DEFENCE

• Defence exports reach an all-time high of Rs 16,000 crore in financial year 2022-23.
• Prime Minister reviews operational readiness of the Armed Forces during Combined Commanders’ Conference in Bhopal.
• General Manoj Pande proceeded on a visit to Australia.
• Defence Industrial Corridor.
• 7th India-Japan defence policy dialogue in New Delhi.
• Joint military exercise ‘Ex KAVACH’ at Andaman and Nicobar Command.
• Exercise Cope India 23.
• Indian Air Force to participate in multilateral international exercise Orion at Mont de Marsan, France.
• Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) scheduled from 17 to 21 April 2023.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

• Turkiye: Turkiye detained 15 al-Qa’ida and IS terrorists.
• Iraq: security forces cracked an IS cell in Diyala.

Africa

Nigeria

• Security forces raided the Bama Local Government area and killed 18 Boko Haram terrorists.

Pakistan

• Army claimed to arrest the top Baluchistan separatist leader.

South-East Asia

• Indonesia: Two Immigration personnel killed in Uzbek terror suspects’ escape from the detention centre.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• “Number of terrorists at an all-time low in J&K”: DGP J&K police.
• Police arrested two LeT terrorists from Baramulla.

Left-Wing Extremism

• NIA raided multiple locations in CPI (Maoist) case at Lohardaga.
• Two Maoists were arrested from Telangana.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA attached the premises of a school in Pune used by PFI as a training centre.
• NIA filed a chargesheet in JeI-linked ‘Al-Huda Educational Trust Terror Funding’ case.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• “Pro-Khalistan groups misusing asylum policy”: Bharat to UK.
• “Khalistan movement fizzling out”: US Sikh diaspora to Bharat’s Finance Minister.

Narcotic Substances

• NIA seized vast amounts of cash, gold, and drugs in the ‘Indo-Sri Lankan illegal drugs and Hawala case.

DEFENCE

Defence exports reach an all-time high of Rs 16,000 crore in financial year 2022-23.

Policy initiatives of the government and tremendous contribution of the defence industry, India has achieved a remarkable milestone in defence exports in Financial Year 2022-23. The exports have reached an all-time high of approx. Rs 16,000 crore, almost Rs 3,000 crore more than the previous financial year. It a rise of over 10 times since 2016-17.India is now exporting to over 85 countries. Indian industry has shown its capability of design and development to the world, with 100 firms exporting defence products at present. The rising defence exports and participation of 104 countries in Aero India 2023 are indicators of India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.
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Prime Minister reviews operational readiness of the Armed Forces during Combined Commanders’ Conference in Bhopal.

Prime Minister (PM) reviewed the security situation and operational readiness of the Armed Forces during the valedictory session of Combined Commanders’ Conference 2023 in Bhopal on April 01, 2023. The Prime Minister was briefed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan about the various discussions conducted during this year's conference. The PM complimented the Armed Forces for their role in Nation Building and providing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) assistance to friendly countries.

During the final day of the session, various topics including aspects of digitisation; cyber security; challenges of social media; Aatmanirbharta; absorption of Agniveers and jointness were discussed. In a significant development from the past, the scope of the conference was expanded this year, wherein, a few multi-layered and interactive sessions were conducted with participation of soldiers from every command of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, including the Tri-Services Andaman and Nicobar Command. This three-day conference of combined apex-level military leadership of the country commenced on March 30, 2023. The theme was ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’. During the conference, deliberations over a varied spectrum of issues were held, including on national security and evolving a Joint Military Vision for the future.
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General Manoj Pande proceeded on a visit to Australia.

General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff proceeded on a visit to Australia commencing with effect from 03 April 2023. During the four day visit, he will be meeting the senior military leadership of Australia with an aim of enhancing India’s defence cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two nations.
He will call on the Chief of the Defence Force of Australia, the senior most Defence Officer of the nation. Besides a discussion with his counterpart, the Chief of the Australian Army, he will also interact with the Chief of the Australian Air Force. He is scheduled to meet a host of other senior dignitaries wherein he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-Australia defence relations.
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Defence Industrial Corridor

Government of India has set up two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in order to attract total investment worth Rs 20,000 crore by the year 2024-25 for defence industries, develop domestic supply chain and strengthen defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country. As per available information, 108 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have been signed with industry/organisation in UPDIC having potential investment of Rs 12,191 crore. Investment of Rs 2,445 crore has been made and 1611 Hectare of lands has been acquired so far for development of UPDIC. Further, in Tamil Nadu, arrangements have been made through MoUs etc with 53 industries for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore. Investment worth Rs 3,894 crore has been made and 910 Hectare of land has been acquired so far for development of TNDIC.
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7th India-Japan defence policy dialogue in New Delhi.

The 7th India-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs Mr Oka Masami, was held in New Delhi on April 05, 2023. A wide range of issues, including Service-level exercises and engagements, regional security issues and cooperation in defence equipment & technology, were discussed during the meeting. The Japanese Vice Minister also presented policy updates from their recently released National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy.Mr Oka Masami also called on Raksha Mantri.
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Joint military exercise ‘Ex KAVACH’ at Andaman and Nicobar Command.

Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) conducted a large-scale Joint Military Exercise ‘Ex KAVACH’ involving the assets of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. The exercise, which began on February 23, 2023, concluded on April 07, 2023.‘Exercise KAVACH’ demonstrated the capabilities and preparedness of the Armed Forces to safeguard India's maritime interests and ensure the security of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The exercise effectively showcased the professionalism and synergy amongst the different components of ANC while conducting successful joint operations in a complex and dynamic environment.
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Exercise Cope India 23.

Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is being held at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra. The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices. The first phase of exercise has commenced on 10th April 2023. This phase of the exercise will focus on air mobility and will involve transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces. Both sides fielded the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well. The exercise also includes the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who are participating in the capacity of observers.

The next phase of the Exercise Cope India 23 will commence at Air Force Station Kalaikunda on 13 April 2023. This segment of the exercise will witness participation of B1B bombers of the United States Air Force (USAF). F-15 fighter aircraft of the USAF will also join the exercise subsequently. The Indian Air Force (IAF) element will include the Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Tejas and Jaguar fighter aircraft. The exercise will be supported by aerial refuellers, Airborne Warning and Control System and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft of the IAF. The exercise will conclude on 24 April 2023.

Like the air mobility component of the Ex Cope-India -23, this phase will also help enhance professional relations between the two air forces, while sharing the best practices between them. Personnel from the Japanese Air Self Defence Force will also observe the exercise and interact with the two participating air forces.
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Indian Air Force to participate in multilateral international exercise Orion at Mont de Marsan, France.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent departed for France on 14th April 2023, to participate in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The exercise will be conducted from 17 April to 05 May 2023, with the IAF Contingent comprising four Rafale, two C-17, two ll-78 aircraft and 165 air warriors. This would be the first overseas exercise for the IAF's Rafale aircraft.

Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain and United States of America would also be flying in this multilateral exercise. Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the India Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other Air Forces.
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Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) scheduled from 17 to 21 April 2023.

Army Commanders’ Conference (ACC) is scheduled from 17 to 21 April 2023. For the first time, the ACC is being conducted in Hybrid format. The forum will also review the progress on the activities charted out as part of ‘Year of Transformation-2023’ along with progress on Agnipath Scheme, digitisation & automation initiatives, Combat Engineers tasks, work aspects and budget management.
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INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

West Asia

Turkiye: Turkiye detained 15 al-Qa’ida and IS terrorists.

On 12 April 2023, Turkish security forces raided 12 locations in Istanbul against ‘foreign (terrorist) fighters’ and detained at least 15 terrorists of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS). In March 2023, police arrested 19 foreign nationals in Ankara for their alleged connections with the IS in conflict zones.
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Iraq: security forces cracked an IS cell in Diyala.

On 11 April 2023, Iraq’s federal intelligence and investigation agency in the Ministry of Interior conducted an intelligence operation in which security forces busted an Islamic State (IS) cell and arrested three IS terrorists in Diyala Governorate. “The terrorists were working to provide logistical support to IS operatives and leaders. Several weapons and other materials were seized from their possession,” read the statement of Iraq’s Security Media cell.
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Africa

Nigeria

Security forces raided the Bama Local Government area and killed 18 Boko Haram terrorists.

On 04 April 2023, troops of 21 Task Force Brigade Bama and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operated in the Sambisa forest in the Bama Local Government area of Borno State and eliminated 18 Boko Haram terrorists. “Our troops dislodged and killed many insurgents; their camp was completely outrun by gallant troops and CJTF in Sambisa forest,” said a security official based on anonymity.
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Pakistan

Army claimed to arrest the top Baluchistan separatist leader.

In a statement released on 07 April 2023, Pakistan’s army claimed that its intelligence agency had arrested a ‘High-Value Target’ (HVT)— Gulzar Imam aka Shambay, founder and leader of Baloch National Army (BNA) in operation. The statement informed that the arrest was made possible after a months-long intelligence effort but did not provide further details about the operation and arrest.
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South-East Asia

Indonesia: Two Immigration personnel killed in Uzbek terror suspects’ escape from the detention centre.

On 10 April 2023, An Indonesian immigration officer and another official were killed during an attempt by three Uzbek terror suspects to escape from an Indonesian detention centre. The terror suspects were rearrested. Earlier this month, Indonesian authorities arrested four Uzbek terror suspects for their alleged involvement in spreading terrorism propaganda online. All four terror suspects are linked to al-Qa’ida’s affiliated group— Katiba al-Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ).
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DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

“Number of terrorists at an all-time low in J&K”: DGP J&K police.

While addressing a press conference in Bandipora district on 06 April 2023, the Director-General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh informed the reporters that “the terrorism is not over, but it is [gradually] ending. The number of terrorists, whether locals or Pakistanis, is at an all-time low.” The youth of Kashmir, who had joined terror groups, have now returned to the mainstream after quitting terror groups.

“The youth have understood that it is the path of destruction. Today, they have many avenues in sports and education, among other options. Many youths have taken the right path and are working towards their careers, lives and families. I am happy that the police and the security forces have brought terrorism under control to a larger extent, and action is on to end the remnants of terror,” said DGP Singh.
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Police arrested two LeT terrorists from Baramulla.

On 11 April 2023, Police arrested two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists— i) Farooq Ahmad Parra and ii) Saima Bashir, from Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Police recovered a pistol, two pistol magazines, five pistol rounds, IED, and one remote-control IED weighing approximately 2 kilograms.
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Left-Wing Extremism

NIA raided multiple locations in CPI (Maoist) case at Lohardaga.

On 09 April 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raided the premises of CPI (Maoist) operatives at 09 locations in Lohardaga and 05 locations in Latehar districts in Jharkhand. During searches, a country-made pistol and six live rounds, one magazine, electronic gadgets and incriminating documents about financial transactions and property were seized.
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Two Maoists were arrested from Telangana.

On 10 April 2023, Telangana police, in a joint operation with the CRPF, arrested two Maoists— Madivi Iduma (deputy dalam commander) and Kunja Devi, from Pusuguppa forest area in Charla mandal in Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana.

Both were arrested while going through the forests with other members of the dalam, according to the police, to coerce Adivasis living in the forest’s fringes along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border to attend their meetings. This was done under the orders of some of the organisation’s senior Maoist figures.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA attached premises of a school in Pune used by PFI as a training centre.

On 16 April 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached two school floors in Pune, Maharashtra, where the banned organisation— Popular Front of India (PFI) had been organising training camps to radicalise Muslim youth further. The training was given for carrying out targeted killings and attacks against leaders and organisations of a particular community.

The fourth and fifth floors of the Blue Bell School building were used by the PFI, and these floors have been attached by the NIA as ‘proceeds of terrorism’ under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967 in a case registered by the agency on 13 April 2022 as FIR no. RC-14/2022/NIA/DLI.
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NIA filed a charge sheet in the JeI-linked ‘Al-Huda Educational Trust Terror Funding’ case.

On 05 April 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet in the Al-Huda Educational Trust (AHET) terror funding case, linked to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), in which AHET was set up to mobilise funds to further its anti-Bharat agenda.
In 2019, JeI was proscribed and declared as an unlawful association. In the charge sheet, a Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Mushtaq Ahmed Mir, among four operatives named and charged under the various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

“Pro-Khalistan groups misusing asylum policy”: Bharat to UK.

On 12 April 2023, Bharat conveyed its concerns on the misuse of the United Kingdom (UK)’s asylum status by pro-Khalistan sympathisers to carry out anti-Bharat activities in Bharat. Bharat asked British authorities to increase monitoring and take appropriate proactive action during the 5th Bharat-UK Home Affairs Dialogue (HAD) held in Delhi.

Bharat’s Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla led the talks, while the UK delegation was led by Permanent Secretary (Home Office)— Sir Matthew Rycroft, along with senior officers of both countries at the dialogue. “During the meeting, both sides reviewed the ongoing cooperation and identified further steps that can be taken to explore opportunities and synergies in advancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, cyber security and global supply chains, drug trafficking, migration, extradition, anti-Bharat activities in the UK including pro-Khalistan extremism, among other issues,” read the statement released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
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“Khalistan movement fizzling out”: US Sikh diaspora to Bharat’s Finance Minister.

On 10 April 2023, a delegation of Sikh Americans informed the visiting Bharat’s Finance Minister— Nirmala Sitharaman, that due to steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of the Sikh community had resulted in the fizzling out of the separatist Khalistan movement. The Sikh delegation was led by its Chairman— Jasdeep (Jassee) Singh, and President, Kanwaljit Singh Soni.

“In all of the US, there are no more than a handful of Khalistanis who give the entire Sikh community a bad name,” said Jasdeep Singh.
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Narcotic Substances

NIA seized vast amounts of cash, gold, and drugs in the ‘Indo-Sri Lankan illegal drugs and Hawala case.

On 06 April 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized a huge cache of cash, gold bars, digital devices, drugs, and documents, during the raids at the premises, residential and business, of eight suspects in an Indo-Sri Lankan illegal drugs, arms trade, hawala, and revival of LTTE case.

Following the raids, a person was arrested in the same case. In December 2022, 13 suspects were arrested as part of raids in 21 locations in Tamil Nadu. During the raids on 06 April, the NIA seized ₹ 68 lakhs, S$ 1000, 09 gold biscuits (total 300 grams) from a shop and ₹ 12 lakhs from a Hotel— Orange Palace in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
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