VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (01-15 May 2024)

On May 01, Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, AVSM, VSM, assumed charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff. The Flag Officer was Commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 87 and is a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare. A recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal, the Admiral has held several key operational, staff and training appointments in his naval career including the Command of missile vessels INS Vidyut and INS Vinash; the missile corvette INS Kulish; the guided missile destroyer INS Mysore and the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya.

On promotion to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as the Chief Staff Officer (Training) at Headquarters, Southern Naval Command, Kochi and played a key role on the conduct of training across the Indian Navy. He was also instrumental in raising the Indian Naval Safety Team that oversees operational safety across all verticals of the Navy. He then went on to head the Work-Up Organisation of the Navy as the Flag Officer Sea Training after which he was appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet. Thereafter, he was appointed as the Flag Officer Offshore Defence Advisory Group and Advisor, Offshore Security and Defence to the Government of India. Prior to his current assignment as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, he served as Chief of Personnel at NHQ. Click here to read…

7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held in New Delhi.

Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia, Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto, co-chaired the 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting in New Delhi on May 03. During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction at the expanding scope of defence cooperation between the two countries. The progress made on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives deliberated in meetings of Working Groups on Defence Cooperation and Defence Industries Cooperation was also reviewed by the co-chairs. Additionally, means to enhance existing areas of collaboration especially in the field of defence industry ties, maritime security and multilateral cooperation were identified by the co-chairs.

During the trip, the Secretary General also visited DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, TATA Advanced Systems, and L&T Defence facilities in Pune. Meetings were held with Indian defence industry partners such as Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence, and Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to boost defence capabilities through research and joint production. A meeting with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan also took place. India and Indonesia's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focuses on shared interests in the Indo-Pacific, evident in frequent high-level engagements and collaboration. Indonesia plays a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy and and the Indo-Pacific region. Click here to read…

Keel Laying of the First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV).

Keel laying ceremony of the first NGOPV was held at M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd, Goa (GSL)on May 03. The contracts for indigenous design and construction of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) were concluded on March 30, 2023 between MoD, GSL and M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by Lead Shipyard M/s GSL and four ships by Follow Shipyard M/s GRSE.

The NGOPVs will perform missions such as Anti-Piracy, Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue and Protection of Offshore Assets. These ships will enable Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability to protect the economic and geopolitical interests of the nation in the Indian Ocean Region. This is yet another significant milestone in Indian Navy’s pursuit towards indigenous shipbuilding and is in consonance with ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the nation. Click here to read…

Sixth Edition of Commandants’ Conclave held in Pune.

The sixth edition of Commandants' Conclave was held at Military Institute of Technology (MILIT), Pune under the aegis of HQ Integrated Defence Staff on 07 May 24. The Commandants of Armed Forces Training Institutions and War Colleges along with other senior leadership of Armed forces attended the Conclave and brainstormed on charting the course for future defence strategies in nurturing the future leaders of Indian Armed Forces. The conclave served as a platform for the commandants and decision-makers of AFTIs to engage in open dialogue and discussions on fostering joint culture of learning and adoption of new technologies in training the future leaders of the Armed Forces. During the conclave, a wide range of key topics on strategic-resilience, technological advancement, human capital development, interoperability and jointness were discussed to harness innovation, technological advancement and to leverage the best practices of institutions for ensuring world class training at the AFTIs. Click here to read…

Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan arrived at Singapore, as a part of Eastern Fleet Deployment to South China Sea.

Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan led by RAdm Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet arrived at Singapore on May 06. The visit is part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to the South China sea. During the ships' stay in harbour, various activities planned to be undertaken include interactions with the High Commission of India, professional interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy as also academia and community outreach amongst other activities, reflecting the shared values of both navies. The Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy have had robust relations spanning three decades of cooperation, coordination and collaboration with regular visits, exchange of best practices, and reciprocal training arrangements. The current deployment underscores the strong linkages between both the navies. Click here to read…

DRDO organises two-day National Symposium & Industry Meet on ‘Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development’ in New Delhi.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) hosted a National Symposium and Industry Meet on ‘Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Development’, spanning two days and drawing participation from the Armed Forces, academia, industry, and DRDO itself. The event aimed to facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies in infrastructure development, aligning with the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. During his address, the Defence Secretary stressed the imperative of achieving self-reliance across all sectors to confront future challenges. Asserting the significance of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, he emphasized India's need to be self-sufficient for security and safeguarding national interests, especially given the unpredictable nature of geopolitics. He highlighted the government's focus on infrastructure development along borders and urged infrastructure firms to contribute to strengthening these areas, alongside the ongoing efforts to equip Armed Forces personnel with modern weapons and equipment.

The Defence Secretary also noted DRDO's support to the private sector in Research & Development, urging collaborative innovation for faster and better infrastructure development. Similarly, the Chairman of DRDO emphasized the pivotal role of infrastructure in national development and the imperative of integrating the latest technologies for sustainable and green infrastructure. With over 500 delegates and five technical sessions, the symposium aimed to inspire stakeholders and pave the way for a brighter future in infrastructure development nationwide. Click here to read…

India- France Joint Military Exercise Shakti

The 7th iteration of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI commenced at Umroi, a modern Foreign Training Node in Meghalaya. Running from May 13th to 26th, 2024, the Opening Ceremony saw the presence of H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, and Major General Prasanna Sudhakar Joshi, General Officer Commanding 51 Sub Area.

The Indian contingent, comprising 90 personnel, primarily from the RAJPUT Regiment and other arms and services, will be joined by observers from the Indian Navy and Air Force. Similarly, the French contingent of 90 personnel, mainly from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade (13th DBLE), will participate.

Exercise SHAKTI aims to bolster the joint military capabilities of both nations for multi-domain operations in a sub conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. Focus areas include semi-urban and mountainous terrains, emphasising physical fitness, tactical drills, and the sharing of best practices. Tactical exercises include response to terrorist actions, establishing command posts, intelligence and surveillance, helipad security, special operations, and drone utilization.

The exercise fosters the exchange of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, enhancing interoperability, camaraderie, and defence cooperation between the armed forces, further strengthening bilateral relations between India and France. Click here to read…

Parivartan Chintan II for jointness & integration of Armed Forces concludes in New Delhi.

The two-day "Parivartan Chintan II" took place in New Delhi on May 9-10, 2024, chaired by Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan. Its purpose was to review ongoing Theaterisation efforts and generate innovative ideas to accelerate the process. Various COSC Sub-Committees provided updates on essential initiatives for Jointness and Integration. The discussions centred on crucial reforms necessary to achieve the envisioned "Joint & Integrated" end state. Gen Anil Chauhan addressed committees on both days, stressing the urgency of progress to enable Theaterisation and create a multi-domain response capable Indian Armed Forces. He expressed confidence that such brainstorming would enhance the military's ability to conduct Multi-Domain Operations and bolster territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Click here to read…

International Terrorism

Afghanistan

The IS terrorists killed five people in an attack at Mosque in Herat province.

On 29 April, terrorists attacked and killed at least five people, including a woman and a child, in an attack at Mosque in Herat province. Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack via its Telegram channel. Post-2021 power transition in Afghanistan, the Taliban is focusing on restoring security but attacks targeting mosques, religious place and government buildings have continued. Several attacks have been claimed by the IS. Click here to read…

Pakistan

One person got killed and 20 others injured in two consecutive explosions in Balochistan.

In two explosions, occurred on 01 May, one person got killed and 20 others were injured. According to news reports, the first explosion took place when a vehicle collided with a mine on the roadside, followed by another explosion at a gathering of people at the location. Click here to read…

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)

One Pakistani police officer dead and over 90 injured during protests in Muzaffarabad.

On 11 May, a protest against Pakistan’s occupation erupted in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)’s Muzaffarabad in which one Pakistani police officer was martyred and more than 90 others injured. According to the Mirpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)— Kamran Ali, “Sub-inspector Adnan Qureshi succumbed to a gunshot wound in the chest in the town of Islamgarh where he was deployed along with other police personnel to stop a rally for Muzaffarabad via Kotli under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).” The JAAC comprises of traders has been seeking the provision of electricity as per hydropower generations cost in PoK area, subsided wheat flour and an end to the privileges of the elite class. Click here to read…

Domestic Terrorism

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA attached four more terror-linked properties in Kashmir.

On 09 May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached four properties belong to Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorists— i) Mohammad Alam Bhat, ii) Mohammad Yusuf Khwaja, iii) Shabir Ahmed Gakhad, and iv) Zakir Hussain Mir, in Kupwara in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). A day before, the NIA attached six immovable properties of key terrorist of proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Click here to read…

An IAF soldier attained Veergati in a terrorist attack in Poonch.

In a terror attack on the Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy on 04 May, an IAF soldier attained Veergati and four were injured. The incident took place when terrorists ambushed a convoy of IAF in the Surankot area in Poonch district of J&K. “An Indian Air Force vehicle convoy was attacked by militants in the Poonch district of J-K, near Shahsitar. Cordon and search operations are underway presently in the area by local military units. The convoy has been secured, and further investigation is under progress,” read a IAF post on X (formerly Twitter). The Air Warriors fought back by returning fire. In the gunfight with terrorists, five IAF personnel received bullet injuries and were evacuated to the nearest military hospital for immediate medical attention. One Air Warrior succumbed to his injuries later. Click here to read…

Security forces arrested two terrorists from Shopian.

On 05 May, security forces arrested two terrorists— i) Amir Ahmed Mir, and ii) Zaffer Azad, from Aloora Imamsahib area of Shopian and recovered cache of arms and ammunition from their possession. “During search of the duo, arms and ammunition including a pistol along with a magazine, eight rounds and two Chinese grenades and other incriminating material have been recovered from their possession,” said a police spokesman. Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Embracing democratic values, 35 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh.

Under the surrender and rehabilitation campaign— “Lon Varattu” (return home), at least 35 Maoists have surrendered in Dantewada district in Chhattisgarh. The campaign, rooted in the local tribal dialect Gondi, aims to reintegrate misguided individuals into mainstream society. Frustrated with the inhuman and illogical ideology of Naxalism and exploitation of local tribals, more Maoists are choosing to surrender and join the mainstream society. Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

The NIA Court, Delhi, convicted five IS terrorists for spreading ideology in Bharat.

On 06 May, the NIA Special Court, Delhi, convicted five Islamic State (IS) terrorists, including two women, in a case pertaining to promote IS ideology and spread terror through terror activities in Bharat. “One of the terrorists was charged with planning to establish a caliphate in Bharat and conspiring to carry out 100 IED blasts in a single day throughout the country,” read the statement released by the NIA. The NIA investigations had revealed that the terrorists were also raising, receiving and providing funds through crypto-currency to promote the ideology of the IS, a banned global terror organisation. Click here to read…

Radical Sikh Elements

Canadian police arrested three Bhartiya in connection with Nijjar’s case.

On 03 May, the Canadian police arrested three Bhartiya in connection with the killing of radical Sikh terrorist— Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)’s Assistant Commissioner David Teboul said that “three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of ‘Sikh activist’ Nijjar. There are separate and distinct investigations ongoing into these matters, certainly not limited to the involvement of the people arrested today, and these efforts include investigating connections to the government of India.” Click here to read…

Delhi L-G suggested NIA probe against Delhi CM Kejriwal for allegedly taking funding from pro-Khalistan organisation.

On 06 May, the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) of Delhi— V K Saxena recommended the federal agency— the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Delhi’s Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal for receiving political funding worth USD 16 million from Sikh for Justice (SFJ), a proscribed pro-Khalistan/terrorist organisation. The L-G mentioned that as per the complaint he received, apart from attending public gatherings, Kejriwal held a close-door meeting at the Richmond Hills Gurudwara with pro-Khalistan/radical Sikh elements. Kejriwal also wrote to then-President Pranab Mukherjee seeking clemency and release of Devender Pal Bhullar, a Sikh terrorist, during 2014-2022. Click here to read…

Organised Crime

Police arrested two people in connection with FICN case in Maharashtra.

In an operation, the Mumbai police arrested two people— i) Naushad Peer Mohammad Shah, and ii) Ali Menhadi Tehzerb Hassan Sayyed, in connection with printing Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs) and seized the same worth ₹ 45,000. The duo has been printing FICNs for the last 20 days. Click here to read…