#SecurityScan 43: Tahawwur Rana's extradition in US court and much more
In the name of national security and to fend off perceived threats from the West, Chinese efforts to prepare the country for security challenges have not relaxed despite a slowing economy and COVID-19
NewsBharati 22-May-2023 11:25:14 AM
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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.
COUNTERNG CHINESE MULTI DOAMIN WAR
News in Brief
Asia's internet cable projects delayed by South China Sea tensions
Asia's subsea cables, which carry much of the world's data, are becoming a focal point of geopolitical tensions involving China, as leading telecoms and technology companies face delays stringing lines along the floor of the South China Sea, one of the world's data super highways.Cable owners such as Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone, Singapore Telecommunications and U.S. tech giants Meta and Google are increasingly trying to bypass the contested sea, which Beijing has claimed almost entirely for itself.
This means higher costs to lay and operate cables. Chinese Grey Zone war has no answers.
Hong Kong libraries remove books about Tiananmen protest ahead of anniversary
Public libraries in Hong Kong are removing books and documentaries about the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Germany Urges China to Shut Secret Police Outposts in Berlin
Germany has called on China to close illegal overseas police stations that German authorities suspect are being used by the government in Beijing to control and intimidate Chinese expatriates living abroad.Germany has been in talks with the Chinese government since November about shutting down the operations.
Chinese general calls for military to prepare for ‘hybrid’ modern warfare
Writing in official newspaper, General Wang Haijiang gives glimpse of how PLA’s top brass sees the war in Ukraine. He says China faces suppression and containment from Western countries that may ‘escalate at any time’.
US religious freedom report accuses China of jailing 10,000 people in repression campaign
Beijing has broadened its efforts to bring all theological activity under Communist Party control, according to annual State Department publication.
US readying for Chinese hypersonic attack on Guam,Taiwan
Pentagon plans massive upgrade of strategic island’s missile defenses but resources are big constraint.
Philippines places buoys in parts of S.China Sea to assert sovereignty
The Philippines has placed navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to assert sovereignty over the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea.The step comes amid China's increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr pursues warmer ties with treaty ally the United States. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it set up five buoys carrying the national flag from May 10 to 12 in five areas within the 200-mile (322-km) zone, including the Whitsun Reef, where hundreds of Chinese maritime vessels moored in 2021.
Mysterious Killing of Chinese Gold Miners Puts New Pressure on Beijing
The massacre of nine workers in the Central African Republic and other recent attacks raise questions about China’s ability to protect its citizens overseas.
China Sentences American Citizen to Life in Prison for Espionage
Authorities give scant details about the charges against John Shing-wan Leung, 78, as Beijing ramps up crackdown on information flow to outsiders Chinese authorities said they sentenced an American citizen to life in prison on espionage charges, in a case that could further strain relations between Beijing and Washington.
Taiwan, tracks 32 Chinese military aircraft, 4 naval ships around country
Between 6 a.m. on Thursday (May 11) and 6 a.m. on Friday (May 12), the Ministry of National Defence (MND) monitored 32 Chinese military aircraft and four naval vessels in the vicinity of Taiwan, according to Taiwan news. In the southwest corner of the ADIZ, a BZK-005 reconnaissance drone and a TB-001 combat reconnaissance drone also crossed the median line and flew along the southern edge of the identification zone. Additionally, two Sukhoi Su-30 jet fighters and six Chengdu J-10 fighter jets crossed the median line.
Chinese gray zone war against Taiwan continues unabated, without any Kinetic response from the USA or Taiwan.
Chinese warships return to West Pacific for live-fire drills
The exercises in more distant seas in the West Pacific came soon after a carrier group led by the Shandong, one of China's two operational aircraft carriers, returned to its home port this month after sailing around Taiwan and into the Western Pacific.
Chinese general calls for unconventional warfare capabilities
In the name of national security and to fend off perceived threats from the West, Chinese efforts to prepare the country for security challenges have not relaxed despite a slowing economy and COVID-19. Defence spending is set to rise for the eighth straight year in 2023.
US geostrategic weaknesses to confront China apparent from Biden’s cancelled trip
It is not the first time a USA pivot to Asia has fallen victim to events. This week, Mr Joe Biden has been distracted by events even closer to home, specifically that troubled enclave of partisan strife known as Capitol Hill. He cancelled a trip to Australia following this weekend’s Group of Seven (G-7) summit in Japan.Mr Biden’s return to Washington is apparently required to fix the debt ceiling stand-off in Congress, a regular piece of disingenuous showmanship by congressional Republicans aiming to cripple a Democratic president’s room for manoeuvre under the guise of fiscal responsibility.
A bilateral programme in Sydney with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will still go ahead next week. The Quad is an informal group that promotes an open Indo-Pacific. Beijing sees it as an attempt to push back against its growing influence in the region.
Joe Biden’s aim of creating a strategic trade alliance counterweight to China has consistently struggled against his domestic imperatives. This is bad news for QUAD and anti China alliance.
What protests in Pakistan against Imran Khan’s arrest mean for China
Public anger at the previously sacrosanct institution of the army, which Beijing has close links with, could risk Chinese interests in Pakistan, including the belt and road ‘economic corridor witnessing number of violent attacks.
Chinese CPEC project is in ruins, as is the Pak economy.
Tahawwur Rana: US court approves extradition of 26/11 Mumbai attack accused
A US court has approved the extradition of Chicago businessman Tahawwur Rana to India where he is wanted for his role in the 2008 terror attack in Mumbai.
Declining Pakistani Remittances
Overseas Pakistanis are sending fewer dollars back home these days, with workers’ remittances dropping 13pc to $22.7bn during the 10-month period as compared to the last one. The loss of $3.4bn in home remittances nearly matches the upcoming debt repayments of $3.7bn during May-June.
The large drop from the Middle East is being driven by growth in cash transfers through the illegal hawala/hundi channels.Large traders and commercial importers are using these channels to buy foreign exchange from non-resident Pakistanis at much higher than the interbank rate to pay for their imports — to steal taxes as well as circumvent SBP restrictions imposed to slash imports, limit dollar outflow and protect its scanty foreign exchange reserves.
Bad news for Pak economy.
Indian Fishermen in Pakistan Jail-Get them out
More than 740 fishermen incarcerated in Indian and Pakistani prisons for trespassing water borders have completed their sentences, but their release and eventual repatriation have not materialized due to the apathy of governments on both sides.
In Indian jails of Delhi, Gujarat and Tihar, over 113 Pakistanis who had been detained for trespassing water borders in 2015-2022 are waiting to return home after completing their sentences.
The story of Indian fishermen imprisoned in Karachi’s Malir jail is no different. “654 fishermen are detained” in Pakistan; out of which, 631 are ready for repatriation.
INTERNAL SECURITY
NIA files supplementary charge sheet against terror operative in LeT offshoot case
In its supplementary charge sheet filed in the special NIA court, Patiala House, the agency has charged Muneer under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. He is accused of conspiring with Pakistan-based operatives of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the The Resistance Front (TRF) for transportation of firearms and explosives, dropped by drones from Pakistan to carry out
J&K HC stays judgment on 2022 village defence guards scheme
On April 6, a single-judge bench had quashed the 2022 scheme and directed authorities to treat Special Police Officers (SPOs) as having been appointed under the village defence committee of 1995 with all powers and privileges of SPOs under the Police Act.
Left Wing Terrorism
Two hardcore Naxals wanted in several cases of extremist violence surrendered before the Bihar Police and Central Reserve Police Force.
India will be a developed nation by 2047, says Defence Minister
India is set to become a developed nation by 2047, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Speaking at a defence technology conference, Singh stressed the need for advancement in technology amid growing security threats in cyberspace. Singh also highlighted India's self-reliance and its potential for economic success, with the country set to achieve the third rank in the world economy by 2027. The country is seeing a rise in exports of defence equipment and is now the biggest hub of start-ups.
EXTERNAL SECURITY
Operation Samudragupt: More Than 4200 kgs of drugs seized
The seizure of around 2,500 kg of high-purity methamphetamine, also called crystal meth, off the Kochi coast has set a record in terms of the monetary value. It’s a major achievement for the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Indian Navy. The drug busts under Operation Samudragupt have been an eye-opener in terms of the scale of the illegal trade, the smuggling methods and the new routes being used. Samudragupt targets maritime trafficking of drugs, sourced predominantly from Afghanistan. The interception of ships is based on actionable inputs. Since its launch in January last year, approximately 3,200 kg of methamphetamine, 500 kg of heroin and 529 kg of hashish have been seized.
Pakistani footprints are visible all over the Kerala seizure. The consignment was hidden in jute bags carrying labels of a Pakistan-based rice company. The mother ship that was intercepted originated from Makran coast, covering both Pakistan and Iran. A Pakistani national in custody has revealed that receivers in smaller boats were to deliver the bags in Sri Lanka and India. From deploying drones in Punjab and J-K to ships sailing close to the coastline, the reach of the drug cartels in India’s neighbor hood is formidable. It also underlines the fact that there is no dearth of buyers on the Indian side who are willing to go to extreme lengths for a steady supply to cater to the demand.
Drug abuse is getting deeply rooted despite a multitude of plans. It also calls for enhanced vigilance and intelligence-gathering efforts, as well as round-the-clock intensive patrolling.
Planned Army withdrawal from J-K shelved 'indefinitely'
The Army has three Counter-Insurgent Forces (CIF) in the Jammu region -- Delta Force (which looks after the Doda region), Romeo Force (looking after Rajouri and Poonch areas) and Uniform Force (looking after Udhampur and Banihal areas). Some units of the Army had planned to gradually hand over the security and law and order management to the local police and paramilitary units in South of Pir Panjal (Jammu region).
This is in response to Pakistan's efforts of reigniting terrorism south of Pir Punjal as seen by attacks in Punch and Rajouri.
Assam Rifles jawan, injured in Manipur militant attack, succumbs to injuries
Militants had fired during an Army-Assam Rifles area domination patrol at Dolaithabi, leaving Rifleman Rao of 18 Assam Rifles injured. After the security personnel retaliated, the militants managed to escape. Rao was evacuated to Military Hospital in Manipur.
Commanding officer of the Assam Rifle unit was also injured. The army and Assam Rifles have managed to evacuate more than 40,000 civilians of both Clans to safer areas during the operations ,inviting praise from the locals.
Ex-Air Chief highlights necessity of indigenous technology base for country's defence needs
Former Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa (retd) on Friday highlighted the evolving warfare scenario and emphasised the necessity of an indigenous technology base for the defence needs of the country. He was invited as a chief guest at the National Technology Day celebrations at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) Range Ramgarh in Panchkula.
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande leaves for Egypt; set to hold talks for enhancing bilateral defence relations
"Gen Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff has proceeded on a visit to Egypt from May 16 to 17. During the visit, the Army Chief will be meeting the country's senior military leadership where he will discuss avenues for further enhancing Indo-Egypt defence relations," The Army chief will also be visiting various establishments of the Egyptian armed forces and exchange ideas on issues of mutual interest.
Be fully prepared to meet all contingencies along LoC: Northern Army Commander
He visited two units along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rashtriya Rifles in Rajauri sectors to review operational preparedness.
Lt Gen Devendra Sharma takes over as Western Command's Chief of Staff
Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma on Tuesday took over as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army's Western Command.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate key measures in China's 'backyard'
The Indo Pacific summit will bring 14 leaders of the Pacific Island nations. India is keen to share its best practices with regard to capacity building and disaster management. The 14 nations are particularly interested in adopting India's model of disaster resilient infrastructure.
Indian Ocean outreach: Australia follows India’s footsteps to gift air force aircraft to Sri Lanka
A key focus of the Australia-Sri Lanka relationship is the continued cooperation on countering all forms of transnational crime, including drug smuggling, as well as strengthening border management through intelligence sharing and the deterrence, disruption, interception and return of maritime people smuggling ventures under the border security operation known as Operation Sovereign Borders.
Defence Ministry's iDEX achieves another milestone with signing of its 250th contract
It said iDEX has "reached a milestone with the signing of its 250th contract - first under Mission DefSpace - and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract in New Delhi on May 15". The contracts were signed in the presence of senior civil and military officials. Cubesats are a class of small satellites which are modular, low-cost, easy to manufacture, integrate, and launch, and form a critical component for launch-on-demand capabilities.
T-Hub, Collins Aerospace join hands for innovation in Indian aerospace industry
Through this initiative, world-class startups and scale ups will benefit from funding and collaboration opportunities with Collins Aerospace and T-Hub's expertise as the world's largest innovation campus to drive the project's objective. The goal is to create and field new products and services by combining Collins' expertise with the innovative solutions of startups.
CBI arrests freelance journalist, former Navy officer in espionage case
The CBI on Tuesday had booked Vivek Raghuvanshi, a freelance journalist for allegedly collecting sensitive information about the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and the army and sharing them with intelligence agencies of foreign countries, officials said. The CBI also alleged Raghuvanshi collected "sensitive" and "minute" details of DRDO and army projects.
Russia Ukraine War
Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin says Russian army 'fleeing' near Bakhmut
In a separate video message, Prigozhin said the defence ministry units "simply went fleeing" from positions around north and south of the city. "The flanks are failing. The front is collapsing" the Kremlin-ally said. He said Ukrainian forces had captured positions at a reservoir and on tactical heights around the Bakhmut.
Russia says it repelled surge of Ukrainian attacks
The same statement did indicate however that Russian forces had fallen back a bit in one area of the front, taking up what it described as "more favourable positions" near the Berkhivka reservoir northwest of Bakhmut. Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose troops have done the bulk of the fighting in and around Bakhmut, said via his press service that what the defence ministry had described was in fact a "rout"
Russian army and Wagner Group conflict breaks into the open, putting vulnerable Putin in the middle
It should come as little surprise that infighting is going on in the Russia of today. The evidence is plain to see – numerous top military leaders have been cashiered, and there is an open war going on between Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of PMC Wagner, and the Russian general staff and the Minister of Defense, Sergei Shoigu.
It appears in the case of Bakhmut, something has happened that appears to be fallout from the controversy between Prigozhin and the generals.
Prigozhin’s forces are leading the fight inside Bakhmut and continue to make slow but steady progress. But the Russian army is withdrawing.
Russia says hypersonic missile scientists face 'very serious' treason accusations
President Vladimir Putin has boasted that Russia is the global leader in hypersonic missiles, capable of travelling at speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,250 kph) to evade enemy air defences. On Tuesday, Ukraine said it had managed to destroy six of the weapons in a single night, although Russia disputed this. Notices of academic conferences stretching back over many years show the arrested scientists were frequent participants.
The hypersonic scientists now face treason charges for missiles not performing up to the expectations.
Ukraine war: Russia slams Emmanuel Macron for saying Kremlin is becoming subservient to ChinaThe French president said in an interview that Russia was becoming a de facto vassal of China.Kremlin hit back, describing the relationship as a strategic partnership and saying the West was ‘fearful’ of strong Moscow-Beijing ties.
China, Russia to accelerate grain corridor projectImporting more wheat & barley from Russia, China will reduce its reliance on Australia, US, Canada and France. While Russia and China can work together to overcome western sanctions, at the same time the development will further push the decoupling of the global economy into United States-West and China-Russia spheres.
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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.