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PM Narendra Modi Ends U.S. Visit With A Powerful Speech At UNGA, Here’s Look Back At His Significant Tour

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PM Narendra Modi Ends U.S. Visit With A Powerful Speech At UNGA, Here’s Look Back At His Significant Tour

Modi left New York for India on completion of a substantive US visit, during which he held bilateral meetings and addressed the UN General Assembly. Here’s a look at his ‘successful and comprehensive’ visit of the United States:

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to the United States, which saw him engaging with significant world leaders. During his visit, PM Modi held productive bilateral and multilateral engagements and expressed confidence that the relationship with the respective countries, especially the US, will grow even stronger in the years to come.

India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that PM Modi’s address to the General Assembly marks the culmination of a very “successful and very comprehensive” tour of the United States

On September 23, Modi arrived in Washington DC for his three-day US visit — the first since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in an attempt to give new momentum to bilateral ties for his vision to expand India globally.

He was received by Indians living in the US who welcomed him by waving the Indian flag.

Modi’s Fruitful Meeting With Suga

In Washington, PM Modi and his Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga held a “fruitful” meeting where they addressed a variety of topics, including how to boost trade and cultural connections. They also discussed how to strengthen bilateral strategic ties.

Meeting With ‘Good Friend’ Morrison

PM Modi met the Australian Prime Minister and “good friend” Scott Morrison. Both the leaders had wide-ranging deliberations on strengthening cooperation in the fields of commerce, trade, energy, etc.

Morrison also hailed PM Modi as a friend as he tweeted, “Great to meet with my good friend and a great friend of Australia, Indian PM Narendra Modi.”

Modi’s Crucial Meetings With Top American CEOs

Modi interacted with top American CEOs from five different key sectors and expressed his vision and his plans to expand India and received a positive response from them. PM Modi held one-on-one meetings with CEOs of Qualcomm, Adobe, First Solar, General Atomics and Blackstone.

He invited them to step up their investments in India.

Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs Arindam Bagchi termed Modi’s US visit as “landmark”.

Modi’s Meeting With Kamala Harris

Modi then held an in-person meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris, their first meeting since the Indian-American Democrat took office earlier this year.

He said, Glad to have met Kamala Harris. Her feat has inspired the entire world. We talked about multiple subjects that will further cement the India-USA friendship, which is based on shared values and cultural linkages.”

Modi Invites Harris To Visit India

Modi extended a formal invitation to Harris to visit India. He said, “The people of India are waiting to welcome you. I extend to you an invitation to visit India.”

Modi also presented Harris with a bunch of unique gifts like a copy of old notifications related to her grandfather, PV Gopalan, in a wooden handicraft frame. PV Gopalan was a respected government officer who served in various positions in India.

He gifted her a gulabi meenakari chess set.

Modi’s Meeting With Biden

Modi and United States President Joe Biden held their first bilateral in-person meeting since the latter assumed office. During the meeting, which took place at the Oval Office in the White House, both the leaders discussed progress in ties and issues related to trade, COVID-19, climate change and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The meeting was characterised by warmth, cordiality with the two leaders stating that the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries was firmly anchored in a shared commitment to democratic values and common strategic interests.

Quad Summit

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad leaders — India, the US, Japan and Australia held their first-ever in-person summit in Washington, asserting the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

‘Force For Global Good’

Calling Quad a “force for global good,” the Prime Minister said that cooperation among four-member countries – India, United States, Australia and Japan – will ensure peace and prosperity in Indo-Pacific and in the entire world.

Modi At UNGA: When India Grows, The World Grows

Modi addressed the UN General Assembly in New York and highlighted the impact of India’s development on global progress is evident. “When India grows, the world grows; when India reforms, the world transforms,” he said in his speech. During his address, PM Modi highlighted India’s progress and innovation in science, technology, healthcare, as well as the situation in Afghanistan, at the global stage.

During his 22-minute long speech, PM Modi covered a wide range of topics of global concern, including terrorism, the Covid pandemic, climate change and put India’s viewpoint across to the international community.

Modi Brings Artefacts And Antiquities

Modi brought home 157 artefacts and antiquities, which were handed over to India by the US, with both leaders expressing commitment to strengthening efforts to combat theft, illicit trade and trafficking of cultural objects. While nearly half of the artefacts (71) are cultural, the other half consists of figurines related to Hinduism (60), Buddhism (16) and Jainism (9), an official statement said.

Modi conveyed his deep appreciation for the repatriation of antiquities to India by the United States.

End of Substantive US Visit

Modi left New York for India on completion of a substantive US visit, during which he held bilateral meetings and addressed the UN General Assembly.

After concluding his visit, he tweeted, “Over the last few days, have had productive bilateral and multilateral engagements, interaction with CEOs and the UN address. I am confident the India-USA relationship will grow even stronger in the years to come. Our rich people-to-people linkages are among our strongest assets.”

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INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’

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INS Arihant’s Nuke-Capable K-4 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile ‘Ready To Roll’


NEW DELHI: India tested its nuclear capable K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), designed to have a strike range of 3,500 km, for the second time in six days on Friday. The missile test, as the one conducted on January 19, was undertaken from an undersea platform in the shape of a submersible pontoon off the coast of Andhra Pradesh according to a report by Rajat Pandit of TOI.

The solid-fuelled K-4 missile is being developed by DRDO to arm the country’s nuclear-powered submarines in the shape of INS Arihant and its under-development sister vessels. INS Arihant, which became fully operational in November 2018 to complete India’s nuclear triad, is currently armed with the much shorter K-15 missiles with a 750 km range.

“The K-4 is now virtually ready for its serial production to kick-off. The two tests have demonstrated its capability to emerge straight from underwater and undertake its parabolic trajectory,” said a source.

India has the land-based Agni missiles, with the over 5,000-km Agni-V inter-continental ballistic missile now in the process of being inducted, and fighter jets jury-rigged to deliver nuclear weapons. But INS Arihant gives the country’s deterrence posture much more credibility because nuclear-powered submarines armed with nuclear-tipped missiles are considered the most secure, survivable and potent platforms for retaliatory strikes.

Once the K-4 missiles are inducted, they will help India narrow the gap with countries like the US, Russia and China, which have over 5,000-km range SLBMs. The K-4 missiles are to be followed by the K-5 and K-6 missiles in the 5,000-6,000 km range class.

The 6,000-ton INS Arihant, which is propelled by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor at its core, in turn, is to be followed by INS Arighat, which was launched in 2017. The next generation of nuclear submarines, currently called S-4 and S-4*, will be much larger in size.





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After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%

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After Upgradation, Sukhoi Su-30MKI Indigenisation To Reach 78%


India has received clearance to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, which will result in 78% indigenization after the upgrade

In a significant step towards bolstering its military might with indigenously developed technology, India is poised to witness its Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets evolve into a domestic platform. Speaking at a recent lecture.

The upgrade program is being led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in partnership with the Indian Air Force and other partners. The upgrade is expected to cost US$7.5 billion.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the upgrade. The upgrade is part of India’s efforts to improve the capabilities of its primary fighter aircraft, it refers to as the “Super Sukhoi”.

This initiative is a part of a larger effort by the Indian Air Force to modernize its ageing fleet. Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari asserted the critical role of an offensive air force as demonstrated in current global conflicts and emphasized India’s move towards an indigenized arsenal. To this end, the IAF has been proactive, from upgrading its Mirage 2000 to enhancing its MiG-29 fleet.

In summary, the IAF’s commitment to updating their combat forces with the latest technology, including shifting to fifth-generation fighter jets, ensures operational preparedness and a strong deterrence capability. The gradual indigenization of its air fleet marks a pivotal shift in India’s defence landscape, reducing dependency on foreign imports and fostering technological sovereignty.





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Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace

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Akash Weapon System Exports For The Armenian Armed Forces Gathers Pace


According to unconfirmed reports, Armenia is a top contender for an export order for Akash SAM system manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).

While there is no official confirmation because of the sensitivities involved, documents suggest that the order for the same has already been placed the report further added.
There are nine countries, in turn, which have shown interest in the indigenously-developed Akash missile systems, which can intercept hostile aircraft, helicopters, drones and subsonic cruise missiles at a range of 25-km. They are Kenya, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam and Algeria reported TOI.

The Akash export version will also be slightly different from the one inducted by the armed forces. The 100-km range air-to-air Astra missiles, now entering production after successful trials from Sukhoi-30MKI fighters, also have “good export potential”, said sources.

Akash is a “tried, tested and successfully inducted systems”. Indian armed forces have ordered Akash systems worth Rs 24,000 crore over the years, and MoD inked a contract in Mar 2023 of over Rs 9,100 crores for improved Akash Weapon System

BDL is a government enterprise under the Ministry of Defence that was established in 1970. BDL manufactures surface-to-air missiles and delivers them to the Indian Army. BDL also offers its products for export.

Akash Weapon System

The AWS is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence System, indigenously designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In order to meet aerial threats, two additional Regiments of AWS with Upgradation are being procured for Indian Army for the Northern borders. Improved AWS has Seeker Technology, Reduced Foot Print, 360° Engagement Capability and improved environmental parameters.

The project will give a boost to the Indian missile manufacturing industry in particular and the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem as a whole. The project has overall indigenous content of 82% which will be increased to 93% by 2026-27.

The induction of the improved AWS into the Indian Army will increase India’s self-reliance in Short Range Missile capability. This project will play a role in boosting the overall economy by avoiding outgo of precious foreign exchange to other countries, increasing employment avenues in India and encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing. Around 60% of the project cost will be awarded to the private industry, including MSMEs, in maintaining the supply chain of the weapon system, thereby creating large scale of direct and indirect employment.





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