Page 2 - External Affairs Defence Security News

World leaders greet Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM

World Leaders on Wednesday greeted Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister, praising his leadership and dedication to public service. Narendra Modi reached the milestone of becoming India's longest-serving prime minister on Wednesday, with an unbroken tenure of 4,399 days in office, surpassing the record of the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison congratulated PM Modi and praised him for transforming India's economy. "Warm congratulations to PM @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister. A true statesman who has transformed India's economy and standing in the world. Proud of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we built together," Morrison posted on social media on Wednesday. Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, praised Modi for his years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India's development. "This achievement stands as a testament to his years

US Senators, business leaders greet Modi on becoming longest-serving PM

US Senator John Cornyn, the co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, has greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for becoming the longest-serving elected prime minister and said his tenure has been "nothing short of transformational". On Wednesday, Narendra Modi became India's longest-serving prime minister, with an unbroken tenure of 4,399 days in office, surpassing the record of first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru. "Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister - 4,399 days of leadership earned through the trust of 1.4 billion people across three democratic mandates," Cornyn, the Republican Senator from Texas, said in a post on X. "From lifting 250 million out of poverty to making India the world's fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's tenure has been nothing short of transformational. The US-India partnership has never been stronger," Cornyn said. Nehru, who was first elected to the post in 1952, took the oath of office

India modernises nuclear programme, deploys warheads for first time: Sipri

India slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2025 and is increasingly focusing on long-range weapons capable of reaching targets across China, according to Sipri

India urges UN to review sanctions on Afghanistan amid changed realities

Several leaders of the Taliban, which took control of Kabul in August 2021, are listed under the 1988 Taliban Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council

India among top 5 military spenders; has 190 nuclear warheads: Sipri

India was the fifth largest military spender in the world, with an expenditure of USD 92.1 billion in 2025, according to a report by an international think-tank, which also mentioned the "unusually severe military crisis" that erupted between India and Pakistan last year. In its annual assessment report launched on Monday, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also said that India has approximately 190 nuclear warheads as of January 2026, compared to Pakistan's estimated stockpile of 170. "Key findings of SIPRI Yearbook 2026 are that states are increasingly relying on nuclear weapons as instruments of national power -- reversing decades of efforts to reduce the numbers and role of nuclear weapons -- even as the risks of miscalculation and escalation are rising," SIPRI said in a statement. The Stockholm-based think-tank said India is believed to have once again "slightly expanded its nuclear arsenal" in 2025 and continued development of new types of nuclear ...

With approx 190 warheads, India widens nuke arsenal lead over Pak: Report

The report has described Operation Sindoor as 'an unusually severe military crisis' between the two nuclear neighbours India and Pakistan in May 2025

Defence Ministry enhances armed forces' spending powers, boosts efficiency

The revised delegation of financial powers is expected to facilitate procurements worth over ₹1.25 trillion and improve operational efficiency across the armed forces

India eyes $2 billion military drone order in biggest procurement yet

The plans are in advanced stages with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months, for a jump in value from recent government orders worth 30 billion rupees ($313 million) for tactical-class drones

PM Modi, Myanmar Prez hold bilateral talks on trade, security, connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held wide-ranging talks with Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing focusing on boosting bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, border security and defence. Aung Hlaing is currently on a five-day trip to India. The visit comes less than two months after he became the president following Myanmar's parliament elections. The elections were held in December and January after years of protests against the ruling military-junta that seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021 overthrowing the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. "Deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation. PM @narendramodi greets President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar upon his arrival at the Hyderabad House for bilateral talks," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media. Myanmar is one of India's strategic neighbours and it shares a 1,640-km-long border with a number of northeastern states including militancy-hit Nagaland

Myanmar Prez Aung Hlaing begins India visit; defence, trade ties in focus

Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing on Saturday began a five-day visit to India that will be focused on ramping up bilateral cooperation in trade, connectivity, border security and defence. Aung Hlaing kicked off his trip by landing in Gaya to visit the Mahabodhi temple, ahead of his arrival in Delhi this evening. "A warm welcome to President U Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar on his arrival in Bodh Gaya," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on social media. "His visit reflects the strong spiritual, historical and people-to-people ties that bind our two countries and the depth of our ongoing cooperation," he added. The Myanmar president was received at the airport by Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd). Aung Hlaing's visit to India comes less than two months after he became the president following Myanmar's parliamentary elections. The elections were held in December and January after years of protests against the ruling military junta that seized powe

No power can stop India from becoming top arms exporter in 30 yrs: Rajnath

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said no power can stop India, once considered an importer of weapons, from being the biggest exporter in 25-30 years. After inaugurating an ammunition manufacturing unit at Shirdi, Singh said the target is to take the private sector role in defence production to 50 per cent. "The private sector is not just a supplier of nuts and bolts in defence, but also a producer of state-of-the-art weapons systems," he added. Singh said that when the government's vision and the private sector's innovation align, then the country reaches new heights. "All have to work together to make India the hub of munitions and automation," he added.

DRDO completes final trials of UAV-launched precision guided missile

In a major boost to India's defence capabilities, the DRDO has successfully completed the final development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes, officials said on Tuesday. The trials were conducted at a DRDO test range near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh using an integrated ground control system (GCS) to command and control the ULPGM weapon system, the defence ministry said. The GCS features state-of-the-art technologies to automate readiness and launch operations, it said. "The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in air-to-ground and air-to-air modes," the ministry said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, PSUs, defence-cum-production partners and industry stakeholders for the successful development trials of ...

PM Modi meets Norway's King Harald V, reaffirms strong bilateral ties: MEA

PM Modi was also conferred the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit, Norway's highest honour under the order by King Harald V

Rajnath Singh begins Vietnam, South Korea visit to boost defence ties

Defence Minister said his discussions during the visit would focus on expanding defence ties and enhancing regional cooperation

PM Modi arrives in Norway after Sweden visit; to hold talks on trade, tech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Oslo, where he will hold talks with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store on trade, technology and other key sectors. Modi, who is on a four-nation European tour, arrived here from Sweden on Monday. He was received at the airport by PM Store and other top leaders of the Scandinavian country. This will be the first visit of PM Modi to Norway. It will also mark the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years. During his two-day visit, Modi will call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Store. He will also review the progress made in India-Norway relations and explore avenues to further strengthen them, with a focus on trade and investment, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

Swedish CEOs lauded 'transformation' in India during PM Modi's visit: MEA

Prime Minister Modi and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also exchanged special gifts celebrating the shared cultural legacy of Rabindranath Tagore

India, Sweden agree to elevate bilateral ties to 'strategic partnership'

India and Sweden on Sunday agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson, focusing on trade, technology, defence, and other key sectors. Modi, who arrived earlier today for a two-day visit, was also awarded the 'Royal Order of the Polar Star, Degree Commander Grand Cross' in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the India-Sweden relationship and his visionary leadership. During the delegation-level talks, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Sweden relations and agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, marking a major milestone in the relationship, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. The leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade & investment, technology and innovation, green transition, space, emerging technologies, defence & security, SMEs, research and .

Tejas Mk1A deliveries may slip beyond June; IAF open to concessions: Source

IAF willing to accept deliveries if jet is combat-capable and remaining gaps are assured to be bridged in a timely manner

PM Modi reaches Abu Dhabi, marks the beginning of five-nation visit

PM Modi is expected to hold talks with the president, with discussions set to focus on the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia

MEA rejects report claiming India-UAE evacuation pact via Fujairah port

The clarification came after a media report claimed that India and the UAE were preparing an agreement that will help in the evacuation of lakhs of Indian workers through the port of Fujairah