VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-31 May 2023)

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and US Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Dr Colin Kahl co-chaired the 17th meeting of India-US Defence Policy Group (DPG) in Washington DC on May 17, 2023. Important aspects such as military-to-military cooperation, implementation of foundational defence agreements, exercises and the ongoing & future cooperative activities in the Indian Ocean Region were discussed.

Considerable focus was given on the ways and means to enhance defence industrial cooperation, including technology partnership, long-term research & development and improving supply chain security. The meeting also discussed promoting co-development and co-production in India including potential areas and projects where Indian and US defence companies could work together. They agreed to encourage both the private and government stakeholders to utilise the innovation ecosystems and promote defence start-ups.

The DPG is the apex official-level mechanism between Ministry of Defence, India and US Department of Defence. It comprehensively reviews and guides all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation with a focus on policy.
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164 Positive Indigenisation List items, with import substitution value of Rs 814 crore, successfully indigenised by DPSUs.

In another boost to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, 164 Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items, with an import substitution value of Rs 814 crore, that were to be indigenised by December 2022, have met the target within the timelines nd have been notified by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD). The indigenisation of these items has been achieved by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) either through Industry partners, including MSMEs, or in-house.

It had, earlier, notified successful indigenisation of 2,572 items, with an import substitution value of Rs 1,756 crore. Now, with the notification of these 164 additional items, the total number of indigenised items till December 2022 from these PILs of DDP stands at 2,736, worth an import substitution value of Rs 2,570 crore. These indigenised items will now be procured from the Indian Industry only.
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First sea sortie of sixth Scorpene submarine ‘Vaghsheer’.

The sixth submarine of Project 75, Yard 11880, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class commenced her sea trials on 18 May 23. The submarine was launched in 20 Apr 22 from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). Vaghsheer is scheduled for Delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after completion of these trials. MDL has ‘Delivered’ three submarines of the Project – 75 in 24 months and the commencement of sea trials of the sixth submarine is a significant milestone.
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Defence production crosses Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time ever.

The value of defence production in Financial Year (FY) 2022-23 has crossed the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time ever. The value currently stands Rs 1,06,800 crore and it will go further up once the data is received from the remaining private defence industries. The current value of defence production in FY 2022-23 is a rise of more than 12 per cent over FY 2021-22, when the figure was Rs 95,000 crore. There is almost a 200 per cent increase in the number of defence licenses issued to the industries in the last 7-8 years.
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4th edition of the Indo-Indonesia bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 concluded.

The 4th edition of the Indo-Indonesia bilateral Exercise Samudra Shakti-23 concluded on 19 May 23.The successful completion of Exercise Samudra Shakti-23, illustrated the strong partnership between India and Indonesia and reaffirmed the commitment of both navies to promote peace and stability in the region through cooperative engagements.
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Prime Minister’s participation in the Quad Leaders’ summit.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the third in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit in Hiroshima, Japan on 20 May 2023. They released the Quad Leaders’ Vision Statement – Enduring Partners for the Indo-Pacific” which articulates their principled approach.

To strengthen the resilience and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific the Leaders announced initiatives which would complement the development priorities of the region: Clean Energy Supply Chains Initiative, ‘Quad Infrastructure Fellowships Programme’, ‘Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience’, Quad support for a small-scale ORAN deployment in Palau, the first in the Pacific region, Quad Investors’ Network, Indo-Pacific and the progress on the partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness.
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Indian delegation attends Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition 2023 in Malaysia.

An Indian delegation, led by Additional Secretary (Defence Production) attended the 16th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 23), being held at Langkawi, Malaysia between May 22-25, 2023. The Additional Secretary (Defence Production) also called on Malaysian Minister of Defence on the sidelines of the exhibition. This year’s edition involves over 600 exhibitors from more than 30 countries, including India.
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Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy is on a five day official visit to India.

VAdm Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy is on a five day official visit to India from 23 - 27 May 23. During the visit, he will be presiding over the Passing Out Parade of the Spring Term 23 at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.

VAdm Priyantha Perera called on Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff on 24 May 23 at New Delhi and held discussions on collaborative mechanisms towards ensuring peace and security in the region.
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Raksha Mantri (RM) to visit Nigeria.

RM will visit Nigeria between May 28-30, 2023 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect of the West African nation Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This will be the first-ever visit of an Indian Defence Minister to Nigeria. Considering the growing defence cooperation between India & Nigeria, senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and top leadership of important Defence PSUs will accompany Shri Rajnath Singh. They will hold meetings with the representatives from the Nigerian industry and the Armed Forces to identify the equipment and platforms, through which the Indian defence industry can support the country’s requirements. Nigeria is home to an estimated 50,000 members of the Indian community. The Raksha Mantri will address the Indian diaspora at Abuja during the visit.
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Second edition of bilateral exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi 23', between Indian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF).

The sea phase of second edition of bilateral exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi 23', between Indian Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Force (RSNF) was held from 23 - 25 May 23 off Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. INS Tarkash, INS Subhadra and Dornier Maritime Patrol aircraft (MPA) participated in the exercise from the Indian side. The RSNF was represented by HMS Badr and Abdul Aziz, MH 60R helo and UAV. The three-day exercise at sea witnessed a wide spectrum of maritime operations.
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3rd India-Vietnam maritime security dialogue.

The 3rd India-Vietnam Maritime Security Dialogue was held on 31 May 2023 at New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (Disarmament & International Security Affairs), Ministry of External Affairs and the Vietnamese delegation by Vice Chairman, National Boundary Commission. The delegations comprised senior officials from the respective Ministries and Services concerned with maritime affairs. During the dialogue, the two sides conferred on ways to sustain a secure maritime environment conducive for inclusive growth and global well being. They reviewed ongoing cooperation initiatives in the maritime domain and avenues of reinforcing international and regional mechanisms for comprehensive maritime security.

Both sides vowed to further strengthen their shared efforts and existing frameworks in areas such as marine scientific research, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime connectivity and maritime security, including Navy and Coast Guard co-operation, maritime law enforcement and capacity building.
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The 27th Meeting of the Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).

The 27th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border affairs (WMCC) was held on 31st May 2023 in person in New Delhi. Joint Secretary (East Asia) from MEA led the Indian Delegation. The Chinese delegation was led by the DG of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two sides reviewed the situation along the LAC in Western Sector of India-China border areas and discussed proposals for disengagement in remaining areas in a frank and open manner. Restoration of peace and tranquillity will create conditions for normalising bilateral relations. In order to achieve this objective, in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and protocols, they agreed to hold the next (19th) round of Senior Commander's meeting at an early date. The two sides agreed to continue discussions through military and diplomatic channels.
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International Terrorism

Africa

Somalia

Somali Army repulsed a terrorist attack on a military base in the central province of Galgadud.

On 30 May 2023, al-Shabaab terrorists attacked a military base in Masagaway in Galmudug state, which was repulsed by Somali National Army (SNA). “The Somali National Army has prevented the ‘Khawarij’ militias who tried to attack the town of Masagaway in the Galgadud region, and several militants were killed there. The National forces continue to pursue the militant group,” read the statement released by the SNA.

However, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack and informed that it killed over 70 soldiers. It also claimed to have seized the military base and taken military equipment. It was the second major attack carried out by al-Shabaab in less than a week. On 26 May, a terrorist group attacked an African Union (AU) forces base in the Lower Shabelle region.Click here to read…

Cameroon

Boko Haram terrorists killed eight people in multiple attacks in Northern Cameroon.

On 30 May 2023, Boko Haram terrorists killed eight people, including troops, in multiple attacks in the towns of Mora and Zigage on the border with Nigeria. Boko Haram terrorists killed three Customs officials, three soldiers, and two civilians in separate attacks.

“Boko Haram (terrorists) crossed into the country from Nigeria in large numbers on Monday evening before carrying out the attacks. Cameroon’s military has been deployed to protect civilians on the border,” said a Cameroon government official.Click here to read…

Pakistan

Police arrested a ‘high-profile’ terrorist in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On 25 May 2023, the Hangu Police arrested Saadullah, a high-profile terrorist, while crossing the border of Naryab to enter Hangu. Saadullah had been proclaimed an offender in 2000 by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)-Kohat but has been hiding since then.

According to police reports, Saadullah was living with his family in the Dabori area in the Orakzai district and used to travel to Hangu, Peshawar, and Kohat to collect funds for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s operations.Click here to read…

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA Special Court convicted a terrorist in Assam's ‘HM module conspiracy’ case.

On 23 May 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court in Guwahati, Assam, convicted a terrorist involved in the ‘Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) module conspiracy’ case in Assam. Mohammad Saidul Alam, from Hojai district in Assam, has been sentenced to five years of Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) with a fine.Click here to read…

Police arrested a LeT terrorist from Baramulla.

On 27 May 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) police arrested Mohammad Ashraf Mir, a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, during an operation in the Nagbal Chandoosa area in Baramulla district. Police recovered a grenade from Ashraf’s possession.Click here to read…

NIA arrested a JeM terrorist in ‘Kashmir terror conspiracy’ case.

On 21 May 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Mohammad Ubaid Malik, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist, for his involvement in the ‘Kashmir terror conspiracy’ case. Ubaid was in constant contact with a Pakistan-based JeM commander and passed on confidential information, including the movement of security forces personnel, to a Pakistan-based commander. NIA also recovered various indiscriminating documents proving his involvement in the furtherance of terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).Click here to read…

SIA arrested two absconding HM terrorists after 33 years.

The Special Director-General (DG) of CID Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)— Rashmi Ranjan Swain, on 16 May 2023, informed the press conference that the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of J&K police arrested two absconding Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists— Javed Bhat and Zahoor Bhat, in connection with the assassination of then-Chief Cleric— Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq at his residence on 21 May 1990.

“Over these years, they hid in Pakistan and Nepal to avoid arrest. Both have been detained and handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as proclaimed offenders,” said DG Swain.Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

NIA seized a massive cache of ammunition in the ‘PLFI terror funding’ case.

In connection with the ‘PLFI terror funding’ case, on 26 May 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) found a large cache of ammunition from a deep forest in the Kamdara area of Gumla district in Jharkhand. The ammunition seized contained 1,245 rounds of 7.62 MM ammunition and 271 rounds of 5.56 MM ammunition. On May 21, the NIA apprehended Dinesh Gope, who took the NIA team to the ammunition’s hiding site.

According to the NIA, over 102 criminal charges have been filed against Dinesh Gope in various Jharkhand districts. The majority of these instances involved kidnapping, extortion, murder, and cash being raised for the PLFI (People's Liberation Front of India), a splinter group of the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist). Previously known as the Jharkhand Liberation Tigers (JLT), the PLFI is involved in several terror acts in Jharkhand, including killings using firearms.Click here to read…

NIA arrested absconding ‘self-styled’ chief of PLFI in ‘terror funding’ case.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 21 May 2023, arrested Dinesh Gope, aka Kuldeep Yadav, an absconding self-styled chief of the People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI), a proscribed splinter Naxal group based in Jharkhand. Dinesh was arrested in New Delhi. Earlier, in 2018, Dinesh Gope was charge-sheeted by the NIA in the case— RC-02/2018/NIA/DLI, relating to the seizure of demonetised currency of ₹ 25.38 lakhs from the PLFI operatives.Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

In a joint operation, NIA-ATS cracked an Islamic State-linked module in Madhya Pradesh.

In the overnight joint operation on 26-27 May 2023, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) of Madhya Pradesh police raided 13 locations in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh and dismantled an Islamic State (IS)-linked module. In operation, the joint team arrested three operatives— i) Syed Mamoor Ali, ii) Mohammad Adil Khan, and iii) Mohammad Shahid and seized sharp-edged weapons, ammunition, digital devices, and other incriminating documents.

During the investigation, the NIA learnt that Mohammad Adil Khan and his associates were involved in disseminating IS propaganda through social media platforms and on-ground ‘Dawah’ programmes to carry out terror attacks in Bharat. The cracked module had been conducting meetings/Dars in local Masjids and houses and hatching plans and conspiracies to spread terror in the country.Click here to read…

NIA raided two locations in Uttar Pradesh in connection with ‘JMB terror funding case’.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 24 May 2023, carried out searches at two locations in Uttar Pradesh (UP) in connection with the ‘Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) terror funding case’. The search operation was focused on unearthing the links and conspiracies of the ten already arrested and charge-sheeted operatives by the NIA Court in Bhopal. Out of ten, six arrested operatives are Bangladeshi nationals and are active JMB operatives.

The NIA team recovered several digital devices, SIM cards, Bank PassBooks, and identity-related documents.Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

PM Modi and PM Albanese discussed pro-Khalistan activities, including attacks on Hindu temples in Australia.

On 24 May 2023, Bharat’s Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi conveyed concerns over the pro-Khalistan activities, including attacks on Hindu temples, with Australian PM Anthony Albanese. “Bharat-Australia bilateral relations are based on mutual trust and respect, and the Bharatiya community in Australia is a living bridge between the two countries. Prime Minister Albanese and I have previously discussed the issue of attacks on temples in Australia and activities of separatist elements,” said PM Modi.

“We will not accept any elements that harm the friendly and warm ties between Bharat and Australia by their actions or thoughts. I thank the prime minister for the actions that have already been taken. Prime Minister Albanese has assured me today that he will take strict actions against such elements in the future also,” added PM Modi.Click here to read…

NIA arrested two close aids of KTF’s designated terrorist from Delhi.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 19 May 2023, arrested Amritpal Singh, aka Ammy and Amrik Singh, two close aids of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF)’s designated terrorist— Arshdeep Singh Dhalla, after the duo arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The NIA team arrested Amritpal and Amrik soon after their flight arrived from Manilla, Philippines. Earlier, non-bailable warrants had been issued against them by a Special Delhi Court in a case related to unlawful and violent activities of banned groups in Bharat.Click here to read…

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) Cases

Assam police arrested a political party member in a fake currency smuggling case.

On 26 May 2023, Assam’s Nagaon police arrested Amir Hussain, a Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) youth wing leader, from the Rupohihat area during a raid conducted in connection with the smuggling of Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs). “Hussain was involved in the counterfeit money trade for several years. Following the arrest, a raid was conducted at Hussain’s residence in which currency printing machine and a substantial amount of fake notes were recovered,” said a police official based on anonymity.Click here to read…