VIF Information Alerts - 13 February 2019

India-US defence sales at an all-time high: Pentagon
Published: Hindustan Times

13 Feb 2019

Defence sales between India and the US are at an all-time high and bilateral strategic partnership continues to advance at a historic pace, a top Pentagon commander has said. Admiral Philips Davidson, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, during a Congressional hearing said the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial in New Delhi last September and signing of the COMCASA in 2018 were pivotal moments in the bilateral relationship.Click here to read... [2]

'Derogatory Remarks on Bangabandhu': Dhaka summons Pak envoy
Published: The Daily Star

13 Feb 2019

Dhaka has reacted strongly over objectionable comments about the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in an official website of Pakistan government. Diplomatic sources said the Pakistani website “defence.pk” published highly objectionable remarks about Bangabandhu, which is not acceptable at all. They said the website is mainly administered by the Pakistan government. However, content of the comments could not be known immediately.Click here to read... [3]

China plays down media reports of selling aircraft carrier to Pakistan
Published: The Economic Times

12 Feb 2019

China on Tuesday played down media reports that Beijing plans to sell its first aircraft carrier 'Liaoning' to Pakistan, saying it follows certain principles while exporting its naval ships to other countries.

A Pakistani newspaper on February 10 cited the Chinese and Russian media reports as stating that "the Chinese government has decided to sell its first and only aircraft carrier to Pakistan...for a yet-undetermined price in order to upgrade the Pakistan Navy's capabilities."Click here to read... [4]

PM moots Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Published: Daily Mirror

13 Feb 2019

Ahead of the UNHRC session in March, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday presented a Cabinet memorandum seeking approval to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, similar to what was established in post-apartheid South Africa. The commission will give the opportunity to those accused of war crimes to confess to their wrongdoings. According to the memorandum, no criminal liability will arise from the commission's findings.Click here to read... [5]