VIF News Digest: National Security - Defence Studies & Terrorism, 01-15 December 2021

DEFENCE

• FS Chevalier Paul departed Kochi harbour.
• Third India-Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue.
• S-400 Triumf Missile System.
• Raksha Mantri attends MSME Conclave and exhorts MSMEs to invest more in R&D and develop new technologies for the country’s security & progress.
• 11th edition of joint Indo-Maldives training exercise.
• 21st India – Russia Annual Summit
• Media registration for Defence Expo 2022.
• Curtain Raiser Event for exercise PANEX-21.
• Mi-17 crash and demise of CDS and 12 others.
• Successful flight-test of indigenous Stand-Off Anti-Tank Missile.
• Status of defence exports.
• Women applicants for NDA examination.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• Security forces killed 12 al-Shabaab terrorists in Mogadishu.

Mali

• At least 30 people killed in a terror attack in Central Mali.

Afghanistan

• “Al-Qa’ida and Islamic State networks have been growing in Afghanistan,” informed US General of Central Command.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• Security forces killed two JeM terrorists in Pulwama.
• NIA filed a charge-sheet against a TuM terrorist in Jammu.
• Terrorists ambushed police bus in Budgam.
• Security forces killed two LeT terrorists in Srinagar.
• Islamic State claimed responsibility of ‘murder bid’ on a traffic police official in Srinagar.

Left-Wing Extremism

• 16 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh.
• Police arrested three women Maoists from Andhra Pradesh.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• India and Canada to cooperate on inquiry into pro-Khalistan activities.

Islamic Extremism

• Jailed IS terrorists made formal plea to plead guilty for joining the terror group..

Narco-Terrorism

• NIA searched locations in Punjab in connection with narcotics and arms smuggling from Pakistan.
• Mundra Port Drugs (Heroin) Case: NIA arrested an Afghan national from Delhi.

CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

• “More than 1/3 of cyber security technologies used by organisations in India outdated”: Cisco.
• Chinese Naval researchers are utilising AI to build futuristic weapons.

DEFENCE

FS Chevalier Paul departed Kochi harbour.

The French naval ship FS Chevalier Paul departed Kochi harbour on 30 Nov 21 after completing a twelve day long extensive engagement with the Indian Navy. Navies of the two countries undertake Bilateral as well as Multilateral Maritime engagements on a regular basis. This year alone the two navies have undertaken five Maritime engagements including major exercises such as VARUNA – 21 and multilateral exercise La Perouse.
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Third India-Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue.

At the invitation of Deputy National Security Adviser Shri Pankaj Saran, the Second Deputy Director of National Security, Mr. Kim Hyoung-zhin visited New Delhi for the Third India-Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue between the National Security Council Secretariats of India and the ROK on December 3, 2021. The two sides held in-depth discussions to further enhance the Special Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed to further strengthen and deepen mutually beneficial strategic cooperation in areas of bilateral, regional and global interest. lndigenisation, joint development and joint production in the defence sector between India and ROK was emphasized upon. Partnership in critical and high technologies and supply chain resilience were also discussed. The two sides identified areas of cooperation in Cyber Security and Information Technology, Maritime Security and threats and challenges from terrorism, extremism and radicalization.
For more information: Click here to read... [2]

S-400 Triumf Missile System.

A contract has been signed on 05 October 2018 for delivery of S-400 system from Russia. The deliveries are as per contractual timelines.
For more information: Click here to read... [3]

Raksha Mantri (RM) attends MSME Conclave and exhorts MSMEs to invest more in R&D and develop new technologies for the country’s security & progress.

RM has called upon Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to invest more in research & development and manufacture new products & technologies and thereby contribute to the security and progress of the country. He was delivering the inaugural address at the MSME Conclave, organised by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence in partnership with Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) in New Delhi on December 04, 2021. The RM urged MSMEs and SIDM to create an industrial base in India, on the lines of 'Mittelstand' (Mittel-Stunt) of Germany, which has been recognised by the whole world for manufacturing metal equipment.
For more information: Click here to read... [4]

11th edition of joint Indo-Maldives training exercise.

The 11th Edition of Exercise EKUVERIN between India & Maldives was conducted at Kadhdhoo Island, Maldives from 06 to 19 December 2021. The exercise enhances synergy & inter-operability between Armed Forces of both the Nations in terms of understanding transnational terrorism both on land & at sea, conducting Counter Terrorism & Counter Insurgency Operations and sharing best military practices and experiences.
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21st India – Russia Annual Summit

President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Mr. Vladimir Putin, paid a working visit to New Delhi on 06 December 2021 for the 21st India – Russia Annual summit with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. President Putin was accompanied by a high level delegation. Bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin were held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the sustained progress in the ‘Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership’ between both countries despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. They welcomed the holding of the first meeting of the 2+2 Dialogue of Foreign and Defence Ministers and the meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission on Military & Military-Technical Cooperation in New Delhi on 6 December 2021.
For more information: Click here to read... [2]

Media registration for Defence Expo 2022.

The next edition of Defence Expo will be held at Gandhinagar from 10 to 13 March2022. The premier event of Ministry of Defence is expected to be attended by a large number of national and international industrial participation. Media registration for the event commenced from 07 December2021. The registration process will be online and the last date for registration will be 09 January2022.
For more information: Click here to read... [5]

Curtain Raiser Event for exercise PANEX-21.

A Curtain Raiser Event for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief exercise, PANEX-21, for the member nations of BIMSTEC countries, was held at Kothari Auditorium DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on 07 Dec 2021. The exercise is planned to be conducted from 20-22 Dec 21 at Pune and will witness participation from subject matter experts and delegates from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
For more information: Click here to read... [6]

Mi-17 crash and demise of CDS and 12 others.

An IAF Mi-17V5 helicopter, with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Bipin Rawat and 13 other passengers on board, met with an accident on 08 Dec 2021 near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. Gen Bipin Rawat, was on a visit to Defence Services Staff College, Wellington (Nilgiri Hills) to address the faculty and student officers of the Staff Course. Gen Bipin Rawat, Mrs Madhulika Rawat and 11 other persons on board died in the unfortunate accident. Gp Capt Varun Singh SC survived with severe injuries.

Successful flight-test of indigenous Stand-Off Anti-Tank Missile.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) flight-tested the indigenously designed and developed Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges on December 11, 2021. The flight-test was successful in meeting all its mission objectives. The missile is equipped with a state-of-the-art MMW seeker which provides high precision strike capability from a safe distance. The weapon can neutralise targets in a range up to 10 kms.
For more information: Click here to read... [7]

Status of defence exports.

The value of exports of defence items including major items in FY 2014-15 and 2020-21 was Rs 1,940.64 crore and Rs 8,434.84 crore respectively. Many reforms/steps have been taken to boost Defence exports and enhance ease of doing business during the last five years.
For more information: Click here to read... [8]

Women applicants for NDA examination.

NDA (II) – 2021. Total Number of applications received – 5,75,856. Total number of applications received from female candidates – 1,77,654. Necessary infrastructure and facilities for training of female candidates are in place.
For more information: Click here to read... [9]

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

Security forces killed 12 al-Shabaab terrorists in Mogadishu.

On 02 December 2021, Somali security forces eliminated 12 al-Shabaab terrorists in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation conducted in Mogadishu. “Somali forces targeted 15 ‘high-level’ al-Shabaab terrorists in a special operation. Out of 15 targeted, 12 terrorists were neutralised. It is a national duty to keep the security and safety of the Somali people,” read a statement released by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).
For more information: Click here to read... [10]

Mali

At least 30 people killed in a terror attack in Central Mali.

On 04 December 2021, unidentified terrorists attacked a truck carrying civilians and killed at least 30 people in Bandiagara in Mopti region in Central Mali. “The truck was carrying about 50 civilians when the unidentified terrorists attacked. The shooting caused the truck to catch fire, and at least 30 people died, most of them burned to death,” said the Mayor of Bandiagara— Housseini Saye. Though the attack has not been claimed, but the local armed group linked with al-Qa’ida was a main suspect.
For more information: Click here to read... [11]

Afghanistan

“Al-Qa’ida and Islamic State networks have been growing in Afghanistan,” informed US General of Central Command.

In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the United States’ General McKenzie— Commander of the Central Command expressed his concern over the growing numbers of al-Qa’ida and Islamic State (IS) networks in Afghanistan. “I believe both al-Qa’ida and ISIS (referring to IS) are recruiting both domestically and internationally,” said Gen McKenzie.
However, the Taliban reiterated that Afghanistan will never become safe haven for terrorist groups. “We [Taliban] deny this allegation. There are no such people. They have not grown, nor they will be allowed to grow. We remain committed to our promises,” said Bilal Karimi— deputy spokesman for the Taliban aka Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
For more information: Click here to read... [12]

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

Security forces killed two JeM terrorists in Pulwama.

On 01 December 2021, security forces killed two Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists— i) Yasin Parray, and ii) Furqan, in a gun-battle in Rajpora area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “Parray was a JeM commander and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert,” said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Vijay Kumar. Furqan aka Ali Bhai was “A+” category Pakistani terrorist who was known to be active with JeM since June 2020. Both terrorists were involved in several terror attacks.
For more information: Click here to read... [13]

NIA filed a chargesheet against a TuM terrorist in Jammu.

On 04 December 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet against a Tehreek ul-Mujahideen (TuM) terrorist— Mohammad Nakeem Khan aka Nakeem Ali, in connection to a case of recovery of arms and ammunition, explosive substances, and heroin belonging to the terror group (TuM) and its off-shoot group— Jammu-Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF) in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Earlier, on 24 June and 04 October 2021, the NIA had filed chargesheet against nine other TuM/JKGF terrorists.
For more information: Click here to read... [14]

Terrorists ambushed police bus in Budgam.

“On the night of 13 December 2021”, terrorists of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM)’s offshoot group— Kashmir Tigers, indiscriminately fired upon a police bus of the 09th Battalion of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Armed Police wing Zewan area in Budgam district of J&K. In attack, three policemen attained Veergati, while 11 others were injured.
According to the statement released by police, “three terrorists carried out the attack on police bus carrying personnel near Zewan, as the police team was coming back to their campus after concluding their duties. Despite retaliation, taking advantage of the darkness, the terrorists managed to escape from the site.” It was the first major attack on security forces since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in J&K.
For more information: Click here to read... [15]

Security forces killed two LeT terrorists in Srinagar.

On 13 December 2021, security forces eliminated two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists, including a foreign terrorist, in a counter-terrorism (CT) operation at Rangreth area in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). “During checking at one such naka manned by a small team of police, two terrorists fired indiscriminately on the police party. A brief exchange of fire erupted as the forces retaliated and the two terrorists were killed on the site,” said police spokesperson on the condition of anonymity. In last three days, at least six terrorists have been killed in CT operations.
On 12 December, a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist— Sameer Ahmad Tantray, was killed in gun-battle with security forces in Bargam in Pulwama district.
For more information: Click here to read... [16]

Islamic State claimed responsibility of ‘murder bid’ on a traffic police official in Srinagar.

On 01 December 2021, unidentified terrorists shot a traffic police official— Mohammad Abdullah, on point-blank range when he was doing duty on a road at Rajouri Kadal in Srinagar. Mohammad Abdullah is said to be stable. In a video, released by Amaq agency, the terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
For more information: Click here to read... [17]

Left-Wing Extremism

16 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh.

On 04 December 2021, at least 16 Maoists surrendered and join the police’s rehabilitation drive— ‘Lon Varratu’, in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh. Under the ‘Lon Varratu’ campaign launched in June 2020, as many as 475 Maoists, including 119 ‘most-wanted’, have left the violence, said an official on the condition of anonymity. The ‘Lon Varratu’ is a term in local Gondi dialect for return to own home or village.
For more information: Click here to read... [18]

Police arrested three women Maoists from Andhra Pradesh.

On 06 December 2021, police arrested three women Maoists— i) Marri Valasi aka Rame, ii) Vanathala Lakshmi aka Sangeetha, and iii) Korra Devi aka Seetha, from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. According to police statement, Valasi had joined the Maoist cadre in 2007 and became Area Committee Member in 2017. She was involved in five attacks on police personnel in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh between 2016 and 2020. The police recovered 3 kgs of explosives packed in a food carriage, detonators, one country-made pistol and some ammunition from Valasi’s possession.
For more information: Click here to read... [19]

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

India and Canada to cooperate on inquiry into pro-Khalistan activities.

India and Canada likely to cooperate in on-going investigation into the pro-Khalistan activities, mainly of Canadian resident and pro-Khalistan terrorist— Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was among other terrorists discussed in a meeting between India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Canadian law-enforcement officials held in November 2021.
In November 2021, at the invitation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the NIA team visited Ottawa and held meetings with the officials from the International Crime & Counter-Terrorism Bureau of Global Affairs Canada, and International Affairs division of the Public Safety Canada.
For more information: Click here to read... [20]

Islamic Extremism

Jailed IS terrorists made formal plea to plead guilty for joining the terror group.

On 15 December 2021, jailed Islamic State (IS) terrorists— Moshin Sayyed (32 years-old) and Rizwan Ahmed (25 years-old) made a formal plea to plead guilty, claiming that they were influenced by IS propaganda video and realised their mistake for joining the terrorist organisation.

The Special Judge will take decision in coming weeks on whether to allow their pleas, if allowed— the court will pronounce its order on their punishment. “Six years ago, we were influenced by IS propaganda videos which were widely circulated on internet at that time. Due to this, we tried to run away from home to join IS. We were unsuccessful in that and were subsequently arrested by the police and are in prison ever since. While in prison, reflecting upon our actions, we have realised our mistake and sincerely regret our error,” read the plea submitted by the two.
For more information: Click here to read... [21]

Narco-Terrorism

NIA searched locations in Punjab in connection with narcotics and arms smuggling from Pakistan.

On 09 December 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out searches at four locations in Ferozepur district in Punjab, in connection with a case registered of narcotic substances, and smuggling of arms & ammunition from Pakistan. During the search, the NIA officials recovered incriminating material and digital devices.
For more information: Click here to read... [22]

Mundra Port Drugs (Heroin) Case: NIA arrested an Afghan national from Delhi.

On 12 December 2021, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested an Afghan national— Sobhan Aryanfar (28 years-old), resident of Neb Sarai in Delhi, in connection with Mundra Port Drugs (Heroin) case (RC 26/2021/NIA/DLI). The Afghan national was involved in the conspiracy of transporting narcotic drugs concealed in import consignment of ‘semi-processed talc stones’ originating from Afghanistan.
On 06 October 2021, NIA registered the case under Sections 17, 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A], 1967 r/w Sections 8C and 23 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 related to the seizure of 2988.21 kgs of narcotic substance (Heroin) seized at Mundra Port in Gujarat, with involvement of foreign nationals in procurement and delivering of the consignment. Earlier, NIA had arrested 07 people in the same case.
For more information: Click here to read... [23]

CYBER, INFORMATION WARFARE & AI (SECURITY PERSPECTIVE)

“More than 1/3 of cyber security technologies used by organisations in India outdated”: Cisco.

In a study titled Security Outcomes Study Volume 2, Cisco highlighted that around 37 per cent of cyber security technologies used by organisations in India are considered outdated by security and information privacy professionals working within these organisations. The study was based on global survey of 5,000+ security and information privacy professionals based in across 27 markets, including 2,000+ professionals from 13 markets in Asia-Pacific region.
Around 33 per cent of respondents from India considered their cyber security infrastructure unreliable while 49 per cent shared their concerns over the complexity of the same. Around 89 per cent of respondents in India claimed that their company is investing in a ‘Zero Trust’ strategy, while 44 per cent said that their organisation is making steady progress with adopting it.
For more information: Click here to read... [24]

Chinese Naval researchers are utilising AI to build futuristic weapons.

According to Chinese Naval researchers, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can outperform humans in designing futuristic weapons. A team, led by Professor Zhang Xiao, at the Naval University of Engineering in Wuhan has developed a prototype weapon having 12 cm (4.5 inch) barrel, about the size of a pistol— containing three battery-powered coils that generate an electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field means that, unlike a conventional gun, the bullet does not touch the sides as it passes through the barrel.
For more information: Click here to read... [25]