May 2019 - India Special Weapons News

U.S.-Australia-India-Japan Consultations ("The Quad") US Dept. of State 31 May 2019 -- "Senior officials from the United States, Australia, India, and Japan met in Bangkok on May 31, 2019 for consultations on their collective efforts to advance a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific."
Narendra Modi Government's Council of Ministers Gets Portfolios Sputnik 31 May 2019 -- Notable portfolios among Modi's Council of Ministers is BJP President Amit Shah getting the Home Ministry, Rajnath Singh receiving the Defence Ministry, and Nirmala Sitharaman being given the Finance and Corporate Affairs Ministry, with former Diplomat S. Jaishankar becoming the external affairs minister.
US Warns India May Face Similar Problems as Turkey Over S-400s Purchase – Report Sputnik 31 May 2019 -- Turkey has experienced troubles in its relations with the US since it picked Russia's state-of-the-art air defence system over other alternatives, including America's Patriot systems. Washington has reportedly halted the delivery of parts for F-35s already ordered by Ankara and threatened the country with sanctions as well as exclusion from NATO.
Indian Air Force Rafale Squadron to Be Based Near Chinese Border - Reports Sputnik 30 May 2019 -- New Delhi has signed a deal with the French government and Dassault Aviation to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets for over 7.8 billion euros in order to boost the Indian Air Forces (IAF), with the squadrons to be located in different parts of the country.
India's Modi Begins 2nd Term in Office Amid High Expectations VOA 30 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn in for a second term on Thursday during a glittering ceremony at the presidential palace in New Delhi, after a landslide election victory that sealed his position as the country's most powerful leader in decades.
Fresh clashes leave one dead, 70 injured in Indian-administered Kashmir Press TV 29 May 2019 -- A man has been killed and at least 70 people have been injured during clashes between protesters and New Delhi forces in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Pro-China Policies Unlikely in Australia, India After Recent Elections VOA 29 May 2019 -- In recent weeks, Australia and India have re-elected incumbent prime ministers. These Asia-Pacific countries, who have a difficult relationship with China, are unlikely to make the kind of policy changes that Beijing has been seeking for a long time, analysts said.
India's Navy Chief: Kashmir Airstrike Will Change Pakistan's Behaviour Sputnik 28 May 2019 -- The former princely state has been at the heart of India-Pakistan animosity for decades. In February, the age-old conflict flared up once again following an Indian air raid on a suspected terror camp within Pakistani territory.
India plans to resume Iran oil imports despite US ban: Report Press TV 28 May 2019 -- The Indian government is looking at ways to resume oil imports from Iran despite US sanctions which aim to dry up Iranian revenues, local media reported on Tuesday.
India Likely to Resume Iranian Oil Imports Amid US Sanctions - Source Sputnik 28 May 2019 -- India and Iran will begin figuring out a fresh payment channel to resume oil trade, according to a New Delhi official. The US had conveyed to New Delhi that India's "escrow account" used for Rupee-Rial trade cannot be operated after 2 May. Earlier, India had an option to trade in its national currency to circumvent the sanctions.
Security Beefed Up After Intel of Daesh Presence in Coastal India Sputnik 28 May 2019 -- Indian authorities have been on high alert since 23 May, following intelligence reports of 15 terrorists being on their way to the Lakshadweep group of islands in the southeastern part of the Arabian Sea in boats from neighbouring Sri Lanka.
India, Pakistan Continue to Test Weapons Systems Amid Tensions Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Since the Indian parliamentary elections, India has test-fired an air launched version of the BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile, followed by Pakistan launching its surface-to-surface Shaheen-II ballistic missile. Two days later, India test fired a 500 kg guided bomb near the border with Pakistan.
Two Indian Army Commanders Escaped Pakistan's Kashmir Air Strike - Report Sputnik 27 May 2019 -- Indian Northern Army Commander Lt Gen. Ranbir Singh and 16 Corps Commander Lt Gen. Paramjit Singh had left for another post, 700 metres from the military compound where the Pakistan Air Force dropped precision-guided glide bombs in an air strike on 27 February in retaliation to the IAF's strike a day earlier.
Does Congress Party Have a Future in Face of Modi Onslaught? VOA 27 May 2019 -- It was India's "Grand Old Party." The Congress Party ruled the country for 55 out of 71 years since independence. But following the party's crushing electoral debacle for a second time, there are questions about its future as the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty at its helm is unable to counter the most powerful leader India has produced in decades: Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pakistani, Indian PMs Speak For First Time Since Military Standoff RFE/RL 26 May 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, spoke for the first time since a military standoff earlier this year.
India Rules out Talks Until Pakistan Takes THIS STEP Sputnik 24 May 2019 -- The two countries wound up on the verge of war at the end of February 2019, after the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted airstrikes on alleged terrorist positions in Pakistani territory. Pakistan's Air Force (PAF) later retaliated, with at least one IAF MiG-21 being downed in the ensuing dogfight.
India Declares Bangladesh Based Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen as Terror Outfit Sputnik 24 May 2019 -- The decision was taken in view of the arrests of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) operatives by the Indian police from different parts of West Bengal in the last few months. Kolkata Police, during interrogations, said that the outfit is active in recruiting cadres for the group in bordering districts of the state.
Indian Elections US Dept. of State 24 May 2019
Indian Army Unit Looking After China Border Test-Fires BrahMos Missile Sputnik 24 May 2019 -- In 2018, the Indian government cleared the fourth regiment, which has over 100 upgraded BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, for deployment along the Sino-India border.
India Successfully Test Fires 500 Kg Guided Bomb Near Pakistani Border Sputnik 24 May 2019 -- South Asia's two nuclear armed nations are testing weapons amid talks of restoring peace in the region which has been disrupted since mid-February when the Indian Air Force targetted alleged terror infrastructure inside Pakistani territory in response to a terror attack on 14 February in which 40 Indian soldiers were killed in Kashmir.
Pakistan's Khan Says Ready To Work With India's Modi For 'Peace, Prosperity' RFE/RL 23 May 2019 -- Pakistan's prime minister has congratulated his Indian counterpart for his landslide general election victory, and said he looked forward to working with him for "peace, progress, and prosperity in South Asia."
India Terminates Iran Oil Imports - Envoy to US Sputnik 24 May 2019 -- India ended its imports of Iranian oil last month, Indian Ambassador to the United States Harsh Shringla told reporters at the country's embassy in Washington on Thursday.
Indian PM Modi wins landslide victory, vows 'inclusive' India Press TV 23 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to build a strong and inclusive nation after his ruling Hindu nationalist party headed for a landslide win in the South Asian country's marathon general elections.
Modi Wins Resounding Victory in India VOA 23 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to build a "strong and inclusive" country as the charismatic but polarizing leader swept back to power in the world's largest democracy with an even bigger mandate than he won five years ago.
Pakistan Says It Told India It's Ready for Peace Talks VOA 22 May 2019 -- The foreign ministers of Pakistan and India met informally Wednesday on the sidelines of a meeting of regional countries in Kyrgyzstan, the first contact between the two nuclear-armed South Asian rival nations since they stepped back from the brink of war in February.
Indian Soldier Killed, 7 Wounded in Explosion Near India-Pakistan Border Sputnik 22 May 2019 -- Earlier this month, two soldiers were injured in a similar explosion in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. In another incident in February, an army officer was killed in an IED blast that occurred in the Lam Jhanger area, near the Line of Control (LoC).
India Test Fires Air Launched Version of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Sputnik 22 May 2019 -- The 2.5-ton air-launched version of the BrahMos (BrahMos-A) missile, named after India's Brahmaputra River and Russia's Moskva River, has an operational range of around 300 km. It can be dropped from 500 to 14,000 metres.
Indian Space Agency Successfully Launches Country's All Weather Spy Satellite Sputnik 22 May 2019 -- The satellite holds great importance for the Armed Forces, as an Indian Air Force (IAF) official reportedly claimed that one Mirage 2000 had missed the target during India's air strike in Balakot, Pakistan on the suspected terror camps on 26 February due to bad weather.
Indian Air Defences Mistakenly Downed Own Military Helicopter - Reports Sputnik 21 May 2019 -- On 27 February, the daily newspaper Kashmir Vision reported that a combat Mi-17 V5 helicopter of the Indian Air Force crashed in the Budgam area in the state Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian Army Warns Pakistan Against Any Misadventure Along the Border Sputnik 20 May 2019 -- The latest warning by the Indian Army comes amidst existing sourness in Indian-Pakistan relations, triggered by the Pakistan-based terror group attacking Indian security personnel and India avenging it through air strikes on Pakistan-based alleged terror camps.
Exit polls predict win for incumbent Indian PM Modi Press TV 19 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling alliance led by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win a majority in the parliament, as voting ends in the South Asian country's marathon general elections.
India Election: Exit Polls Indicate Modi Heading for 2nd Term VOA 19 May 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will secure a second term in office according to exit polls announced after the country's mammoth general election wrapped up on Sunday.
India Reaches 'Milestone' in Anti-Air Capabilities After Firing Israeli Missile Sputnik 17 May 2019 -- The test enables India to share sensor data on air targets, including incoming enemy aircraft and cruise missiles, in real time. The Barak-8 is a supersonic surface-to-air missile with a range of 70-100 km.
'Honey-Trapped' Indian Soldier Suspected of Spying for Pakistan Arrested - Media Sputnik 17 May 2019 -- Officers of the Indian armed forces are allowed to have social media accounts but are barred from posting pictures in uniform, revealing their place of posting or any official material, including information on visits or plans regarding operations.
Eight killed in fierce gunbattle in Indian-controlled Kashmir Press TV 16 May 2019 -- Eight people, including six Kashmiri fighters, an Indian soldier and a local civilian, have been killed during a gunbattle between militants and government forces in the Indian-administered Kashmir.
Five, Including One Indian Soldier Killed in Fierce Gun Battle in Kashmir Sputnik 16 May 2019 -- The shootout began when Indian forces were conducting a search-and-cordon operation when suspected terrorists fired at them, leading to the encounter. The son of the house owner was also killed in the incident.
India leaves Iran guessing on oil imports: Report Press TV 15 May 2019 -- India has told Iran that it will decide on continuing oil purchases from Tehran after its elections, Indian newspapers reported on Wednesday.
India Prunes Purchase of 22 American Sea Guardian Drones - Source Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- India had plans to purchase 22 Sea Guardian drones for the navy, valued at around $2 billion. Instead, it will be around 12 such drones according to the new proposal, as the ministry wants to maximise the utilisation of the limited financial resources available to it, the source added.
Lockheed Martin Offers Exclusive F-21 Fighter Jets to India Sputnik 15 May 2019 -- American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has also proposed to set up a manufacturing facility in India adding that if New Delhi decides to go ahead with the purchase, it will not sell the new F-21 jets to any other country.
Iran's Zarif In New Delhi After India Halts Iranian Oil Imports RFE/RL 14 May 2019 -- Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held talks with his Indian counterpart in New Delhi after India halted imports of Iranian oil in the wake of renewed U.S. sanctions.
India Tests 'Abhyas' Live-Fire Target Drone Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- India's top military research agency, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), announced on Monday its first successful test of the Abhyas High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) drone, a new tool for live-fire weapons tests.
India to Move Its Air Defence Systems Closer to Pakistan Border - Report Sputnik 14 May 2019 -- Last month, Pakistan reportedly deployed medium-range LY-80/HQ-16 air defence systems near border bases to prevent any fresh intrusions by the Indian Air Force.
US Suggests India Ditch Russian S-400s for Patriot, THAAD Systems ? Reports Sputnik 12 May 2019 -- After failing to bully Turkey into backing out of a Russian air-defence deal, the United States has embarked on an attempt to discourage another country from buying Russian missile defence systems.
India's Election Turns Bitter as It Holds 2nd to Last Round of Polling VOA 12 May 2019 -- Undeterred by the soaring summer temperatures across the plains of India, millions of voters lined up in seven states on Sunday to cast ballots in an election that has turned increasingly bitter as the race appears to be getting tighter.
Indian Air Force Gets First Apache Attack Helicopter at US Boeing Plant Sputnik 11 May 2019 -- India and the US signed a contract on the delivery of 22 Apache helicopters back in 2015. The first batch is to be delivered by July.
Daesh claims setting up branch in Indian Kashmir Press TV 11 May 2019 -- The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has claimed it has established a new branch in the India-controlled Kashmir region.
India, US Air Force leaders participate in Executive Steering Group US Air Force 10 May 2019 -- Indian Air Force leaders visited Headquarters Pacific Air Forces for the annual India Executive Steering Group at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 30-May 3.
India Joins First-Ever Joint Naval Drill in Contested South China Sea Sputnik 10 May 2019 -- China weighed in on the incident in a strongly worded statement, saying that 'policies and actions' in the region by various state actors should be geared towards 'maintaining' the region's peace and stability, instead of undermining them.
IAF Intercepts & Forces Plane Entering Indian Airspace From Pakistan to Land Sputnik 10 May 2019 -- The aircraft had deviated from its scheduled flight path and entered Indian airspace in north Gujarat at 3:15pm local time, the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a statement.
U.S., Partner Navies Sail Together in South China Sea NNS 09 May 2019 -- A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer joined ships from the Indian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and Republic of Philippine Navy to sail through the South China Sea, May 2-8.
China's Iran oil imports rise to eight-month high Press TV 08 May 2019 -- China's oil imports from Iran climbed to the highest in eight months in April which saw countries stock on Iranian crude before exemptions from US sanctions expired, new tanker data shows.
IAF Plans to Buy Israeli Bunker Buster Version of Spice-2000 Bombs – Report Sputnik 08 May 2019 -- The Indian Air Force reportedly conducted the Balakot strike in Pakistan using Mirage 2000 fighters armed with Spice-2000 penetrator bombs. Because the target was visually obscured by clouds, strike pilots were unable to use the electro-optical seeker in the Spice kits.
Indian Army Defers War Fighting Exercise Amid Ongoing Tensions With Pakistan Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Earlier, the Pakistan Navy also cancelled all its overseas deployments, as the Indian Navy increased its naval assets in the northern Arabian Sea soon after the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on 14 February.
India to Deploy Russian-Origin T-90 Tanks Along Pakistan Border Sputnik 07 May 2019 -- Described as one of the most lethal MBTs in the world, the T-90S is vaunted for its mobility, lethal firepower, and first hit ability during engagements.
US Not to Force Private Firms to Sell Cheaper Oil to India Amid Iran Sanctions Sputnik 06 May 2019 -- The Indian Foreign Ministry had asked to extend their sanctions waiver for Iranian crude imports beyond 2 May, but the request failed to receive any positive response from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
India's ruling party leader in Kashmir killed ahead of polls Press TV 05 May 2019 -- Vice-president of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the disputed Kashmir's Anantnag district has been killed by unidentified gunmen ahead of elections.
India Plans to Build Copy of Britain's Largest Warship – Report Sputnik 05 May 2019 -- UK Minister for Defence Procurement Stuart Andrew remains extremely reticent about a possible deal with India on building an aircraft carrier similar to Britain's biggest warship HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Mirror reported.
India Complains About Pakistan Intel Agents Harassing its Diplomats – Reports Sputnik 05 May 2019 -- The stand-off between the two nuclear-armed neighbours escalated in mid-February after al-Qaeda* affiliated terrorists believed to be operating from Pakistani territory attacked an Indian security convoy in Pulwama, India. New Delhi subsequently launched airstrikes inside Pakistan that resulted in a series of clashes along the Line of Control.
3 militants killed in Indian-controlled Kashmir gunfight Global Times 03 May 2019 -- Three militants were killed and a trooper wounded on Friday in a fierce gunfight with government forces in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.
India-Pakistan Nuclear Exchange Would 'Immediately' Kill 20 Million – Official Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- Earlier this week, the Pakistani Army blasted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks about New Delhi's willingness to use its "mother of nuclear bombs" to retaliate in case of a nuclear war between the two South Asian powers.
Indian Forces Kill Three Militants in Kashmir, 20 Hurt Protesting the Move Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- The authorities have suspended Internet services across south Kashmir following clashes and a gunfight; a shutdown is being observed in the state's Shopian sector and other parts of neighbouring districts.
China, Turkey, India Silent on Buying Iran's Oil as US Ban Begins VOA 03 May 2019 -- Iran's biggest likely remaining oil customers, China, Turkey and India, were silent about purchases of Iranian crude Thursday as a total U.S. ban on such trade took effect, leaving their next moves a mystery.
India Considers Purchasing Russian Ka-31 Helicopters in $500 Mln Deal - Reports Sputnik 03 May 2019 -- India recently also started formal negotiations with Russia to purchase 21 MiG-29 fighter jets, worth over $800 million, to bolster the ageing fleet of the world's fourth-largest air force. In January, India approached Russia for 18 additional Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft, worth $700 million.
India, Pakistan Exchange Heavy Fire, Shelling along Line of Control Sputnik 02 May 2019 -- The exchange of fire came after a lull in hostilities which lasted over a week. Both sides targeted each other's security posts in the Shahpur and Kerni sectors. There was no immediate report of any loss of life on either side of the Line of Control (LoC), the de-facto border between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan Warns India of Much 'Stronger Response' in Case of Fresh Conflict Sputnik 01 May 2019 -- While formally naming the response "Operation Swift Retort", Pakistan's Chief of Air Staff said the PAF's retaliatory action to the Indian airstrike in February was a demonstration of firm resolve, capacity and capability in thwarting hostile actions against the country.
UN designates Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as global terrorist IRNA 01 May 2019 -- The United Nations Sanctions Committee on Wednesday placed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader Masood Azhar on its global terror list.
UN Lists Pakistani Cleric as Global Terrorist VOA 01 May 2019 -- A United Nations Security Council committee has designated the head of the Pakistan-based militant organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as a global terrorist after China withdrew its long-held objections to the designation.
Suspected Maoist attack kills 15 police commandos, driver in Indian state of Maharashtra Press TV 01 May 2019 -- Maoist rebels have attacked a van carrying police commandos in the insurgents' stronghold in western India and killed 15 officers and their driver in the western state of Maharashtra, local police officials say.

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May 2019 - India Special Weapons News