Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s experienced skipper <keyword id="19899523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rohit-Sharma" source="keywords">Rohit Sharma</keyword> closes in on <keyword id="19899251" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Babar-Azam" source="keywords">Babar Azam</keyword> at the top of the ODI rankings for batters, while a <keyword id="19931726" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka" source="keywords">Sri Lanka</keyword> opener also makes his move. Openers from India and Sri Lanka have been the big winners after they made good ground near the top of the updated ICC Men's <keyword id="22786779" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ODI-Batter-Rankings" source="keywords">ODI Batter Rankings</keyword>, as per the ICC. Pakistan's Babar Azam holds a healthy lead at the head of the list for ODI batters, he has some fresh challenges in the form of India skipper Rohit Sharma and Sri Lanka right-hander Pathum Nissanka. Rohit overtakes teammate Shubman Gill and rises one place to second behind Babar on the back of his series-best 157 runs against Sri Lanka, while Nissanka also gains a spot to move to eighth following his 101 runs from the same series. Sri Lanka broke a 27-year drought by defeating India for the first time since 1997 during that ODI series, with Kusal Mendis (up five spots to equal 39th) and Avishka Fernando (up 20 places to 68th) also making some gains on the latest list for 50-over batters. Hard-hitting Netherlands opener Max O'Dowd (up 10 places to 54th) and USA's Monank Patel (up 11 spots to equal 56th) also made ground on this list, while USA's Nosthush Kenjige (up 10 rungs to 49th) and Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage (up 17 spots to 59th) were among the big movers on the ODI rankings for bowlers. There was also some movement on the latest Test player rankings, following the draw between the West Indies and South Africa in Trinidad, as per the ICC. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma finds a new career-high rating and improves two places to 16th on the list for Test batters following scores of 86 and 15* against the Caribbean side, while opener Tony de Zorzi gains 29 places to improve to 85th following an excellent 78 in the first innings of the ICC World Test Championship contest. Jason Holder (up three spots to 67th) and Alick Athanaze (up 12 places to 76th) were among the movers for Test batters from a West Indies perspective, while South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj was the biggest eye-catcher on the latest list for Test bowlers. Maharaj claimed four wickets in each inning on the way to Player of the Match honours and the left-armer improved seven spots to rise to equal 21st as a result. The West Indies will be pleased by the ongoing progress of spinner Jomel Warrican, who rises 12 spots to 54th and gains a new career-best rating following his six scalps for the match. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-launched-in-india-at-172999-but-you-cant-get-your-hands-on-it-right-now/articleshow/112517193.cms">Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold launched in India at ₹1,72,999, but you can’t get your hands on it right now</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-9-pixel-9-pro-and-pixel-9-pro-xl-launched-in-india-starting-at-79999/articleshow/112512198.cms">Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL launched in India starting at ₹79,999</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/ipo-scam-two-victims-from-hyderabad-lose-over-11crore-in-fake-ipo-scams/articleshow/112488051.cms">IPO scam – Two victims from Hyderabad lose over ₹11 crore in fake IPO scams</a>

Rohit Sharma set to take over from Babar Azam at top in ODI Batter Rankings

Our <keyword id="19961438" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="passport" source="keywords">passport</keyword> is our identification in a foreign destination, and that particular piece of document is not equal in power across geographies. Every country’s passport carries a different weight, and the more countries value your passport, the more powerful does it get. <keyword id="6559639" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Henley-Passport-Index" source="Orion">Henley Passport Index</keyword> recently released the list of the world's <keyword id="8011256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="most-powerful-passports" source="Orion">most powerful passports</keyword> for 2024. To no one’s surprise, <keyword id="19895045" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Singapore" source="keywords">Singapore</keyword> ranks number 1 in the list as a Singaporean passport can grant you visa-free access to 195 destinations in the world. Visa-free access implies that your passport can allow you to travel to foreign destinations without any pre-approved visa or entry permits. India has also improved its rank from the 2023 index, where it was ranked 84th. This year, India ranks 82nd, along with Senegal and Tajikistan, with visa-free access to 58 countries. The ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which claims to have the most complete and accurate travel information available worldwide Here’s the list of the most powerful passports in 2024 till 10th ranks by the Henley Passport Index: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Countries </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#ffffff;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Visa-free Access </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Singapore </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">195 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">France, Germany, Italy, Japan Spain </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">192 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">191 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Belgium, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, United Kingdom </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">190 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Australia, Portugal </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">189 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Greece, Poland </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">188 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">187 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">United States </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">186 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Estonia, Lithuania, United Arab Emirates </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">185 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Iceland, Slovenia, Latvia, Slovakia </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">182 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f4cccc;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">82 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f4cccc;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">India, Senegal, Tajikistan </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;background-color:#f4cccc;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">58 </td></tr></tbody></table> France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Japan are tied for second place, letting passport holders visit 192 countries without needing a visa. In third place are Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden, which all offer visa-free access to 191 destinations. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110879036" title="Luxury Escapes: Top international destinations for Indian travellers in 2024" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>If we talk about India’s neighbouring countries, China is ranked 59th, granting visa-free access to 85 countries. Afghanistan is at the bottom of the list at 103rd, giving its citizens visa-free access to just 26 countries. Pakistan is ranked 100th, providing passport holders access to 33 countries. Indian citizens can travel to 58 countries without a visa, including popular places like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. For the past 19 years, the Henley Passport Index has been tracking passport freedoms in 227 countries and territories. It is a widely used online tool that shows and ranks the world's passports. The index is updated throughout the year whenever there are changes in visa policies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/international/webstories/7-countries-offering-visa-on-arrival-to-indians-perfect-for-summer-vacation/slidelist/108940120.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">7 Countries offering visa on arrival to Indians perfect for summer vacation</a>

World’s most powerful passport: Singapore reigns supreme with 195 visa-free destinations! Here’s where India ranks

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <keyword id="11893746" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian air force</keyword> is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.</li><li><keyword id="11892747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has focused on archrival <keyword id="11893449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pakistan" source="Orion">Pakistan</keyword> for decades, but it is now contending with a much larger foe: <keyword id="11892748" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="china" source="Orion">China</keyword>.</li></ul>Earlier this month, at the end of India's annual Independence Day parade in New Delhi, the Indian Air Force showed off its aircraft inventory in multiple flyovers of the Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in the capital.The flyovers included transport aircraft, helicopter gunships, fighters, and fighter-bombers. It was the latest show of force for a military branch that, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/after-himalayan-clash-india-prepares-navy-to-take-on-china-2021-6" target="_top">like its naval counterpart</a>, is in the midst of a massive modernization and expansion effort.Focused for decades on the threat from archrival Pakistan, India is now preparing its air force to fight another much larger foe: China.With roughly 2,000 combat aircraft from its air force and navy, China has the largest aviation force in Asia and the third largest in the world. Worse for India, China's increasingly close relationship with Pakistan is <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2021/07/the-china-pakistan-partnership-continues-to-deepen/" target="_top">resulting in closer military cooperation</a>, including joint development of fighter jets.Faced with the potential for an air war against two enemies, the IAF is increasing its size and capabilities.<h2>A significant inventory</h2><div type="image" title="Indian MiG-29 fighter jet" height="1116" width="2000" msid="85853169" hostid="261"></div>With well over 1,000 aircraft itself, the IAF is by no means small. Since India's independence, it has mostly fielded Russian aircraft made entirely in Russia or licensed for local production.Even today, the biggest fleets in the IAF inventory are those of the <keyword id="12004876" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="mig-21" source="Orion">MiG-21</keyword>, MiG-29, and the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su-30mki-multirole-fighter-aircraft-india/" target="_top">Su-30MKI</a> - a version of Russia's Su-30 made specifically for and by India. (India signed a contract for the Su-30MKI in the 1990s and has built more than 200 of them domestically since the mid-2000s.)The service also has some European models, such as SEPECAT Jaguars and Mirage 2000s, which are the IAF's <a href="https://www.airforcemag.com/article/0912kargil/" target="_top">primary strike platforms</a>. But those aircraft, which were acquired in the 1980s, are showing signs of age, and the IAF plans to retire them by 2030.India's MiG-21s, first introduced in the 1960s, are also expected to be retired by 2030 - even the modernized MiG-21 Bison models. The jet has <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/11-down-in-5-yrs-3-in-2021-but-many-in-iaf-still-swear-by-mig-21s-despite-its-safety-record/663813/" target="_top">a poor safety record</a>; as of 2013, more than 480 of India's MiG-21s had been involved in accidents that had caused over 200 deaths.<h2>Threats on two fronts</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI" height="800" width="1200" msid="85853174" hostid="261"></div>The Su-30MKI purchase was more than just a general upgrade. It came after the Pakistan Air Force in 1982 accepted the first of 28 US-made F-16s, which seriously increased the PAF's capabilities a decade after it <a href="http://www.indiandefencereview.com/spotlights/1971-air-war-battle-for-air-supremacy/" target="_top">last fought</a> the IAF.The US <a href="https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/pakistan%E2%80%99s-long-controversial-love-affair-f-16-fighting-falcon-47682" target="_top">paused</a> F-16 deliveries in 1990 because of Pakistan's nuclear program, but they resumed in 2005, and the PAF now has some 75 F-16s. Their use is <a href="https://warontherocks.com/2020/08/how-americas-experience-with-pakistan-can-help-it-deal-with-turkey/" target="_top">conditional and closely monitored</a> by the US, but Pakistan would likely have no qualms about using them in an all-out war.In 2019, a <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/26836/we-cut-through-the-conflicting-claims-and-misinformation-surrounding-indias-strikes-on-pakistan" target="_top">series of skirmishes</a> between India and Pakistan included airstrikes on each other's territory and resulted in one MiG-21 Bison being shot down by PAF fighters, possibly by an F-16. It was the first time since 1971 that air attacks had been conducted across the Line of Control.During the Cold War, China sold Pakistan its J-6 and J-7 fighters, which were Chinese copies of Russia's MiG-19 and MiG-21. The PAF has also benefitted from Pakistan's closer ties with China in recent years.<div type="image" title="India Kashmir MiG-21 Bison crash" height="998" width="1400" msid="85853179" hostid="261"></div>Their air forces <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">re</a><a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Indo-Pacific/China-and-Pakistan-conduct-joint-air-drills-with-eye-on-India" target="_top">gularly</a> conduct joint <a href="https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202101/1211811.shtml" target="_top">exercises</a>, and they have even jointly developed a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/fc1xiaolongjf17thund/" target="_top">JF-17</a>, of which Pakistan has over 100.China and Pakistan are now <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-pakistan-upgrading-fighter-aircraft-used-against-indian-air-force-report/story-BS87X5ux3Xaj8QqS6jtssN.html" target="_top">planning</a> upgrades to Pakistan's JF-17 fleet, and China has <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chinese-pla-tries-to-psyche-indian-army-by-supplying-armed-drones-to-pak/story-tySb4UnKimFUYIxJdP3xGL.html" target="_top">announced</a> the sale of 50 <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/wing-loong-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-uav/" target="_top">Wing Loong II combat drones</a> to Pakistan. Pakistan may also <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2020/05/is-the-chinese-jh-7-an-answer-to-the-pakistan-air-forces-deep-strike-needs/" target="_top">acquire</a> Chinese strike aircraft.China's own air force also poses a threat to the IAF. Particularly worrying for India are the <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j10.htm" target="_top">J-10</a> and <a href="http://www.military-today.com/aircraft/j11.htm" target="_top">J-11</a> fighters and the <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2020/08/17/chinese-stealth-fighters-head-west-to-confront-india/?sh=5f36556a1b85" target="_top">J-20</a> stealth fighter.The aerial threat from China was abundantly clear after last year's deadly standoff along its disputed border with India.India has a longer history of air operations in the area, but China is <a href="https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/41065/tracking-chinas-sudden-airpower-expansion-along-its-western-border" target="_top">rapidly building and expanding</a> air bases and defenses along its western borders.<h2>A major modernization</h2><div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jet" height="1333" width="2000" msid="85853182" hostid="261"></div>Appreciating the threats, the IAF has committed to modernization.In 2016, India signed a contract with French firm Dassault Aviation four 36 Rafale multirole fighters. Twenty-six of them have been <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-has-received-26-rafale-aircraft-till-date-govt/article35585665.ece" target="_top">delivered</a> so far, and some have <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/indian-air-force-deploys-first-rafales-in-east-to-counter-china-121072900013_1.html" target="_top">already been deployed</a> to counter possible Chinese aggression.The IAF has also purchased 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 22 AH-64 Apache gunships, both of which have also been <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/iaf-deploys-apache-attack-helicopters-and-chinooks-in-ladakh-increases-combat-air-patrols/445072/" target="_top">deployed</a> to the border region.India has developed its own lightweight <keyword id="12004878" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fighter-jet" source="Orion">fighter jet</keyword>, the <a href="https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/tejas/" target="_top">HAL Tejas</a>, and has about 20 in service. The original order for 40 fighters was supplemented by <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rs-48000-crore-landmark-deal-india-clears-purchase-of-83-tejas-jets-for-iaf/articleshow/80251469.cms" target="_top">an additional order</a> of 83 improved Tejas Mark 1A variants, with a second production line <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/govt-clears-rs-48000-cr-deal-for-83-tejas-mk-1a-all-you-want-to-know-about-the-aircraft/584743/" target="_top">built</a> to speed up production.To meet its needs in the near-term, India is <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/after-tejas-india-moves-ahead-to-procure-more-mig-29s-sukhois/articleshow/80320199.cms" target="_top">buying</a> another 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKIs. It is also <a href="https://tass.com/defense/1316503" target="_top">upgrading</a> its MiG-29 fleet and modifying its Su-30MKIs to be able to fire Brahmos cruise missiles.<div type="image" title="Indian Air Force Tejas fighter jet" height="1326" width="2000" msid="85853185" hostid="261"></div>The IAF is also seeking 114 medium multirole combat aircraft.The US-made F/A-18E/F and F-15, the French-built Rafale, the European-made Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russia's MiG-35 and Su-35 - all twin-engine jets - are in the running, as are the single-engine Swedish-built JAS 39 Gripen and US-built F-21, a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/lockheed-martin-unveils-f21-fighter-jet-to-compete-for-india-contract-2019-2" target="_top">version of the F-16</a> designed specifically for India.India also has a number of high-profile domestic projects in development. It plans to fly a prototype from its own <a href="https://eurasiantimes.com/indias-5th-gen-aircraft-iaf-to-model-its-amca-on-us-f-35s-instead-of-j-20-or-su-57-jets-experts/" target="_top">fifth-generation stealth fighter program</a> by 2025 and recently <a href="https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/hal-announces-unmanned-fighter-jet-207899" target="_top">unveiled</a> an unmanned fighter jet program.India has relied on foreign suppliers for much of its military hardware - especially <a href="https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/07/21/russia-sees-india-as-prospective-buyer-for-checkmate-jet-but-will-iaf-want-it.html" target="_top">Russia</a>, with which it has a longstanding but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-s400-purchase-risks-us-sanctions-amid-competition-with-china-2021-5" target="_top">increasingly fraught</a> relationship - but many of the new acquisition efforts will require some degree of local production as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" program aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing.Amid ongoing tensions with China and <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china-pakistan-india-jockey-position-afghanistans-new-great-game-2021-08-23/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">renewed uncertainty</a> about the future in Afghanistan, India's efforts to expand and modernize its air force show how serious it is about countering the threat from its two most contentious neighbors.

India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern

Strongly hitting out at Pakistan, India has said it is taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to enhance support to cross-border terrorism and has resorted to "unbridled hate speech" to try and create divisions among India's religious communities. Addressing an interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, First Secretary in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Ashish Sharma on Monday said the hate speech by Pakistan is not merely directed towards one community in India but also against organisations, individuals and even against high ranking political leaders. "While the world has come to a standstill due to the pandemic, Pakistan has only enhanced support to cross-border terrorism taking advantage of the pandemic," he said. Pakistan has resorted to "unbridled hate speech trying to foment violence and intolerance in our country," he told the UN forum. India strongly hit out at Pakistan for abusing the UN platform to forward its "nefarious political agenda." Sharma said that Pakistan is trying to "create divisions among our religious communities as well. Fortunately, their provocation is falling on deaf ears since India has had a tradition of pluralism and co-existence where all communities live in harmony under a democratic framework. India called on Pakistan to practice co-existence in their own country and eschew all sectarian violence, discrimination and intolerance against their own people. Sharma said the world today is confronted not only by the challenge of tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the challenge of "infodemic", which in many cases has been responsible for rise in hate speech and seeding hatred within communities. In June, India along with 12 countries co-sponsored the Cross-Regional Statement on "Infodemic" in the Context of COVID-19 - a first of its kind statement by UN Member States to counter the increase in hate speech and misinformation during the pandemic. "India is fighting <keyword id="8764728" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID 19</keyword> pandemic in the most transparent manner with equal access to medical facilities to all citizens," Sharma said at the Third Committee meeting of the General Assembly, adding that special efforts have been taken to ensure that vulnerable communities are provided adequate medical support. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/mukesh-ambani-slips-to-the-9th-spot-in-forbes-billionaires-list-as-he-loses-7-billion-in-a-single-day/articleshow/78997341.cms">Mukesh Ambani slips to the 9th spot in Forbes billionaires list as he loses $7 billion in a single day</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/former-hdfc-bank-ceo-aditya-puri-joins-carlyle-group-as-senior-advisor/articleshow/78991270.cms">Former HDFC Bank CEO Aditya Puri joins Carlyle Group — will advise the global investment firm on Asia bets</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/future-retail-reliance-deal-bse-to-consult-sebi-after-amazons-request-heres-all-that-has-happened-so-far/articleshow/78949099.cms">Future Retail-Reliance deal: Kishore Biyani's group tells bourses that Amazon's contention is 'misconceived' — Here’s all that has happened so far</a>

India hits out at Pakistan for taking advantage of coronavirus pandemic to enhance cross-border terrorism

Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling and firing on Sunday at Indian positions on the Line of Control (<keyword id="6355098" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="LoC">LoC</keyword>) in Jammu and Kashmir's <keyword id="44760" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Poonch">Poonch</keyword> district. At about 3.20 a.m., Pakistan initiated the unprovoked <keyword id="87640" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ceasefire-violation">ceasefire violation</keyword> by firing with small arms and intense shelling with mortars along the LoC in Mankote sector, Defence Ministry Spokesman Colonel Devender Anand said. "Indian army retaliated befittingly," he added. Since the beginning of this year, Pakistan has been violating with impunity the bilateral ceasefire agreement signed by the two countries in 1999. In over 3,190 such ceasefire violations since January 2020, 24 civilians have been killed and over 100 injured. Lives of thousands of people living in villages close to the LoC have been affected as shells rain from across the LoC and threaten families, homes, cattle besides damaging agricultural fields. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/supermassive-black-hole-traps-six-galaxies-in-a-web-that-is-300-times-bigger-than-the-milky-way/articleshow/78428277.cms">Supermassive black hole traps six galaxies in a 'spider web' that is 300 times bigger than the Milky Way</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/einsteins-theory-of-general-relativity-just-got-500-times-harder-to-beat-thanks-to-the-first-ever-black-hole-to-be-caught-on-camera/articleshow/78431373.cms">Einstein's theory of general relativity just got 500 times harder to beat thanks to the first-ever black hole to be caught on camera</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/environment/news/north-pole-could-see-more-clouds-as-a-new-chemical-compound-infiltrates-its-skies/articleshow/78429190.cms">North Pole could see more clouds as a new chemical compound infiltrates its skies</a>

Pakistan resorts to heavy shelling at India along the LoC in Poonch

The International Cricket Council (<keyword id="19901177" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ICC" source="keywords">ICC</keyword>) issued the annual <keyword id="21100049" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="team-rankings" source="keywords">team rankings</keyword> update on Friday, with <keyword id="19895799" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Australia" source="keywords">Australia</keyword> taking the top spot in Test cricket and <keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> maintaining supremacy in both white-ball formats. Reigning ICC World Test Championship winners Australia have overtaken India to secure the top spot in whites on the back of their stunning 209-run triumph over India in the World Test Championship decider at The Oval last year, as per ICC. It helped improve Australia's rating to 124 points, four clear of their closest rival and last year's World Test Championship runners-up India (120) and 19 points clear of third-placed England (105). It is the only change at the top of the Test rankings, with South Africa (103), New Zealand (96), Pakistan (89), Sri Lanka (83), West Indies (82) and Bangladesh (53) remaining unchanged in spots between fourth and ninth. The rankings update only takes into consideration teams' performances after May 2021, with India's impressive 2-1 series triumph over Australia under skipper Virat Kohli that finished in January of 2021 dropping out of the rankings period. All results between May 2021 and May 2023 are then weighted at 50 per cent and the ones in the following 12 months - that includes Australia's World Test Championship final victory - then weighted at 100 per cent. While India (122 points) may have lost the top spot on the Test team rankings, they do remain out in front in both white-ball formats and have increased their lead at the head of proceedings in ODI cricket to six rating points over Australia (116), despite a loss to the Men in Yellow in the final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 following a 10-match win streak. Third-placed South Africa (112) closed the gap on Australia to just four rating points, while Pakistan (106) and New Zealand (101) round out the top five. Seventh-placed Sri Lanka (93) are now just two rating points behind sixth-placed England (95), with Bangladesh (86), Afghanistan (80) and West Indies (69) rounding out the top 10. India (264) remains well out in front of the updated T20I rankings, although their lead has been reduced from 11 points to just seven with second-placed Australia (257) jumping in front of third-placed England (252). South Africa (250) rose two spots from sixth to fourth and now sits just two rating points behind England, with Pakistan (247) dropping two places to seventh and Scotland (192) a notable improver as they overtake Zimbabwe (191) to claim 12th spot. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/bajaj-pulsar-ns400z-launched-at-1-85-lakh-becomes-cheapest-400cc-bike-in-the-country/slidelist/109810458.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/bajaj-pulsar-ns400z-launched-at-1-85-lakh-becomes-cheapest-400cc-bike-in-the-country/slidelist/109810458.cms" target="_blank">Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z launched at ₹1.85 lakh, becomes cheapest 400cc bike in the country</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-sales-crater-in-april-2024-as-prices-increase-amid-reduced-subsidies/articleshow/109806054.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-two-wheeler-sales-crater-in-april-2024-as-prices-increase-amid-reduced-subsidies/articleshow/109806054.cms" target="_blank">Electric two-wheeler sales crater in April 2024 as prices increase amid reduced subsidies</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/t20-world-cup-here-are-the-squads-announced-by-major-participating-countries-so-far/slidelist/109787165.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/sports/webstories/t20-world-cup-here-are-the-squads-announced-by-major-participating-countries-so-far/slidelist/109787165.cms" target="_blank">T20 World Cup: Here are the squads announced by major participating countries so far</a>

ICC issues annual team rankings: India lead both white-ball formats while Aussies take top spot in Tests

On this day in 2011, India continued their supremacy over Pakistan in ICC tournaments and stormed into the final of the <keyword id="22177" type="SPORT" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-cup">World Cup</keyword> by beating the arch-rivals by 29 runs here. Sachin Tendulkar, who went into the match chasing his 100th international hundred, led India's charge with a stroke-filled 85 as India put up 260/9 after electing to bat first. Besides Tendulkar, Suresh Raina's cameo of 36 took India's total to 260 after the likes of <keyword id="351" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Yuvraj-Singh">Yuvraj Singh</keyword>, Virender Sehwag and skipper M.S. Dhoni failed to get going. Tendulkar was given four lives by Pakistani fielders for whom Wahab Riaz returned best figures of 5/46. Chasing 261, the Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan side saw Kamran Akmal and <keyword id="113963" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mohammad-Hafeez">Mohammad Hafeez</keyword> put on 44 runs for the first wicket, but Zaheer Khan drew first blood in the ninth over as he sent Akmal (19) back. After Akmal's dismissal, Pakistan kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were never in with a chance as Indian bowlers fired in unision. Pakistan were bundled out for 231, handing the Indian side a win by 29 runs. The Dhoni-led side eventually went on to lift its second 50-over title as the side defeated Sri Lanka in the final on April 2 at the <keyword id="3033" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Wankhede-Stadium">Wankhede Stadium</keyword> in Mumbai. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/topic/coronavirus">Coronavirus News and Updates</a>

This day in 2011, India beat Pakistan at the World Cup

<ul><li>India’s <keyword id="43858" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Security-Advisor">National Security Advisor</keyword> <keyword id="115253" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ajit-Doval">Ajit Doval</keyword> announced the ‘New India’ doctrine during a gathering at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.</li><li>“We will surely fight, on our soil as well as on foreign soil, but not for our personal interests. But, in the interests of Parmarth spirituality,” he said.</li><li>His remarks come ahead of the 2+2 ministerial talks between India and the US, including the discussion of ‘regional issues’ and other aspects of defence.</li></ul>“It is not necessary that we only fight where you want to. India will take the battle to where the threat originates,” said National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh over the weekend. He was describing the doctrine that he has dubbed ‘New India.’ The government has clarified that Doval’s remarks were not aimed at China or Pakistan — he was speaking more in the context of ‘civilisation methods.’ “We will surely fight, on our soil as well as on foreign soil, but not for our personal interests. But, in the interests of Parmarth spirituality,” explained Doval at the gathering. His remarks come ahead of the 2+2 ministerial talks between India and the US, which will include the discussion of ‘<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/us-india-to-discuss-china-border-tension-during-22-dialogue-as-india-looks-to-ensure-comprehensive-disengagement/articleshow/78822108.cms">regional issues</a>’. “I think the situation at the <keyword id="49399" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Line-of-Actual-Control">Line of Actual Control</keyword> (LAC) will probably be discussed at some point, we are watching the situation closely,” Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Dean Thompson told the press. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="78822108" title="US-India to discuss China border tension during 2+2 dialogue as India looks to ensure 'comprehensive disengagement'" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper are to arrive in India later today. Not only is this meeting taking place amid border tensions with China but also ahead of the 2020 US Presidential Election that takes place on November 3. <div type="twitter" handle="SecPompeo" handlename="Secretary Pompeo" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1014454396522934273/w_96hmja_normal.jpg" favoritecount="9531" retweetcount="1595" status="Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with ou… https://t.co/DtIxmxpQUK" createdat="1603642892000" id="1320400111059537920"></div> In addition to regional issues, defense information sharing, military-to-military interactions, and defense trade will also be up for discussion, according to the US State Department. Eighth round of India-China Corp Commander also to take place this week India and China are likely to move forward with the eighth round of Corp Commander talks this week. The impetus will continue to remain on disengagement and de-escalation along the disputed border between the two countries in Eastern Ladakh. So far, the two Asian giants have not reached a consensus on reducing the number of soldiers that have already been deployed but they did agree not to add any more. However, earlier this month, <a href="http://ntimes.com/india-news/pla-rotates-lac-troops-shows-hand/story-BTArWOVpwKeuPCrPcVY9FJ.html">Hindustan Times</a> reported that China has been rotating its troops with an <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-disengagement-looks-unlikely-with-more-chinese-troops-reportedly-being-deployed-at-the-border/articleshow/78632960.cms">additional brigade in the mix</a>. The issue of restoring the original status-quo has not been addressed as Indian continues to build up its border infrastructure. <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">Military experts</a> gauge that disengagement between Indian and China along the LAC is likely to be a long, drawn-out process that will take a while to complete. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/indusind-bank-shares-rally-4-after-rumours-of-kotak-mahindra-bank-merger/articleshow/78867706.cms">IndusInd Bank shares rally 4% after promoters refute reports of merger with Kotak Mahindra Bank</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/stack-overflow-ceo-prashanth-chandrasekar-explains-how-stack-overflow-flipped-the-script-on-software-development/articleshow/78854564.cms">EXCLUSIVE: Communities, brand and then product — CEO explains how Stack Overflow flipped the script on software development</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/trump-calls-india-china-and-russia-filthy-while-justifying-exit-from-paris-agreement/articleshow/78821267.cms">Trump calls India, China and Russia ‘filthy’ while justifying exit from Paris Agreement</a>

National Security Advisor lays ‘New India’ doctrine ahead of Pompeo’s visit to India

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is facing "unanticipated consequences" for its misadventure in eastern Ladakh because of the "firm and strong" responses by the Indian armed forces, <keyword id="150671" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="chief-of-defence-staff">Chief of Defence Staff</keyword> Gen <keyword id="2496903" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bipin-Rawat">Bipin Rawat</keyword> said on Friday. In an address at a virtual seminar, Gen Rawat said the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh remained tense and that India's posturing has been "unambiguous". "The situation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh remains tense and the People's Liberation Army is facing unanticipated consequences for its misadventure in Ladakh because of firm and strong responses by Indian forces," Gen Rawat said. "Our posturing is unambiguous. We will not accept any shifting of the Line of Actual Control," he asserted. Talking about the overall security calculus, Gen Rawat said border confrontations, transgressions and unprovoked tactical military actions spiralling into a larger conflict cannot be discounted. The Chief of Defence Staff also touched on the issue of cross border terrorism from Pakistan and the way it has been dealt with by the Indian armed forces. Referring to security challenges, Gen Rawat said the "constant friction" with the two nuclear-armed neighbours (Pakistan and China) poses a danger of regional strategic instability with the potential for escalation. He also suggested that the two countries with whom India had fought wars are increasingly acting in cohesion. The Chief of Defence Staff said the "unabated proxy war" unleashed by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir accompanied by "vicious" anti-India rhetoric have taken the ties between the two countries to a new low. "The surgical strikes after the Uri attack and Balakot air strikes have delivered a strong message that Pakistan no longer enjoys the impunity of pushing terrorists across the LoC under the nuclear bogey," Gen Rawat said at the seminar organised by the National Defence College. He said the new Indian template to deal with terrorism has injected ambiguity and uncertainty in Pakistan, adding India will confront terrorism with a firm hand. The Chief of Defence Staff said despite internal problems, failing economy, international isolation and vitiated civil-military relations, Pakistan will continue to "profess" that Kashmir is their "unfinished agenda". "And their Army will continue to raise the bogey of an existential threat from India to justify their disproportionately large strength and need for funds to maintain its war fighting capabilities," said Gen Rawat. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/enterprise/news/aws-expands-india-footprint-with-plans-for-a-second-cluster-of-data-centers-in-hyderabad-by-2022/articleshow/79075220.cms">AWS pumps $2.7 billion into India to set up a second cluster of data centers in Hyderabad by 2022</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-and-china-slated-to-hold-8th-round-of-military-level-talks-as-troops-gear-up-for-ladakhs-sub-zero-winters/articleshow/79074473.cms">India and China slated to hold 8th round of military-level talks as troops gear up for Ladakh’s sub-zero winters</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/whatsapp-pay-upi-rolls-out-while-google-pay-phonepe-have-already-got-the-first-sting-with-the-npci-cap/articleshow/79075049.cms">WhatsApp Pay UPI is now live while Google Pay, PhonePe have already got the first sting</a>

Chinese military facing unanticipated consequences for misadventure in eastern Ladakh, says India's Chief of Defence Staff

Army chief general <keyword id="7912696" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="M-M-Naravane">M M Naravane</keyword> on Tuesday said that he was hopeful that the Indian and Chinese militaries will be able to reach an agreement on disengagement and de-escalation of tension in eastern Ladakh. In an address at a seminar, the army chief said senior military commanders of India and China are holding talks to iron out modalities for deescalation of tension in eastern Ladakh. "We are hopeful of reaching an agreement which is mutually acceptable and is really beneficial in keeping with the overarching policy guidelines," he said. The chief of Army staff also said that the situation in eastern Ladakh is quite stable. General Naravane was speaking at a conclave organised by Bharatshakti.in, a portal on defence and military issues. Referring to Indian troops deployed in the high-altitude region, he said they are equipped with appropriate clothing and weapons, and added that there is no shortage whatsoever. India and China are likely to hold another round of military talks to discuss specific proposals for a possible breakthrough in the long-negotiated disengagement process in eastern Ladakh. The eighth round of Corps Commander-level talks on Friday had broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points and both sides would like to take forward the "constructive" dialogue to the next round with detailed deliberations, sources had said. In a joint statement released earlier on Friday, the <keyword id="6354416" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army">Indian Army</keyword> and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) described the talks as candid, in-depth and constructive. The statement said it was agreed to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and ensure that the frontline troops exercise restraint and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation. Nearly 50,000 troops of the Indian Army are currently deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various mountainous locations in eastern Ladakh in sub-zero conditions as multiple rounds of talks between the two sides have not yielded any concrete outcome yet to resolve the standoff. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. The standoff between the two sides erupted in early May. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/india/news/checkout-here-bihar-assembly-election-2020-results-and-updates-online/articleshow/79142084.cms">Bihar Election Results 2020: NDA widens its lead while RJD remains the single largest party</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/prime-minister-modi-hits-out-pakistan-and-china-during-sco-summit-attempts-are-being-made-to-rake-bilateral-issues/articleshow/79148767.cms">Prime Minister Modi takes a dig at Pakistan and China during SCO summit — ‘attempts are being made to rake up bilateral issues’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/instagram-down-users-complain-of-frozen-timelines-and-likes/articleshow/79146012.cms">Instagram down for over four hours— users complain of frozen timelines and likes</a>

Indian Army chief Naravane is hopeful of de-escalation of tensions between India and China in eastern Ladakh

<ul><li>The seventh round of military talks between India and China lasted well over 11 hours on Monday. </li><li>Despite India’s insistence that China withdraws its troops from friction points along the border, an additional brigade of <keyword id="151196" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chinese-troops">Chinese troops</keyword> has reportedly been deployed at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Pangong Tso Lake.</li><li>“This clearly means that PLA has no plans for disengagement at least this winter,” a military commander told Hindustan Times. </li></ul>During the seventh round of military talks between India and China, the Indian side insisted that China withdraws its troops from friction points along the border. Instead, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is repotedly rotating 200 troops at a time with an additional brigade in the mix. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="78625776" title="India insists China disengages from all friction points along LAC at 7th round of military talks" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> “This clearly means that PLA has no plans for disengagement at least this winter,” a military commander told <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pla-rotates-lac-troops-shows-hand/story-BTArWOVpwKeuPCrPcVY9FJ.html">Hindustan Times.</a> India and China were locked in discussions for approximately 11 and a half hours, with talks coming to an end around 11:30 pm last night. Military experts gauge that disengagement is likely to be 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">long, drawn-out process</a> that will take a while to complete. With winter ready to set in by the end of the month, and reports of troop additions, the border between India and China is starting to look a lot like the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. India races to build border roads Amid the endeavour to resolve the border dispute, Indian Defence Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> iterated that China and Pakistan are in cahoots to cause chaos along India’s geographical boundaries. “You are aware of the situation on our eastern and northern borders. It appears as if border disputes are being created under a mission, first by Pakistan and now even China,” he said at an inauguration event yesterday with kicked off operations on 44 new bridges in border areas — including seven in Ladakh. “These bridges are designed to facilitate movement of heavy civil and military traffic in border areas," said Lieutenant General Harpal Singh from the Border Roads Organization(BRO), which builds all infrastructure along South Asian nation’s borders. And, there are more border roads to come. The Modi administration has completed 74 strategic roads along the eastern border so far and has plans to finish 20 more by next year. India-China border stalemate hardens The stalemate along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) seems to be deepening with both countries preparing their troops for winter and sending in more supplies. The Asian giants have been locked in a standoff for over five months now with <a href="https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3105218/india-china-border-stalemate-endures-fear-ladakh-new-kashmir">18 rounds of meetings</a> between them at diplomatic, political and military levels to try and resolve the tensions. However, withdrawal of troops is yet to be seen despite Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Wang Yi meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) ministerial meeting and agreeing on a ‘five-point plan’ for quick disengagement. Going forward, there may be a glimmer of hope, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Xi Jinping set to face each other for the first time since the Galwan Valley incident at the BRICS Summit on November 17. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/wipros-second-quarter-will-be-telling-of-how-its-new-ceo-is-steering-the-ship/articleshow/78623027.cms">Wipro's second-quarter will be telling of how its new CEO is steering the ship</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/economy/news/sitharaman-offers-states-12000-crore-interest-free-for-the-next-50-years-if-they-can-spend-it-on-capital-projects-by-march-2021/articleshow/78616741.cms">Sitharaman offers states ₹12,000 crore interest-free for the next 50 years if they can spend it on capital projects by March 2021</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/itcm-nirbhay-missiles-maiden-launch-cancelled-due-to-technical-snag/articleshow/78619468.cms">ITCM Nirbhay missile's maiden launch cancelled due to 'technical snag'</a>

Chinese PLA is reportedly rotating troops despite India's insistence on disengagement from friction points along the border

<ul><li>The perception of LAC is different for both India and China, India’s <keyword id="7706628" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-minister-rajnath-singh">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</keyword> told the Parliament today.</li><li>He accused China of violating the 1993 and 1996 agreement between the two countries by increasing the number of troops and weaponry along the border. </li><li>“Chinese forces have been engaging in violent conduct,” he said.</li></ul>Addressing the Monsoon session of Parliament, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that the <keyword id="7905649" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="border-issue-with-china">border issue with China</keyword> remains unresolved as of now. “The question of China’s boundary in its customary and traditional alignment is not agreed upon by China,” he said. While India believes the alignment is well-established and goes back to historical usage of the routes and practices, China’s perception of the Line of Actual Control (LAC)differs, according to Singh. China currently lays claim to around 38,000 square kilometers of territory that overlaps with India’s assertions in Ladakh and nearly 90,000 square kilometres in Arunachal Pradesh. “Around 5,130 square kilometers of Indian territory in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) has also been handed over China by Pakistan,” added Singh. It’s due to this challenging situation that India and China need to resolve the border dispute through peaceful negotiations, according to him. “Any disruption of peace and tranquility along the border will have an effect on the bilateral relations between the two countries,” he said. Rajnath Singh accuses China of violating border agreements China has been building up troops along LAC friction points — like eastern Ladakh, Gogra, Kongka La, Pangong Lake's north and south banks — which violates the treaties signed between India and China in 1993 and 1996, according to Singh. The agreements stipulate that the countries will keep their troop deployment to a minimum along the LAC. Until the border issue is not resolved bilaterally, both sides will strictly adhere to and respect the boundaries established. “Chinese forces have been engaging in violent conduct. They have increased troops and weaponry,” said Singh. The fourth month of the India-China standoff, according to Rajnath Singh. [Four months of the India-China standoff, according to Rajnath Singh.] <ul><li>China has been increasing its troops along the border since April. </li><li>In May, China started to interfere with the normal patrolling patterns of Indian troops in Galwan Valley.</li><li>Ground commanders of both countries were engaged in dialogue to try and resolve the issue.</li><li>In the middle of May, China was seen trying to transgress the border at various points of the LAC like Konkala, Pangong Lake, and Dogra, among others.</li><li>We communicated to China that we are aware of their attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, and we stand against it. </li><li>As friction increased, the ground commander met again on June 6 and agreed to disengage via reciprocal actions.</li><li>Despite this, a violent clash was instigated by China in Galwan Valley on June 15. The India side bore losses but also gave a fitting reply to the Chinese side. </li><li>During de-escalation talks, China was engaged in proactive movements along the border in August along Pangong Tso lake. </li><li>Our armed troops thwarted the attempt.</li></ul>India's stand on the border tensions with China Singh revealed that the government has a time-tested and elaborate mechanism for its various intelligence agencies to coordinate. It combines the intelligence branches of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). He assured the other Members of Parliament (MPs) that the Indian troops are “ready to deal with any situation.” According to him, the 5-point plan agreed upon by India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Moscow will be successful, provided China remains faithful in its promise to adhere to the terms set out. “The government will remain committed to this cause in the coming day. We are committed to resolving it peacefully,” he said. “Tents, sweaters, and other supplies have been provided by the government to the armed forces so that Indian troops will be able to continue fighting for the country in terrains where oxygen is sparse, and they have to sub-zero temperatures,” the Defence Minister added. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/rajnath-singh-to-address-parliament-on-india-china-border-row-as-tensions-continue-to-simmer-in-ladakh/articleshow/78118498.cms">Rajnath Singh to address Parliament on India-China border row as tensions continue to simmer in Ladakh</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/tencent-joins-alibaba-and-bytedance-in-making-singapore-its-new-headquarters-after-india-ban-and-tensions-in-the-us/articleshow/78125459.cms">Tencent joins Alibaba and Bytedance in making Singapore its new headquarters after India ban and tensions in the US</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/society/news/for-facebook-and-twitter-the-changes-to-indias-it-amendment-act-is-what-the-doctor-ordered-or-not/articleshow/78121530.cms">For Facebook and Twitter, the changes to India's IT (Amendment) Act is just what the doctor ordered — or not</a>

You Searched For "pakistan india updates" and got 12 results

Rohit Sharma set to take over from Babar Azam at top in ODI Batter Rankings

ANI

World’s most powerful passport: Singapore reigns supreme with 195 visa-free destinations! Here’s where India ranks

Ayush Mehrotra

India is updating its air force for a modern war, and China isn't its only concern

Benjamin Brimelow

India hits out at Pakistan for taking advantage of coronavirus pandemic to enhance cross-border terrorism

PTI

Pakistan resorts to heavy shelling at India along the LoC in Poonch

IANS

ICC issues annual team rankings: India lead both white-ball formats while Aussies take top spot in Tests

ANI

This day in 2011, India beat Pakistan at the World Cup

IANS

National Security Advisor lays ‘New India’ doctrine ahead of Pompeo’s visit to India

Prabhjote Gill

Chinese military facing unanticipated consequences for misadventure in eastern Ladakh, says India's Chief of Defence Staff

PTI

Indian Army chief Naravane is hopeful of de-escalation of tensions between India and China in eastern Ladakh

PTI

Chinese PLA is reportedly rotating troops despite India's insistence on disengagement from friction points along the border

Prabhjote Gill

The border issue with China remains unresolved, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tells Parliament

Prabhjote Gill

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides