The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 498.58 Cr contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Normal Refit & Re-powering of INS Betwa.
The contract was inked in New Delhi on November 11, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
This project will provide a major impetus to the Government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make-in-India', while reinforcing the country's indigenous naval ship repair and maintenance capabilities.
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh received Director-General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London Dr Bastian Giegerich on a courtesy call in New Delhi on November 10, 2026.
During the interaction, the Defence Secretary was briefed on key IISS initiatives, including the Shangri-La Dialogue and proposed IISS events in India. The discussions focused on strengthening exchanges between academia, defence experts and strategic communities of India and Europe.
@HCI_London@MEAIndia
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh reviewed the operational preparedness of @trishakticorps at Sukna, West Bengal, with a focus on infrastructure development along the LAC and deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies. He lauded the Corps’ role in strengthening national security, infrastructure development and community welfare in border areas. He called upon the Defence Forces to remain vigilant against hybrid threats, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information warfare.
Read here: https://t.co/JzNTd4lZVZ
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh called upon the Defence Forces to maintain the highest level of preparedness, with a sharp focus on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to counter emerging threats.
Interacting with IAF personnel at Air Force Station, Bagdogra, on the eve of Diwali, he lauded the Air Warriors for serving as a robust shield for the security of the eastern sector. He also described the ‘Second Tour of Duty’ as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers.
Read here: https://t.co/93guyGbRv4
इस सप्ताह रक्षा क्षेत्र में आत्मनिर्भरता, आधुनिकीकरण और सामरिक सहयोग को नई गति मिली। अग्निपथ योजना में बदलाव, रक्षा उत्पादन एवं निर्यात में वृद्धि और स्वदेशी प्रलय मिसाइल का सफल परीक्षण प्रमुख उपलब्धियां रहीं।
वहीं, अंतरराष्ट्रीय रक्षा सं��ादों, संयुक्त सैन्य अभ्यासों और सशस्त्र बल चिकित्सा सेवाओं की जनसेवा ने भारत की रक्षा प्रतिबद्धता को और मजबूत किया। #WeeklyRecap
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@DefenceMinIndia
@SethSanjayMP
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@DefProdnIndia
@adgpi
@indiannavy
@IAF_MCC
@PIB_India
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri @SethSanjayMP will grace the closing ceremony of the 4th All India Sainik Schools National Games 2026 at Sainik School Bijapur, Vijayapura, Karnataka, on November 07, 2026.
Bringing together 544 cadets from 43 Sainik Schools across eight zones, the five-day championship celebrates sporting talent, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Read here: https://t.co/XXDYfwVKpA
I heartily commend the Armed Forces Medical Services on successfully conducting Operation DRISHTI and a Mega Multi-Speciality Medical Camp at Rairangpur, Odisha. I am informed that a large number of patients received medical treatment and several sight-restoring eye surgeries were performed at the camp.
The initiative to extend quality medical services to underserved regions across the country reflects the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces Medical Services to humanitarian service and its steadfast resolve to provide quality healthcare.
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight-test of the indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile ‘Pralay’ from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha on November 5, 2026.
The missile has been indigenously developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories, while Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), one of its Development-cum-Production Partners, has produced the system.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani elaborated on the new framework for induction of Agniveers into Indian Defence Forces during a press briefing held today at the National Media Centre, New Delhi.
Under the new framework, 25% of Agniveers will be inducted into regular service based on merit, while the remaining 75% will be offered an additional two-year engagement with higher remuneration and an enhanced Seva Nidhi package. Upon completion of this extended period, those willing to continue will have an opportunity for regular enrolment in the Defence Forces, subject to prescribed selection criteria.
The inaugural India–Canada Defence Dialogue was held virtually on 3 November 2026, co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Dr. Amit Telang and Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy), Department of National Defence, Canada Mr. Scott Millar.
Building on the momentum of high-level engagements, both sides explored avenues to strengthen defence cooperation in capacity building, military-technical exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, while exchanging views on regional and global issues.
A landmark decision by the Cabinet creates a defined, 100% pathway for all Agniveers to be absorbed into the Indian Defence Forces!
The new framework aligns the aspirations of Agniveers with operational efficiency:
- 25% Regular Induction: Based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces.
- 2-Year Extended Engagement: For the remaining 75%, an additional 2-year engagement period featuring higher remuneration, and an enhanced Seva Nidhi package.
- 100% Pathway to Regular Service: Post completion of this 2-year engagement period, all Agniveers will be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and meeting selection criteria.
#AgnipathScheme #Agniveer #IndianDefenceForces
AFMS conducted the 12th edition of Operation DRISHTI at Rairangpur, Odisha, treating over 4,000 patients and performing 365 sight-restoring eye surgeries. DGAFMS Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja visited the camp and appreciated medical teams for delivering free, specialised healthcare despite challenging weather conditions.
Read here: https://t.co/gDT8P1Y681
The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2026 was held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, today, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on emerging maritime challenges, regional security and cooperation. Addressing the gathering, Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh highlighted the crucial role of the maritime domain in India's national transformation as the country progresses towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan called for greater collective investment in ocean science and research, along with enhanced sharing of scientific data and technology to address emerging maritime challenges.
@DefenceMinIndia@SethSanjayMP@HQ_IDS_India@DefProdnIndia@adgpi@indiannavy@IAF_MCC@PIB_India
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the third edition of the Delhi Defence Dialogue at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA). He emphasised that ‘Aatmanirbharta’ must be viewed as a quest for technological sovereignty as self-reliance means ensuring that the nation's critical defence requirements are not held hostage to external dependencies.
Organised by MP-IDSA, the two-day dialogue brings together policymakers, representatives of the Defence Forces, defence industry, academia, think tanks and strategic experts from India and abroad to deliberate on India's evolving defence priorities and opportunities for international cooperation.
@rajnathsingh@DefenceMinIndia@SethSanjayMP@HQ_IDS_India@DefProdnIndia@indiannavy@IAF_MCC@PIB_India
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh, addressing the Delhi Defence Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi, emphasised that indigenous production and the independent sustenance of critical defence capabilities are vital for military preparedness in the 21st century. He highlighted that defence reforms, Aatmanirbharta, collaborations and exports are interconnected pillars of Viksit Bharat@2047, stressing the need to balance operational requirements with research freedom to drive innovation and build technological sovereignty. He also called for international partnerships based on co-development, co-production and shared innovation, stating that self-reliance positions India better for global collaborations.
Read here: https://t.co/CoUNUUCIfH
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh chaired the Consultative Committee meeting of the Ministry of Defence on ‘Modernisation of Indian Defence Forces’ in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a technologically empowered, future-ready military capable of addressing emerging security challenges. He also reiterated the ambitious targets of achieving Rs 3 lakh crore in defence production and Rs 50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
Read here: https://t.co/D4xyflgVxP
Met with the newly appointed Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Asutosh Dixit. He is a distinguished air warrior known for excellent leadership. I wish him a wonderful tenure ahead.
The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 53,866.50 crore with @OfficialGRSE and @goashipyardltd for the construction of eight Next Generation Corvettes (NGCs) for the @indiannavy. Indigenously designed by the Indian Navy, these advanced warships will strengthen maritime security, enhance operational capabilities and boost indigenous shipbuilding, generating substantial employment and reinforcing the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
Read here: https://t.co/P5M1pOireV
Three global energy platforms. One shared space for dialogue, collaboration and action.
Bharat RE Summit 2026 brings together the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo, the 9th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly and the 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen.
Across solar, green hydrogen, industry, policy and investment, leaders from across the energy ecosystem will come together in New Delhi to exchange ideas, build connections and explore opportunities for collaboration.
125+ countries. One platform.
Be part of the conversation.
📍 Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
📅 2–5 November 2026
#BRESummit