#SecurityScan 51: India begins manufacturing C-295 aircraft for IAF and more

This article is a summary of important events that have taken place in last one week affecting, India's national security.

News in Brief

China issues staple visa to Arunachal Pradesh athletes taking part in university games

India says it is unacceptable the whole team has decided to pull out of the games. It is challenge to India's sovereignty.

To retaliate can India give a stapled visa to people from Tibet and inner Mongolia?

Saudi Arabia likely to build a big refinery in Gaddar port of Pakistan

What about security of the project? The Pakistani terrorists are repeatedly attacking Chinese projects.

Will this refinery remain safe?

Pakistan special envoy on a three-day mission to Kabul Fails

This week, Pakistan sent a special envoy on a three-day mission to Kabul to make it clear that the interim administration must act swiftly to stop the TTP. But after several talks, the Afghan Taliban told him that Pakistan should choose the route of peace rather than using force.

The Afghan Taliban has renewed its call for peace talks between Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Pakistan as Islamabad’s efforts to persuade Kabul to take action against the terrorist group failed.

Shiite Kashmiris Hold Moharram Procession in Srinagar For the First Time in 3 Decades

The lifting of the ban on such processions comes as the overall security situation improves in Kashmir.

LAC tensions eroded trust says Ajit Doval, as China pushes for ‘concrete policies’ to stabilise ties

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has made it clear to China that tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020 had eroded strategic trust and the public and political basis of the relationship between two countries.

Wang Yi, who met Doval in Johannesburg Monday, called for what he termed as “concrete policies” to be implemented in the consensus in stabilising India-china ties.

China urges India to stabilise ties for mutual benefit after BYD’s failed US$1 billion EV factory bid

Both countries should adhere to ‘strategic judgment’ that they pose no threat to each other, says top Beijing diplomat Wang Yi on Brics sidelines Push comes in South Africa at meeting of emerging economies bloc that China and Russia favour expanding while India balks

Indian Navy to test its first unmanned surface vessel in November, for surveillance, minesweeping

The boat will be 15-metres long and will have a maximum speed of more than 30 knots. The Indian Navy is gearing up for the trials of what will be its first indigenously-developed, ocean-going multirole unmanned surface vessel (USV) for surveillance and minesweeping. The USV is conceptualized for maritime intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Italy honours Naik Yeshwant Ghadge -‘Single handedly captured post for Allied powers in WW2′

Sundial memorial unveiled in Perugia honours Indian Army soldiers who fought for Allied powers during Italian Campaign in WW2.

A memorial to commemorate the 50,000 Indian Army soldiers who fought for the liberation of Italy from Nazi occupation during the Italian Campaign in World War II was unveiled in Italy Saturday. The ‘V.C. Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial’ was unveiled by the Commune of Monotone (in Italy) and Italian military historians at Montone in Perugia as a tribute to Indian troops who died in action during the Italian Campaign. Naik Ghadge was 22 at the time.

U.S. military’s recruiting woes are a national-security crisis

The future of America's all-volunteer force is now in doubt. The U.S. military's struggle to entice even the most surefire candidates — the children of veterans — puts the future of the all-volunteer force in doubt. Getting suitable young people to join armed forces is proving to be a difficult task for countries like USA Russia and China.

China to widen Asean trade with first major waterway in 700 years, but will Pinglu Canal be a white elephant?

China kicked off construction of the 135km-long (84-mile), 72.7 billion yuan (US$10.1 billion) Pinglu Canal in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region .

It is hoped that the waterway can facilitate trade with Southeast Asian nations, but concerns have been raised about the demand and environmental impact of the project.

Private Armies-Who Will Control Wagner’s Empire of War and Gold?

Complex network of companies belonging to the paramilitary group will make any Kremlin takeover a challenge. The Kremlin is attempting one of the most complex corporate takeovers in history, seeking to seize control of the Wagner paramilitary group’s sprawling global empire.

U.S. Allies Hold Record-Setting Military Exercise in Australia in Message Aimed at China

The joint drills involving 13 nations are most expansive in the history. Australia—At this military firing range in Australia’s north, American jet fighters dropped 500-pound bombs on a hillside. Korean, Australian and American artillery units opened fire soon after. A Japanese surface-to-air missile system stood nearby.

First Aadhaar enrolment centre for Indian Army via Army Postal Service

The first Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment Centre (PAEC) for Indian Army has been inaugurated in New Delhi, an official statement said on Wednesday. The PAEC will facilitate Aadhaar-related services (enrolment and update) for tri-services personnel (Defence and civil) and their dependents through their Field Post Offices (FPO) in 48 identified locations in the country.

Internal Security

Economic Security-IMF upgrades India economic outlook, while China's recovery loses steam

The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday raised its economic forecast for India this year amid a modest improvement in the global growth outlook, but said that China's post-pandemic recovery has weakened. According to the IMF's World Economic Outlook update for July, India remains the world's fastest growing big economy with a 6.1% expansion this year, up 0.2 percentage point from the IMF's April projection. The IMF expects India to account for about a sixth of total global growth this year. The upward revision was in part due to a better-than-expected finish to 2022 from strong domestic investment, said Tuesday's report. China's rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic is losing momentum, the IMF said, leaving its projection unchanged.

External Security

Indian military faces staggering shortfall of 11,266 young officers,govt tells Lok Sabha

MoD is considering making 'short service entry more attractive' to mitigate shortage, clarified that available strength is adequate to meet current operational requirements.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed that the military is facing a staggering shortfall of 11,266 young officers in its ranks. The shortage affects the three services — Army, Navy and the Air Force — and is mainly at Major and Captain-level posts.Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Ajay Bhatt shared the details of the shortage in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

India begins manufacturing C-295 aircraft for IAF, more orders to be placed

India also in talks with Airbus to set up maintenance, repair & overhaul hub for C-295 aircraft, which are operated by a number of countries, including UAE, Philippines, Thailand. The Hyderabad-based facility of the TATA Group in collaboration with European aviation major Airbus has begun the manufacturing of the C-295 transport aircraft that will replace the ageing Avro fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).Also, the initial set of six pilots have finished their training in Spain and the first lot of aircraft engineers of the IAF are now being trained to carry out maintenance of the aircraft that will be stationed at 10 operating bases.

‘Stealthy and fast’: All about the Scorpene submarines that India is set to acquire more of from France

The 3 new submarines are being built by the Mazagon Dock Ltd Shipyard in Mumbai, in partnership with France's Naval Group. They are designed for hunting down enemy submarines & surface ships.

India, UK hold first Defence & Military Tech Cooperation workshop

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) held a workshop in London with industry representatives, sectoral experts and senior government officials to explore collaborative defence research and industrial production partnerships between India and the UK. The workshop covered topics such as developing military and manufacturing partnerships and building trust between both countries concerning national technological priorities.

Threatening world's Food Security-Russia refuses to speak at UN on its attacks on Odesa

Russia boycotted a UN Security Council meeting called to discuss Moscow's recent devastating attacks on the key port of Odesa in Ukraine, following the country's refusal to extend the Black Sea grain deal. Moscow had requested Britain allow Archbishop Gideon, of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, to speak at the council session but the UK only permitted two briefers.

Russian Attack Threatens Even Alternative Routes for Ukrainian Grain. The attack on a grain hangar on the Danube River, an alternative export route that has become an economic lifeline, complicates Ukraine’s efforts to export its grain.

Countering Chinese Multi domain War

Middle Powers—and Small Countries—Are Vital to control China

Washington can help aid the leaders of current and would-be coalition members by calibrating its own rhetoric and actions to reflect the domestic realities of its partners. A recent joint statement issued by the leaders of the countries that make up the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—represents an effective manifestation of this more calibrated approach.

The text of around 3,000 words describes the Quad countries’ plans to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific—and China is never mentioned. In a world where Washington must nimbly construct many different coalitions to push back on Chinese revisionism and support a free and open order.

China Replaces Foreign Minister After Mysterious Absence

Move ends speculation on Qin’s status after one-month absence. Decision made by snap meeting of nation’s top legislative body. China Names Wang Yi Foreign Minister, Removes Qin Gang.China removed Qin Gang as foreign minister just seven months into the job, marking the shortest-ever tenure for the role after the diplomat mysteriously disappeared from public view in June.The former envoy will be replaced by his predecessor Wang Yi.

China Is Helping Modernize the Pakistan Navy to protect its Sea Lanes

Beijing has increased its backing for Pakistan’s navy modernization to boost the capacity of a major ally who will help China.

Pakistan has been proactively procuring technologically advanced naval vessels from China, headlined by a $5 billion deal signed in 2016 for Pakistan to acquire Yuan class Type diesel submarines by 2028. Pakistan is all set to acquire eight such submarines from China, with four of them scheduled for delivery by the end of 2023. The first four subs are being built by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation; the other four will be built in Pakistan.

These submarines are equipped with advanced sensors and modern armaments . Pakistan Navy’s offensive sea denial strategy, prioritizes the use of submarines and missile-carrying maritime patrol aircraft in naval warfare.

Besides China, Turkey is also playing a key role in stretching and modernizing Pakistan’s naval fleet. In 2018, Pakistan and Turkey signed a contract for the construction of four Milgem-class corvettes based on the design of Turkish Ada-class ships. Under the deal, Turkey will deliver four ships to Pakistan by February 2025.

A strong Pakistan Navy equipped with advanced frigates and other weapons is part of Beijing’s grand plan to ensure the security of Chinese oil imports coming from the Persian Gulf and attain control of the sea lanes traversing the Indian Ocean.

Technological Wars

How US and Its Allies Are Trying to Rein in China Tech

The US and its allies are increasingly restricting China’s ability to import key technologies, especially advanced semiconductors and the machines that make them. In the latest development, Japan is imposing controls on 23 types of chip technology that domestic companies can export to China. Japanese companies are not as prominent as the Netherlands’ ASML Holding NV or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., but they dominate several stages of the chip-making process. Japan’s support will fortify the US-led blockade of China, thwarting its efforts to build a domestic technology industry that can support its economic and political ambitions.President Joe Biden’s administration unveiled its chip strategy last year because of what it sees as a new era in the US-China relationship, with rising risks for economic and perhaps military conflict. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan explained the US must do whatever it can to ensure the country has as large a technological advantage as possible. In October, the Commerce Department slapped a ban on exporting certain artificial intelligence chips to China without a license, as well as prohibitions on selling chip making equipment for the most advanced silicon. The US may expand those restrictions as it finalizes them this year, including by adding limits on the chips that AI leader Nvidia Corp. can sell.

China's jobless graduate army falls through cracks in economy

Record youth unemployment after Beijing clampdown on private sector, FDI slump.Caught between a long-running regulatory crackdown by Beijing on private enterprise, and a slide in hiring by foreign firms in the country, young people now face a record jobless rate of 21.3%. Since the official number only includes people actively seeking work, some economists say the percentage of young people not in employment, education or training could be significantly higher.While the pandemic may have gone, its departure has unmasked a growing structural problem for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The world's second-biggest economy is producing twice the number of graduates it did 10 years ago, with nearly 12 million this year - but not the jobs they're qualified to do.

Water Security-China dams make 'upstream superpower' presence felt in AsiaEnormous water diversion projects spark concern across region

Drought in China dried up parts of the Yangtze river last year - but the largest water transfer apparatus ever built still drew from it to supply Beijing's needs.More than a billion cubic meters flowed through the colossal South-to-North Water Diversion Project in 2022. It traveled from a reservoir in central China to millions of households in the capital 1,200 kilometers away. The journey, via underground tunnels and canals that cross the Yellow River, roughly equaled the distance between Amsterdam and Rome.

Chinese Money Flees the Western World

Just a few years ago, Chinese money was rippling across the rich world. Chinese investors were making blockbuster deals and snapping up trophy assets, from luxury homes and five-star hotels in New York to a Swiss chemical company and a German robotics giant. Investors who once bought New York City hotels are placing funds elsewhere.

Economic War-US Lawmakers Want to Curb China Sway at Key Latin American Bank

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation Tuesday calling on the US to use its influence at a key development bank for Latin America to reduce China’s sway in the region.Representative Mike Gallagher, the chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, is proposing the legislation, alongside fellow Republican Senators Bill Hagerty of Tennessee and Marco Rubio of Florida. They’re joined by Democratic senators including Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Tim Kaine.

Sweden, Finland and Switzerland are considering security links with US National Guard

Switzerland, Finland, and Sweden are considering joining the US National Guard's (NG) State Partnership Program to expand their military ties with the US. The program is a lesser-known military instrument that focuses on military training and education exchanges to shape foreign military operations reflecting Western military organization and equipment.

Ukraine War

China draws geopolitical lessons as Ukraine war grinds on

While the conflict in Ukraine has provided China’s military with valuable insights into modern warfare, Beijing is drawing mixed geopolitical lessons about the risks of using force, the limitations of Western sanctions and the challenge of a direct clash with the U.S. and its allies.

Kim shows off new North Korean drones, ICBMs to Russia defence minister

We carry on: Russia's youth on how they see their lives and future

Four young Russians have been interviewed by Reuters to discuss how their lives have been affected by what the Kremlin calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine. The four, aged between 20 and 25, have known no other Russia but Putin’s and they share their experiences of disrupted plans to study abroad, the fear of an unpredictable future and being powerless to influence their country’s direction.