#SecurityScan 56: ISRO's Aditya-L1 launch, China's latest South China Sea map & much 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

India Seeks to Top Its Moon Landing with Spacecraft to Study Sun

Solar observation probe Aditya-L1 scheduled to launch Saturday, US, China are among small group of nations with solar missions. Hot on the heels of its lunar landing success, India is readying to blast a probe even deeper into space to study the sun. The country’s first solar observation mission, named Aditya-L1, is set to be launched from India’s main spaceport on Sriharikota, an island off the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, at 11:50 a.m. local time on Saturday. The spacecraft is scheduled to spend 125 days traveling 1.5 million kilometers (932,000 miles) to its destination, a point in space where objects stay put and consume less fuel.

U.S. military in talks to develop port in Philippines facing Taiwan

The U.S. military is in talks to develop a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, the local governor and two other officials told Reuters, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan. U.S. military involvement in the proposed port in the Batanes islands, less than 200 kilometer from Taiwan, could stoke tensions at a time of growing friction with China and a drive by Washington to intensify its longstanding defense treaty engagement with the Philippines. The Bashi Channel between those islands and Taiwan is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea and a key waterway in the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The Chinese military regularly sends ships and aircraft through the channel, Taiwan's defense ministry has said.

Is China's economy a 'ticking time bomb'?

The past six months has brought a stream of bad news for China's economy: slow growth, record youth unemployment, low foreign investment, weak exports and currency, and a property sector in crisis. US President Joe Biden described the world's second-largest economy as "a ticking time bomb", predicting growing discontent in the country. China's leader Xi Jinping hit back, defending the "strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality" of the economy. So who is right - Mr Biden or Mr Xi? As is often the case, the answer probably lies somewhere in between. While the economy is unlikely to implode any time soon, China faces huge, deep-rooted challenges.

Internal Security

Assam Rifles files defamation suit against Manipur politician, demands apology

Assam Rifles, the country's oldest paramilitary force, has issued a legal notice against Manipur politician Maheshwar Thounaojam for harming their reputation and demoralizing the Central armed police force. The notice demands a written and public apology for Thounaojam's alleged false allegations and defamation. Thounaojam, however, has stated that he will not apologize and that he was exercising his right to free speech. He claims to be reiterating widely known information about Assam Rifles officials' interactions with Kuki militants.

GOC of Spear Corps, Lt Gen HS Sahi visits Red Shield Division in Manipur; reviews operational readiness

Lt Gen HS Sahi received a briefing on the ground situation and ongoing operations. During his visit, Sahi commended the troops for their dedication to their operational tasks and emphasized the importance of the division's role in ensuring national security and bringing stability to the state.

Pakistan Failed State

Nine Pakistan soldiers killed by motorbike suicide bomber:

A suicide bomber riding on a motorcycle targeted a security convoy in northwest Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least nine soldiers and wounding 20 others, three security officials said, a sign of increasing militant violence. The attack happened in Bannu, a district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan, the officials said.

External Security

Russia aims to deliver two S-400 air defence units by end of 2024

India is expected to receive the remaining squadrons of the S 400 air defence systems from Russia by the end of next year, as payment issues are being resolved. The Russian side has been asked to provide delivery timelines, and it is anticipated that the two remaining squadrons will be delivered by the end of 2024. The delays in supply and payments have led to a reduction in the Indian Air Force's projected spending for capital procurement. The $5.43 billion deal for five squadrons was signed in 2018, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by mid-2024. However, payment difficulties have been a challenge due to western financial sanctions on Russian banking entities.

India-Kenya collaboration in trade, economy, education has grown: Rajnath Singh

India and Kenya have witnessed growth in collaboration in various sectors such as trade, economy, education, health, and people-to-people contact, according to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two countries have also worked closely at the UN Security Council as non-permanent members. India has prioritized engagement with African nations, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to all G20 member countries to include the African Union in G20 membership. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Defence, Aden Bare Duale, praised the cordial relations between the two countries and congratulated India on the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3.

Kenya's Defence Secretary arrives in India, will hold talks with Rajnath Singh

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Aden Bare Duale, arrived in New Delhi on Monday on a three-day visit to India. During his stay in India, he will hold talks with his Indian counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday. The visiting dignitary is expected to visit Indian shipyards and defence industries in Goa and Bengaluru, according to the statement released by the Ministry of Defence.

Indian Air Force contingent reaches Egypt, to participate in Multilateral tri-service exercise

In a significant move towards fostering global defence cooperation, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent reached the Egyptian Air Force Base to participate in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 on Monday. "Touchdown at the Egyptian Air Force base in Cairo. Our home for the next three weeks", informed the Indian Air Force on X, formerly Twitter.

Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems bags Rs 287.51 cr order to supply missile systems

Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd on Monday said it has bagged a Rs 287.51 crore order from the defence ministry for the supply of missile systems. The company is a joint venture between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (a wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge Ltd) and Rafael Advanced Systems Ltd of Israel.

Australia PM Albanese vows support after 'tragic' US military aircraft incident

A "tragic" incident involving a U.S. military aircraft occurred in northern Australia during military exercises on Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, adding that his government was focused on providing support.

Indian Army to participate in largest ever joint military exercise in Middle East, says MoD

The Indian Army will participate in the multinational tri-services joint military exercise 'Bright Star- 23' in Egypt. This exercise, scheduled from 31 August to 14 September, will be the largest ever joint military exercise in the Middle East and North Africa region. A total of 34 countries will participate, and the Indian Army will be represented by a contingent from 23 JAT Battalion. The exercise aims to combat emerging unconventional threats and enhance regional partnerships for maintaining world peace. It will also include a panel discussion on cyber security.

UAE Navy delegation visits Indian Navy facilities for collaboration in meteorology, oceanography, weather modelling

A delegation from the UAE Navy has visited specialised meteorology, oceanography and weather modelling units of the Indian Navy (IN) in Kochi, Goa and New Delhi. The visit aims to foster professional cooperation between the two navies and exchange knowledge, expertise, training and collaboration in the fields of meteorology, oceanography and weather and ocean modelling. The Indian Navy has accumulated extensive knowledge in meteorology and oceanography and has been providing training and weather forecast services to countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Indian army starts "Paigam-e-Shopian" Radio station, to reach out to youths in J&K

The main aim of starting the Paigam-e-Shopian" Community Radio station is to get connected to the local youth directly and the Radio has the ability to reach out to the people living in the remotest parts and make them aware of various schemes and programmes of the government. Meanwhile, it provides services in the district of Shopian and other parts of South Kashmir.

NIA files supplementary charge sheet against two members of Assam-based module of Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group

The officials revealed that the two were a part of the Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) based in Barpeta, Assam, which was led by Bangladeshi national Saiful Islam, who operated under the cover of an Arabic teacher at 'Shaikhul Hind Mahmadul Hasan Jamiul Huda Islamic Academy' and an imam at the Dhakaliapara Masjid.

Countering Chinese Multi Domain War

The Chinese economy needs a reboot

This is a perilous moment for China. The numbers portray a stalling economy, but there is a far more profound concern. Chinese consumers and businesses are losing confidence that their government has the ability to recognise and fix the economy’s deep-seated problems. If President Xi Jinping’s government doesn’t tackle this fundamental issue, any other measures will have little impact in arresting the downward spiral. Xi’s government has prioritized state enterprises, which are under direct government control. Technology companies, including highflying fintech businesses like Ant Group, that were seen as having grown too big and powerful have been forced to break up into smaller units and are now subject to more state control.

Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia reject China's latest South China Sea map

The Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have rejected as baseless a map released by China that denotes its claims to sovereignty including in the South China Sea and which Beijing said on Thursday should be viewed rationally and objectively. China released the map on Monday of its famous U-shaped line covering about 90% of the South China Sea, a source of many of the disputes in one of the world's most contested waterways, where more than $3 trillion of trade passes each year. The Philippines called on China on Thursday "to act responsibly and abide by its obligations" under international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling that had declared the line had no legal grounds. Malaysia said it had filed a diplomatic protest over the map.

Japan scrambles jet to monitor Chinese military drone near Taiwan

Japan's defence ministry said on Monday it scrambled a fighter jet to monitor a Chinese BZK-005 military drone spotted flying between Japan's westernmost Yonaguni island and Taiwan in the morning. The spy drone came from the East China Sea north of Taiwan and went to the Bashi Channel that separates Taiwan's southern coast and the Philippines, the ministry said.

Japan's defence ministry requests nearly 12% budget increase to bolster military's strike capability

The budget request was approved at the defence ministry meeting Thursday and submitted to the finance ministry for negotiations. The request includes a hefty 490 billion yen (USD 3.35 billion) to start building two Aegis-radar equipped warships that would be deployed in 2027 and 2028, as well as for training, testing and other costs related to the ships.

China's 'aggressive behaviour' in South China Sea must be challenged: US Navy official

China's "aggressive behaviour" in the South China Sea, including the use of water canon by its coast guard against a Philippine vessel, must be challenged and checked, the commander of the US Navy's Seventh Fleet said on Sunday. Vice Admiral Karl Thomas assured the Philippines of US backing in the face of "shared challenges" in the region, saying: "My forces are out here for a reason."

US military set to deploy XQ-58A Valkyrie AI drones to counter China's strength

The US military is planning to deploy thousands of drones within the next two years to counter China's numerical advantage in personnel and military hardware. The US Air Force is working on building a new generation of AI drones, with a target cost of approximately $3 million each. One notable drone in development is the XQ-58A Valkyrie, which has a compact, stealth design and can carry various weapons. The Valkyrie is designed to act as a wingman to manned fighter jets and perform tasks such as reconnaissance and defensive maneuvers. Its low cost and expendable nature make it valuable in high-risk missions.

China includes Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin in new 'standard map'

China has officially released the 2023 edition of its "standard map," which shows the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin region as part of its territory. The map released on August 28 shows Arunachal Pradesh which China claims as South Tibet and Aksai Chin occupied by it in the 1962 war as part of its territory. Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea are also included within the Chinese territory in the new map.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar dismisses China's territorial claims

External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, criticized China for its habit of staking claim on territories that do not belong to them. He dismissed China's "absurd claims" and said that releasing maps does not change anything.

Taiwan warns of 'sharp increase' in tensions as Chinese planes cross median line

Taiwan's defence ministry warned on Tuesday of a possible "sharp increase" in military tensions after reporting renewed Chinese military activity including fighter jets crossing the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait. The ministry said that on Tuesday morning it spotted 12 Chinese military aircraft in its air defence identification zone, of which seven crossed the median line - six J-10 fighters and a single drone.

US OKs military aid to Taiwan under programme usually reserved for sovereign nations

The package is modest - only USD 80 million of what Congress had set aside as a potential USD 2 billion - but the implications of using the so-called Foreign Military Financing programme to provide it will likely infuriate China.

US, Indonesia and five other nations hold war drills amid China concerns

Soldiers from the US, Indonesia, and five other countries have begun annual training exercises in Indonesia, raising concerns amid China's increasing aggression. The drills, known as Super Garuda Shield, involve a total of about 5,000 personnel from 19 nations. China sees the exercises as a threat and accuses the US of building an Indo-Pacific alliance to limit its influence.

China hones anti-submarine capabilities amid South China Sea tensions

The drills aimed to enhance the military's aerial anti-submarine combat capabilities and accumulate experience at different hours. The exercises were part of broader activities conducted by the Chinese military in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States and its allies have also increased military activities in the South China Sea, challenging China's territorial claims.

Quad foreign ministers likely to meet on sidelines of UNGA in New York next month

The foreign ministers of the Quad countries (India, US, Japan, and Australia) are expected to meet next month during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The focus of the meeting will be to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and ensure a free and open environment.

Ukraine war

Putin orders Wagner fighters to sign oath of allegiance after Prigozhin's demise

President Vladimir Putin has ordered Wagner fighters to sign an oath of allegiance to the Russian state after a deadly plane crash believed to have killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, the volatile chief of the mercenary group. Putin signed the decree bringing in the change with immediate effect on Friday after the Kremlin said that Western suggestions that Prigozhin had been killed on its orders were an "absolute lie". The Kremlin declined to definitively confirm his death, citing the need to wait for test results.

President Putin cut a deal not to prosecute him, but suspicions arose that the Kremlin was behind the crash of Prigozhin's business jet two months later. The last weeks of Prigozhin's life were overshadowed by questions about what the Kremlin had in store for him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is moving swiftly to take control of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s sprawling operations in Africa and the Middle East, days after his renegade ex-protege died in a mysterious plane crash. A Defense Ministry-affiliated armed contractor is poised to assume charge of Wagner’s operations in the Central African Republic, said a person close to the Defense Ministry and two others close to the private military firm.