Rafale Goes Indigenous: ‘First Outside-France Build With Major India Localisation’ Says Defence Secretary Rajesh K Singh

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s military modernisation efforts. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted that this deal represents the first instance of Rafale aircraft being manufactured outside France, with substantial localisation under the ‘Make in India’

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Indian Deep-Tech Pioneer Space Fields Successfully Tests Historic Naval Rocket Solid Motor

In a landmark moment for India’s defence innovation ecosystem, deep-tech start-up Space Fields has achieved a world-first by hot-firing a rocket motor specifically developed for the Indian Navy.This feat marks the inaugural instance of a private Indian firm successfully testing solid propulsion hardware tailored for naval applications, underscoring the nation’s push towards indigenous

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India-China Dialogue Spotlights Border Peace And UNSC Support Amid BRICS Ties: MEA On India-China Strategic Dialogue

India and China have engaged in a crucial Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on peace and tranquillity along their shared border.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met his counterpart, China’s Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, on Tuesday. This discussion formed part of Ma’s visit, which overlapped with the BRICS Sherpa Meeting held

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‘India’s Autonomy Key To US Strategy Against Chinese Hegemony in Indo-Pacific’, Says Paul Kapur

US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia, Paul Kapur, has described India as a vital ally in countering China’s growing influence across the Indo-Pacific.Speaking on Wednesday during a subcommittee hearing on America’s foreign policy in South and Central Asia, Kapur emphasised that a robust and independent India plays a crucial role in maintaining regional balance.He explained that

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Macron’s Fourth India Trip Spotlights AI Ties And Innovation Horizon

French President Emmanuel Macron is preparing for his fourth visit to India, invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This trip underscores the robust momentum in the India-France strategic partnership, with a sharp focus on artificial intelligence cooperation and emerging technologies.The French Embassy in India announced the visit via a post on X. President Macron will engage in bilateral

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DAC Clears Path For SCALP Missiles To Bolster IAF’s Strike Arsenal

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted approval for the procurement of SCALP cruise missiles, marking a significant boost to the Indian Air Force’s long-range strike capabilities.This decision comes amid advanced negotiations with France for a deal valued at approximately €300 million, or around ₹3,200 crore, following the missiles’ proven

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India-EU FTA Accelerates: Commerce Secretary Eyes Operational Deal In Under 12 Months

India and the European Union are accelerating negotiations for a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal expressing confidence that it could become operational within a year. Speaking in Nuremberg, Germany, on 11 February 2026, Agrawal described the talks as proceeding on a "very fast track basis," underscoring a mutual determination to expedite the

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India’s AI Impact Summit Signals Shift To Sovereign System Leadership, Says Shanghai Consul General Pratik Mathur

India’s Consul General in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, has positioned the forthcoming AI Impact Summit 2026 as a landmark declaration of the nation’s strategic ambitions in artificial intelligence. In an op-ed published in Caixin Global, a prominent Chinese media outlet, Mathur asserts that the summit transcends mere technological exhibition.It signals India’s transition from AI adopter to a

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