#SecurityScan 66: Indian Navy warship 'Surat', OROP & much more
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said was speaking about India"s stand on the Israel crisis.
NewsBharati 17-Nov-2023 17:41:20 PM
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This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India's national security.
Pakistan - A Failed State
Pakistan Army faces its worst crisis since 2014
What makes the losses glaring this year is that in 2014 the Pakistani Army had launched a massive crackdown on a network of militant groups, including Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). However, this year, there has been no such action. Moreover, Pakistani Army has faced the wrath of political protesters, who have attacked several installations after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and even burnt down the house of the Lahore Corps Commander.
China loaned Pakistan $21bn more than reported, study finds
Two decades of Chinese lending to Pakistan totaled about $21 billion more than previously thought, a study revealed this week, while also showing that the cash-strapped South Asian country has the biggest China-funded energy portfolio in the world. Aid Data, a research institute at William and Mary University in the U.S., calculated Pakistan's cumulative public debt exposure to China at $67.2 billion for the period from 2000 to 2021. That surpasses the $46 billion recorded for the same period in the World Bank's International Debt Statistics, based on voluntary disclosures from Pakistan.
Chinese debt trap is much deeper than appreciated earlier.
Securing Indian Internal & External Security
India-Nepal border forces' talks begin in Delhi
The border guarding forces of India and Nepal have commenced a three-day bilateral meeting in Delhi. They are discussing strategies to combat trans-frontier crimes and ensure timely sharing of intelligence information. The Indian delegation, led by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) director general Rashmi Shukla, is engaging with the visiting nine-member Armed Police Force (APF) team from Nepal, headed by its inspector general Raju Aryal.
J&K police announces Rs 10 lakh reward for tip-off in recent targeted attacks in Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir police Director General R R Swain has offered a Rs 10 lakh reward for information on recent targeted attacks. Swain, who assumed office on October 31, vowed to combat militant networks' resilience, citing their substantial investments. He called these attacks "beyond the red line" and emphasized professional investigations.
India successfully test-fires 'Pralay' missile off Odisha coast
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile's launch at approximately 9:50 am achieved all of its mission objectives. Tracking instruments closely followed its path along the coastline.
Gujarat CM unveils crest of Indian Navy warship 'Surat'
The crest of the Indian Navy's latest guided missile destroyer, 'Surat,' was unveiled in the city of Surat. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar and other senior officers, graced the ceremony that took place on November 6.
EU appoints military attache in mission in India
The European Union (EU) has appointed a military attaché to its mission in India, marking the first time the EU has done so. This development reflects the growing defense and strategic cooperation between India and the EU.
Army Aviation looking at phasing out Cheetah, Chetak helicopters from 2027
The Indian Army is planning to phase out its aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters starting in 2027 and is considering light utility helicopters (LUH) as replacements. The Army currently operates approximately 190 Chetak, Cheetah, and Cheetal helicopters for reconnaissance and surveillance activities.
Can King Jigme’s Delhi visit ease Indian concerns over Bhutan-China border talks?
India’s biggest concern is Bhutan could cede land to China that is close to the Doklam area which connects northeastern India to the rest of the country Bhutan-India ties have historically been strong, and New Delhi has wielded influence in trying to take care of Bhutan’s security interests
Def Min issues instruction to release 3rd instalment of OROP arrears by Diwali
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has directed the release of the third instalment of arrears under the 'One Rank On Pension' (OROP) scheme to defence pensioners before Diwali. The government approved the revision of pensions for armed forces personnel under the 'OROP' scheme, with retrospective effect from July 1, 2019. Read more
Tejas aircraft, ALH Dhruv to participate in Dubai airshow
India's light combat aircraft Tejas and advanced light helicopter Dhruv will participate in the biennial Dubai airshow that is scheduled to take place from November 13 to 17. The two platforms are part of the Indian Air Force's deployment at the prestigious event, officials said on Wednesday. Read more
"India a key strategic partner," says White House ahead of 2+2 Dialogue"
National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said was speaking about India's stand on the Israel crisis.
The talks were very successful.
Indian Navy will become fully Atmanirbhar by 2047: Admiral R Hari Kumar
"Our nation is going through the most exciting times since Independence. We live in an egalitarian society. We have moved from being the 10th largest economy to fifth largest economy in the world in less than a decade. And we are set to be the third largest economy before the end of this decade," the Navy chief said.
COUNTERING CHINESE MULTI DOMAIN , GREYZONE, HIGHBREED WARFARE
China Slips Back Into Deflation as Recovery Remains Fragile
China’s deflation pressures worsened in October as consumer prices dipped back below zero and producer cost declines deepened, adding to expectations the economy needs more stimulus to shore up growth.
China’s ‘Lie-Flat’ Youth Start a New Trend Underground,
Fresh off refusing to work as hard as their parents, Gen-Z rejects their European-luxury shopping aspirations, too, and fuels a B1B2 economy. Young people in China have become trendsetters. First, they rejected society’s overwork and over-achieving culture with a “lie-flat” movement that has resonated in the US. Second, faced with a dismal labor market — more than one in five are jobless, according to official statistics — tens of millions choose to take a gap year or two, and proudly label themselves “professional children.” The latest trend? They’ve been embracing the so-called “B1B2 economy,” (think elevator buttons), dining and shopping on the more budget-oriented basement floors of China’s many swanky malls. It’s a seismic cultural change that commercial real estate developers and global luxury brands in higher-level shops must confront.
India plans Taiwan labour supply pact while China tensions brew
India is forging closer economic ties with Taiwan with a plan to send tens of thousands of workers to the island as early as next month, according to senior officials familiar with the matter, potentially angering neighbor China.
Taiwan could hire as many as 100,000 Indians to work at factories, farms and hospitals, the officials said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. The two sides are expected to sign an employment mobility agreement by as early as December.
Taiwan’s aging society means it needs more workers, while in India, the economy isn’t growing fast enough to create enough jobs for the millions of young people who enter the labour market every year. Taiwan is projected to become a “super aged” society by 2025 with elderly people forecast to make up for more than a fifth of the population
China's 'communist spies' in the dock in Taiwan
Taiwan is taking aim at China's "communist spies" ahead of a crucial presidential election, where the island's relationship with Beijing will be on the ballot. Taiwan and China have been spying on each other since 1949, when Chinese nationalists set up a separate government in Taipei opposing Mao Zedong's communist China. In the last 10 months, Taiwanese authorities have handed down a steady stream of charges and convictions - proof, they say, that Beijing's espionage strategy has intensified and expanded beyond elite military circles. Retired air force colonel Liu Sheng-shu was sentenced to 20 years in prison in October for running a military spy ring for Beijing. At least 16 people have been accused of spying for China since the start of the year, compared with the 44 espionage cases registered by Taiwan's Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau between 2013 and 2019.
Taiwan waiting for U.S. F-16s, tanks in $19bn arms sale backlog New analysis shows details of extensive delivery delays
Taiwan's backlog of weapons orders from the U.S., its largest foreign supplier, has reached about $19.2 billion, raising concerns about how prepared the island is for a cross-strait crisis.One of the biggest items on the list is an $8 billion order for the improved Block 70 variation of the F-16 fighter jet, the study by the Washington-based libertarian Cato Institute shows.
Myanmar in crisis: Are the generals finally buckling? In the face of multiple recent setbacks, the junta may be finally ready to talk, but the opposition
It has become painfully obvious in recent months that as the coup that toppled the government of Ms Aung San Suu Kyi approaches its third anniversary, things are not going well for Myanmar’s military rulers. Signs are pointing to fundamental shifts in the power struggle on the ground that bear a closer watch for what it means for the future of Myanmar and the region.Huge swathes of territory in the border regions with China are falling into rebel hands, including areas where Chinese-influenced ethnic organisations had generally maintained peace with the military junta. Lately, these groups have ignored pressure from their handlers across the border and turned on the regime, which goes by the name of State Administration Council (SAC).
Chinese trade warfare
EU loud, ASEAN silent on China’s economic coercion
EU passes Anti-Coercion Instrument while ASEAN opts for complacency in the face of China’s rising punitive trade measures.
China Warns Estonia on Taiwan Ties as Baltic Tension Simmers,, Beijing opposes official exchange with Taiwan ‘in any form’
The Chinese government issued a warning to Estonia after the Baltic nation said it would allow Taiwanese officials to open a non-diplomatic office to develop cultural and economic relations.China opposes any official exchange with Taiwan, a self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own, “in any form,” Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday. The remarks came a day after Estonia’s Postimees newspaper reported that China’s ambassador warned she may leave the country if the office is opened.
Uyghur film-maker claims he was tortured by authorities in China
Ikram Nurmehmet, a director known for his Uyghur protagonists, is facing charges related to ‘separatism’ and ‘terrorism’
India plans Taiwan labor supply pact while China tensions brew
India is forging closer economic ties with Taiwan with a plan to send tens of thousands of workers to the island as early as next month, according to senior officials familiar with the matter, potentially angering neighbor China. Taiwan could hire as many as 100,000 Indians to work at factories, farms and hospitals, the officials said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private. The two sides are expected to sign an employment mobility agreement by as early as December, the people said. Taiwan’s aging society means it needs more workers, while in India, the economy isn’t growing fast enough to create enough jobs for the millions of young people who enter the labor market every year. Taiwan is projected to become a “super aged” society by 2025 with elderly people forecast to make up for more than a fifth of the population. China is separated from Taiwan by a narrow body of water and shares a Himalayan border with India. A pact with Taiwan doesn’t suggest India is discarding the “One China Policy” — a position that recognizes the island as being a part of China. However, New Delhi hasn’t reiterated that position in public documents and has instead fostered an active unofficial relationship with Taiwan.
More Executives Vanish in China, Casting Chill Over Business Climate,The chief executive at livestreaming company DouYu and the chairman of a pharmaceutical business are the latest to go missing
The list of business executives and political figures who have gone missing in China keeps growing. Top executives at a video-streaming platform and a pharmaceutical company were the latest to disappear, as an intensifying clampdown by Beijing on alleged corruption and malfeasance shakes business confidence in China, among local and foreign firms alike.
Hamas Israel War: Lessons For India
War with Hamas to cost Israel above $50 billion: Report
Half of the cost would be in defence expenses that amount to some 1 billion shekels a day. Another 40-60 billion shekels would come from a loss of revenue, 17-20 billion for compensation for businesses and 10-20 billion shekels for rehabilitation.
Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said that the Israeli forces "have encircled Gaza City" and "now there exists a south Gaza and a north Gaza".
Only a very strong Indian economy will be able to withstand the war.
Israel: Almost 10,000 rockets fired from Gaza since October 7
Israel's foreign ministry claims that Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip have fired over 9,500 rockets at Israeli territory since their attack on the Jewish state one month ago. Since October 7, 1,400 people have been murdered in Israel, while 7,198 more have been wounded. As of Tuesday evening, 342 people remain hospitalized, with 51 in serious condition. Hamas is believed to be holding at least 239 people hostage in Gaza.
Drone, explosive attacks target US forces across Iraq
The drone, which was launched at the Erbil air base by an Iranian-backed militia before sunrise on Oct. 26, penetrated U.S. air defenses and crashed into the second floor of the barracks housing American troops at about 5 a.m
The incident was among at least 40 separate drone and rocket attacks that have been launched at US forces by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria over the past three weeks in response to American support for Israel in the Gaza war, according to Pentagon data and the two US officials.
India has to develop defence against rockets, missiles, drones fired by terrorists and China and Pakistan.
Since October 7, 331,000 Israelis returned to Israel, a nation with a total population of 9.3 million.
Ukraine’s population was 43.7 million in 2020. Since the war started in February last year, some 2.8 million left for Russia and 6 million for the West, to Europe, the US and Canada, representing some 20% of its population.
Meanwhile, millions have been fleeing various Islamic countries – Syria and Yemen, in particular, where Sunnis and Shias kill one another with abandon – with hardly anyone comfortably settled in the West going back to any of these countries to fight and nobody demonstrating anywhere against the massacres between the two Islamic sects or condemning their financial backers.
Patriotic Indians should also come back to India, when a war or serious warlike situation develops. Indians also should study as to how the Israeli citizens who are not soldiers are also helping the country to fight a war against Hamas. Becoming Information warriors is one important task.
Israel calls for Palestinian photographers of Hamas raid to be treated as terrorists
Freelancers for AP, CNN and others sent images of October 7 raids, some from within Israel with videos of terrorists actually killing civilians.
The ballistic missiles that arced from Yemen to Israel on October 31st set several records
They probably travelled farther than any other ballistic missile fired as an act of aggression, having crossed at least 1,600km. They were intercepted by Israel’s Arrow missile-defence system above the Negev desert. It was the first time that Arrow, deployed for 23 years, had taken out a surface-to-surface missile. It was also the first ever combat interception in space, according to two Israeli officials. The incident is a small illustration of how the proliferation of missiles with growing range and precision is changing the military landscape of the Middle East.
Russia’s war economy leaves businesses starved of labour
Busy armaments factories are depriving other industries of scarce workers.
Russia asks Pakistan to return helicopter engines, says report
Russia is facing a shortage of weapons and ammunition in its prolonged conflict with Ukraine, leading to an unexpected twist where it is importing arms, including missiles, from North Korea. South Korean sources reveal over 1 million artillery shells sent to Russia since August, along with 2,000 containers of military equipment, potentially including ballistic missiles.
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BRIG Hemant Mahajan
Passionate writer on National Security related issues, Brig Hemant Mahajan YSM (Retd) is M Sc, M Phil in Defence Studies. He joined IMA Dehradun in July 1973 and passed out as a Commissioned Officer on 15 June 1975. He was commissioned into 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY. He has served extensively in Counter Insurgency Operations in Insurgency and Terrorist prone areas of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab and North East and has taken part in all important operations undertaken by the Army since 1975.
Brig Hemant Mahajan served in Jammu & Kashmir, in the deserts of Rajasthan, in Super High Altitude areas of Kargil and Leh, forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He was deployed in Punjab in ‘Operation Avert’. He was also involved in maintaining peace post ‘Operation Bluestar’ days in Punjab in the worst affected district of Gurdaspur, Taran Taran and Amritsar.He served in the areas of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Siliguri and Sikkim. He commanded his battalion 7 MARATHA LIGHT INFANTRY in Operation Rakshak in the most difficult areas of Poonch and Rajouri during the times of highest militancy. His unit was responsible for stopping terrorists from Pakistan into Jammu and Kashmir. His unit was awarded Unit Citation, 18 gallantry awards including YSM (gallantry) for the officer.