China on Friday objected to the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Arunachal Pradesh, saying the Chinese government never acknowledged the "so-called" northeast Indian state, which it claims to be a part of South Tibet.

Union Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday called upon the Russian defence industry to work jointly to modernise India's defence platforms and manufacture equipment to give a massive boost to the two nations' exports to third countries.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov will address defence industry representatives at the India–Russia Defence Industry Cooperation Conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Ficci said.

Talking about nuclear threats from Pakistan, Rajnath Singh said: "India has never been offensive. We have never invaded anyone nor has India annexed an inch of territory from anyone. However, Indian armed forces are fully capable of giving a befitting reply to any evil designs against the country."

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat briefed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about the situation at Line of Control in Kupwara (Jammu and Kashmir), sources told India TV News. They said that after briefing Defence Minister, General Rawat told him that retaliatory action taken by the Indian Army has resulted in a befitting reply to Pakistan after its ceasefire violation.

At a ceremony in France on Tuesday, Singh formally took the delivery of the first of the 36 long-awaited French-made aircraft acquired by the Indian Air Force. He also took a sortie in the two-seater jet.

He also questioned why the Congress has an "objection" to writing the word 'Om' on the aircraft and noted that when he was performing 'puja' in France, people of various faiths were present there including Muslims, Christians and Sikhs who were all "cooperating" during the ceremony.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday made a clarion call for French companies to make India their base for the production of defence equipment, not only for India’s large market but also for export to other countries.

"Had fruitful deliberations with the French Minister of Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly during the Annual Defence Dialogue in Paris," Singh tweeted after the meeting.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday took a sortie in a Rafale in France after formally receiving the first fighter jet. Watch Video.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday performed 'Shastra Puja' (worship of weapons) on the occasion of Dussehra after receiving the first of 36 Rafale jets in the French port city of Bordeaux. On receiving the first Rafale, Rajnath Singh marked religious symbol 'Om' on the aircraft, put a coconut and placed lemons ahead of its wheels to complete the traditional puja.

India, finally, has its Rafale! Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday received the first Rafale combat jet at Merignac Airport in France, powering the Indian Air Force to newer heights of air dominance and unrivalled deep strike capability. This is the formal handover ceremony but the first batch of four Rafale jets will fly to their home base in India by May 2020. All 36 jets are expected to arrive in India by September 2022. It was in September 2016 when India ordered 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called on French President Emmanuel Macron here on Tuesday and the two leaders discussed stronger India-France defence and strategic ties during their "very warm and productive" meeting.

All 36 jets are expected to arrive in India by September 2022, for which the IAF has been reportedly undertaking preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will receive first of the 36 Rafale jets in France on Tuesday. The aircraft has the most advanced weapons package comprising Meteor and Scalp missiles that will provide India unrivalled deep strike capability and air dominance in the region. Rajnath Singh will receive the first Rafale jet at an air base in Paris, three years after India sealed the mega-deal for procurement of the aircraft manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation. Here are 11 things you didn't know about Rafale.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday and receive the first of the 36 Rafale aircraft in the French port city of Bordeaux, where he will perform 'Shastra Puja' on the occasion of Dussehra and take a sortie in the fighter jet.

The defence minister will leave for Paris on a three-day visit on Monday, primarily to receive the first Rafale fighter jet on Tuesday -- the foundation day of the Indian Air Force as well as the day when Dussehra will be celebrated.

"Earlier, there was a provision of financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the battle casualties which are fatal, disability above 60 per cent, battle casualties invalided out due to disability and Rs 1 lakh to disability less than 60 per cent. It was in addition to liberalised family pension, financial assistance from Army Group Insurance, Army Welfare Fund and ex-gratia amount," said the ministry statement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will fly a sortie on a Rafale aircraft in France on October 8, defence sources told IANS today.

"We believe in peaceful and mutually beneficial co-existence with our neighbours," Rajnath Singh said, adding that the government was deeply conscious of the requirements of the Armed Forces and remains committed to providing requisite focus and financial support for its modernisation.