#SecurityScan 39: Stalled Russian arms sale & more
The security forces including the Army, Police and Intelligence Agencies are coordinating the operations. The search is being conducted extensively in the area where multiple cave-type natural structures are present.
NewsBharati 24-Apr-2023 16:05:52 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.
COUNTERING CHINESE MULTI DOMAIN WAR
NEWS IN BRIEF
Buddhist Summit In India -China on the back foot
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Buddhist Summit putting China on the back foot. India is now a most important hub for Buddhist religious tourism and education on all aspects of Buddhist religion.
Online conference highlights significance of China-India youth, cultural exchanges ( Global Times China)
An online conference under the name of "China-India Youth Dialogue: Exchanges and Mutual Learning, Join Hands for a Brighter Future" was held on Thursday under the joint organization of the Global Times and Xi'an Technological University (XATU). Ten experts and scholars from China and India attended the event, as well as dozens of students and teachers from XATU.
Vivek Mani Tripathi, an assistant professor in Indology at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, added that there is no fundamental conflict between China and India. The border disputes between the two countries, for example, can be resolved through dialogue, he said. If the two countries cooperate more, we can make the 21st century the China-India century," said Tripathi.
Chinese influence operations at its best
Biden Aims to Unveil China Investment Curbs With G-7 Backing
US wants key allies to endorse concept at May summit in Japan. Order will focus on chips, AI, quantum investments in China
President Joe Biden aims to sign an executive order in the coming weeks that will limit investment in key parts of China’s economy by American businesses.
The administration, which has been debating the measure for almost two years, plans to take action around the time of a summit of the Group of Seven advanced economies that’s due to start on May 19 in Japan.
Chinese police stations in NYC are part of a vast influence operation.To stop Beijing’s long arm of repression, Democrats and Republicans will need to come together.
US military helping Japan counter its ‘greatest security challenge’ from China, says top commander
Major General Joel Vowell, the commander of the US Army in Japan, says Tokyo has shifted its focus towards the PLA’s ability to threaten its southwest islands
Japan is worried that the Chinese military could block or seize some of the islands, including the Ryukyu chain, to deter it from intervening if Taiwan is attacked.
Europe and the U.S. See Eye-to-Eye on China’s Threat
The real obstacle to decoupling from Beijing isn’t Western governments but Western companies that have bet heavily on China.
In its geopolitical competition with the West, China has long sought to divide the U.S. from Europe. Last week it appeared to score a coup when French President Emmanuel Macron declared Europe wouldn’t follow the U.S.’s approach toward Beijing.
In fact, the European Union has decisively changed its approach to China in the past year. Europeans use milder language than Americans, saying they wish to “de-risk” their economic relationship with China, not “decouple.” But in substance, European de-risking and American decoupling look much the same. Indeed, Europe is erecting economic defenses against China that in some cases go further than the U.S.
First online entrance exam for Army's Agniveer recruitment begins today
The exam would being conducted in the North East Zone at 26 centres across 14 cities in all seven states. The 14 cities include Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Jorhat, Silchar and Tezpur in Assam.
Army jawan arrested in connection with killing of four soldiers at Bathinda military station
An Indian Army jawan, Desai Mohan, has been arrested for allegedly killing four soldiers at Bathinda Military Station, Punjab, with a stolen INSAS rifle. Mohan had claimed he saw two men with a rifle and an axe near the crime scene. However, he later confessed to the killings, stating he had personal enmity with the four soldiers. Read more
US warship sails through Taiwan Strait following China war games
The U.S. warship USS Milius sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, the U.S. Navy said on Monday, just days after China ended its latest war games around the island.
India's 'challenging' relationship with China
While India's firm counter-action against China's incursions during the Galwan stand-off of 2020 sent an incisive message across the border, Jaishankar's strong words during the past few days have been indicative of Jaishankar Doctrine' .
Ukraine War-Russia's air force accidentally bombs its own city
A bomb that devastated a Russian city near the Ukraine border and injured two residents was accidentally dropped by one of the Russian air force's own planes, according to the country's military. Witnesses to the blast in Belgorod initially thought it was a drone attack by Ukrainian forces.
INTERNAL SECURITY
"Punjab's police corruption: Will AAP government take decisive action based on SIT reports?"
After lying in a sealed cover with the Punjab and Haryana High Court for about five years, the three reports of the special investigation team have finally been opened. The reports shed light on why the drug menace has persisted in Punjab despite the state's efforts to eradicate it. The reports reveal that some police officials have undermined the war on drugs, and several of these officials have come under scrutiny. Tainted Inspector Inderjit Singh, who was later dismissed, was a much-sought-after subordinate, and the reports have called for further investigation into the reasons behind this. The final report has accused AIG Raj Jit Singh Hundal of recommending Inderjit for double promotion, despite facing criminal cases. The reports highlight how Inderjit allegedly ran an extortion and drug racket whose beneficiaries included his superiors. Innocent individuals were implicated in drug cases by planting contraband smuggled from Pakistan on them. Inderjit is also accused of helping smugglers secure bail by manipulating drug test results. The situation is dire, and it is now up to the AAP government to take swift and decisive action based on these reports.
The black sheep in the police force must be identified and removed to get the battle against drugs back on track, which is crucial for the present and future of Punjab.
Heat Wave Silent Killer-
"Maharashtra heat wave tragedy: Lessons to be learned to prevent future fatalities."
Holding a large public event in extreme heat is a recipe for disaster, as was the case at a recent function in Navi Mumbai's Kharghar. Thirteen people lost their lives due to heatstroke during the ceremony where social worker Appasaheb Dharmadhikari was awarded the Maharashtra Bhushan by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis were also in attendance. The state government must explain why the event, originally planned for 5 pm, was moved up by six hours, and why adequate arrangements were not made for drinking water and shade.
Given the heat wave affecting some parts of India, the central government should actively discourage states and union territories from holding large gatherings in such conditions. Meteorological warnings must be taken seriously, and lessons learned from this tragedy should include a policy of canceling outdoor events in case of adverse weather forecasts.
Personal Security-Indian Students must know that flouting foreign visa norms is serious offence
Several universities in Australia are taking measures to address the growing number of Indian students entering the country with the primary goal of seeking residency rather than pursuing education. The applicants from states such as Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, UP, and Bihar are under suspicion, and these universities are now scrutinizing their study visa applications more carefully. The Australian government has a risk rating system that downgrades institutes with higher numbers of non-genuine students.
While it is understandable for young people to seek world-class education and better job prospects, they must follow the rules and understand the consequences of illegal migration.
Awareness campaigns should be conducted in Punjab and Haryana to educate students on this issue. Applicants should not solely rely on agents to fill in forms for colleges and study visas but should also check the websites of these institutions to understand all rules and regulations. They should also consider the value of the courses back home if they need to return. The grass may not be as green as it seems.
EXTERNAL SECURITY
Countering Pak Terrorism In Kashmir
Five soldiers were killed in a terror attack when the truck they were travelling in was ambushed by a group of militants, who used assault rifles and grenades to target the vehicle.
“One Army vehicle, moving between Bhimber Gali and Poonch was fired on by unidentified terrorists. Another seriously injured soldier was evacuated immediately to the Army Hospital at Rajouri and is under treatment. The fire came from forest areas on hills surrounding the road after which a cordon was laid by the army and a search operation was launched.
Special forces teams, drones, choppers launch search and destroy operation
The security forces including the Army, Police and Intelligence Agencies are coordinating the operations. The search is being conducted extensively in the area where multiple cave-type natural structures are present.
Time for another surgical strike, this time by Indian navy.
Russian arms sales to India stall due to fears over US sanctions
Russia has reportedly stopped supplying military spare parts and two S-400 missile-defence system batteries to India until a payment method can be agreed that doesn't violate US sanctions. Indian payments for over $2bn worth of arms have been held up for about a year. India faces sanctions over using US dollars while Russia is wary of taking rupees due to exchange-rate volatility.
IAF to participate in multilateral exercise in Greece
The Indian Air Force will participate in a mega multilateral exercise in Greece from April 24 to May 4. The exercise will be conducted at the Andravida air base. It will be participating with four Su-30 MKIs and two C-17 aircraft.
British CDS holds talks with top Indian military brass; says India, UK 'natural partners'
The British CDS began his visit to India by paying homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial this morning ahead of his first meeting with his Indian counterpart Gen Anil Chauhan.
Countering "UK asylum policy: a refuge for separatists and economic offenders?" In an effort to improve the strained relationship between India and the UK, Prime Minister Modi recently held discussions with his British counterpart, Rishi Sunak. The tensions arose following an incident on March 19th in London, when supporters of Khalistan desecrated the Indian High Commission and caused damage to the building. In response, India removed additional security barricades around the British High Commission in New Delhi and threatened further action. However, the UK government quickly assured India of their commitment to the security of their missions and personnel, denouncing such actions as unacceptable.
Despite this, the UK's subsequent stance on allowing protests, albeit at a distance from the Indian embassy and under police surveillance, has been seen by India as lending political legitimacy to the cause of the demonstrators. India raised concerns over the misuse of UK's asylum status by pro-Khalistan groups aiding terror activities in India, a concern also shared by Canada, Australia, and the US. India has demanded that these countries increase their monitoring and take proactive action to address this issue, which has contributed to attacks on Indian diplomatic missions and Indian-origin individuals.
During their discussions on Thursday, Modi discussed not only the need for action against anti-India elements but also touched upon the issue of economic offenders seeking refuge in the UK. Their prompt extradition to India to face the law has been a point of contention.
The resolution of these outstanding issues will be key to progress on negotiations between India and the UK in areas such as cementing the FTA, as outlined in the India-UK Roadmap-2030. Building trust between the two nations is crucial, given India's growing cooperation in strategic and trade ties with these countries.
Little evidence that China is seriously approaching its India talks, says US
The US does not believe China is working towards resolving the Indo-China border dispute with a sense of goodwill. Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, says China appears to be making provocations on the line of actual control, and he recommends India be offered technology and intelligence help to counter the situation. India can count on the US to support it, especially given increased prospects of hostilities with China, according to Lu. It recommends that the US should offer India military technology and criticise Beijing's land-grabbing.
India and the U.S. are in talks for a major bilateral defense collaboration that will involve the manufacturing of sophisticated, modern defense equipment in India, according to US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu. Both governments have been discussing potential partnerships for years, with trade totaling more than $20 billion over the last 20 years.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
US emerges as India’s biggest trade partner
In fiscal year 2022-23, the United States has become India's largest trading partner, marking a significant shift from China, which held the top spot for several years. India's trade with the US reached $128.55 billion, with exports growing by 2.81% to $78.31 billion, and imports increasing by 16% to $50.24 billion. This represents a significant increase from the $80.51 billion in trade between the two countries in 2020-21. While some trends, such as Indian petroleum exports to the US, may be temporary, others, including pharma exports to the US and crude and LNG exports to India, are likely to continue. The new Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) and the economic grouping I2U2 (India-US-Israel-UAE) are expected to further benefit Indian exports to the US by reducing costs and time for export permissions and promoting cross-border e-commerce exports. However, there are also potential challenges, such as a potential slowdown in the US economy and the possibility of political tensions if India shifts too much of its external trade into local currencies.
Despite these challenges, the growing political trust and trade between India and the US are likely to encourage fresh greenfield investment by the US in India, instead of China, and signal the success of India's balanced foreign policy approach.
The all-round successful balancing by India was expressed plaintively by former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who commented: ‘Why don’t we have a mature foreign policy like India’s? They trade with the US, they trade with China, and they get cheap oil from Russia.
Myanmar Refugees In Mizoram
The military operations in Myanmar have forced more refugees to flee across the border to Mizoram. The state is now hosting more than 40,000 refugees from Myanmar since the coup. The majority of these refugees belong to Myanmar's Chin community, who share ethnic ties with Mizos. That explains why the Mizoram government has so far adopted a tolerant approach. Furthermore, the influx of Kuki-Chin refugees from Bangladesh into the state since last year has created a potential tinderbox situation.
It is crucial to find a peaceful resolution in Myanmar to ensure the stability of Southeast Asia. Therefore, ASEAN and regional powers such as India should not consider the civil strife as an internal problem of Myanmar. They should use their economic and political influence to force the generals to halt the violence and engage in talks with the opposition.
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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.