Raksha Mantri (RM) inaugurated a seven-storey Flight Control System (FCS) Integration facility at Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bengaluru, Karnataka on March 17, 2022. The state-of-the-art complex has been constructed in record 45 days, with in-house hybrid technology consisting of conventional, pre-engineered and precast methodology. The technology has been developed by DRDO with the help of M/s Larsen & Toubro (L&T). Design check and technical support has been provided by the teams of IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee.
For more information: Click here to read... [2]
India's Arctic policy titled 'India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ was released on 17th Marchby the Ministry of Earth Sciences.India's Arctic policy titled 'India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ lays down six pillars: strengthening India's scientific research and cooperation, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and national capacity building in the Arctic region.
For more information: Click here to read... [3]
The 2nd India-Indonesia Security Dialogue (the 2nd IISD) was held 17th of March in Jakarta.The IISD is a forum that brings the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and the National Security Adviser of the Republic of India together to discuss and enhance cooperation between the two countries on political and security issues.
For more information:Click here to read... [4]
A three-member Brazilian delegation led by Admiral Flávio Augusto Viana Rocha, Special Secretary (Strategic Affairs), Presidency & Advisor to President of Brazil, visited Headquarters Western Naval Command on 17 Mar 2022. The FOC-in-C (West) brought out the Hon’ble PM’s vision of SAGAR- Security and Growth for All in the Region - and Indian Navy’s maritime vision during the discussions and also suggested that Brazilian Navy ships, when deployed in the IOR, may visit Indian Ports. It was made known that the Indian Shipyards are well equipped to provide any technical support to the units deployed for prolonged duration away from their homeports.
For more information: Click here to read... [5]
The 9th Joint Military Exercise LAMITIYE-2022 between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) was conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Seychelles from 22 March to 31 March 22. An Infantry Platoon strength each from both the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) along with Company Headquarters participated in this exercise which aimed at sharing experiences gained during various operations against hostile forces in Semi-Urban environment and enhance capability to undertake joint operations.The Indian Army contingent comprising troops from the 2/3 GORKHA RIFLES group (PIRKANTHI Battalion) arrived at Seychelles on 21 March 2022.
Exercise LAMITIYE-2022 is a biennial training event which is being conducted in Seychelles since 2001. Notably, in the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries; Exercise LAMITIYE with Seychelles is crucial and significant in terms of security challenges faced by both the Nations in the backdrop of current global situation and growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region.
For more information: Click here to read... [6]
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland co-chaired India-US Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on 21 March 2022.The FOC provided a valuable opportunity to discuss contemporary regional issues pertaining to South Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, West Asia, and the situation in Ukraine, among others. Foreign Secretary Shringla and Under Secretary of State Nuland agreed to maintain regular dialogue and consultations on regional issues.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Following up on the Quad Leaders’ Meetings, they expressed a keen desire to implement quickly the Quad’s positive and constructive agenda to deliver for countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
For more information: Click here to read... [7]
The 3rd edition of joint training exercise between Indian and Uzbekistan armies, EX-DUSTLIK is being conducted at Yangiarik, Uzbekistan from 22 to 31 March 2022. The Indian contingent which comprises of a platoon strength of Grenadiers Regiment departed for the exercise area on 22 March 2022 to join the Uzbekistan Army contingent represented by troops of the North Western Military District. The last edition of DUSTLIK was conducted in Ranikhet (Uttarakhand) in March 2021. The joint exercise would focus on Counter Terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain under a United Nations Mandate.
For more information: Click here to read... [8]
A delegation of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Army is on a six day visit to India. The delegation is visiting Indian Army training establishments and then attend the Inaugural Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST). The aim of the visit is to enhance defence cooperation engagements between the two armies.
The UAE Army delegation is currently visiting Army establishments in Maharashtra to include School of Artillery, Armoured Corps Centre & School, Mechanised Infantry Centre & School, National Defence Academy, Command Hospital of Southern Command, Army Institute of Physical Training, Military Intelligence School & Depot and Bombay Engineers Group & Centre. The delegation will also be visiting Larsen & Tubro Limited and Tata Motors Limited at Pune.
For more information: Click here to read... [9]
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition proposals of Armed Forces amounting to Rs 8,357 crore.
The DAC in its meeting of 22nd March 2022 accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition proposals of Armed Forces amounting to Rs 8,357 crore. All of these proposals have been approved under ‘Buy (Indian IDDM)’ category with focus on indigenous design & development and manufacturing in India. AoNs accorded by DAC include procurement of Night Sight (Image Intensifier), Light Vehicles GS 4X4, Air Defence Fire Control Radar (Light) and GSAT 7B Satellite. Acquisition of these equipment and systems will enhance operational preparedness of Armed Forces by providing better visibility, enhanced mobility, improved communication and increased capability of detecting enemy aircraft. In a path-breaking initiative to encourage innovation, the DAC also accorded consolidated AoN for procurements amounting to Rs 380.43 crore from the iDEX start-ups and MSMEs.
For more information: Click here to read... [10]
MoD approves some Major Line Replacement Units/Sub-systems for Indigenisation.
In continuous pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing and to minimise imports by DPSUs under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Ministry of Defence has approved another list of 107 strategically important Line replacement Units (LRUs)/sub-systems with a timeline beyond which there will be an embargo on their import. These will be indigenised in the coming years and will only be procured from Indian Industry after the timelines indicated against each of them in the list. This list is in continuation to the Positive Indigenisation List of 2,851 sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-Assemblies/Components which had been earlier notified by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence on December 27, 2021.
For more information: Click here to read... [11]
Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Army weapon system proved its effectiveness as two missiles, during the flight tests, achieved direct hits. Performance of all weapon system components including missile, weapon system radar and command post have been validated during these trials. With the conclusion of flight trials for different ranges and scenarios, the system has completed its development trials.
For more information: Click here to read... [12]
Indian Naval Air Squadron 316, Indian Navy's second P-8I aircraft squadron has been commissioned into the Indian Navy on 29 Mar 22. The squadron has been specifically commissioned to be the home for the four new P-8I aircraft procured under the Option Clause contract
For more information: Click here to read... [13]
The Ministry of Defence and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) concluded a Contract for supply of Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite for Fighter aircraft of Indian Air Force. The contract was signed between MoD and M/s BEL, here today. The overall cost of the contract is estimated to be ₹ 1993 Cr.
For more information: Click here to read... [14]
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of India and Bharat Electronics Limited, Hyderabad signed a Contract for Instrumented Electronic Warfare Range (IEWR) for the Indian Air Force. The contract is a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of IAF to prepare for future warfare. The overall cost of the contract is estimated to be ₹ 1109 Cr.
For more information: Click here to read... [15]
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met and approved procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Limited Series Production at the cost of Rs. 3,887 Cr along with Infrastructure sanctions worth Rs. 377 Cr.
For more information: Click here to read... [16]
The maiden edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Maritime Exercise 2022 (IMEX-22) was conducted at Goa and in Arabian Sea from 26 – 30 Mar 22. The aim of the exercise was to enhance interoperability in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations among member navies. The exercise witnessed participation of 15 out of the 25 member nations of IONS.
For more information: Click here to read... [17]
The 20th edition of the Bilateral Naval Exercise between Indian and French Navies – ‘VARUNA’ is being conducted in the Arabian Sea from 30 Mar – 03 Apr 22. The Bilateral Naval Exercises between the two Navies were initiated in 1993. The exercise was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a vital part of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
For more information: Click here to read... [18]
At least seven people were killed in two separate terrorist attacks in Mogadishu and Beledweyne.
On 23 March 2022, al-Shabaab carried out two terrorist attacks in Mogadishu and Beledweyne district, in which at least seven people were killed, and many were injured. In first incident, two terrorists attacked Mogadishu’s international airport and killed a Somali national and five foreigners. In response, security forces eliminated both terrorists. “One of the foreigners killed in the airport attack was a soldier with the African Union peacekeeping mission— AMISOM.
Later on, the same day, a Somali lawmaker— Amina Mohamed Abdi, was killed and many others were injured in two explosions in Beledweyne. According to reports, a suicide bomber ran towards the lawmaker and detonated an explosive vest. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for both attacks.
For more information: Click here to read... [19]
Nigeria
Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists abducted health worker in Borno State.
On 16 March 2022, Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists attacked on the General Hospital Gubio in Borno State and abducted a health worker— Bulama Geidam.
For more information: Click here to read... [20]
Iran-supported terrorist organisation— Hizbu’llah, reportedly made an agreement with Russian private paramilitary group— Wagner group, to send its operatives to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
Unconfirmed reports from various sources based in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Lebanon stated that Hizbu’llah will send around 800 operatives to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, in exchange of Hizbu’llah getting a ‘green light’ to buy weapons from Russian defence contractor— Almaz-Antey.
For more information: Click here to read... [21]
On 12 March 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)’s Interior Ministry executed 81 terrorists of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) and for committing crimes such as murder and rape. The death penalty was handed over to Saudi nationals and foreigners, mostly Yemeni, who have been convicted on terrorism charges.
For more information: Click here to read... [22]
On 19 March 2022, Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab police claimed to have averted terror attacks on government establishments after the arrest of five al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) from Punjab province. CTD officials recovered explosive materials, hand grenades, and detonators from the possession of terrorists.
Two AQIS terrorists— Waqas Zakeer and Muhammad Rehmatullah were arrested from Rawalpindi and Narowal cities, respectively. The other three TTP terrorists— i) Ameerullah Mujahid, ii) Abidur-Rehman, and iii) Muhammad Jahangir, were arrested from Sargodha, Multan, and Khanewal districts, respectively.
For more information: Click here to read... [23]
On 26 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a charge sheet against a Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist Imdadullah aka Ali Babar aka Dujana, under Sections 120B, 121, 121A, 122, 307, 326, 333, and 353 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Sections 16, 18, 20, 23, and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], Section 27 of Arms Act, Sections 3, 4, and 5 of Explosive Substances Act (ESA), and Section 14A(b) of Foreigners Act.
The case— RC-05/2021/NIA/JMU pertains to an infiltration attempt foiled by Indian security forces in Line of Control (LoC) Uri sector of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in September 2021. During the infiltration attempt, Imdadullah was arrested while his associate— Atiqur-Rehman aka Qari Anas was eliminated. A huge cache of arms and ammunitions, and other incriminating materials were recovered from the possession of duo.
For more information: Click here to read... [25]
On 30 March 2022, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration terminated the services of five government employees, including two police constables, for their alleged links with terrorist groups. One of the police constables— Tawseef Ahmed Mir, was accused of actively working for Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) and tried to kill two of his colleagues.
The committee, constituted under Article 311 (2) of the Constitution, allows dismissal of government employees without an inquiry in the interest of the security of the State. The committee was established to identify and weed out government employees who have terror links and are working as Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) for terror outfits.
For more information: Click here to read... [26]
A Delhi Court, on 20 March 2022, ordered to frame charges against Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Mohammad Yasin Malik, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafeez Saeed, Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) chief Syed Salahuddin, Kashmir separatist leaders— Shabbir Malik, MasaratAlam, and others, under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A] and Indian Penal Code (IPC), in a case pertaining to secessionist activities that disturbed Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
“So far from the statements of witnesses, a pattern is emerging— Pakistan or its agencies and accused share a common goal and there is an agreement on the means to be used for achieving that goal and the terror funding is also being provided from Pakistan,” said Special Judge Praveen Singh, after the discussion of evidence.
"The baton was held by conductors sitting across the border in the form of Pakistani agencies such as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Directorate and each of the conspirators, knowing every other conspirator, was playing his own role as per the directions of the conductor in order to create a symphony of bloodshed, violence, mayhem and destruction with the ultimate object of secession of J&K,” read the court order.
For more information: Click here to read... [27]
On 30 March 2022, security forces killed two terrorists— Rayees Ahmed Bhat (former journalist) and Hilal Ahmed Rah, in a gun-battle in Srinagar district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Rayees Ahmed Bhat was running an online news portal— ‘Valley News Service (VNS)’ in Anantnag district and joined the terrorist group in August 2021. Bhat was categorised as ‘C’ on the J&K police list.
According to police data, so far in 2022, security forces eliminated over 40 terrorists in 30 different incidents. However, around 26 terrorists and 150 associates, including Over-Ground Workers (OGWs) have also been arrested.
For more information: Click here to read... [28]
On 18 March 2022, police cracked a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module and arrested six terrorists — i) Rouf Ahmad Lone, ii) Aqib Maqbool Bhat, iii) Javaid Ahmad Dar, iv) Arshid Ahmad Mir, v) Rameez Raja, and vi) Sajad Ahmad Dar, from Pulwama. According to preliminary investigation, six terrorists were involved in providing logistics, managing and transferring funds and motivating youth to act as hybrid terrorists.
For more information: Click here to read... [29]
On 12 March 2022, security forces killed four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists and arrested another JeM terrorist, in three separate counter-terrorism (CT) operations in Pulwama, Ganderbal, and Kupwara districts in Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “A Pakistani JeM commander— Kamaal Bhai was killed in a gun-battle in Pulwama. Kamaal was active since 2018 in Pulwama-Shopian area,” said Inspector-General (IG) of Police (Kashmir)— Vijay Kumar.
For more information: Click here to read... [30]
The Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata Police, on 29 March 2022, arrested Joyeeta Das, a suspected Maoist leader, from Jagulia in Barasat of North 24 Parganas district in West Bengal. Das, who had been associated with Nandigram movement, was charged for waging a war against the State.
According to police statement, Joyeeta’s name appeared during interrogation of two men involved in Maoist activities at Nawada in Murshidabad district on 24 March 2022. Earlier, Das was arrested in 2013 and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read... [31]
On 26 March 2022, a senior Maoist leader— VimalLohra (39-years-old) surrendered before the Jharkhand police in Khunti district in Jharkhand. Vimalaka BirsaPahan was an area commander of one of the committees of CPI (Maoist).
For more information: Click here to read... [32]
On 18 March 2022, Maoists attacked a CRPF camp in Elmagunda area in Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, in which three CRPF personnel were injured. “In the gun-battle, Head Constable Hemant Chaudhary, and Constables Basappa and LalitBagh sustained injuries. They were airlifted to Raipur for further treatment,” said P Sundarraj, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Bastar.
For more information: Click here to read... [33]
On 29 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed charge sheet against six Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operatives— i) Letchumanan Mary Franciska, ii) Kenniston Fernando, iii) Baskaran, iv) Johnson Samuvel, v) G. Dharmendran, and vi) E Mohan, in terror funding case.
The case— RC-02/2022/NIA/DLI pertains to the conspiracy to revive the LTTE in India and Sri Lanka by various means of cheating, besides using forged Indian identity documents as genuine to divert finances lodged in dormant accounts to further terror activities.
For more information: Click here to read... [34]
On 23 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary charge sheet against a narcotics trafficker— Shahid Kasam Sumra, in ‘Salaya Drugs Seizure’ case.
The case— RC-26/2020/NIA/DLI pertains to a conspiracy by accused based in Dubai (UAE) and Pakistan for smuggling and distribution of 500 kgs of heroin from Pakistan to Gujarat (India) via sea route. As per conspiracy, the heroin was brought by Pakistani national in a Pakistan-registered fishing vessel and was delivered in the Indian Territorial waters near Jakhau Port, Kutch in Gujarat.
In this case, Shahid was a close associate of earlier arrested narcotics trafficker— Arshad Razak Sota and Rafik Adam Sumra. Through his associates, Shahid smuggled 495 kg of heroin from Pakistan and delivered it in Amritsar, Punjab. As an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) was issued against Shahid, he was deported from Dubai and arrested in this case.
For more information: Click here to read... [35]
On 25 March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Patna, convicted an FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note) trafficker— Kamirujjaman, under Sections 489B, 489C, 120B r/w Section 489B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The case— RC-04/2019/NIA/DLI, pertains to the recovery of FICNs worth ₹ 4 lakhs from possession of Julkar Shaikh from Bettiah in West Champaran district in Bihar. Earlier, three accused in the case— Shahnawaj Shaikh, Mannalal Chaudhary, and Selim, were convicted and awarded eight years of imprisonment on 25 February 2022. Kamirujjaman had collected FICN from co-accused Selim and sent it to Bettiah through Julkar Shaikh.
For more information:Click here to read... [36]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2022/april/05
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1806947
[3] https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/34983/Union_Minister_Dr_Jitendra_Singh_releases_Indias_Arctic_Policy_in_New_Delhi_today
[4] https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/34982/Second_India_Indonesia_Security_Dialogue
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1807097
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1807591
[7] https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/35005/IndiaUS_Foreign_Office_Consultations
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1808215
[9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1808254
[10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1808403
[11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1809109
[12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811377
[13] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1810972
[14] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811103
[15] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811106
[16] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811565
[17] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811590
[18] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1811820
[19] https://www.voanews.com/a/six-dead-after-al-shabab-attacks-mogadishu-airport-/6497463.html
[20] https://saharareporters.com/2022/03/16/boko-haram-iswap-terrorists-abduct-health-worker-borno
[21] https://www.iranintl.com/en/202203278676
[22] https://theprint.in/world/saudi-arabia-executes-81-persons-linked-with-isis-al-qaeda/870789/
[23] https://theprint.in/world/five-terrorists-from-al-qaeda-taliban-arrested-in-pak-official/880042/
[24] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1180_1_Pr.pdf
[25] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1181_1_Pr.pdf
[26] https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/two-police-constables-among-five-more-govt-employees-sacked-in-j-k-for-terror-links-382140
[27] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/mar/20/delhi-court-orders-framing-of-charge-against-jklf-chief-yasin-malik-hafiz-saeed-under-uapa-2432232.html
[28] https://zeenews.india.com/india/two-terrorists-including-one-former-journalist-killed-in-encounter-in-jammu-and-kashmir-2449152.html
[29] https://kashmirreader.com/2022/03/19/let-module-busted-in-pulwama-6-arrested/
[30] https://www.livemint.com/news/india/jk-pakistani-commander-of-jem-among-four-terrorists-killed-in-encounter-11647068796918.html
[31] https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/former-ju-student-and-suspected-maoist-leader-arrested/cid/1858346
[32] https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/mar/26/maoist-leader-surrenders-in-jharkhand-2434572.html
[33] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/chhattisgarh-maoist-attack-crpf-camp-sukma-7829229/
[34] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1183_1_Pr.pdf
[35] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1178_1_Pr.pdf
[36] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1179_1_Pr.pdf
[37] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 March 2022&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2022/april/05
[38] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 16-31 March 2022&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2022/april/05&via=Azure Power
[39] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2022/april/05
[40] https://www.vifindia.org/author/anurag-sharma
[41] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Naval-Jagota