August 2019 - India Special Weapons News

Indian government makes nearly 2 million people, mostly Muslims, stateless in Assam Press TV 31 Aug 2019 -- Nearly two million people, most of them expected to be Muslims, in northeast India are left facing statelessness as the Indian government seeks to weed out "foreign infiltrators."
Over 1.9 Million Residents of India's Assam Declared Non-Citizens in Court-Monitored Headcount Sputnik 31 Aug 2019 -- India's first campaign to identify genuine citizens in the northeastern state of Assam, which has seen a tide of illegal migration from Bangladesh, has published a final headcount. The process of updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam started in 2013 with a Supreme Court of India mandate.
2 Million in India's Assam State Face Prospect of Becoming Stateless VOA 31 Aug 2019 -- About two million people living in India's northeastern state of Assam face the unnerving prospect of becoming stateless as authorities wind down a mammoth process to identify illegal immigrants.
Terrorists Set to Infiltrate India from Multiple Launch Pads across LoC - Army Chief Sputnik 30 Aug 2019 -- In last two days, the army chiefs of both Pakistan and India have visited forward areas and reviewed the operational preparedness of their forces along the Line of Control (LoC). Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours has risen since New Delhi revoked Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir a special constitutional status.
Pakistan PM's Effort to Spotlight Kashmir Gets Lackluster Response VOA 30 Aug 2019 -- The Pakistani prime minister's call for the country to show solidarity with Kashmiris by standing outside their homes, shops and offices for 30 minutes Friday seemed to receive a lackluster response. Many questioned its efficacy.
Indian Air Force Seeks More Russian Fighter Jet Amid Dwindling Squadron Sputnik 30 Aug 2019 -- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is examining a proposal to purchase at least 33 Russian fighter jets to replace aircraft either damaged in accidents or taken out of service in recent years
In India's Assam State, Campaign against Illegal Immigrants Jeopardizes Millions VOA 30 Aug 2019 -- In India's northeastern Assam state, anxiety and panic is mounting among nearly four million people who fear they may no longer count as Indian citizens although many have lived in the country for decades.
Pakistani premier urges nationwide rallies in solidarity with Kashmiris Press TV 29 Aug 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has called on the entire nation to join mass demonstrations against the Indian government's decision to revoke special autonomous status of the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
India Deploys Armed Personnel before Publishing Assam's First-Ever Citizens' List: Report Sputnik 29 Aug 2019 -- Security has been tightened in India's Assam state ahead of the publication of the draft version of the first-ever National Register of Citizens (NRC).
India on High Alert Amid Intel Reports of Possible Pakistan-Trained Commando Infiltration Sputnik 29 Aug 2019 -- The news comes after the Indian Naval chief announced intelligence reports were suggesting Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) -trained terrorists may be preparing seaborne attacks against India.
Israel to Deliver Spice-2000 Bombs to Indian Air Force Next Month Sputnik 29 Aug 2019 -- India ordered Spice-2000 'building blaster' bombs from Israel in June this year, after their successful deployment during the February standoff with Pakistan. The Indian Air Force used the weapons to bomb the hideout of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed in a building in Balakot, in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on 26 February.
Russia Receives India's Advance Payment for S-400 Air Defence Systems - Gov't Agency Sputnik 29 Aug 2019 -- Washington has repeatedly criticised India's defence cooperation with Russia since it sees the country as its major partner in Southern Asia. The United States made an attempt in 2018 to prevent India from reaching the deal with Russia on purchasing the S-400s.
Moscow to Deliver the S-400 Triumf Missiles on Schedule: Russian Diplomat Sputnik 28 Aug 2019 -- India has contracted five S-400 Triumf surface to air missile systems from Russia that will serve as the backbone of the air defence system of the Indian Air Force. India signed the $5.4 billion deal in 2018 for the acquisition of the S-400 systems.
500 incidents of protests, hundreds injured in Kashmir lockdown: Sources Press TV 28 Aug 2019 -- Hundreds of incidents of protest have erupted in Indian-administered Kashmir since the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stripped the Muslim-majority Himalayan region of its autonomy and imposed a security clampdown more than three weeks ago.
Pakistan's Defence Ministry Accuses Indian Troops of Targeting Civilians in 'Unprovoked Fire' Near LoC Sputnik 27 Aug 2019 -- Indian-Pakistani relations have escalated since the Indian government announced a decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, which had granted the state a certain degree of autonomy for several decades.
India Not Poor, Has Resources for Space Programme: ISRO Chief Sputnik 27 Aug 2019 -- India is comfortably positioned economically to provide funds for its space programme and benefits to people, the country's space organisation chief has said.
Pakistan's Khan considering closing airspace to India: Official Press TV 27 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is considering a complete closure of airspace to India and blocking Indian land trade to Afghanistan via Pakistan, a senior government official says.
Pakistani Troops, Commandos in Proximity of Indian Border After PM's Threat Sputnik 27 Aug 2019 -- A day after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan mentioned "decisive action" on Kashmir, Pakistan has moved hundreds of its troops and elite commandos near to the Line of Control (LoC). Sources said the deployment indicates that India's western rival is preparing for "short term conflict".
Pakistani Foreign Minister Says Ready to End Confrontation with India on Kashmir - Report Sputnik 27 Aug 2019 -- The foreign minister of Pakistan, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, has said his country isn't keen to escalate matters with New Delhi on Kashmir, apparently contradicting Prime Minister Imran Khan's determination to support the "oppressed people" in the Indian-administered region at all costs.
Pakistan's Khan warns Kashmir issue could lead to nuclear war Press TV 26 Aug 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned that the issue of Kashmir could lead to a nuclear war between Islamabad and New Delhi if the international community failed to intervene.
It's Time to Decisively Act on Kashmir - Pakistani PM Sputnik 26 Aug 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday seemed to be comforting his countrymen, saying that Islamic nations that have not been supportive would return to supporting Pakistan in the future, but that the time has come for Pakistan's Kashmir policy to take a "decisive" turn.
New Delhi in Talks With Moscow Over Rocket Engines for Indian Space Programme - ISRO Chief Sputnik 26 Aug 2019 -- New Delhi and Moscow are negotiating the organisation of the India-based production of semi-cryogenic rocket engines using Russian technology for the South Asian country's space programme, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan said in an interview.
Remarks by President Trump and Prime Minister Modi of India Before Bilateral Meeting | Biarritz, France The White House 26 Aug 2019
India Gets Boeing's Last C-17 Globemaster III Heavy-Lift Aircraft Sputnik 26 Aug 2019 -- American aerospace giant Boeing on Monday delivered the 11th C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The plane is also the last C-17 produced by the company.
Indian Navy on Alert as Intel Suggests JeM Training Terrorists to Conduct Seaborne Attack Sputnik 26 Aug 2019 -- India's Naval Chief Admiral Karambir Singh claims that the military possesses intelligence that the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group is training terrorists in order to conduct a seaborne attack on India.
Kashmiri leader calls for peaceful protests, blasts information blockade Press TV 25 Aug 2019 -- A prominent pro-independence leader in the Indian-controlled Kashmir has called on people in the disputed region to continue holding "peaceful protests" despite attempts by New Delhi to stifle their voices.
India intensifies restrictions on Indian Kashmir after Friday clashes Press TV 24 Aug 2019 -- Some three weeks after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi controversially stripped Indian-controlled Kashmir of its autonomous status, the Muslim-majority region's main city of Srinagar looks like a ghost town scarred with military barricades, barely breathing under a massive lockdown.
France's Macron Urges Modi To Respect Rights In Kashmir, Avoid 'Escalation' RFE/RL 23 Aug 2019 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Paris is watching developments in Kashmir closely and urged him to respect the rights of people on both sides of the divided Himalayan region.
India, Pakistan Exchange Cross-Border Fire; One Indian Soldier Killed Sputnik 23 Aug 2019 -- Amid rising anger at the diplomatic level, the armed forces of India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, leaving one Indian soldier dead. The Indian Army said that it was retaliating to Pakistani fire.
France Set to Deliver First of 36 Rafale Fighter Jets to India in September Sputnik 23 Aug 2019 -- India and France have reiterated that their defence cooperation is one of the strongest pillars of their bilateral relationship, and they are making substantial progress in this sector.
France's Macron Urges Modi To Respect Rights In Kashmir, Avoid 'Escalation' RFE/RL 22 Aug 2019 -- Facing criticism from Republicans and Democrats, U.S. President Donald Trump has backed off a plan to slash some $4 billion in foreign aid already approved by lawmakers.
India, France May Start Discussion on Purchase of 36 More Rafale Fighter Jet Deal Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- Prior to departing for a three-nation state visit on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India and France have "excellent" bilateral ties and said he hoped the visit would "further promote our long-standing and valued friendship".
Kashmir communications shutdown a 'collective punishment' that must be reversed, say UN experts UN News 22 Aug 2019 -- End the crackdown on freedom of expression, was the strong call to the Government by India from five United Nations independent rights expert on Thursday.
Pakistan to Continue Corridor Project to Link Sikh Shrines, Despite Tension with India Sputnik 22 Aug 2019 -- The move to facilitate visa free travel is going ahead despite heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over New Delhi's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status.
At Least Two Killed In Kashmir Gunbattle Amid Rising Tensions RFE/RL 21 Aug 2019 -- Indian security forces killed a suspected militant in a gunbattle in Kashmir on August 21, police said, the first clash since New Delhi removed the special status of the territory this month.
President Trump Reportedly Offers to Mediate 'Complicated' Kashmir Dispute between India, Pakistan Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- US President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered to mediate between India and Pakistan to resolve their differences over the Kashmir region, according to media reports.
Lashkar Terrorist Killed in Kashmir After 12-Hour Gun-Battle with Security Forces Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- The protracted clash marked the first encounter between security forces and terrorists since the abrogation of the seven-decade-old special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution by parliament on 5 August.
India's Defence Minister Okays Revamp of Army Headquarters Sputnik 21 Aug 2019 -- India has started revamping its Army, and as a first step, the Defence Minister has okayed the reorganisation of Army headquarters with greater stress on combating corruption and an empowered body to address human rights issues.
Pakistan 'to take Kashmir dispute with India to ICC' Press TV 20 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says it will take India to the International Court of Justice (ICC) over New Delhi's recent decision to strip the disputed Muslim-majority Himalayan region of its autonomy.
Official: Border Skirmishes with India Kill 35 in Pakistani Kashmir VOA 20 Aug 2019 -- A top official in Pakistan disclosed Tuesday that recent cross-border skirmishes with India have killed dozens of people and injured hundreds of others on the Pakistani side of the disputed Kashmir region.
Trump talks to India, Pakistan PMs, urges de-escalation Press TV 20 Aug 2019 -- In separate phone calls, US President Donald Trump has urged the prime ministers of India and Pakistan to reduce tensions over the disputed Kashmir region.
Pakistan To Take Kashmir Dispute To ICJ RFE/RL 20 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says it will challenge New Delhi's decision to revoke the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
At Least One Person Killed After Pakistan and India Exchange Heavy Firing, Shelling across LoC Sputnik 20 Aug 2019 -- Amid existing bitterness since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, Indian and Pakistani troops deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir have exchanged heavy firing and shelling with mortars. An Indian official confirmed one soldier was killed and four others injured in the firing on Tuesday.
Trump, Pakistan's Khan Discuss Need to Reduce Tensions Over Kashmir Sputnik 20 Aug 2019 -- US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Kahn during a phone conversation discussed the need to reduce tensions over the Kashmir crisis, the White House said in a statement.
Data from India's Moon Mission to Help NASA's Human Mission: Indian Space Agency Chief Sputnik 20 Aug 2019 -- India's second Moon Mission Chandrayaan-2, is expected to land on the Moon next month, and will "boldly venture where no country has ever gone before – the Moon's south polar region.
India's Second Moon Mission, Chandrayaan-2 Successfully Enters Lunar Orbit Sputnik 20 Aug 2019 -- India's ambitious space mission with its second lunar probe Chandrayaan-2 crossed another hurdle successfully by inserting the satellite into the lunar orbit on Tuesday at 9:02 a.m. IST as planned.
Unmanned Indian Probe Enters Lunar Orbit VOA 20 Aug 2019 -- An unmanned Indian space probe successfully entered lunar orbit Tuesday, passing a crucial step towards a historic milestone for the country's fledgling space program.
India to Phase Out Obsolete MiG-21 Combat Jets By December - Air Force Chief Sputnik 20 Aug 2019 -- Struggling to meet required combat strength with their current jets, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief on Tuesday said the force can't wait for homegrown equipment and will replace obsolete planes at an appropriate time.
Pakistan accuses India of using water as weapon of war Press TV 19 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says India has failed to inform it about the release of water from a dam that could cause flooding across the border, accusing New Delhi of waging an all-out warfare against Islamabad.
Pakistan Summons Indian Diplomat After India Uses Anti-Tank Guided Missiles in Cross-Border Firing Sputnik 19 Aug 2019 -- A day after the Pakistani military claimed two civilians were killed in ceasefire violations by India along the Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan summoned an Indian diplomat in Islamabad on Monday.
Talks With Islamabad Can Only be About 'Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir' - Indian Defence Minister Sputnik 18 Aug 2019 -- Indian Defence Minister and senior leader of the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajnath Singh on Sunday supported his party's election campaign for upcoming regional assembly polls in Haryana from northern city of Kalka.
World Must Seriously Consider Safety and Security of India's Nuclear Arsenal - Pakistan PM Khan Sputnik 18 Aug 2019 -- Earlier in the week, India's Defence Minister stated that the country's policy regarding its nuclear weapons may be set to change for the first time since India became a nuclear power back in 1998.
4,000 detained by India in Kashmir since autonomy stripped: Govt. source Press TV 18 Aug 2019 -- Thousands of people have been detained in Indian-controlled Kashmir over fears of outbreaks of unrest after the New Delhi government revoked the Muslim-majority Himalayan region's autonomy.
Reports of curfew after India says Kashmir curbs eased Press TV 18 Aug 2019 -- Indian authorities have reimposed restrictions on movement in major parts of Kashmir's biggest city, a day after it was said New Delhi was easing some of the curbs.
India Again Tightens Kashmir Curbs After Overnight Clashes RFE/RL 18 Aug 2019 -- Authorities in Indian-held Kashmir reimposed limits on people's movement on August 18 following a flare-up in violence as officials claimed to be easing their nearly two-week crackdown sparked by a downgrade in the region's autonomy.
India, Pakistan exchange heavy cross-border fire in Kashmir Press TV 17 Aug 2019 -- India and Pakistan have exchanged "heavy" fire across the militarized de facto border in disputed Kashmir valley, days after New Delhi's decision to scrap the autonomy of the Muslim-majority Himalayan region.
India announces easing of brutal curfew over Kashmir Press TV 17 Aug 2019 -- Officials in the disputed Indian-controlled Kashmir region have started restoring landline phone lines since imposing a brutal curfew and news blackout on the majority-Muslim territory in early August.
Khan Welcomes UN Security Council Discussions On Kashmir RFE/RL 17 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on August 17 welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to discuss tensions in the disputed region of Kashmir.
India, Pakistan Exchange Heavy Firing Along LoC Amid Kashmir Row, One Soldier Killed Sputnik 17 Aug 2019 -- Earlier in the month, India announced a decision to amend Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution, repealing the state's special status, and splitting the territory into two federally administered enclaves - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
'Jammu and Kashmir Restrictions to be Eased Gradually' - Politician Sputnik 17 Aug 2019 -- Restrictions imposed in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of constitutional Articles 370 and 35A granting special status to the state will be eased gradually, a top bureaucrat said on Friday.
First UNSC Meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in Almost 50 Years Yields No Result Sputnik 17 Aug 2019 -- The only reported progress of Friday's closed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the disputed region was a handshake between Pakistani journalists and India's envoy to the UN Syed Akbaruddin, who reportedly assessed it "a sign of friendship."
India Begins Restoring Communications to Kashmir VOA 17 Aug 2019 -- Officials in India-controlled Kashmir began restoring telephone service Saturday to the Himalayan region.
Pakistan says UNSC meeting shows Kashmir not India's domestic matter Press TV 16 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says holding a meeting by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) "nullifies" that Jammu and Kashmir is a domestic matter for India, which scrapped the autonomy of the Muslim-majority Himalayan region earlier this month.
UN Security Council Discusses Kashmir Escalation VOA 16 Aug 2019 -- The U.N. Security Council met privately Friday to discuss India's Aug. 5 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which has led to a security crackdown in the territory and an escalation in tensions with neighboring Pakistan.
Hundreds Clash With Police In Indian Kashmir Ahead Of Security Council Meeting RFE/RL 16 Aug 2019 -- Hundreds of protesters in Indian-controlled Kashmir have clashed with police, even as New Delhi said it would begin easing restrictions in the disputed region after a nearly two-week communications blackout.
At Least 4 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Clashes With India in Kashmir Over 24 Hours - Army Sputnik 16 Aug 2019 -- At least four servicemen of the Pakistan Army were killed over the past 24 hours in clashes with Indian soldiers in the disputed Kashmir region at the border between the countries, the Pakistan Army said in a statement on Friday.
Kashmir 'Curbs' to Be Lifted Gradually VOA 16 Aug 2019 -- Indian government officials say restrictions imposed on the Indian-controlled Kashmir region will be "lifted gradually."
India hints at ending 'No First Use' nuclear policy Press TV 16 Aug 2019 -- India has hinted at the possibility of changing its "No First Use" policy on nuclear weapons, amid escalating tensions with fellow-atomic state Pakistan over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Indian Defence Minister Hints at Possibility of Nuclear Policy Change Amid Tensions with Pakistan Sputnik 16 Aug 2019 -- India's Defence Minister has suggested that the country's policy regarding its nuclear weapons may be set to change for the first time since India became a nuclear power back in 1998.
Indian Firm Needs Fresh Sukhoi Aircraft Order to Keep Production Plant Running - Report Sputnik 16 Aug 2019 -- An Indian government facility manufacturing Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft under license of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation says it may have to close production by March 2020 if no fresh orders are received.
Pakistan says five killed by Indian fire in Kashmir flare-up Press TV 15 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says "unprovoked firing" by India across the heavily militarized de facto border in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir has killed three soldiers and two civilians in separate incidents.
Indian PM Defends Kashmir Changes In Independence Day Speech RFE/RL 15 Aug 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that revoking Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status will restore the region to its "past glory" and play an "important role" in the country's development.
Indian, Pakistani Military Exchange Heavy Fire Along LoC in Kashmir, Ten Reported Dead Sputnik 15 Aug 2019 -- Decades of tensions between India and Pakistan over the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir escalated this spring after a terror attack killed dozens of Indian security personnel, and came to a head last week after New Delhi announced the suspension of the region's special status.
Pakistani PM Imran Khan Warns of "Ethnic Cleansing of Muslims" Amid Kashmir Tensions With India Sputnik 15 Aug 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has claimed that the silence of the international community on the possible threat of "genocide" against Kashmiri Muslims could lead to serious consequences, including a violent response from the Muslim world.
Pakistan Reports Deadly Clashes With India in Kashmir VOA 15 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says three of its soldiers were killed Thursday in clashes with India across the disputed Kashmir border, known as the Line of Control (LoC), amid increasing tensions between the two nations over the Himalayan region.
Indian PM Modi Addresses Independence Day Amid Kashmir Tensions, Vows to Expose Exporters of Terror Sputnik 15 Aug 2019 -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made his sixth consecutive Independence Day address. Modi held his speech at the historic landmark Red Fort in New Delhi after a flag hoisting ceremony.
Pakistan Claims India Preparing for Cross-Border Attack VOA 14 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan warned Wednesday rival India is planning a major cross-border military attack "to divert world attention" from its recent crippling crackdown in its part of the disputed Kashmir region.
India's Chandrayaan-2 Leaves Earth's Orbit, Heading Towards Moon Sputnik 14 Aug 2019 -- India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 successfully left Earth's orbit on Wednesday morning. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the spacecraft entered a Lunar Transfer Trajectory. The spacecraft is expected to reach the moon's orbit on 20 August.
Pakistan's PM vows to respond to any aggression in Kashmir Press TV 14 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned India that Pakistan is prepared to respond to any aggression in the disputed region of Kashmir as tensions skyrocketed between the nuclear-armed rivals in the wake of New Delhi's revocation of the autonomy of the Muslim-majority Himalayan region.
Pakistan Will Respond To Any Aggression In Kashmir, Khan Warns India RFE/RL 14 Aug 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has used a speech marking the country's Independence Day to accuse India of planning military action in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Pak Troops, People Ready to Fight India till Last Breath: PM Imran Khan Sputnik 14 Aug 2019 -- Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan will retaliate with full force if India attacks it. The two nuclear-armed nations are once again at loggerheads after New Delhi stripped Kashmir of its special constitutional status.
India Deploys Elite Commando Unit for Railway Projects on Kashmir and China Border Sputnik 14 Aug 2019 -- Indian Railways deployed an elite commandoes unit to secure at least ten strategically important ongoing projects in Kashmir and other Himalayan states bordering China. The development comes on the backdrop of the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir last week.
India says easing restrictions in Kashmir 'in phased manner' Press TV 13 Aug 2019 -- The Indian government says it is easing the severe restrictions across Kashmir in a "phased manner," days after it imposed a curfew and communication blackout in the Muslim-majority Himalayan region.
Pakistan Wants Emergency UN Meeting On Kashmir RFE/RL 13 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan on August 13 called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council following India's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy, which Islamabad says threatens international peace and could lead to ethnic cleansing and genocide in the Muslim-majority region.
As Pak Moves Military Equipment near Border, Indian Army chief Says 'Well-prepared' to Strike Back Sputnik 13 Aug 2019 -- Indian and Pakistani armies recently exchanged heavy fire across the border over several days, leaving at least four dead on the Pakistani side and one on the Indian side while nearly 40 others were wounded. Most recently, the revocation of Kashmir's special status has intensified India-Pakistan tensions.
India Orders Russian Equipment for First Manned Space Mission - Russian Manufacturer Sputnik 13 Aug 2019 -- India has ordered Russia's space equipment as it is preparing to send its first manned mission to orbit, according to Sergey Pozdnyakov, general director and chief designer of Research & Development Production Enterprise Zvezda, a Russian company manufacturing life-support systems for human spaceflights.
China Holds Sovereignty and Administrative Jurisdiction over Ladakh: Chinese FM Sputnik 12 Aug 2019 -- Days after India declared Ladakh a separate territory under the direct control of the central government, Beijing on Monday made it crystal clear that it does not accept this and that it will not change its position that China exercises sovereignty and administrative jurisdiction over the territories involved.
Pakistan Won't Give India Opportunity to 'Cover Up Crimes in Kashmir', Army Chief Claims Sputnik 12 Aug 2019 -- General Qamar Javed Bajwa was addressing army troops during his visit to the Line of Control (LoC) in the Bagh sector of Pakistan-administered Kashmir on the occasion of the Eid ul Adha festival.
India vows charter amendment won't change Kashmir's Line of Control Global Times 12 Aug 2019-- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Beijing on Monday, during which the Indian diplomat pledged that India's constitutional amendment won't create new sovereignty claims and won't change the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kashmir region.
Indian Security Force Denies Rift with Local Police in Kashmir Amid Conflicting Reports of Violence Sputnik 12 Aug 2019 -- Amid reports of an unprecedented clampdown on communication services, India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday categorically denied reports of a serious rift with local police over the movement of people in the state.
India Focused on Creating Laser-Based Energy Weaponry for Future Warfare - Defence Research Chief Sputnik 12 Aug 2019 -- India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is now actively working on creating laser and microwave-based directed energy weapons (DEWS) for the country's armed forces.
India Favours Stable Relations With China After Beijing Criticises Kashmir Move Sputnik 12 Aug 2019 -- Days after China called the Indian government's move on Kashmir "unacceptable", India's External Affairs Minister has emphasised that India-China relations should be a "factor of stability" in an uncertain world.
Pakistan Cuts Last Public Transport Link With India Over Kashmir Dispute RFE/RL 11 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says it has cut the last remaining public transport link with India -- a bus line linking Lahore with New Delhi -- as its anger mounts over a dispute with its nuclear rival over the divided Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Sonia Gandhi Elected as Interim President of Indian National Congress Sputnik 11 Aug 2019 -- The executive committee of the opposition Indian National Congress – the Congress Working Committee – elected on Saturday Sonia Gandhi as the interim president of the party.
Pakistan cuts last remaining transport link to India over Kashmir dispute Press TV 10 Aug 2019-- Pakistan has suspended a bus linking Lahore to India's capital in reaction to New Delhi's revocation of the autonomy of the disputed Kashmir region.
As Trump Scales Back, Asian Heavyweights Prep for World's Biggest Trade Pact VOA 09 Aug 2019 -- The world's biggest free trade pact may be just months from final signatures after talks this month appeared to bring the trade group's 16 members closer to agreement.
Pakistan halts final rail link with India in Kashmir dispute Press TV 09 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan has decided to suspend the last rail link to India in reaction to New Delhi's revocation of the autonomy of the disputed Kashmir region.
Pakistan Urges International Community to Help Avert Alleged "Genocide in Kashmir" Sputnik 09 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the international community to play its role in addressing the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir and help avert, what he called "genocide in Kashmir".
US Says Will Continue to Support Direct Dialogue Between India, Pakistan on Kashmir Sputnik 09 Aug 2019 -- The United States has said it is closely watching the impact of India's recent move to alter the territorial status of Jammu and Kashmir and urged both New Delhi and Islamabad to engage in direct dialogue to resolve issues of concern.
No Plan to Revoke Special Status of North-Eastern Indian States - Gov't Sputnik 09 Aug 2019 -- The Indian government said it has no plans to revoke Article 371 of the Indian Constitution that grants special provisions to the North-Eastern Region after Jammu and Kashmir were split into two union territories.
Pakistan Cabinet Approves Trade Suspension, Train Service Stop With India Over Kashmir Row Sputnik 09 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan earlier paused diplomatic and trade ties with India, protesting against New Delhi's decision to cancel the autonomy of the Muslim-dominated Jammu and Kashmir - contested lands between the two neighbouring countries.
Pakistan Says Not Seeking Military Option With India Over Kashmir VOA 08 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan has suspended the only passenger rail service with India and banned the screening of Indian movies in the country's theaters, a day after downgrading relations with New Delhi for its "illegal" revocation of the constitutional autonomy of Kashmir.
Guterres appeals for 'maximum restraint' over Jammu and Kashmir, as tensions rise UN News 08 Aug 2019 -- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for 'maximum restraint' over the territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, which has been disputed by India and Pakistan, since the end of British rule in the late 1940s.
India, Pakistan 'clash in Kashmir' at delicate moment Press TV 08 Aug 2019 -- Violent clashes have reportedly erupted between Indian and Pakistani troops along the border in Kashmir, a significant escalation at a time of already high tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Pakistan's Attorney General Considering Taking Kashmir Matter to ICJ – Foreign Ministry Sputnik 08 Aug 2019 -- The Pakistani attorney general is examining the possibility of challenging India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir state in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Faisal said on Thursday.
Pakistan Rules Out Using 'Military Option' in Kashmir to Counter Indian Decision Sputnik 08 Aug 2019 -- Tensions between the two nuclear-armed foes have reached a boiling point following India's decision to strip the state of Jammu and Kashmir, a predominantly Muslim region, of its semi-autonomy.
India's Modi Says Lifting Kashmir's Special Status Will Help End Terrorism RFE/RL 08 Aug 2019 -- Stripping Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status will allow New Delhi to rid the region of "terrorism and separatism," the country's Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, alleging that Pakistan used the past arrangement as a "weapon" against India.
India's Modi Brands Abolished Article 370 as Pakistani 'Tool', Source of Graft and Terrorism Sputnik 08 Aug 2019 -- The Indian prime minister says that Article 370 was used to bar Kashmiri youth from enjoying the same benefits as their peers in other parts of the country, and that that provision only led to terrorism and corruption.
Indian Su-30MKI Fighter Jet Crashes in Country's Northeast Sputnik 08 Aug 2019 -- Both pilots managed to eject from the plane, but sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, local media have reported.
India Urges Pakistan to Reconsider Decision to Downgrade Diplomatic Ties, Halt Trade Amid Kashmir Row Sputnik 08 Aug 2019 -- Earlier, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced that it had expelled an Indian envoy and will not send its envoy to Delhi. Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria and Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia were summoned by Pakistani foreign ministry and informed about the decision to expel Indian envoy to Pakistan.
Indian PM Vows to Spur Kashmir Development After Scrapping Special Status VOA 08 Aug 2019 -- As Indian Kashmir remained in an unprecedented lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised Kashmiris the beginning of a "new era" as a result of his government's decision to scrap the region's special status and bring it under New Delhi's control.
Heightened Security Keeps Kashmir in Lockdown VOA 07 Aug 2019 -- Indian Kashmir remained in a state of heightened security to prevent protests, but despite a heavy deployment of troops, scattered incidents of stone throwing by small groups were reported in the capital, Srinagar.
Heavy Firing Reported Between Indian, Pakistani Military Along Line of Control in Kashmir Sputnik 07 Aug 2019 -- The ceasefire violation took place as relations between India and Pakistan continue to deteriorate amid tensions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan downgrades India ties as China slams New Delhi over Kashmir Press TV 07 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan has announced that it will expel the Indian envoy and suspend trade in a deepening row over New Delhi's move to tighten its grip on disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Pakistan Downgrades Relations With India, Suspends Trade, Expels Top Envoy RFE/RL 07 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says it is downgrading its relations with nuclear rival India, suspending bilateral trade, and expelling New Delhi's top envoy, as tensions soar over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
Pakistan's PM Khan Calls National Security Committee Session to Discuss Kashmir Tensions - Reports Sputnik 07 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan summoned on Wednesday a session of the National Security Committee (NSC), the second one within a week, following India's move to revoke the special status of its Jammu and Kashmir state, Geo News media outlet reported.
Pakistan Downgrades Ties With India as Tensions Rise Over Kashmir VOA 07 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan says it is expelling India's high commissioner to Islamabad, just hours after downgrading diplomatic and trade ties with New Dehli for stripping the disputed Kashmir region of its special status, as bilateral relations continue to deteriorate.
Amid Lockdown in Kashmir, Indian Parliament Approves Resolution to Revoke Its Special Status VOA 07 Aug 2019 -- As Kashmir remained locked down for a second straight day, India's parliament approved scrapping the special status that gave Kashmir significant autonomy, and passed a bill to split the state.
India's 2nd moon mission completes 5th and final earth-bound orbit People's Daily 07 Aug 2019 -- India's second moon mission, or Chandrayaan-2, successfully completed its fifth and final earth-bound orbit and is on its journey towards the moon, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) said on Tuesday.
India finding it hard to replace Iranian oil: Envoy Press TV 07 Aug 2019 -- India's ambassador to the US says American sanctions on Iran are hurting his country which is finding it hard to replace Iranian oil imports.
Pakistan's army 'to go to any extent' to support Kashmir Press TV 06 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan's army chief says the country's military will "go to any extent" to support people in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir, after New Delhi's decision to strip the restive Muslim-majority region of its autonomous status.
UN urges India, Pakistan to stay calm as Kashmir heats up Press TV 06 Aug 2019 -- The United Nations (UN) has urged India and Pakistan to maintain peace as tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors escalate again in the wake of New Delhi's move to strip the disputed Kashmir region of its special autonomy.
Pakistan Vows To Challenge India Over Kashmir Moves RFE/RL 06 Aug 2019 -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to use "every forum" to force New Delhi to reverse its decision to strip Indian-administered Kashmir of its special status and split the Himalayan state.
Pakistani Army to 'Go to Any Extent' to Support Kashmiris in Their Struggle - Military Chief Sputnik 06 Aug 2019 -- On Monday India stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and submitted legislation to parliament to divide the state into two federally administered territories. Pakistan responded by saying that it would explore all possible options to counter the 'illegal steps.'
Pakistan Says Stripping Kashmir of Special Status May Impair Regional Peace and Security Sputnik 06 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan has written a letter to the UN Secretary General to apprise him of the fallout of India's decision to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, warning that it would threaten peace and security in the region.
Pakistan's PM Vows to Reach Out to Global Stakeholders on Kashmir VOA 06 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan began a special joint session of its parliament Tuesday to discuss a possible response a day after rival India revoked the special status for Kashmir, the disputed Himalayan region both the countries claim in its entirety.
India's Kashmir Legislations Sail Through Parliamentary Scrutiny Sputnik 06 Aug 2019 -- Indian Parliament cleared historic legislation to withdraw special status to the restive Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate it into two federally administered territories. The upper house of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha passed the legislation on Monday 5 August, and the lower Lok Sabha okayed it on Tuesday 6 August.
Indian Army Reviews Kashmir Situation, Says Troops in Operational Readiness Sputnik 06 Aug 2019 -- A day after India stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and moved legislation in Parliament to bifurcate the state into two federally administered territories, the Indian army reviewed the situation in the region.
Indian Military Put on High Alert After Revocation of Kashmir Special Status Sputnik 05 Aug 2019 -- The Indian Army and Air Force have been put on high alert in the state of Jammu and Kashmir following the government's move to revoke Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to the state.
India Sends 8,000 More Troops to Kashmir After State's Special Status Revoked - Reports Sputnik 05 Aug 2019 -- The Indian government on Monday sent at least 8,000 additional paramilitary troops to Jammu and Kashmir after the president revoked a constitutional article granting a special status to the contested state, NDTV broadcaster reported, citing sources.
India Scraps Kashmir's Decades-Old Special Status Amid Massive Security Clampdown VOA 05 Aug 2019 -- In a far-reaching move, India's Hindu nationalist government has scrapped the special autonomous status given to Kashmir for decades, sparking fears of a backlash in its only Muslim-majority region.
India strips Kashmir of autonomous status; Pakistan warns of 'all options' Press TV 05 Aug 2019 -- The Indian government has scrapped the special autonomy status for the disputed region of Kashmir as part of attempts to fully integrate the Muslim-majority region with the rest of the country.
U.S. Concerned By Events In Kashmir, UN Calls For Restraint RFE/RL 05 Aug 2019 -- The United States says it is closely following events in Kashmir after India revoked the special status of the Indian-administered part of the Himalayan region.
Indian Government Moves To Revoke Disputed Kashmir's Special Status RFE/RL 05 Aug 2019 -- India's government has moved to revoke the special status of Indian-administered Kashmir after sending thousands of troops into the restive Himalayan region and cutting phone and Internet services in the region.
War of words escalates between India, Pakistan as tensions run high over Kashmir Press TV 04 Aug 2019 -- Tensions have flared up between India and Pakistan, with the two nuclear-armed neighbors trading accusations over the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
India Imposes Restrictions in Kashmir Region Amid Military Build-Up - Reports Sputnik 04 Aug 2019 -- New Delhi has reportedly deployed at least 10,000 troops in the disputed region of Kashmir, with local media reports of a further 25,000 ordered to the region.
Pakistani PM Imran Khan Warns of Regional Crisis in Kashmir, Asks Donald Trump to Intervene Sputnik 04 Aug 2019 -- Recent weeks have been marred by a spate of violence along the Indian-Pakistani border in Jammu and Kashmir, which is disputed by the two nuclear powers. Both countries' forces have clashed along the Line of Control, while local authorities have ordered civilians, including Hindu pilgrims and numerous tourists, to leave.
India Test-Fires Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile Amid Tensions With Pakistan Sputnik 04 Aug 2019 -- The Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited for the Indian Army.
Pakistan Alleges India Used 'Cluster Munitions' in Cross-Border Fire VOA 03 Aug 2019 -- Pakistan on Saturday accused rival India of breaching international humanitarian laws by using "cluster munitions" in the latest cross-border skirmishes in Kashmir, saying the weapons killed at least two civilians and injured 11 others on the Pakistani side of the divided region.
India Foils Infiltration Attempt by Pakistani Military Squad, Eliminates Regulars - Reports Sputnik 03 Aug 2019 -- Earlier in the day, the Pakistani military accused the Indian Army of shelling civilians with "cluster munitions", with the latter fiercely denying the allegations.
One Indian Soldier Killed, Two Injured in Ongoing Gunfight in Kashmir Sputnik 02 Aug 2019 -- As per the sources, 2-3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. Two days ago the same group of terrorists, as per army sources, managed to flee from the site. Meanwhile, clashes have erupted between locals and security forces near the area.
India Rejects US President Trump's Renewed Mediation Offer on Kashmir Sputnik 02 Aug 2019 -- New Delhi has again rejected US President Donald Trump's mediation offer to resolve the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. This is the second time Donald Trump has come out with similar statements and claimed that he had discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Fearing Terror Strikes, India Orders Return of Tourists and Pilgrims From Kashmir Sputnik 02 Aug 2019 -- India's northern Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered tourists and pilgrims to the Cave Shrine of Amarnath to return, in view of heightened terror threats. An order issued by the provincial government says that intelligence inputs indicate there are threats to the pilgrims.
India, US May Sign Defence Pacts, Enabling Washington to Share Critical Military Tech Sputnik 02 Aug 2019 -- Boosting their defence cooperation, India and the US may finalise two defence agreements -- the Industrial Security Annexure (ISA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) -- on Friday to implement them in the near future.
Thailand Likely to Become First Importer of BrahMos Supersonic Missile Developed by Russia and India Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Thailand is likely to become first importer of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia, with a diplomatic official in New Delhi confirming that India is in advanced talks with the southeast Asian country for the purchase.
India Expresses 'Grave Concern' over US Military Sale to Pakistan Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Days after the US State Department approved the sale of F-16 fighter jet technical support to Pakistan, India expressed "grave concern" to the Trump administration over the deal.
India Moves 25,000 More Troops to Pakistan Border Amid Escalation - Report Sputnik 01 Aug 2019 -- Since 2003, India and Pakistan have repeatedly accused each other of violating the ceasefire, with continued instability in the region leading to the emergence of various extremist groups.

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August 2019 - India Special Weapons News