides to find common ground during the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi. Sources told Sputnik that a separate bilateral dialogue may be initiated shortly to sort out the matter.
India, US Sign Defense Pact to Share Critical Military Communication Technology Sputnik 06 Sep 2018 -- In the first 2+2 ministerial dialogue, India and the US have agreed to set up two new hotlines so that the defense ministers and external affairs ministers of the two countries can be in continuous contact with each other.
Closing Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue US Dept. of State 06 Sep 2018 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis, Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and Minister of Defense Nirmala Sitharaman
Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue US Dept. of State 06 Sep 2018 -- Remarks by Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis, Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, and Minister of Defense Nirmala Sitharaman
Senior State Department Official Remarks to Traveling Press US Dept. of State 06 Sep 2018
US, India Ink Deal to Expand Defense Ties VOA 06 Sep 2018 -- The United States and India took a major step to expand defense ties Thursday, signing a deal that allows India to acquire high-end U.S. weaponry, including armed drones.
India's Iran, Russia Deals Not Likely to Scuttle Better US-India Ties VOA 05 Sep 2018 -- U.S. pressure on India to halt oil imports from Iran and shelve major defense purchases from Russia, countries that New Delhi sees as regional allies, will feature prominently as India and the United States prepare to hold a high-level dialogue aimed at shoring up political and strategic ties.
US Defense Giant Lockheed Martin Moving F-16 Wing Production to India Sputnik 05 Sep 2018 -- Lockheed Martin and India's TASL had earlier agreed to move the entire manufacturing base of the F-16 Block 70 to India in anticipation of a sizable order for the fighter jet by the Indian armed forces. However, with India stalling the purchase, the JV has now settled for manufacturing only the wings.
Indian Army Zeroes In On Israeli SpyLite Mini-Drones for Border Surveillance Sputnik 05 Sep 2018 -- Following last year's spat with Chinese forces in Doklam, the Indian Army has expedited the purchase of a range of max altitude mini-drones.
US, India Hold Meeting with 2 Sticking Points VOA 05 Sep 2018 -- The United States and India will try to expand already close defense ties when senior leaders from both countries meet for their first "two plus two" dialogue Thursday in New Delhi.
Indian MiG-27 Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan - Defense Ministry Sputnik 04 Sep 2018 -- An Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-27 fighter jet crashed on Tuesday during a routine flight near the city of Jodhpur in the country's northern state of Rajasthan, and the pilot has managed to eject safely, Indian Defense Ministry spokesman Sombit Ghosh said.
India Looks to Procure Spy Drones to Operate at High Altitudes Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- The Indian Army is scouting for a remotely piloted aircraft system with anti-jamming and anti-spoofing properties for providing real-time input in the form of imagery and electronic data to detect and combat foreign military formations and activities at forward bases, especially along the border with China.
India to Convey to US Plans to Go Ahead With Purchase of Russian S-400 - Reports Sputnik 03 Sep 2018 -- India plans to convey to the United States at their first "2+2" ministerial talks later this week that New Delhi will go ahead with the procurement of Russia's S-400 Triumph air defense systems despite Washington's objections and sanctions threat, the Press Trust of India (PTI) reported, citing sources.
India Successfully Tests Russia-Designed Tank Shells Sputnik 02 Sep 2018 -- The first shipment of Russian 125-millimeter Mango tank shells produced in India under license agreement successfully passed check tests, and the producer began to supply them to the Indian army, the press service of shells' developer, Russia's Techmash, told Sputnik.

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September 2018 - India Special Weapons News