RM held talks with Minister of National Defence of Vietnam General Phan Van Gang in New Delhi on June 19, 2023. Progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives was reviewed during the meeting, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the ongoing engagements.
Both Ministers identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of defence industry cooperation, maritime security and multinational cooperation. The Raksha Mantri also announced the gifting of indigenously-built in-service Missile Corvette INS Kirpan which will be a milestone in enhancing the capabilities of Vietnam People’s Navy. The visiting dignitary arrived in India on June 18 on a two-day visit. Vietnam is an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific region.
For more information:Click here to read… [2]
Ministry of Defence (MoD) is organising brainstorming sessions ‘Chintan Shivir’ in New Delhi on June 19 & 20, 2023 to discuss various issues & challenges faced by its departments, with the aim to come out with new ideas for better governance & functioning. Department of Defence (DoD), Department of Defence Production (DDP), Department of Military Affairs (DMA) and Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare (DESW) have identified a number of themes, on which eminent subject matter experts will share their views with the officers of the Ministry.
For more information:Click here to read… [3]
Multinational Peacekeeping Joint Exercise “Ex Khaan Quest 2023” featuring participation from military contingents and observers from over 20 countries commenced in Mongolia on 19 June 2023. Mr Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the Hon’ble President of Mongolia inaugurated the Exercise in a ceremony organised at the exercise location in Mongolia. The exercise is co-sponsored by Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and United States Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
The Indian Army is represented by a contingent from the GARHWAL RIFLES. The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability of the participating nations, for sharing experience and to train uniformed personnel for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO). The exercise will prepare participants for future UN Peacekeeping missions, develop peace operations capabilities and enhance military readiness. The exercise includes Command Post Exercise (CPX), Field Training Exercises (FTX), combat discussions, lectures and demonstration.
The military exercise will enhance the level of defence co-operation between Indian Army and participating countries especially with the Mongolian Armed Forces which will enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
For more information:Click here to read… [4]
India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an event in Washington DC, USA on 21 June 2023. The INDUS X event was co-organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry of Defence, and US Department of Defence (DoD) and hosted by US-India Business Council (USIBC).
Mr. Frank Kendall, US Secretary of the Air Force gave the opening keynote address. He stated that the India-US relationship is growing exponentially. He emphasised that there is enormous potential for startups of both nations to collaborate in deep tech innovations, especially in Space and Artificial Intelligence (AI) domain.
The event also saw a first-of-its-kind joint showcasing of innovative technologies by Indian and US start-ups. 15 Indian start-ups and 10 US start-ups, from multiple domains of maritime, AI, autonomous systems, and space, showcased their technologies to Indian and US stakeholders. The exhibition was visited by senior US officials, including Congressman Ro Khanna, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies and Information Systems (CITI) and as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, and by Radha Iyengar Plumb, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, US DoD.
Two panel discussions and two roundtables were held, focussing on deepening collaborations across various domains, including government, academia, and industry especially start-ups. Discussions on export control regulations were also held. An INDUS X factsheet was released at the event.
For more information:Click here to read… [5]
Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (DCNS) is on a three day official visit to Kenya from 21 - 23 Jun 23. His visit coincides with Indian Naval Ship Sunayna making port call at Mombasa. The DCNS called on Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Kenya and on Chief of Defence Forces, Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF). Key aspects of enhancing coordinated operations in the maritime domain and bolstering interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Kenya Navy were discussed during the interaction.
For more information:Click here to read… [6]
The Department Defence Production, MoD organized a briefing and interaction meeting with Thailand delegation led by Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Royal Thai Air force (RTAF) – Air Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha in New Delhi on June 22, 2023 showcasing defence industries cutting-edge capabilities and fostering bilateral defence cooperation between two countries.
The Indian Defense Industries presented their state-of-the-art defence capabilities to Thailand delegation marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation between the two nations. The presentations and discussions would pave the way for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including defence research and development, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives.
For more information:Click here to read… [7]
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), on June 15, 2023, accorded the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquisition of 31 MQ-9B (16 Sky Guardian and 15 Sea Guardian) High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for Tri-Services from the USA through Foreign Military Sale (FMS) route. The AoN included the number of UAVs to be procured along with associated equipment.
The AoN noted the estimated cost of 3,072 million US dollars provided by the US Government. However, price will be negotiated once policy approval of the US Government is received. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will compare the acquisition cost with the best price offered by General Atomics (GA) to other countries. The procurement is in progress and would be completed as per the laid down procedure.
Under the FMS route, a Letter of Request (LOR) would be sent to the US Government where Tri-services requirements, details of equipment and terms of the procurement would be included. Based on LOR, the US Government and MoD will finalise the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) where details of equipment and terms of the procurement would be negotiated and finalised in accordance with the FMS program and the price and terms offered by the US Government and GA to other countries.
Meanwhile, some speculative reports emerged in sections of social media referring to the price and other terms of purchase. These are uncalled for, have ulterior motives and aimed at derailing the due acquisition process. Price and other terms & conditions of the purchase are yet to be finalised and subject to negotiations. In this regard, all are requested not to spread fake news/misinformation which can have serious impact on the morale of the Armed Forces and adversely impact the acquisition process.
Reference:Click here to read… [8]
During the recent visit of Gen Phan Van Giang, Minister of Defence of Vietnam, to India from 17 – 19 Jun 23, RM had announced gifting of in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam. Towards executing the same, INS Kirpan has cast-off on 28 June 2023 from Visakhapatnam on her final journey from India to Vietnam.
INS Kirpan is the third indigenously built Khukri class missile corvette, currently in active service in the Indian Navy. The ship is fitted with an array of weapons and sensors and has participated in various operational and humanitarian assistance operations. INS Kirpan will be handed over to Vietnam People’s Navy post arrival in Vietnam.
This is the maiden occasion of gifting a fully operational corvette by India to any Friendly Foreign Country.
For more information:Click here to read… [9]
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit USA and Egypt from 20 to 25 June 2023.
Prime Minister will thereafter travel to Washington D.C., where he will receive a ceremonial welcome at the White House on June 22, and meet President Biden to continue their high-level dialogue.
At the invitation of Congressional Leaders, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr. Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mr. Charles Schumer, Prime Minister will address a Joint Sitting of the U.S. Congress on June 22.
In addition to the official engagements, Prime Minister is scheduled to have several curated interactions with leading CEOs, professionals, and other stakeholders. He will also meet members of the Indian Diaspora.
Prime Minister will subsequently travel to Cairo to pay a State Visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt from 24-25 June 2023. The visit is at invitation of H.E. Mr. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt. Apart from his talks with President Sisi, Prime Minister is likely to interact with senior dignitaries from the Egyptian Government, some prominent Egyptian personalities, as well as the Indian community in Egypt.
For more information:Click here to read… [10]
The inaugural India-France Strategic Space Dialogue was held in Paris on 26 June 2023. The Indian side was led by Foreign Secretary Shri Vinay Mohan Kwatra, and the French side by Secretary-General, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ms Anne-Marie Descôtes.Click here to read… [11]
The second edition of Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Tanzania was held in Arusha on June 28 & 29, 2023. The Indian delegation, led by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad, included senior officials from Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces. The High Commissioner of India to Tanzania Shri Binay S Pradhan also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed a wide range of opportunities for collaboration with a view to enhancing security in the Indian Ocean Region. The Indian delegation highlighted the growing prowess of the Indian Defence manufacturing to export to friendly countries. A five-year roadmap for defence cooperation was also agreed to between the two sides, which covers initiatives ranging from customised training & capacity building to maritime cooperation, infrastructure building and collaboration in defence equipment and technology.
Representatives from Defence PSUs also accompanied the Indian delegation. They held extensive meetings with the stakeholders from the Tanzanian Forces on the sidelines of the JDCC meeting.
For more information:Click here to read… [12]
On 28 June 2023, addressing the 3rd Crypto conference of the National Bureau for Counter-Terror Financing in the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the Israeli Defence Minister— Yoav Gallant revealed that the defence establishment foiled terrorist infrastructure belonging to Hizbu’llah and Iran’s Quds Force which operated to transfer funds through cryptocurrencies for the terror group and Quds Force.
"I would like to reveal here for the first time that a few days ago an extensive and precedent-setting operation to expose a terror financing axis using digital currencies was concluded. This is the first event of this magnitude in which an infrastructure headed by Hezbollah and the Iranian Quds Force that transferred millions of dollars for use by terrorist elements was thwarted,” said the MoD Gallant.Click here to read… [13]
On 25 June 2023, suspected al-Shabaab terrorists attacked two villages— Juhudi and Salama in Lamu County, Kenya and killed five people. The terrorists also set ablaze some houses and properties. Hassan Abdul, a resident in one of the villages told al-Jazeerathat among five killed, there was a student from a secondary school, and that all those killed were slashed and some of them were beheaded.
Al-Shabaab routinely carried out attacks in Lamu County in an effort to put pressure on Kenya to pull troops out of Somalia, where they are part of International Peacekeeping mission defending the Central Government.Click here to read… [14]
On 26 June 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out raids at 12 locations in four districts— Kulgam, Bandipora, Shopian, and Pulwama districts of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) n connection with the on-going investigation of a ‘terror conspiracy’ case. The 12 locations were residential premises of hybrid terrorists and Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) linked with newly formed terror outfits.
The NIA seized several digital devices having large volumes of incriminating data during these searches. The newly formed terror outfits being investigated by the NIA included The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front of Jammu and Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu and Kashmir Freedom Fighters (J&KFF), Kashmir Tigers, People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), and others. These groups are affiliated/off-shoot of Pakistan-based terror organisations— Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), al-Badr, etcetera. Investigations have revealed that Pakistan-based operatives were using social media platforms to conspire terror. Drones were being used to deliver arms and ammunition, explosives, and narcotics.Click here to read… [15]
On 23 June 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) in the CPI (Maoist) terror funding case in connection with the revival of the banned outfit in Magadh Zone of Bihar. The arrested OGW— Anandi Paswan aka Anand Paswan, has more than five criminal cases registered against him. This is the fourth arrest made by the NIA in the case— RC-05/2021/NIA/RNC, related to the terror funding network being jointly operated by the CPI Maoists and OGWs in the Magadh Zone. Earlier, Tarun Kumar, Pradyuman Sharma and Abhinav were arrested by the NIA in the same case and were charge-sheeted on 20 January 2023.Click here to read… [16]
During a search operation, on 27 June 2023, an exchange of fire took place between security forces and dozens of Maoists in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh. In the exchange of fire, security forces killed a Maoist— SodiDula, a member of the Maoists’ Konta area action committee. Sodi had nine cases of attempt to murder, and three cases of murder registered against him.
“He had killed two villagers in 2018 and 2022 after terming them police informers. He extorted money from five villages as well as businessmen for funding the banned CPI (Maoist) party’s activities. He was involved in four arson cases of vehicles used for development work. He threatened school students and forced them to get materials for the party,” said Sukma Superintendent of Police (SP) Kiran Chavan.Click here to read… [17]
Security forces in Bastar region are all-set to carried out ‘Operation Monsoon’— a major anti-Maoist campaign, in Maoists strongholds or insurgency hit districts from June to September. From last three-four years, specially trained units of State and Central security forces have pressed on with operations in forests in Monsoon, resulting in the killing of 29 Maoists in exchange of fire since 2020.Click here to read… [18]
According to government officials, several requests of extradition and deportation of Khalistani elements involved in cases of terrorism, murder and other related crimes, are pending with the Canadian authorities. Among the persons of interest is Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) member Lakhbir Singh Sandhu aka Landa, for whom the NIA has announced a reward of ₹15 lakh. Recently, a close associate of Landa— Deepak was arrested for allegedly carrying out the Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack on the Punjab police intelligence headquarters in Mohali in May 2022. As alleged, Deepak was involved in multiple cases of violent terrorist and criminal offences, including killings.Click here to read… [19]
Addressing an event at the India International Centre (IIC) on 28 June 2023, Bharat’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said that “Canada’s response to the Khalistani issue appeared to be constrained by its ‘vote bank compulsion’ and Bharat will have to respond if the activities impinge on its national security and integrity.
“Their responses have all been, to the best of my understanding, actually constrained by what they regard as vote bank compulsions,” said Dr S Jaishankar. The External Affairs Minister said the government made it clear to Canada that if the activities there impinge on India’s national security, it will respond.Click here to read… [20]
On 23 June 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) charge-sheeted 13 Pakistani nationals for their involvement in trafficking of weapons and contraband drugs from Pakistan to Gujarat for facilitating terrorist activities in Bharat, in 2022. Out of 13, ten charge-sheeted Pakistani nationals were arrested in December 2022 with a consignment of drugs and arms hidden in gas cylinders, from a Pakistan-based shipping boat. At least 40 kilograms of heroin, six pistols (foreign-made), six magazines, 120 counts of 9mm live cartridges, Pakistan’s National Identity Cards, mobile phone devices, and Pakistani currency was seized.
The three Pakistani nationals charge-sheeted by the NIA are absconding and have been identified as— i) Hazi Salim, ii) Akbar, and iii) Karim Baksh. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of Bharat, transferred the case to the NIA on 06 March 2023, taking into account the implications for national security and the case’s international connections. Under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs, and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the Arms Act, 1959, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967, the NIA registered the case— RC-03/2023/NIA/DLI.Click here to read… [21]
In his message on the occasion of “International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” on 26 June 2023, the Home Minister Amit Shah that “it is our resolution that we will not allow the narcotic trade in Bharat, nor we will allow drugs to be routed to the world via Bharat. I congratulate all the organisations and people fighting against drugs.” To strengthen the fight against drugs, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formed NCORD in 2019 and Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in the police department of every State. In line to the anti-drug campaign, first national conference of ANTF was held in April this year in Delhi.The MHA also launched a destruction campaign to prevent re-use of seized drugs in June 2022, in which around 06 lakh kg of seized drugs have been destroyed across the country.Click here to read… [22]
On 20 June 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Vikas Singh, a key aid of infamous jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, for his involvement in harbouring members of the syndicate who are involved in various criminal cases, including the RPG attack on the Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali, UT of Chandigarh.
Vikas Singh harboured Deepak Surakhpur and Divyanshu, who executed the RPG attack on Punjab Police’s Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali in May 2022. Vikas revealed that he gave shelter to Deepak and Divyanshu in his house in Devgarh village, janpad Ayodhya, many times. Vikas Singh is accused in 10 criminal cases for the offences of murder, attempt to murder, arms and gangster act.Click here to read… [23]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2023/july/05
[2] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933401
[3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933204
[4] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1933424
[5] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1934311
[6] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1934438
[7] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1934538
[8] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1935160
[9] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1936047https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1936047
[10] https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/36683/Prime_Ministers_visit_to_USA_and_Egypt
[11] https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/36738/Inaugural_IndiaFrance_Strategic_Space_Dialogue
[12] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1936244
[13] https://nbctf.mod.gov.il/en/pages/28062023EN.aspx
[14] https://www.aninews.in/news/world/others/kenya-five-civilians-killed-by-armed-assailants-some-beheaded20230626135314/
[15] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1490_1_Pr2.pdf
[16] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1489_1_Pr.pdf
[17] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/maoist-cases-against-him-killed-sukma-encounter-8690416/
[18] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/forces-ready-for-op-monsoon-to-hit-maoist-strongholds/articleshow/101293566.cms
[19] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-requests-for-deportation-of-pro-khalistan-elements-pending-with-canadian-authorities/article67002229.ece
[20] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/canada-driven-by-vote-bank-politics-on-khalistan-issue-says-jaishankar-8691520/
[21] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1488_1_Pr.pdf
[22] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1935305
[23] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1487_1_Pr.pdf
[24] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-30 Jun 2023)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2023/july/05
[25] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-30 Jun 2023)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2023/july/05&via=Azure Power
[26] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2023/july/05
[27] https://www.vifindia.org/author/anurag-sharma
[28] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Naval-Jagota