The first edition of Exercise CINBAX, a joint tabletop exercise between the Indian and Cambodian Armies, began at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. Scheduled from December 1-8, 2024, the exercise involves 20 personnel from each side. CINBAX focuses on planning joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations under UN Chapter VII, with discussions on establishing a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, and planning operations in a CT environment. The exercise will also cover contingencies, force multipliers in sub-conventional operations, and topics like cyber warfare, logistics, and disaster response.
Spread in three phases, the exercise aims to enhance practical understanding of procedures through scenario-based discussions. Additionally, the exercise will highlight India's indigenous defence capabilities, promoting 'Atmanirbharta'. CINBAX is designed to strengthen trust, interoperability, and joint operational efficiency between the two armies in peacekeeping operations. Click here to read... [2]
The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI was held from December 2 to 15, 2024, at Bentong camp, Pahang, Malaysia. The Indian contingent, consisting of 78 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment, joined 123 personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment. This annual exercise alternates between India and Malaysia.
The Joint Exercise aimed to enhance military cooperation for counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain. It included two phases: cross-training with lectures, demonstrations, and drills, followed by a simulated exercise. HARIMAU SHAKTI fosters shared tactics, improves interoperability, and strengthens camaraderie between the Indian and Malaysian armies, enhancing defence cooperation and bilateral relations. Click here to read... [3]
On December 3, 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for five capital acquisition proposals totalling over Rs. 21,772 Crores.
The DAC granted AoN for the procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy, which will support low-intensity maritime operations, surveillance, patrol, and search-and-rescue missions, particularly for anti-piracy around island territories. Additionally, 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC-1) were approved for various roles, including the escort of high-value naval assets like aircraft carriers and submarines.
The council also approved the acquisition of an Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) for Su-30 MKI aircraft, enhancing their protection from enemy radar and air defense systems. AoN was also granted for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Coast Guard to boost coastal security. Finally, approvals were given for overhauling T-72 & T-90 tanks, BMPs, and Sukhoi fighter aircraft engines to extend their service life. Click here to read... [4]
On December 4, 2024, the Indian Coast Guard rescued 12 crew members from the sunken Indian vessel MSV Al Piranpir in the North Arabian Sea. The operation involved close coordination between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA), with continuous communication between their Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres.
A mechanized sailing vessel Al Piranpir sank enroute due to rough seas. The ICG responded to the distress call, coordinating with Pakistan’s MSA. ICGS Sarthak conducted a search operation and rescued 12 crew members from a dinghy 270 km west of Dwarka, within Pakistan's Search and Rescue Region. The operation was supported by a Pakistan MSA aircraft and the merchant ship MV Cosco Glory. The rescued crew members were found in good health and were transported back to Porbandar. Click here to read... [5]
The government has launched several initiatives to transform India into a research and technology hub, including:
This information was provided by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in response to a query in the Lok Sabha. Click here to read... [6]
Director General, Defence Intelligence Agency (DG DIA) Lieutenant General DS Rana visited Greece from December 10-11, 2024. During the visit, DG DIA interacted with the senior military leadership of Greece at the Hellenic National Defence General Staff. In addition, he participated in a think-tank interaction hosted by the Institute of International Relations to provide an opportunity to engage with experts on critical defence and strategic issues. The visit highlights India's commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Greece. Click here to read... [7]
On December 9, 2024, the Indian CG held its second bilateral meeting with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in New Delhi. The meeting, part of an ongoing cooperation framework, focused on enhancing joint SAR operations and addressing transnational maritime crimes. ICG and PCG officials discussed improving collaboration through shared resources and expertise in maritime law enforcement.
The meeting focused on marine pollution response, capacity building, and enhancing joint operations. The PCG delegation, visiting from December 8-12, also explored India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The meeting strengthened bilateral ties, promoting regional stability and better cooperation in addressing maritime challenges. Click here to read... [8]
INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 9, 2024, at Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. The commissioning was hailed as a milestone in India-Russia relations, reflecting mutual trust and strategic partnership. He emphasized India's commitment to peace in the Indian Ocean Region and disaster relief. Senior officials from both countries attended the event.
INS Tushil, an upgraded Krivak III-class frigate (Project 1135.6), is designed for blue-water operations and naval warfare across air, surface, underwater, and electromagnetic domains. Armed with advanced weapons and electronic systems, it features high automation, stealth, and a gas turbine propulsion plant enabling speeds over 30 knots. The ship completed sea trials from January to September 2024, including successful firing trials of its Russian weapon systems. It will arrive in India in near combat-ready condition. Click here to read... [9]
General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, commenced an official visit to India on December 11, 2024, marking a key step in further strengthening the defence relations between Nepal and India.
The Nepali COAS laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, received a Guard of Honour, and met with Indian military leaders, including COAS General Upendra Dwivedi. General Sigdel also met with top Indian officials, including EAM S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. On December 12, he attended the Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, where he was conferred the Honorary Rank of General of the Indian Army. He later interacted with dignitaries at Rashtrapati Bhawan, had lunch with Indian officials, and departed for Pune.
On December 13, 2024, Nepali COAS visited defence industries in Pune, engaging with Indian defence representatives, before heading to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. On December 14, he reviewed the parade at IMA, presented awards, and interacted with newly commissioned officers. He then returned to New Delhi for a dinner hosted by CDS General Anil Chauhan. Click here to read... [10]
On December 10, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov co-chaired the 21st session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow. Singh emphasised India's focus on expanding domestic defence capabilities and invited greater Russian industry participation in 'Make in India' projects, reaffirming India's commitment to its strategic partnership with Russia.
The Russian Defence Minister highlighted the importance of deepening the India-Russia relationship based on mutual trust. He also noted that the Military Technical Cooperation agreement for 2021-31 would boost 'Make in India'. Raksha Mantri invited Minister Belousov to co-chair the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC session in India in 2025, which was accepted. The two Ministers signed the protocol of the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC meeting, outlining current and future cooperation areas Click here to read... [11]
On December 10, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow during the 2st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission session. He conveyed Prime Minister Modi's greetings and discussed bilateral defence cooperation. Both leaders emphasized the vast potential of their partnership, with Singh stating, "Friendship between our countries is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean," reaffirming India’s continued support for Russia. Click here to read... [12]
A contract for procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft along with associated equipment was signed between Ministry of Defence and M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on 12 December 2024, at an approximate cost of 13,500 Crore inclusive of taxes and duties.
The aircraft would have an indigenous content of 62.6%, and they would be manufactured at Nasik division of HAL. Click here to read... [13]
The 9th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue was held in New Delhi on December 12, 2024, co-chaired by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Defence Gen Tharapong Malakam. Both sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to enhance defence industry cooperation and conduct Subject Matter Experts Exchange to institutionalise regular engagement between the Indian and Thai Armed Forces.
The Indian co-chair highlighted India's defence industry’s potential for cooperation with the Royal Thai Armed Forces in defence acquisition. Thailand acknowledged India's defence capabilities and proposed co-design, co-production, and co-development opportunities. The dialogue marked a significant step in strengthening defence ties with Thailand, a key maritime neighbour and partner in India's ‘Act East’ Policy. Thailand’s ‘Act West’ Policy complements India’s approach, paving the way for enhanced bilateral relations. Click here to read... [14]
On 13 December 2024, in FBI sting operation, a northern Virginia man— Mohammed Chhipa (35 years-old) has been convicted on terrorism charges for collecting funds on behalf of the Islamic State (IS) terror group. Chhipa was convicted on counts for providing material support to terror group, after a week-long trial in the U.S.A District Court in Alexandria. “Chhipa met several times with an undercover FBI operative who gave him hundreds of dollars on multiple occasions in 2021 and 2022, earmarked for a Syrian woman and Islamic State group member known as Umm Dujanah,” said Prosecutors.
The bank records highlighted that Chhipa had transferred more than $74,000 to the terror group in a similar fashion— collecting donations personally from sympathisers, converting cash into bitcoin and sending it to bank accounts in Türkiye for use by the IS. “Chhipa was particularly interested in sending funds to help women from the Islamic State group escape prison camps to which they had been sent after the terrorist group was routed from territory it held in Iraq and Syria,” added Prosecutors. Click here to read... [15]
On 16 December, the U.S. warplanes targeted IS camps and operatives in Syria as a move to fill the power vacuum in Central Syria. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said that “the latest round of airstrikes targeted terror group’s leaders, operatives and camps in former regime and Russian-controlled areas.” The CENTCOM and Pentagon officials confirmed that the strikes eliminated 12 IS terrorists and no civilians were killed or wounded. Click here to read... [16]
Switzerland’s parliament approved a proposal to ban Lebanese terrorist group Hizbu’llah, describing it as a “paramilitary terrorist organisation”. The decision comes a week after it signed off on a law that banned Palestinian group Hamas from any activity in Switzerland. Click here to read... [17]
On 12 December 2024, Ministry of Narcotics issued an official statement to reject the circulation of a fabricated letter falsely claiming government of Pakistan’s approval for the cultivation of opium or cannabis in specific districts of Baluchistan. “The fake letter, which has gained traction online, alleges that permission has been granted for the cultivation of these narcotic plants. The ministry categorically denied the claims, stating, neither such an approval has been issued nor is there any policy for allowing cultivation of opium or cannabis in Baluchistan or any other region,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Narcotics. Click here to read... [18]
Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also known as Pakistani Taliban terrorists opened fire at a Police Post in Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and killed two Police officials and wounding three others before fleeing the site. In a statement, Pakistan’s Interior Minister— Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and offered his condolences to the families of martyred police officials. Pakistan in recent months has witnessed a surge in militant attacks, most blamed on separatist groups in the southwest Baluchistan province and TTP. Click here to read... [19]
On 14 December, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) chargesheeted an accused— Hakam Khan in connection with a terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori, Ransoo to Katra in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Hakam was charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860/Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967.
On 09 June, unidentified terrorists had opened indiscriminate firing at the bus when it reached Kanda near Jhandi Morh. Eight pilgrims as well as the bus driver were killed, and 41 pilgrims were seriously injured in the attack. The firing had caused the bus driver to lose control after he was hit on the head with a bullet. The bus then rolled into a deep gorge, leading to the deaths and injuries. Click here to read... [20]
On 10 December, the NIA Court, Lucknow, sentenced a key Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM) terrorist— Kamruz Zaman to life imprisonment in HM terror conspiracy case. NIA investigations established that accused Kamruz Zaman had hatched a criminal conspiracy for waging war against the Government of Bharat and had conspired to carry out preparatory acts with a view to targeting various Hindu temples. He was also involved in raising terror-funds.
It was further found during investigations that Kamruz Zaman was radicalised by accused Osama Bin Javed to join HM. They were both recruited to HM by two active terrorists— i) Mohammad Amin, a district commander of HM, and Riyaz Ahmad aka Hazari, a district deputy commander of HM, both resident of Kishtwar (J&K). Click here to read... [21]
On 07 December, Maoists attacked and killed an Anganwadi worker— Lakshmi Padma (45 years-old) in Thimmapur in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. According to police, after killing Padma, Maoists left her body in the yard of a house and flee. In an estimate, over 60 people have been killed by Maoists in Chhattisgarh so far this year. Click here to read... [22]
On 12 December, security forces carried out a joint operation and killed seven Maoists in Abujhmaad forests in Narayanpur district, Chhattisgarh. After the exchange of fire stopped, the bodies of seven Maoists wearing uniforms were recovered. Click here to read... [23]
On 12 December, the NIA carried out search operation at multiple locations in three States— Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, in connection with ‘CPI (Maoist) Supply Chain’ case. NIA teams seized several digital devices and incriminating documents during the searches. Click here to read... [24]
On 10 December, the NIA chargesheeted 10 Maoists, including three Over-Ground Workers (OGWs)— Mohan Yadav, Bhupendra Dhruv, and Lakhanlal Yadav, for their alleged involvement in ‘2023 Chhattisgarh Assembly Poll blast’ case. All of them were charged under various sections of the IPC 1860/BNS 2023, Explosive Substances Act 1908, and UA(P) Act 1967.
The case relates to the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast that took place in village Badegobra of district Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh, during the state assembly. polls last year. During investigation, searches were also conducted in houses of arrested operatives in Badegobra and ₹2,98,000/- and incriminating materials were recovered and seized. The explosion had taken place on 17 November 2023 when the polling team, accompanied by security personnel, was returning from village after completion of the voting process. One Head Constable of ITBP had died later due to the grievous injuries sustained in the blast. Click here to read... [25]
On 16 December, the NIA arrested Jahnu Baruah, also known as Arnab Axom, a prominent ULFA(I) operative who planted IEDs in Guwahati during this year’s Independence Day celebrations. NIA officials, along with Assam police, conducted a search operation at Jahnu’s house in Dibrugarh, Assam, and confiscated incriminating items, including digital devices.
In a preliminary investigation, Jahnu admitted to planting four of the 11 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) discovered by state police during the I-Day celebrations. The IEDs were planted as part of the military protest and I-Day boycott call issued by Paresh Baruah, SS C-in-C of ULFA(I), in a video that warned of terrible consequences for anyone who disobeyed the orders. As a result, Jahnu Barua was detained following the Click here to read... [26]
On 06 December, the NIA arrested three operatives— i) Lalrinchhunga, ii) Vanlaldailova, and iii) Lalmuanpuia, from Mizoram in connection with ‘Trans-Border Arms and Ammunition Trafficking’ case. The trio were found linked with the previously arrested accused and suspects, and were actively involved in the explosives, weapons and ammunitions trafficking network. The target locations, in Mammit, Serchip and Aizawl districts, included a gun house.
Many weapons, ammunitions, explosives, weapons manufacturing equipment and tools, digital devices and other incriminating articles were seized during the searches, carried out as part of NIA’s ongoing investigations in the case, which the agency had registered at New Delhi on 26 December 2023 under relevant sections of IPC 1860/BNS 2023, UA(P) Act 1967, Explosive Substances Act 1908 and Arms Act. Click here to read... [27]
On 11 December, the NIA Court, Mumbai, convicted three Bangladeshis— i) Mohammed Habibur Rehman Habib aka Raj Jesub Mandal, ii) Hannan Anwar Hussain Khan aka Hannan Baburali Gazi, and iii) Mohd Azarali Subhanallah aka Raja Jesub Mandal, and sentenced them to five years imprisonment for illegal infiltration into Bharat and possession of fake identity documents.
All three were convicted under Sec 14 of the Foreigners Act 1946 (for overstaying in Bharat without valid documentation), Sec 120B (for conspiracy related to document forgery) and Sec 471 (for using forged documents as genuine) of the IPC 1860. Click here to read... [28]
On 09 December, the NIA arrested an absconder— Kamran Haider in connection with ‘Laos Human Trafficking and Cyber Slavery’ case. Along with co-accused, Kamran was directly involved in arranging flight tickets and documents for the victims, and in facilitating their illegal border crossings, with the help of alleged contacts in the Golden Triangle Region.
NIA had chargesheeted Kamran and four others in October 2024 relating to a well-organised network of traffickers and touts involved in various illegal activities. The four co-accused were identified as i) Manjoor Alam aka Guddu, ii) Sahil, iii) Ashish aka Akhil, and iv) Pawan Yadav aka Afzal aka Afroz. Click here to read... [29]
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Links:
[1] https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/december/23
[2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2079505
[3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2079649
[4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2080155
[5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2081141
[6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2081451
[7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082318
[8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082382
[9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082369
[10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082895
[11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082899
[12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2082985
[13] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2083948
[14] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2083914
[15] https://apnews.com/article/islamic-state-financing-chhipa-virginia-1bb283f4d944bddba1d4be55d922b179
[16] https://www.voanews.com/a/us-military-says-strikes-kill-12-islamic-state-group-militants-in-syria/7903316.html
[17] https://www.parlament.ch/en/ratsbetrieb/suche-curia-vista/geschaeft?AffairId=20244263 ; https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-17/swiss-parliament-approves-proposal-to-ban-hezbollah
[18] https://www.app.com.pk/national/ministry-of-narcotics-control-denounces-fake-letter-permitting-opium-and-cannabis-cultivation-in-baluchistan/
[19] https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-militant-attack-police-post-restive-northwest-bf94bbd80b1b69238cf9d16709afb61c
[20] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1858_1_PR14122024.pdf
[21] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1853_1_PR101220242.pdf
[22] https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1438223&u=
[23] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/7-maoists-killed-in-encounter-in-chhattisgarhs-narayanpur-7230473
[24] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1857_1_PR12122024.pdf
[25] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1855_1_PR111220242.pdf
[26] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1859_1_PR16122024.pdf
[27] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1851_1_PR07122024.pdf
[28] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1854_1_PR11122024.pdf
[29] https://nia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/PressReleaseNew/1852_1_PR10122024.pdf
[30] http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?title=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (01-15 December 2024)&desc=&images=&u=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/december/23
[31] http://twitter.com/share?text=VIF News Digest : National Security- Defence Studies & Terrorism (01-15 December 2024)&url=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/december/23&via=Azure Power
[32] whatsapp://send?text=https://www.vifindia.org/defensenationalsecurityterrorism/2024/december/23
[33] https://www.vifindia.org/author/Anurag-Bisen
[34] https://www.vifindia.org/author/anurag-sharma