Israel continued to step up its ground operation in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas conflict entered day 23. Israel Defense Forces struck numerous major targets of Hamas, killing its top commanders. Amid the ongoing aerial assault on Hamas, PM Modi spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on the counter-offensive. Both leaders exchanged views on continuing global efforts to rush humanitarian aid to war-ravaged Gazans. Taking to X, PM Modi said that both leaders shared concerns over terrorism, loss of civilian lives amid the ongoing conflict. The two leaders also voiced satisfaction over the progress in bilateral relations, strategic partnership between Egypt, India.
29 October,2023 11:57 AM IST
Sigh of relief for the people of Gaza as 20 trucks carrying Humanitarian aid crossed Rafah border on Oct 21. Rafah crossing between Gaza, Egypt has been non-operational after Hamas launched surprise attack on Israel. International attention has focused on getting aid to Gaza through the access point not controlled by Israel, the Rafah crossing. Satellite images released on Oct 20 showed trucks lined up on the Egyptian side of Rafah crossing with Gaza. Aid from several countries was halted for days pending a deal for its safe delivery to Gaza. Also, hundreds of Palestinians desperately want to leave Gaza through the Rafah border crossing. Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, a 45-km-long (25-mile) enclave, has worsened conditions for 2.3 million people.
21 October,2023 05:44 PM IST | Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in France to attend Bastille Day parade as Guest of Honor. Defense Ministry approved proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft, 3 Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy from France. The proposal was approved by Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, three services chiefs and seniors also attended the meeting. As per proposals, Indian Navy is likely to get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft. The three Scorpene class submarines would be acquired under the repeated clause by Navy as part of Project 75. Notably, deals are estimated to be worth over Rs 90,000 crore but the final cost would be clear only after contract negotiations. The deals, which have been accorded Acceptance of Necessity by DAC, are likely to be announced during PM Modi’s visit to France. The Indian Navy has been pressing for acquiring these fighter aircraft and submarines urgently. The aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya, Vikrant have been operating the MiG-29s and need the Rafales for operations on both carriers. India is likely to seek price concessions in deal and would be insisting on having more 'Make-in-India' content in the plan.
14 July,2023 11:28 AM IST | Mumbai
PM Modi arrived at Elysee Presidential Palace in Paris, France on July 13. He was warmly received by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife. The Indian PM will attend Private Dinner hosted by French President Macron. PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day official visit to France. He has been invited by French President as a ‘Guest of Honour’ for Bastille Day Parade. Marking a historic moment, France has conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is the highest military or civilian order in France. Prime Minister Narendra Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to receive this honour. The award ceremony took place at the Elysee Palace in Paris.
14 July,2023 11:19 AM IST | MumbaiADVERTISEMENT
