Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Tabar arrived at Esbjerg, Denmark for a two-day visit, aiming to enhance the existing bonds between both nations and navies. This visit reflects the strengthened ties between India and Denmark, which were elevated to a "Green Strategic Partnership" during a virtual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on September 28, 2020.INS Tabaris part of the Western Fleet under the Western Naval Command.Click here to read… [2]
The Indian Army convened a formal interaction with senior veteran officers Shaurya Sampravah 1.0, at the Manekshaw Centre in Delhi. The event focused on the "Decade of Transformation" roadmap, detailing the Indian Army's plans for modernisation, technology, and operational capabilities. It featured updates on modernisation efforts, strategic goals for "Viksit Bharat2047," and human resource initiatives. Interactive discussions with veterans provided valuable feedback and deepened their understanding of the Army's operations and commitment to their welfare.
This interaction marked a key step in the Indian Army’s shift towards a more inclusive and forward-thinking leadership, integrating both serving personnel and veterans into its vision of a modernised, capable force for safeguarding the Nation's future.Click here to read… [3]
Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev, Commander-in-Chief, Russian Federation Navy paid an official visit to India. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral naval relations and explore new avenues for naval cooperation. The Indian Navy collaborates with the Russian Federation Navy through the IRIGC M&MTC mechanism and participates in various multilateral forums together.
The C-in-C of the Russian Federation Navy's schedule included meetings with India's Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Secretary, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, and National Maritime Security Coordinator in New Delhi. He was also scheduled to visit Mumbai for bilateral discussions with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and tour indigenous warships and submarines.Click here to read… [4]
On August 20, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Mr. Kihara Minoru met in New Delhi during the India-Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. They reviewed current defence cooperation, explored ways to deepen collaboration, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace.
The ministers welcomed the increased diversity and frequency of defence exercises between India and Japan and committed to expanding these engagements. They also aimed to broaden defence equipment and technology cooperation, including in critical and emerging tech. Additionally, they discussed boosting industrial cooperation with a focus on Make-in-India and enhancing co-production and co-development partnerships.
The Raksha Mantri emphasized that India’s goal of becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat’includes strengthening domestic defence capabilities. A crucial element in achieving this vision is partnering with Japan in defence technologies and industry. Both ministers agreed to collaborate on developing a strategic vision to meet India’s defence objectives by 2047.Click here to read… [5]
Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy, visited India from August 19 to 24, 2024. The visit aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and demonstrate commitment to addressing shared maritime security challenges. Discussions covered operational engagements, technical cooperation, and training. The Indian Navy collaborates with the Brazilian Navy through initiatives and multilateral forums.
During his visit, the Brazilian Navy Commander met with key officials, including the Defence Secretary and National Maritime Security Coordinator, and visited the IFC-IOR in Gurugram, interacting with defence industry representatives. In Mumbai, the Brazilian Navy Commander met with the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and visited indigenous warships and submarines.Click here to read… [6]
On August 21, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard ICG) Offshore Patrol Vessel Sujaymade a two-day port call in Jakarta, Indonesia, during its East Asia deployment. Two women ICG officers also joined this mission to represent ‘Women in Maritime Security and Safety.’ During the visit, the crew engaged in professional interactions and various activities with the Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia (BAKMALA) i.e., Indonesia Coast Guard. 10 NCC cadets aboard ICGS Sujay, participated in a walkathon against marine plastic pollution, supporting the ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ and fostering international outreach.
The overseas deployment aligns with the ICG's commitment to strengthen bilateral ties under the MoU signed with BAKAMLA on July 6, 2020. It aims to reinforce relationships with key maritime agencies, enhancing sea safety, security, and environmental sustainability while addressing current maritime challenges.Click here to read… [7]
Upon arriving in Washington on August 22, 2024, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh stressed the vital India-US alliance for global stability and described the nations as natural allies. He highlighted the government's focus on 'Aatmanirbharta'in defence, including over 5,000 items on the Positive Indigenisation Lists, and called for the Indian community in the US to embody the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' through honesty and dedication. Upon Shri Rajnath Singh's arrival, key agreements on security and liaison officers were signed.
During his US visit, he met with Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and chaired a round-table with the US defence industry. The visit aimed to further deepen and broaden the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.Click here to read… [8]
On August 26, 2024, the ICG rescued 11 crew members from the distressed MV ITT Puma, which sank about 90 nautical miles south of Sagar Island. The vessel, en route from Kolkata to Port Blair, sent a distress signal on August 25, 2024. The ICG's Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata quickly deployed two vessels and a Dornier aircraft. Using advanced night sensors, the Dornier detected life rafts and survival flares. Despite challenging weather, the coordinated sea-air rescue successfully saved the crew.Click here to read… [9]
The 12th India-South Africa Navy Staff Talks were held in New Delhi on 27 – 28 August 2024, further strengthening Navy-to-Navy collaboration between the two nations. The talks emphasised strengthening naval ties and operational synergy, focusing on secure information exchange, addressing maritime complexities through continued exercises, and exchanging best practices via Subject Matter Expert Exchanges. They also highlighted the importance of personnel exchanges and advanced training opportunities at each other’s facilities.
The ongoing dialogue exemplifies a shared vision for Maritime Security and operational collaboration, and serves as a platform for fostering deeper cooperation between the South African Navy and the Indian Navy.Click here to read… [10]
Indian Navy’s INS Tabararrived in Malaga, Spain, on August 25, 2024, for a two-day visit and then conducted a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with Spanish Navy Ship Atalayain the Mediterranean on August 27. This exercise underscores the growing maritime cooperation between India and Spain, reflecting their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The MPX featured advanced exercises demonstrating high professionalism from both navies, reinforcing strong bilateral naval ties and enhancing collaborative efforts in the maritime domain. This partnership highlights both nations' dedication to sustained maritime cooperation and mutual support.Click here to read… [11]
The Indian Army has launched Phase 1 of Project NAMAN, aimed at supporting Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families through the SPARSH digital pension system. This project involves setting up reception and facilitation centres nationwide, supported by a tripartite MoU between the Army, Common Service Centre (CSC) e-Governance India, and HDFC Bank, signed in September 2023.
In Phase 1 of Project NAMAN, 14 CSCs have been set up across India, with plans to expand to about 200 centres in the next 2-3 years. The project, developed from Defence community feedback, aims to support veterans, and serve local military and civilian populations. Each CSC is run by a Village Level Entrepreneur from the veteran community, trained by CSC e-Governance and supported with a ₹20,000 monthly grant from HDFC Bank for the first year.
Project NAMAN demonstrates the Indian Army’s commitment to veteran welfare by offering SPARSH services, e-Governance, and banking solutions in one place, while creating opportunities for veterans and their families.Click here to read… [12]
On 24 August, unknown jihadists opened fire on hundreds of civilians and killed them in North-Central region outside the town of Barsalogho. The attack outside the town of Barsalogho is one of the deadliest since groups linked to al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) moved into Burkina Faso from neighbouring Mali almost a decade ago, plunging the Sahel nation into a security crisis that contributed to two coups in 2022. At least 400 people had been killed, either on the spot or succumbing to injuries later, and that hundreds more were hospitalised between Kaya and the capital Ouagadougou.Click here to read… [13]
On 26 August, Bangladesh’s interim govt led by Muhammad Yunus freed Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT), an affiliated terror group of al-Qa’ida based in Bangladesh. Rahmani is convicted for conspiring murder of a blogger-activist, and himself a vocal supporter of al-Qa’ida and its offshoot— al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Rahmani was jailed since 2013 after he was arrested for murder of Rajib Haider, a blogger-activist. He allegedly conspired targeted killings of secular bloggers and journalists between 2013 and 2016, which were claimed by ABT. Before Rahmani, Begum Khaleda Zia, former Bangladesh prime minister and chief of the principal opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was also released. Zia had been sentenced to 17 years in prison on corruption charges. She was freed right after the fall of Hasina’s government and escape to Bharat on 05 August.Click here to read… [14]
On 28 August, at least three terrorists were neutralised in two separate anti-infiltration operations along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district. Two terrorists were killed in an operation in Machil sector, while another terrorist was eliminated in Tangdhar sector in Kupwara. “Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by Indian Army & Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) on the intervening night of 28-29 August in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised,” Chinar Corps said in a post on X/Twitter.Click here to read… [15]
On 28 August, security forces busted a terrorist hideout in Dachin top area of Sindhra in Lower Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch and seized six hand grenades.Click here to read… [16]
On 28 August, the NIA searched multiple locations in two districts of Bihar and arrested Bihari Paswan akaRishikesh, a Zonal Committee Member of CPI (Maoist) in ‘CPI (Maoist) Revival Conspiracy’ case. A total of nine locations, including seven in Begusarai district and two in Gaya district, were searched by NIA teams, which seized several mobile phones, SIM cards and incriminating documents. The searches were conducted in the houses of associates of arrested top leaders/commanders, OWGs, suspects and supporters/sympathisers of CPI (Maoist).Click here to read… [17]
According to the weapon recovery data from districts in the region, 516 automatic weapons looted from security forces between 2001 and 2024 in the Bastar region; the security forces managed to recover only 111 weapons which is approximately 21.5 per cent of the total looted weapons. “Most of these automatic weapons are with Battalion 1 and the Central Regional Company (CRC) of the Maoists, which generally move together and are localised near the Bijapur-Sukma border. All major attacks on security forces in South Bastar were allegedly planned and executed by Battalion number 1, which has around 170 armed cadres,” officials said.
As per the official data, at least 184 AK-47s have been looted from the security forces, and only 23 were recovered by the security forces. Similarly, the 159 self-loading rifles known as SLR were looted from the forces in the same timeframe, and police have recovered only 40 of them from Maoists. Of the total 168 INSAS rifles looted by Maoists, the security forces could only recover 37 between the years 2001 and 2024.Click here to read… [18]
On 29 August, three Maoists were killed in a gun fight with security forces in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. Security forces comprised of District Reserve Guard (DRG), Special Task Force (STF), and Border Security Force (BSF) had launched search operation in the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district. “During the search operation, Maoists opened fire on the police party, leading to a retaliatory action by the police. After the firing stopped, police have found the bodies of three women cadres of Maoists. The police have also found Maoist literature and search operation of the area will continue,” said Prabhat Kumar, Superintendent of Police (SP), Narayanpur.Click here to read… [19]
On 19 August, in a coordinated joint operation with Delhi Police, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Dharminder Kumar, akaKunal, who had supplied the illegal arms and ammunition used in the high-profile murder of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Vikas Prabhakar, in Punjab. The NIA investigations had revealed that he had procured the illegal arms and ammunition from Madhya Pradesh and had supplied the same to the ground shooters on the directions of foreign based “Khalistani” terrorist Harwinder Kumar aka Sonu. The shooters, identified as Mandeep Kumar akaMangli and Surinder Kumar akaRika, both residents of SBS Nagar, Punjab, were arrested on 16 April and are currently in judicial custody.Click here to read… [20]
On 19 August, the NIA charge-sheeted two more Islamic State (IS) terrorists— Abdul Matheen Taha, and Mussavir Hussain Shazib (both resident of Shivamogga district in Karnataka) in a case related to a major terror conspiracy of targeted killings and other jihadi activities. The NIA investigations have revealed that Abdul Matheen Taha was self-radicalised and had, in turn, radicalised and recruited Mussavir Hussain Shazib and others. In 2018, Taha was introduced to online handler Bhai akaLaptop Bhai and went on to introduce Bhai to Mehaboob Pasha, who had formed the Al-Hind Trust in collaboration with his family members in Gurupanapallaya, Bengaluru City. Pasha was also responsible for passing on an online handler link to Khaja Mohideen, who had joined Al-Hind Trust along with his associates to promote the IS terrorist activities in Bharat.Click here to read… [21]
On 31 August, the NIA Special Court, Delhi, sentenced three Islamic State (IS) operatives— Khaja Moideen, Syed Ali Nawas, and Abdul Samad, in ‘Khaja Moideen ISIS’ case of 2020. The case pertains to an indiscriminately firing at police party in order to evade arrest. The main accused, Khaja Moideen, had absconded after being released on conditional bail in the communally sensitive murder case of K.P. Suresh Kumar in June 2014. He had conspired to revive the IS network in Bharat and had motivated the other two to migrate to an Islamic country. In a bid to evade arrest, the trio had, in January 2020, fired indiscriminately at police personnel and were subsequently apprehended from Wazirabad, New Delhi.Click here to read… [22]
On 30 August, the NIA arrested Aziz Ahamed akaJaleel Aziz, a key operative in ‘Tamil Nadu Hizb ut-Tahrir’ case from Bengaluru Airport while trying to flee abroad. The case pertains to radicalise youth and conspiracy of establishing Islamic caliphate in Bharat. As per NIA investigations, the accused had conducted secret Bayaans, where many participants, particularly youth, were radicalised with ideologies of Hizb ut-Tharir (HuT). Aziz Ahamed was found to be one of the chief initiators in conducting secret Bayaans. The terror group, HuT, seeks military assistance (Nusra) from anti-Bharat entities to achieve its terror goals.Click here to read… [23]
On 31 August, the NIA Special Court, Bengaluru, sentenced a FICN (Fake Indian Currency Notes) trafficker—Sariful Islam akaSharifulla, to six years of imprisonment in a fake currency seizure case of 2018. NIA investigations had revealed that the accused had conspired with six others in trafficking of 41 Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs), with face value of ₹82,000, from Bangladesh border to different parts of Bharat. Sariful Islam had fraudulently obtained a SIM card to communicate with his co-accused of the procurement of the fake notes from West Bengal and its circulation across the country.Click here to read… [24]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/03/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/october/03
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2046437
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2046676
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2046733
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047107
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047230
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2047352
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048053
[9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2048896
[10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049741
[11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2050102
[12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2050221
[13] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/suspected-jihadists-kill-hundreds-burkina-faso-attack-2024-08-27
[14] https://theprint.in/world/who-is-jashimuddin-rahmani-pro-al-qaeda-chief-of-islamist-outfit-freed-by-interim-bangladesh-govt/2240641/
[15] https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jammu-and-kashmir-encounter-break-out-in-rajouri-kupwara-between-security-forces-terrorists-2589810-2024-08-29
[16] https://statetimes.in/terrorist-hideout-busted-in-poonch-6-grenades-seized/
[17] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1799_1_PR280820242.pdf
[18] https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cgarh-police-recovered-21-5-of-automatic-weapons-looted-since-2001-data-101724842483961.html
[19] https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/3-maoists-killed-in-gunfight-with-security-forces-in-chhattisgarh-s-bastar-police-101724922908011.html
[20] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1794_1_PR190820242.pdf
[21] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1793_1_PR19082024.pdf
[22] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1808_1_PR01092024.pdf
[23] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1805_1_PR310820242.pdf
[24] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1807_1_PR310820244.pdf
[25] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (16-31 August 2024)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/03/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/october/03
[26] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (16-31 August 2024)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/03/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/october/03&via=Azure Power
[27] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/2024/october/03/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/october/03
[28] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Anurag-Bisen
[29] https://www.vifindia.org/author/anurag-sharma