San Francisco, After <keyword id="6357456" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="huawei">Huawei</keyword> and <keyword id="6359151" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="ZTE">ZTE</keyword>, the US government has now taken on the Chinese conglomerate <keyword id="874458" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xiaomi">Xiaomi</keyword>, blacklisting it as a "Communist Chinese military company". <keyword id="10598435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="xiaomis-stock">Xiaomis stock</keyword> nosedived more than 10 per cent in early Friday trading after the news broke. In a fresh list, the US Department of Defense has targeted Xiaomi, which means that the company is also vulnerable to the outgoing President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword>'s executive order that bans the US firms from investing in such companies. The move may force US companies and other investors to divest in Xiaomi this year. According to Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi was the third largest smartphone maker globally in the third quarter of 2020, and India is its biggest market. "The Department is determined to highlight and counter the People's Republic of <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>'s (PRC) Military-Civil Fusion development strategy, which supports the modernisation goals of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) by ensuring its access to advanced technologies and expertise acquired and developed by even those PRC companies, universities, and research programmes that appear to be civilian entities," the Department said in a statement late Thursday. The Department released its initial list of companies to Congress in June 2020 and has now included Xiaomi. Xiaomi, which for the first time surpassed Apple to capture the third spot in the global smartphone market in Q3 2020, was yet to react to the US move. Most of the other companies on the list are more industrially oriented, specialising in aviation, aerospace, shipbuilding, chemicals, telecommunications, construction, and other forms of infrastructure. In July 2020, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designated Chinese telecom companies, Huawei and ZTE, as national security risks to America's communications networks. "Both companies have close ties to the Chinese Communist Party and China's military apparatus, and both companies are broadly subject to Chinese law obligating them to cooperate with the country's intelligence services. "The Bureau also took into account the findings and actions of Congress, the Executive Branch, the intelligence community, our allies, and communications service providers in other countries," the FCC said. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-launched-in-india-price-specifications-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/80271404.cms">Samsung Galaxy S21 series launched in India – price, specifications, and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/these-amazing-facts-about-the-indian-army-will-make-you-beam-with-pride/slidelist/80270052.cms">Army Day 2021: These amazing facts about the Indian Army will make you beam with pride</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/hcl-tech-clocks-in-nearly-27-jump-in-profit-crosses-the-10-billion-revenue-in-third-quarter-of-year-2020-21/articleshow/80278852.cms">HCL Tech clocks in nearly 27% jump in profit, crosses the $10 billion revenue milestone with one more quarter left</a>

Xiaomi stock tumbles after being blacklisted in US

<ul><li>India’s budget allocation for <keyword id="32723" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence">defence</keyword> has remained fairly static for the past five years. </li><li>All three branches of defence— Army, Navy and Air Force — require upgrades but the budget for modernisation falls short. </li><li>Majority of the <keyword id="45134" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-budget">defence budget</keyword> is spent on salaries and pensions of defence personnel.</li></ul>Nirmala Sitharaman is all set to announce India’s defence budget next month — and things are unlikely to change. At first glance, it may look like the Indian government has been allocating an increasing amount of funds towards defence. 
 
 
 
 
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 While the absolute amount has been increasing, defence expenditure has actually slowed down as a proportion of the GDP. Last year’s budget hit the spotlight for being the lowest since 1962 - which was when India went to war against China. In 2020, a report by ICICI Securities predicts that the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-defence-expenditure-in-2020/articleshow/72822974.cms">allocation is unlikely to change</a>. 
 
 
 
 
 
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 This paints a worrying picture when you see that nearly 60% of the planned budget goes towards pension and services. Last year, that figure jumped to 71% — leaving a mere 3% for civil operations. 
 
 
 
 
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 Pensions, alone, have doubled over the past five years from around ₹60,000 crore to ₹112,080 crore. The point of deliberation isn’t just their magnitude, but also their recurring future impact. 
 
 
 
 
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 Currently, all three branches of India’s Ministry of Defence — the Army, the Navy and the Air Force — require upgrades. However, their modernisation budget falls short of actual requirements by a wide margin. 
 
 
 
 
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 Nonetheless, India is the fourth largest military spender in the world according to the World Bank. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-defence-expenditure-in-2020/articleshow/72822974.cms">India’s ready to spend on defence — just not on modernisation</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/asian-arms-race-continues-with-india-spending-46-billion-on-military-upgrades/articleshow/65560279.cms">Arms spending in Asia continues as India shells out another ₹46 billion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/whatsapp-curbed-by-indian-army-to-stop-foreign-intelligence/articleshow/70138133.cms">Indian Army fears that foreign intelligence may be using WhatsApp to profile its officers</a>

India's defence budget has remained fairly static for the past five years

(Eds: updates with fresh inputs) New Delhi, Feb 1 () The overall defence budget for 2021-22 was hiked marginally by around 1.4 percent but there was a nearly 19 percent rise in capital outlay for military modernisation even as official data showed that an additional unbudgeted Rs 20,776 crore was spent to buy military hardware in the face of the Ladakh border standoff with China. According to the 2021-22 budget documents presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament, the allocation for the Defence services was increased to Rs 4.78 lakh crore compared to Rs 4.71 lakh crore in the 2020-21 budget. The budget documents showed that the revised capital expenditure for 2020-21 was pegged at Rs 1,34,510 crore as against last year's budgetary allocation of Rs 1,13,734 crore to reflect the additional expenses. The Indian armed forces procured ammunition and weapons from several countries in the last few months following the military face-off with China that erupted on May 5. According to the documents, a total of Rs 1,35,060 crore has been set aside for capital expenditure that includes purchasing new weapons, aircraft, warships and other military hardware. The capital outlay for 2021-22 is an increase of 18.75 percent compared to last year's allocation of Rs 1,13,734 crore. In a tweet, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sitharaman for increasing the defence budget to Rs 4,78,195 crore, and said the nearly 19 percent hike in the capital expenditure is the "highest ever" increase in the last 15 years. The defence minister also expressed happiness over Sitharaman's budget proposal to open 100 new Sainik schools. The Rs 4.78 lakh crore budgetary outlay included an allocation of Rs 1.15 lakh crore for payment of pensions. Significantly, the allocation for payment of pension has come down as it was Rs 1.33 lakh crore in the previous budget. The Defence budget comes to around 1.63 percent of the GDP. Military experts said the drop in the allocation could be an indication of the government's plan to cut expenditure on payment of pension by increasing the retirement age of military officers. However, officials later clarified that the allocation was more in 2020-21 as approximately Rs 18,000 crore was to be paid on account of pension arrears. "Also salary and pension are based on actuals," said an official. Excluding the pension outgo, the total revenue expenditure, which includes expenses on payment of salaries and maintenance of establishments, has been pegged at Rs 2.12 lakh crore. The military experts expressed satisfaction at the overall allocation considering the coronavirus-triggered adverse impact on the economy, though they said India will have to gradually raise its defence spending to deal with increasing external threats. "I am satisfied with the total allocation to the armed forces considering the state of the economy in view of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic," said Dr Laxman Behera, a noted defence expert. He said the increase of around Rs 22,000 crore in capital outlay is a welcome move which will help the three services in carrying out with their modernisation drive. "Nearly 20 percent increase in Capital Defence Budget is positive. Hope we will not see an overspend on the Revenue and Pensions," tweeted former Chief of Army Staff Gen (retd) V P Malik. He said another positive aspect was the assurance that the "capital defence budget" will be non-lapsable as advised by the Finance Commission. In the budget, the Army has been granted a capital outlay of Rs 36,481 crore as against Rs 33,213 crore in 2020-21, as per the revised estimates. The allocation made to the Navy for capital expenditure is Rs 33,253 crore which was Rs 37,542 crore in the previous budget. Similarly, the Indian Air Force(IAF) has been given Rs 53,214 crore to buy new platforms and weapons which is a drop of Rs 1,840 crore compared to the money it spent under capital expenditure in the current fiscal. The budgetary capital outlay for the IAF for 2020-21 was Rs 43,281.91 crore but the revised estimate put the figure at Rs 55,055 crore. "I specially thank PM &amp; FM for increasing the defence budget to 4.78 lakh cr for FY21-22 which includes capital expenditure worth Rs 1.35 lakh crore. It is nearly 19 percent increase in Defence capital expenditure. This is the highest ever increase in capital outlay for defence in 15 yrs," Defence Minister Singh tweeted. The capital allocation for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been pegged at Rs 11,375 crore which is an increase of eight percent over the amount earmarked in 2020-21. The allocation for Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been increased to Rs 6,004 crore which is 7.48 percent more than the amount given in 2021-22. MPB RT GSN GSN GSN

Defence gets Rs 4.78 lakh crore in 2021-22 budget; Nearly 19 percent increase in capital outlay

<ul><li><keyword id="14566" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chinese-President">Chinese President</keyword> <keyword id="191809" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Xi-Jinping">Xi Jinping</keyword> told the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Marine Corps to ‘maintain high alert’ and focus their energy on ‘preparing for war’.</li><li>He made these remarks during his visit to the Marine Corps military base in China’s southern province of Guangdong amid the border dispute with Indian and growing tensions in the <keyword id="430735" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="South-China-Sea">South China Sea</keyword>.</li><li>According to him, the road map that lies ahead and the construction of the ‘14th Five-Year Plan’ for the armed forces needs to be clarified. </li></ul>Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Marine Corps troops to ‘maintain high alert’ and focus their energy on ‘preparing for war’. His remarks came as he visited a military base in Guangdong, according to state-run publication <a href="https://xhpfmapi.zhongguowangshi.com/vh512/share/9464950">Xinhua.</a> According to Jinping, it is currently necessary to clarify the road map and construction of the ‘14th Five-Year Plan’ for the armed forces keeping the current situation in mind. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76462632" title="China wants India to stay in its lane — three reasons why China is puffing its chest, according to a former diplomat" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> He emphasized that the naval branch of the PLA plays an important role in safeguarding China’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity — especially when it comes to maritime rights and interests. The visit comes at a time when China is facing off against India in the Himalayas and growing its aggressive stance in the South China Sea. India versus China in the South China Sea Military experts told <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/ladakh-will-be-the-front-to-hold-for-india-and-china-for-at-least-a-year-if-not-longer-as-per-experts/articleshow/77779668.cms">Business Insider</a> that if the tensions between India and China were to persist, a new front of tensions may appear in the form of exercising the ‘Malacca dilemma.’ <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="77743778" title="Experts explain India’s 'military options' against China" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> The Strait of Malacca is where most of China’s ships pass through from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean. Exercising control over the passageway could choke China’s energy supplies since that’s where <a href="https://www.e-ir.info/2012/09/07/the-importance-of-the-straits-of-malacca/#:~:text=In%20raw%20terms%2C%20passage%20through,part%20this%20concern%20is%20abstract.">around 80% </a>of its oil trade comes through. The Indian Navy has reportedly been deploying its own warships in the area after the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. Following which, a little more than a week ago, a US Navy aircraft carrier — the USS Ronald Reagan — was also spotted heading towards the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Malacca. It’s a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier within the US Navy. <div type="twitter" handle="detresfa_" handlename="d-atis☠️" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1311010493943836672/dK91G5ga_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1075" retweetcount="197" status="#UnitedStates Navy USS Ronald Reagan (Nimitz-class) supercarrier spotted transiting the #MalaccaStrait a short whil… https://t.co/SfNWpRci6J" createdat="1602173837000" id="1314238445569544193"></div> China versus the US in the South China Sea However, when it comes to the South China Sea, China has more than a single adversary and the one that stands out the most is the US. Jinping’s visit came following the <keyword id="3798493" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="trump-administration">Trump administration</keyword>’s announcement that it was planning to move forward with the sale of three advanced weapons systems to Taiwan on Monday this week. This includes the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="76147159" title="China is a ‘bully’ says US Representative on India-China border issue" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> This got a strong reaction from the Chinese Foreign Minister spokesperson Zhao Lijian, who called on Washington to “immediately cancel any arms sales plans to Taiwan” and put an end to all US-Taiwan military ties. Even though Taiwan has never directly been controlled by the powers that be in China, Beijing still insists that the island-nation is within their territory. It even issued an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/indias-mea-hits-back-at-chinese-embassy-theres-free-media-in-india-says-spokesperson/articleshow/78556125.cms">open letter to the Indian media</a>, asking it to adhere to the ‘One Nation - One China’ narrative, ahead of Taiwan’s National Day celebrations earlier this month. China has also increased the number of military drills around Taiwan. Nearly 40 Chinese warplanes were spotted crossing the median line in September, after US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar became the highest-level US official to visit Taiwan a month earlier. The PLA’s Marine Corps has been one of the most crucial areas of Chinese military modernisation, progressing rapidly on both its fronts — surface and subsurface segments of the fleet. According to the Chinese President, it is necessary to strengthen the strategic design of the Marine Corps construction to meet the needs of the country's development strategy, security strategy, and military strategy. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/chinese-army-will-be-using-thermal-shelters-to-fend-off-the-sub-zero-temperatures-along-the-india-china-border-this-winter/articleshow/78554233.cms">Chinese Army will be using thermal shelters to fend off the sub-zero temperatures along the India-China border this winter</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/china-has-hardened-its-stance-experts-decode-the-india-china-joint-statement-on-border-tensions/articleshow/78270081.cms">China has hardened its stance — experts decode the India-China joint statement on border tensions</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/not-only-india-hong-kong-taiwan-vietnam-and-japan-also-facing-chinese-army-aggression-on-border-issue/slidelist/76418800.cms">China’s aggression isn’t only aimed at India — but at least four other countries in the region</a>

Chinese President Xi Jinping tells marine troops to be on ‘high alert’ and ‘prepare for war’ as tensions in the South China Sea continue to grow

Hyderabad, <keyword id="68884" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telangana">Telangana</keyword> is on way to emerge as the <keyword id="1068625" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="rice-bowl">rice bowl</keyword> of India with the <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> production reaching 1.3 crore tonnes during 2019-20. With completion of new irrigation projects and increase in land under irrigation, the production increased by more than 20% over the previous year. Telangana, which grows rice in about 14.19 lakh hectares, saw huge improvement in production ever since it was carved out of <keyword id="37102" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> in 2014. The rice production, which stood at 29.6 <keyword id="9324380" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="lakh-tonnes">lakh tonnes</keyword> in 2015-16, rose to 51.7 lakh tonnes in 2016-17 and to 62.5 lakh tonnes in 2017-18. India's youngest state also accounted for about 63% of <keyword id="6354672" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="food-corporation-of-india">Food Corporation of India</keyword>'s (FCI) total paddy procurement across the country till date. According to a report by Federation of Telangana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), the state recorded a big jump in rice production, mainly due to the fact that more than 60 lakh acres of additional land were brought under irrigation. This was possible with the completion of many major and minor irrigation projects such as Kaleshwaram project, Devadula Project and revival of tanks under <keyword id="2697915" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mission-Kakatiya">Mission Kakatiya</keyword>. In a report titled as 'Rice exports from Telangana: Opportunities and way forward' the industry body said availability of water coupled with 24X7 free power supply to farmers contributed to substantial improvement in productivity and production of food grains and pulses. Earlier, the Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation had said that the state set new records with 47 lakh tonnes procurement in Vaanakalam (Kharif crop) and 65 lakh tonnes in Yasangi (Rabi crop) during 2019-20. "Within six years of the formation of the state, a record 367% increase was witnessed in the procurement of paddy. Compared to last Yasangi, procurement this year increased by 76%," the corporation said. Considering the record paddy production, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao recently directed the officials to construct an additional 40 lakh tonnes capacity warehouses and form 2,500 farmer groups. He noted as the government has taken on top priority construction of irrigation projects, in the days to come about 1,300 TMC (thousand million cubic) feet of Godavari and <keyword id="6356845" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="krishna">Krishna</keyword> waters would be utilised. Availability of water for irrigation improved due to revival of tanks under Mission Kakatiya and 24-hour free power supply. "Under projects, tanks and borewells, there is a possibility of having two crops in 1.45 crore acres and three crops in 10 lakh acres. Then Telangana state will become the rice bowl of India. The yield will be doubled in the years to come," he had said. The FTCCI report, however, flagged the issues in increasing rice exports from Telangana. It noted that despite the high level of rice production, when it comes to exports, the state's figures are negligible compared to other states. The report identified high transportation cost for exporters, high levels of pesticide residue in rice produced here, lack of proper warehousing facilities and the shift in cultivation of paddy variety from long grain to short grain as the main reasons for low exports from the state. Telangana, which exported 10,425 tonnes during 2019-20, accounted for just 0.21% of the total exports of 5.08 million tonnes at national level. Andhra Pradesh, during the same period, exported 16.9 lakh tonnes, which is 33.6% of the total exports. Telangana is encouraging cultivators to shift from long grain paddy variety to short grain paddy variety named as 'Telangana Sona' to increase the fine variety rice production. However, exporters feel that only long grain rice has demand in the international market and shifting to a short grain variety may affect the exports adversely, the report pointed out. It suggested developing export zones in the state for growing specific varieties of non-basmati and basmati varieties of crop. According to the industry body, Egypt, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the potential markets. Pointing out that the state has about 2,000 rice mills, it called for modernising them by giving some incentives. It underlined the need to ensure modern milling capacity, better testing, storage and handling infrastructure to effectively market to other countries and also to provide better income to farmers. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-s21-series-launched-in-india-price-specifications-and-everything-you-need-to-know/articleshow/80271404.cms">Samsung Galaxy S21 series launched in India – price, specifications, and everything you need to know</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/these-amazing-facts-about-the-indian-army-will-make-you-beam-with-pride/slidelist/80270052.cms">Army Day 2021: These amazing facts about the Indian Army will make you beam with pride</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/hcl-tech-clocks-in-nearly-27-jump-in-profit-crosses-the-10-billion-revenue-in-third-quarter-of-year-2020-21/articleshow/80278852.cms">HCL Tech clocks in nearly 27% jump in profit, crosses the $10 billion revenue milestone with one more quarter left</a>

Telangana could soon become the rice bowl of India as production hits 1.3 crore tonne

<ul><li>Defence minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> announced that India and South Korea may be singing some new deals during the <keyword id="8154465" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="DefExpo-2020">DefExpo 2020</keyword>. </li><li>He also emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) and its military applications. </li><li>Hanwha Defence, one of the South Korean companies which will present at DefExpo 2020, plans to bag $2.5 billion in new deals.</li></ul>Defence minister Rajnath Singh hinted that India and South Korea may partner to develop AI-enabled military technology at the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020</a>. The expo is set to kick off tomorrow in Lucknow. Although he didn't mention what expertise will be exchanged, he claims that the agreement will "leverage mutual strengths and digital application and other advanced technologies." <div type="twitter" handle="rajnathsingh" handlename="Rajnath Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1135878027466817536/3CgrOBQw_normal.png" favoritecount="1027" retweetcount="145" status="We recognise the influence of Artifical Intelligence and digital technology in defence sector. The theme of DefExpo… https://t.co/ecdxT2plr2" createdat="1580798123000" id="1224582202937102337"></div>

 Singh met with South Korea's defence minister, Jeong Kyeongdoo-Doo in New Delhi earlier today. The countries exchanged a list of possible areas for defence cooperation. At the time of writing this article, the Korea Defence Industry Association, <keyword id="714632" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Korea-Aerospace-Industries">Korea Aerospace Industries</keyword> and Hanwha are the three South Korea defence manufacturers confirmed at the 5-day event. However, <a href="http://www.businesskorea.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=40691">Business Korea</a> claims that ten companies, including LIF Nex1, will be present at the DefExpo. <div type="twitter" handle="rajnathsingh" handlename="Rajnath Singh" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1135878027466817536/3CgrOBQw_normal.png" favoritecount="889" retweetcount="144" status="I look forward to investment by RoK companies in Indian defence corridors. The Defence Corridors present excellent… https://t.co/sBiWozh67G" createdat="1580798077000" id="1224582008661168129"></div>

 "The outlook for Korea's defence industry has been murky for immediate and long-term. The Indian deal can be an impetus," a South Korean industry official told <a href="https://pulsenews.co.kr/view.php?year=2020&amp;no=40999">Pulse News</a>. For South Korea, India is the world's second-largest buyer of weapons having spent $13.9 billion in 2018 — and the DefExpo 2020 is the perfect opportunity for them to try and crack that shell. Not only is the expo the biggest defence industry event in Asia, but it's also the biggest one for India till date. <div type="image" title="rajnath1" msid="73933669" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh meets South Korea&amp;#39;s defnce minister Jeong Kyeongdoo-Doo in New Delhi on Tuesday&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 Hanwha aiming for $2.5 billion Currently, Hanwha collaborates with Larsen &amp; Toubro and the Indian Army to produce the K9 Vajra-T. As much as 80% of the tank is manufactured and produced in India. According to <a href="https://indiandefenceindustries.in/index.php/interview-hanwha-defexpo">Indian Defence Industries</a>, Hanwha is looking to more opportunities for collaboration — especially in ammunition and defence electronics. At DefExpo, Hanwha's main attraction will be its self-propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System along with other products like artillery systems K9/K10 and the K200 armoured personnel carrier. "We are planning to showcase Hybrid Biho at the exhibition for the first time to impress the Indian army officials," a <keyword id="8716513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hanwha-defense">Hanwha Defense</keyword> official told <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/01/693_281858.html">Korea Times</a>. "We hope it gets recognition for its excellent quality and brings a positive effect to the delayed contract process," he said. According to the local publication, the Korean defence giant is aiming to bag deals worth $2.5 billion at the exhibition. KAI is looking to the Indian Air Force Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also looking to bag some new deals at the DefExpo 2020. It plans on putting its KT-1 basic training aircraft center stage in hopes of wooing the Indian Air Force. "Currently, the Indian air force is changing its basic trainers and we want to supply our planes there," a KAI official told <a href="http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2020/01/693_281858.html">Korea Times</a>. "We will showcase the FA-05, a light attack aircraft, and Korean Utility Helicopter named Surion too, but the KT-1 will be our main item at DefExpo 2020," he added. South Korean companies won't be the only ones competing for attention from the Armed Forces. The exhibition will feature international majors like Airbus, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin and Thales. This will also be the first DefExpo to host an India-Africa Summit. Overall, there will be over 1.000 defence firms from over 40 countries present at the DefExpo 2020. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/defexpo-2020-will-have-france-russia-south-korea-israel-us-and-african-countries-wooing-indias-defence-sector-for-partnerships/articleshow/73903166.cms">DefExpo 2020 will have France, Russia, South Korea, Israel, US, and African countries wooing India's defence sector for partnerships</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-defence-expenditure-in-2020/articleshow/72822974.cms">India's ready to spend on defence — just not on modernisation</a>

India will be picking up AI-enabled military tech from South Korea at the DefExpo 2020

<ul><li>US President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> finalised two arms deals worth $3 billion today with India today.</li><li>One is for six Apache attack helicopters worth $800 million and the other is for 24 MH-60 Romeo anti-submarine warfare helicopters worth $2.6 billion.</li><li>However, he made no mention of NASAMS-III, an anti-missile air defence for New Delhi.</li></ul>The US and India just signed three key pacts and a $3 billion arms deal. The Indian Armed Forces will be acquiring six Apache attack helicopters worth $800 million and 24 MH-60 Romeo anti-submarine warfare helicopters worth $2.6 billion from the US. "Earlier today we expanded our defence cooperation with agreements for India to purchase more than $3 billion of advanced American military equipment, including Apache and MH-60 <keyword id="8829778" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="romeo-helicopters">Romeo helicopters</keyword> — finest in the world. These will enhance our joint defence capabilities," said US President Donald Trump during a joint statement today afternoon. Defence has always been a significant part of the bilateral ties between India and the US. India has the most number of defence exercises with the US. According to Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword>, this has led to "unprecedented growth" in the interoperability between the armed forces of the two nations. Modi also announced that the two countries will be using the same approach to cooperate on counter-terrorism and the <keyword id="667205" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="war-on-drugs">war on drugs</keyword>. "A decision has been made to hold agents of terror responsible for their actions. President Trump has also presented a way better our chances in the fight against the drugs and opioid crisis. Drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, and organised crime are grave concerns in today’s world. Earlier today, we have settled on a new mechanism to track such activity," said Modi. Things still left undecided It’s still uncertain whether India will buy NASAMS-III — an anti-missile air defence system that acts as an invisible shield over the country’s national capital, New Delhi. In the past, India has expressed concerns over its high cost. There is also uncertainty whether the new US system will be able to communicate with the systems that are already in place including India’s own Akash. "The increasing defence and security ties between the US and India are an integral part of the strategic partnership between the two countries." Sources told <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-us-to-outline-pacific-plan-today/articleshow/74293928.cms">ET</a> a new Indian Ocean Cooperation and Training exercise — based on the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise — may also be announced. India is a market and the US wants to strike a bargain Between 2013 to 2017, arms imports from the US to India grew by over 550% according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (<a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-arms-imports-from-us-up-by-550-report/article23166097.ece">SIPRI</a>). India was one of the top five military spenders in 2018 and the US recognises it as a big market. The Trump administration continues to heavily promote the sale of defence systems to India. Today too, Trump made it clear that the US makes the best weapons in the world. "We make the greatest weapons ever made: planes, missiles, rockets, ships. We make the best. And we're dealing now with India. But this includes advanced air defence systems and armed and unarmed aerial vehicles," he said. Neelam Deo, the director and co-founder of <a href="https://www.gatewayhouse.in/trumps-visit/">Gateway House</a>, believes India needs the technology. The armed forces are in dire need of modernisation that the domestic arms industry isn’t able to keep up. However, more arms deals aren’t necessarily the ideal solution for the domestic defence industry. Instead, it would benefit the Indian market more if the US could share its expertise instead for India to build more arms technology indigenously. The Indo-US relationship is also integral to the concept of the Indo-Pacific. The quadrilateral grouping of US, Japan, India and Australia hit a new high last year when it was upgraded to a ministerial-level last year. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/news/narendra-modi-and-president-donald-trump-india-visit-joint-conference-detailed-transcript/articleshow/74298096.cms">Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump announce 'comprehensive global strategic partnership' in a joint conference</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/from-army-helicopters-to-trade-deal-donald-trumps-holding-out-carrots-for-india/articleshow/74286418.cms">From army helicopters to trade deal — Donald Trump's holding out carrots for India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/full-text-of-donald-trumps-speech-at-ahmedabads-motera-stadium/articleshow/74278783.cms">Namaste Trump: Full text of Donald Trump's speech at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium</a>

India's $3 billion defence deal with the US — everything we know so far

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has slammed defence public sector units (PSUs) for performing poorly because of which the objective of self-reliance could not be met. The reason, <keyword id="6356851" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="CAG">CAG</keyword> said, was that a majority of contracts that were entrusted to these PSUs were delayed, which adversely affected Indian Army’s plans for capability enhancement. 
 
The report from CAG repeats what the private sector feels about getting more orders from the government, since a majority of contracts in the last two years have gone to PSUs. As per the report, 63% of the contracts given to PSUs from 2007 to 2012 were delayed for various reasons. 
 "Besides impacting defence preparedness, the delay had financial implications towards loss of interest on payments made to <keyword id="3516494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="DPSUs">DPSUs</keyword>. The objective of self-reliance in defence production had also not been achieved," said the CAG report which was presented in the parliament yesterday. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Defence-minister-considering-purchases-worth-Rs-1-lakh-crore/articleshow/52882935.cms">Defence minister is considering purchases worth Rs 1 lakh crore</a> 
 
The<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Anil-Ambani-reliance-defence/articleshow/52500626.cms"> private sector</a> in defence manufacturing has already complained to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) that the defence ministry is favouring PSUs despite their delays, because of which they don’t received orders as per their capabilities. 
 
The <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/CAG-No-record-available-for-Rs-44000-cr-spending-by-ministries/articleshow/48237252.cms">CAG </a>report was prepared after a thorough study of at least nine<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Indias-defence-manufacturing-deals-will-take-place-under-these-5-categories/articleshow/52432285.cms"> major army projects</a> and assessing all contracts placed on PSUs. As per the report, the "inordinate delay in supply of critical weapons and equipment" had "hampered the modernisation and capability enhancement plan of Indian Army". 
 
The delays also led to the government facing a loss of Rs 1,931 crore because of accrued interest on advances that were paid to these DPSUs. 
 
Also read: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/CAG-thrashes-ONGC-over-Rs-8k-Crores-loss/articleshow/50106939.cms">CAG thrashes ONGC over Rs 8k Crores loss</a> 
 
<a href="http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/multimedia/dynamic/02071/BL22_NEWS_PAC_2071917f.jpg">Image source</a>

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