The 12thJoint Working Group (JWG) meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia took place in Ulaanbaatar on May 16-17, 2024. Co-chaired by Joint Secretary Shri Amitabh Prasad from India and Brigadier General Gankhuyag Davagdorj from Mongolia, the meeting also saw India's Ambassador to Mongolia, Shri Atul Malhari Gotsurve, in attendance.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with their ongoing defence cooperation, reviewed progress, and discussed further enhancement. They exchanged views on the current geopolitical situation, and India highlighted its defence industry's potential. The Mongolian side showed confidence in this capability.
Additionally, the Joint Secretary and Indian Ambassador met with Mongolia's Deputy Defence Minister Mr. B Bayarmagnai to discuss bilateral issues and visited a training establishment in Ulaanbaatar.
India and Mongolia share deep historical, cultural, and civilisational ties, strengthened by modern values like democracy and market economy. Click here to read... [2]
The 2ndIndia-Australia-Indonesia Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop was held from May 15-17, 2024, at INS Dronacharya, Kochi. With the theme "Indian Ocean Region: Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Regional Maritime Security," the workshop focused on maritime security challenges and cooperation opportunities among the three nations. Presided over by RAdm Nirbhay Bapna and co-chaired by senior officers from Australia and Indonesia, the event included discussions on information exchange, maritime awareness, law enforcement, and capability enhancement. Talks were delivered by RAdm Upal Kundu and RAdm Susheel Menon. Delegates also visited Indian naval training facilities and Cochin Shipyard Limited, highlighting the commitment to enhancing regional maritime cooperation. Click here to read... [3]
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan urged the three services to cultivate a Joint Culture while moving towards Joint Operational Structures. Speaking on ‘Jointmanship: The Way Ahead’ at the 22nd Major General Samir Sinha Memorial Lecture in New Delhi, he called this development Jointness 2.0, a progression from the earlier Jointness 1.0, which fostered better consensus among services.
Acknowledging the unique cultures of each service, Gen Chauhan emphasised the need for a unified Joint Culture that respects these differences, incorporating the best aspects of each. He highlighted initiatives to foster this culture, including Tri-Services participation in national events, and stressed that Jointness and Integration are crucial for creating Integrated Theatre Commands.
CDS explained that these commands would separate operational functions from administrative tasks, enhancing security focus. Gen Chauhan noted that Integrated Theatre Commands would initiate further reforms, such as integrating space and cyber domains and digitizing battlefield information.
He stressed the necessity of these reforms, citing global security challenges and technological advancements transforming warfare. Click here to read... [4]
To provide expert guidance and care during medical emergencies for Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and their families, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari inaugurated the Emergency Medical Response System (EMRS) at Command Hospital Air Force Bangalore on May 21, 2024. This 24/7 telephonic helpline offers immediate medical advice and coordinates with the nearest IAF medical facility. The system ensures prompt response from medical professionals, symbolizing IAF's commitment to leveraging technology for high-quality emergency healthcare. The EMRS, envisioned by the Chief of the Air Staff, marks a significant advancement in medical readiness and emergency care for the IAF. Click here to read... [5]
CDS Gen Anil Chauhan attended ‘Exercise Cyber Suraksha – 2024’ on May 22, emphasising the need to bolster India’s cyber defence. Conducted by the Defence Cyber Agency from May 20-24, the exercise aims to enhance the cyber defence capabilities of various security organizations and promote synergy among stakeholders. Gen Chauhan praised the initiative for fostering collaboration against cyber threats and commended the participants. The exercise focuses on improving cyber defence skills, sharing best practices, and developing a unified cyber defence framework, highlighting the armed forces' commitment to national security. Click here to read... [6]
Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan visited Manila, Philippines, as part of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet deployment to the South China Sea, showcasing India's strong ties with the Philippines and commitment to deepening this partnership. The visit included Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE), sports events, cross-deck visits, cultural exchanges, and community outreach programs. Eastern Fleet Commander RAdm Rajesh Dhankhar and ship commanding officers interacted with Philippine naval leaders, discussing collaboration and regional security. This port call underscores the robust diplomatic and defence relations between India and the Philippines and aligns with India's 'Act East' and SAGAR policies for regional peace and stability. Click here to read... [7]
INS Kiltan arrived at Muara, Brunei, on May 25, 2024, receiving a warm welcome from the Royal Brunei Navy. Part of the Eastern Fleet's South China Sea deployment, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation. It includes professional interactions, sports, social exchanges, and a concluding Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea to enhance interoperability. Click here to read... [8]
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-month extension for Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj C Pande, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, extending his service until June 30, 2024. Appointed COAS on April 30, 2022, General Pande was commissioned in December 1982 in the Corps of Engineers and previously served as Vice Chief of the Army Staff. Click here to read... [9]
The ACC, on May 27, 2024, extended the service of Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, by one year until May 31, 2025. Appointed on August 25, 2022, Dr. Kamat is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and Ohio State University and joined DRDO in 1989. Prior roles include Director General (Naval Systems and Materials). Click here to read... [10]
The Indian Army, known for its dedication to innovation and environmental conservation, has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to conduct demonstration trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology, highlighting its commitment to green and sustainable transportation solutions.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and IOCL in the presence of General Manoj Pande, COAS, and Mr. Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Chairman of IOCL. During the event one hydrogen bus was received by the Indian Army. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus, with a seating capacity of 37 passengers, offers an impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of hydrogen fuel.
Notably, on March 21, 2023, the Indian Army became the first government entity to sign an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation Renewable Energy Limited for the installation of Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid Power Plants along the Northern Borders. A pilot project is underway at Chushul, where a 200-kilowatt Green Hydrogen-based Microgrid will provide 24x7 clean electricity to troops deployed in challenging terrain and extreme climatic conditions.
With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, the collaboration between the Indian Army and IOCL on the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus initiative represents a significant step towards cleaner and greener transportation solutions. Click here to read... [11]
The DRDO conducted a successful flight test of the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from the IAF’s Su-30 MK-I platform off the coast of Odisha at approximately 1130 hours on May 29, 2024. The test achieved all trial objectives, confirming the performance of the propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm. The missile's performance was assessed using data from range tracking instruments deployed by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, including electro-optical systems, radar, and telemetry stations. RudraM-II, an indigenous solid-propelled air-launched missile system, is designed for Air-to-Surface operations against various enemy assets, incorporating cutting-edge technologies developed by DRDO laboratories. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, and industry on the successful test, emphasising the RudraM-II system's role as a force multiplier for the Armed Forces. Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat commended the DRDO team for their dedication and contributions leading to the test's success. Click here to read... [12]
In a CT operation— “Operation Hadin Kai”, the Nigerian troops killed a top commander— Tahir Baga and recovered digital devices, including connectives like Starlink Wi-Fi system and other weapons. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, announced its presence in Nigeria in January 2023, intending to provide low-cost internet connectivity to remote locations in the country. Click here to read... [13]
On 26 May, a large number of Boko Haram terrorists attacked a remote village— Kuchi and killed ten people. During the attack, the terrorists abducted 160 people from the village. “Most of the people who were kidnapped in the area were mostly women and children. Those who were killed in the incident were mostly local hunters who were providing security to the area,” said local official— Aminu Abdulhamid Najume. Click here to read... [14]
According to the Russian State media reports, Russia will remove the Taliban from its list of proscribed terrorist organisations. Recently, Russia invited the Taliban delegation to attend its biggest annual economic forum. So far, no country has recognised the legitimacy of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, mainly due to concerns related to terrorism and human rights. Click here to read... [15]
On 29 May, unidentified terrorists burned a girls’ school and destroyed furniture, computers, and books in North Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Earlier in May, two other girls’ schools in the region were bombed. No terror group claimed responsibility. Click here to read... [16]
On 16 May, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) attached seven immovable properties of key commander— Sartaj Ahmed Matoo of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in its efforts to destroy the terror network in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Click here to read... [17]
On 17 May, the Supreme Court overturned the April 2021 ruling of the J&K High Court and allowed the prosecution of six Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM) operatives in the Banihal attack case. The HM terrorists conspired in a failed suicide car bombing attack targeting the CRPF Convoy in Banihal on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in March 2019. Click here to read... [18]
On 26 May, 13 Maoists of CPI (Maoist) from the Ginnelakota pocket of Pedabayalu surrendered before the police in Andhra Pradesh. The Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district Superintendent of Police— Tuhin Sinha, said that “there was a lack of leadership left for Maoists in the Pedabayalu area after several arrests and surrender. The community welfare initiatives by district police in the area also motivated Maoists to surrender.” After the surrender, Maoists receive several benefits, including land from the government as per norms. Click here to read... [19]
In an interview on 26 May, the union home minister— Amit Shah, said that “there is no presence of Maoists in the so-called ‘Maoist Corridor— from Pashupatinath to Tirupati’ and the Maoist problem in the country will end in the next 2-3 years.” According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) data, the incidents of LWE (Left-Wing Extremism) have reduced from 14,862 in 2004-2014 to 7,128 in 2014-2023. Click here to read... [20]
On 25 May, the Special Task Force (STF) intercepted a vehicle and seized the fake Indian currency notes (FICNs) worth ? 5.55 lakhs on the outskirts of Guwahati, Assam. The STF arrested two traffickers— Mohammad Rofikul Islam and Sirajul Alom. Click here to read... [21]
On 27 May, the NIA and State police carried out multi-state searches and arrested five operatives involved in human trafficking and cyber-fraud. The law enforcement agency searched 15 locations in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh. The NIA carried out a coordinated operation with state police forces and central intelligence agencies across all the locations. The searches led to the seizure of several incriminating materials, including documents, digital devices, handwritten registers, multiple passports, and bogus overseas employment letters. Five operatives were identified as— i) Manish Hingu (Gujarat), ii) Pahlad Singh (Bihar), iii) Nabialam Ray (Delhi), iv) Balwant Kataria (Haryana), and v) Sartaj Singh (Chandigarh). Click here to read... [22]
[26]
Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/june/05
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2020848
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2020956
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021210
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021305
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021343
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021395
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021634
[9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021712
[10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021885
[11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2021802
[12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2022076
[13] https://leadership.ng/boko-haram-terrorists-now-use-elon-musks-starlink-for-internet-connection/
[14] https://www.firstpost.com/world/gunmen-from-boko-haram-cause-rampage-in-nigeria-kill-10-abduct-over-160-13775413.html
[15] https://www.firstpost.com/web-show/firstpost-america/russia-to-remove-taliban-from-terrorist-list-vd271134/
[16] https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-girls-school-attacked-militant-64414ba5ff16acfed3fc2b8ad4aecb0e
[17] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1713_1_Pr.pdf
[18] https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/sc-allows-prosecution-of-hm-operatives-in-banihal-attack/
[19] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/13-maoist-militia-members-surrender-before-police-in-asr-district-of-andhra-pradesh/article68218174.ece
[20] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-will-be-free-of-maoist-problem-in-next-2-3-years-amit-shah-5748453
[21] https://guwahatiplus.com/guwahati/fake-currency-worth-above-555-lakh-seized-in-guwahati-2-arrested
[22] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1723_1_Pr3.pdf
[23] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-31 May 2024)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/june/05
[24] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism, (16-31 May 2024)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/june/05&via=Azure Power
[25] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/june/05
[26] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Anurag-Bisen