Monthly Archives: August 2018

Originally posted on 16 Jan 2012 :

The first phone call this morning, (16 Jan 2012) was from Maj Gen Subramanian (Subi) and he informed me of the sad demise of Lt Gen HS Banga. The name inspires awe in the minds of his countless admirers. I have known him ever since I joined the army, fifty years ago. He was on the staff of EME School, when we went there as Young Officers. I am tempted to write a few words about this grand old soldier-engineer. This piece is from my memory and without referring to any document. If there are any errors or omissions in this, I would like to be corrected.

Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh Banga, PVSM VSM (1924-2012)

They say, that “it is easy to climb to the top of a ladder, but difficult to stay there”. This is an account of a person who was began his military life as the course topper in the First Technical Graduates course in 1948, and retain that place all through his service, both in war and peace. For his distinguished service in the Armoured Division during the 1965 war, he was awarded a VSM. He also participated in the 1971 war in the Eastern Sector, and his services were considered commendable by all his comrades.

After retiring from the army as the DGEME in 1982, he joined Ashok Leyland and he served as a Plant Director, first in Alawar (Rajasthan) and then in Hosur (Tamil Nadu). After about seven years in Leyland, he could very well afford to revert to a life of Golf and ‘chhota peg’ but there was still a lot of fire in his belly. The Hindujas motivated him to head their hospital in Mumbai, and he became the first non-medico to be the CEO of  the Hinduja Hospital. During his decade long stint with the hospital, he acquired so much knowledge of the medical science, that he was often invited to preside over their seminars and discussions. He finally threw in his towel in 1998, when he was just a few months shy of his 75 th birthday. He had, by then, completed more than fifty years of active service in a variety of organizations.

Son of an eminent doctor, Gen Banga passed on the family tradition of excellence to his two illustrious sons, Manvinder (Vindi) and Ajaypal. The elder son, Manvinder won the gold medal in IIT Delhi in 1973, and repeated the enviable feat in IIM Ahmedabad. He then joined Hindustan Lever and rose to become the CEO of the company. Vindi ended up as the Chairman of the parent company, Unilever in the UK. Gen Banga’s younger son, Ajaypal is a graduate from the Delhi University and an MBA from IIM Ahemedabad. Ajay has risen to head the  Mastercard as the President and CEO in the USA. Both the brothers find a place of honor in the Wikipedia.

Gen Banga travelled to all corners of the world. He had seen the corporate world from close proximity, and saw his sons rise to enviable levels in Industry. And yet, when we asked him as to what he would like to do if he were to start his life all over again, he said, “I would like to join the army!” He faded away with no regrets in life. What he has left behind is a legacy which should inspire the likes of me and you.

I owe a personal debt of gratitude  to Gen Banga. When I retired from the Army in 1997, Ashok Leyland accepted me with open arms, mainly because of his spoken reputation. Nearly every one in the company held him in high esteem, and that made it easier for me to find my feet in the corporate world. A similarity in external appearance was also of great help!

May the soul of this grand icon of the Indian army rest in peace, and may his kith and kin follow in his footsteps. I salute him as my teacher and mentor.

Lt  Gen (Retd) Harbhajan Singh Banga, PVSM, VSM (Born – 24 Sep 1924 , Died – 22 Dec 2011) It is a sad news for all of us in olive green that we have lost one more of that rare breed of Gentlemen-Soldiers.

Gen  Banga  came from an illustrious family.  His father, Dr Gyan Singh was an eminent doctor. Following in the foot steps of his elders, Gen Offr excelled in both professional and academics front. He began  his military life as the course topper in the First Technical Graduates course in Dec 1948. During his career spanning  more than four decades, he attended most of the prestigious courses. He firstly attended the course in UK when he was Capt in 1959. As a Maj and Lt Col he was posted to 512 ABW, where the technical acumen of Gen Offr was appreciated by one and all. For his distinguished services in the Armoured Division during the 1965 war, he was awarded  Visisht Seva Medal. In 1970 he served as Dy DEME as Brig and subsequently participated in 1971 war in the Eastern Sector.  The Gen Offr was the Director General of Corps of EME from Mar 1978 to Mar 1982, when he was decorated with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

After retiring from the Army in 1982, he joined Ashok Leyland and served for about seven years as  Plant Director first in Alwar (Rajasthan) and then in Hosur (Tamil Nadu).  Thereafter, the Gen Offr was head of the administration of Hindujas hospital in Mumbai and became the first non-medico to be the CEO. During his decade long service with the hospital, he acquired so much knowledge of the medical science, that he was often invited to preside over seminars and discussions.  Gen Banga was the epitome of  professionalism , both while  in service and in the industry.

Gen Banga is survived by his wife Mrs Jaswant Banga, their two sons Manvinder and Ajaypal and their daughter Deepa. Manvinder, known as ‘Vindi Banga’ is a god medallist from IIT Delhi and a topper from IIM Ahmedabad. He rose to be the Chairman of Unilever. Ajaypal is a graduate from St Stephens, Delhi and topped the class in IIM Ahmedabad. He is an internationally recognised speaker.

  The General Officer enjoyed an illustrious career even after leaving uniform.  His memory will be cherished by the EME fraternity.

Mrs Jaswant Banga may be reached at : H No-80, Sector-37, Arun Vihar, NOIDA

PTI

New Delhi, September 12

Hinduja Group on Tuesday said it had collaborated with Raffles Hotels & Resorts to restore The Old War Office (OWO) of Britain’s World War II-era prime minister Winston Churchill.

The property with 120 guest rooms and suites, along with restaurants and spas, will be inaugurated on September 26 as a brand-new luxury hotel in the heart of London, the group stated.

The Hinduja Family had acquired the landmark building on Whitehall, opposite Downing Street, over eight years ago. The Old War Office, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, was formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall, it added.

PTI

Imphal, September 12

Manipur witnessed more violence on Tuesday when unidentified armed men, suspected to be cadres of banned terror groups, killed three members of a tribal community in Kangpokpi district, officials said.

The incident took place between Ireng and Karam Vaiphei villages in the tribal-dominated Kanggui area.

SC protection for ex-Army officer

New Delhi: The apex court on Tuesday granted protection from arrest to Col Vijaykant Chenji (retd) against whom an FIR has been lodged by the Manipur Police allegedly on the basis of contents of his book (The Anglo-Kuki War 1917-1919) published last year. It also granted protection to Prof Henminlun in another case.

The three persons were gunned down by armed assailants near the Singha dam, the officials said, adding automatic weapons were used in the incident. The police have taken over the probe.

Paramilitary personnel had observed movement of a group of around 30 people in the area. Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, a joint body of Kuki-Zo tribals, condemned the incident and urged the Centre to take action against insurgent groups and reimpose AFSPA in the valley.

More than 180 people have been killed since the ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3.

Our Correspondent

Jammu, September 11

Refuting the claims of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi that China has occupied Indian land in Ladakh, Ladakh Lt Governor Brigadier BD Mishra (retd) on Monday said not even an inch of land had been occupied by China.

Rahul, during a tour to Ladakh last month as continuation of his ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, had said that after interaction with locals living in border areas, he had found out that Indian land had been occupied by the Chinese

“Not even a square inch of land has been occupied by China, and the Indian Army is prepared to give a befitting reply to anyone who engages in any misadventure,” Mishra said during the launch ceremony of North-Tech Symposium organised by Northern Command of the Army and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jammu. When questioned about Rahul’s claims over the issue, Mishra said he could not comment on anybody’s statement.

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, September 11

Amid tension between the Indian and Chinese armies along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, a high-level delegation of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) visited border villages close to Pangong Lake in Leh district.

The delegation led by Atal Dulloo, Secretary, Border Management, MHA, visited the Pangong area, specifically villages of Chushul, Maan, Merak, Urgo and Tangtse in order to assess the progress of development.

Dulloo was accompanied by Manoj Singh Rawat, Additional Director General, ITBP, senior security officers and civil administration officials from Ladakh. The visit was aimed to assess the situation in villages along the border belt and to ask locals about their requirements.

The members of panchayats held discussions with the officials and informed them about the pressing need for mobile connectivity in the areas along the LAC.

“The public highlighted several pressing demands, including the installation of mobile connectivity towers to address the absence of internet facilities, which directly impacts the local education system. Additionally, requests for solar-powered housing, hand pumps, and guesthouses were put forth. The locals also emphasised the need for the area to be declared an international border, enabling their children to access employment opportunities in border-related sectors,” an official of the administration said.

Dulloo assured the locals that their concerns would be promptly conveyed to the relevant authorities for resolution. He further instructed security forces to maintain close communication with the local population and civil administration.

During his visit, residents of the Changthang area also raised concerns about construction restrictions imposed by the Wildlife Act, hampering economic activities such as the establishment of resorts and restaurants.

Dulloo emphasised the priority placed on the vibrant village programme by the Central government, which aims to provide essential infrastructure in these border villages.

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 11

China’s Minister of National Defence Li Shangfu is missing amid growing speculation over political instability in the country. International media outlets have cited news reports to say Li is missing — euphuism for having been sacked or detained.

The buzz first started on Friday when US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel posted on X, “President Xi’s cabinet lineup is now resembling Agatha Christie’s novel And Then There Were None. First, Foreign Minister Qin Gang goes missing, then the Rocket Force commanders go missing, and now Defense Minister Li Shangfu hasn’t been seen in public for two weeks”.

Li was last seen on August 29 addressing the China-Africa forum in Beijing, as per the South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong-based newspaper.

Emanuel also referred to the former foreign minister of China, Qin Gang, who has not been seen in public since June 25. In July, Wang Yi was appointed Foreign Minister. As per Chinese media reports, PLARF chief Gen Li Yuchao and his deputy Liu Guangbin were replaced and they were reportedly not seen in public for months.

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor B D Mishra asserted on Monday that not even one square inch of Indian land has been occupied by China and that the armed forces are prepared to give “a bloody nose” to anyone engaging in any misadven[1]ture. Asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s re[1]mark on China occupying a large chunk of land in Ladakh, he said, “I won’t comment on anybody’s statement. But I will say what is fact because I have seen myself on the ground that not even one square inch of land which the Chinese have occupied.” “Whatsoever happened in 1962 that is immaterial. But today we are in occupation of our land to the last inch,” he said. Mishra, a retired Brigadier, was here to attend the three-day North Tech Symposium being organised by the Army. Responding to report[1]ers’ queries on the sidelines of the event, he said, “Our armed forces are prepared for any eventuality, and God forbid if the balloon goes up, people will get a bloody nose from us.” He said the morale of troops is very very high. “Their intent is to defend every square inch of land. Nobody can dare to come towards India with any design to have a foothold here. I think all the credit goes to great leader[1]ship under Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said. Asked whether weapons have been identified and procured to be deployed along the Line of Control (LoC) to boost security, he said it is being done. “…when I was commissioned in the Army in 1961…there was nothing indigenous in my battalion. Our rifles, .303 small arms were made in Birmingham. The watch we got was made in Switzerland. Today, there is nothing that is not indigenous,” he added. A large number of com[1]panies and start-ups are showcasing their military equipment at the North Tech Symposium which began on the Indian In[1]stitute of Technology (IIT) campus on the outskirts of Jammu on Monday. The symposium facili[1]tates a structured approach to product evaluation, pri[1]oritisation, and acquisition while contributing action[1]able inputs for procure[1]ment plans. PTI SHIMLA, SEPTEMBER 11 Rain-affected people stay[1]ing in relief camps would be provided temporary ac[1]commodation whose rent would be provided by the state government, Himach[1]al Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Monday. The chief minister’s an[1]nouncement came while he was presiding over a meeting with officials here. He said provision would be made to rent two-room and three[1]room sets, adding that in[1]structions have been issued to all the Deputy Commis[1]sioners in this regard. Directing officials to expe[1]dite the repair of roads and retaining walls in Shimla damaged due to heavy rains, Sukhu said Rs 10 crore would be released for the maintenance and repair of damaged roads under the purview of the Municipal Corporation of Shimla. Heavy rains during the ongoing monsoon season wreaked havoc in the hill state, triggering 164 ma[1]jor landslides and 72 flash floods since the onset of monsoon on June 24 til

D.C. PATHAK

The concept of security whether it concerns the nation, an establishment of strategic importance or even a business corpora[1]tion, revolves around some basic prin[1]ciples that brooked no compromise. We live in an insecure world where the issues of security are knocking at everyone’s doors – the State has to protect its own integrity amidst threats, external or domestic, but it is also supremely responsible for the security of its citizens as well. In a democratic dispensation, this can not happen unless people them[1]selves show an awareness about se[1]curity which makes them a conscious contributor to national security at large. This more than anything else, validates the first principle of security in our times about the ‘mainstream[1]ing’ of this function. Security of an enterprise is no more a matter of outsourcing it to a set of guards and their supervisors – it has to be built into the policy framework of the organisation, be based on planning and budgeting and above all, has to be in a position to act on the author[1]ity of the top man of the enterprise. The head of the organisation is deemed to be the ultimate reposi[1]tory of the security function though he or she would normally assign this responsibility to one of the Deputies. This stands to reason for in the event of a senior member being suspected of violating mandatory security regula[1]tions, there would be a reluctance to bell the cat if the security set-up did not have confidence that it had the attention of the person at the very top. In strategically sensitive establish[1]ments handling secret projects of the State, arrangements exist for taking prompt notice of any member exhibit[1]ing ‘vulnerability’ by way of falling for an ‘addiction’, living beyond means or befriending an ‘outsider’ in an unnatural fashion and confidentially checking out if there were grounds for any further suspicion. The point is that security is a com[1]prehensive call that can not be fulfilled without the notional involvement of the organisational leadership. Security clearly is a ‘mainstream’ task that embraces the length and breadth of the organisation. The second fundamental principle of security is that it is an INTEGRAL concept. The establishment is either secure or insecure – there is nothing like a house being half-secure or half of it being secure. Security basically is protection against ‘covert’ attacks of the enemy – an open or visible offensive against the nation will have to be countered by the defence forces of the country and if the target is an organisation, by the state law and order machinery responding to that attack. The unseen adversary tries to dam[1]age the three ‘assets’ of the nation or the targeted organisation as the case may be – physical resources, man[1]power and protected information – and this is what was profession[1]ally called Sabotage, Subversion and Espionage respectively. These are security concerns. In sensitive organisations, subver[1]sion basically meant changing the loyalty of a member away from the organisation to serve the cause of the ‘new master’, which can obviously be used for sabotage and espionage too. Arrangements are accordingly made by the security establishment to en[1]sure physical security, ‘personnel’ security and Information security – all put together through well-defined steps. Anticipated risks are assessed for planning total security measures and apart from a certain standardised framework of security built on the risk assessment, special arrangements are made to deal with any specific threat that Intelligence might have indicated for the targeted entity. Intelligence is information about the secret plans of the adversary and this is always difficult to come by. Large competing business corpo[1]rates would like to know what the rivals were up to and they make substantial investments in creating a team that was engaged the whole time in studying the market and the competitors to produce the so-called ‘Business Intelligence’. In these days of ‘knowledge-based’ decision-making, this function has acquired a newfound importance. The impact of climate change is an[1]other area of study now for security – across the spectrum of local to global concerns. Incidentally, it is rightly said that ‘you have to buy security’ and that ‘security does not come cheap’. This is, however, compensated by another principle of security that emphasises that ‘cost-effective security was the best security’. The logic of this is easy to understand. If two men can do what a team of three was assigned to do or where an operation could be completed in three steps instead of four, reduction would not only ‘lower’ the cost but also make the effort more efficient. A simple definition of ‘efficiency’ is the ‘productivity per unit of resource’ – the resource here is not only the money and manpower but ‘time’ as well. This concept is fully practised by our national Intelligence agencies even though they had a reasonable assurance that resources would not be allowed to come in the way of their mission. A security set-up is relatively free of bureaucratic impediments- decision[1]making is delegated subject to the healthy practice of seniors being kept informed. Also, the importance of work produced is often dis-linked from ‘rank’ and this was reflected in credit sharing as well. Further, the ‘boss’ was free to do ‘tasking’ but he or she was also obliged to provide ‘guidance’ where it was asked for. A senior given to ‘escapism’ in regard to this responsibility would have no future in an Intelligence or[1]ganisation or in fact anywhere else. A fundamental thing about security is that it is not a ‘one-time event’. The scale and pattern of security are deter[1]mined by the threat scenario and the latter was prone to changes – this is true of geopolitical developments, the environment in the neighbourhood and changes on the domestic front. In the era of globalisation and knowledge economy, a rival can spring up from anywhere in the world and a smaller player could take an estab[1]lished business by surprise through ‘smarter’ ways of working. Technology makes a human process ‘smart’ and now we have Artificial Intelligence (AI) that smartens up Information Technology itself. In the digital world, a lot is happening to upgrade life but for security, newer challenges are also emerging – ranging from Cyber Warfare to misuse of social media as ‘an instrument of combat’. Proxy wars have expanded to include ‘information warfare’ and influencing the narrative to pull down a target country or enterprise. AI is opening up new frontiers of data analytics, robotics and identity emulation and pushing product development and business applications to new heights but it has multiplied security concerns as well.

(The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal IANS

Such arbitrary moves engender a backlash, especially among veterans, who are the backbone of the services.

Rahul Bedi

Senior Journalist

THE ‘decolonisation’ of India’s military in the ongoing ‘Amrit Kaal’, as decreed by the BJP-led Central Government, continues apace. At the recently concluded biannual Indian Navy (IN) commanders’ conference in New Delhi, there were deliberations on sundry operational matters and on incorporating the hitherto proscribed kurta-pyjama as an accepted dress form in naval messes, wardrooms, official establishments and on formal occasions.

Astonishingly, the IN displayed possible variations of its proposed dress at the three-day conference for approval by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt; it included a mannequin exhibiting a shorter kurti, worn under a waistcoat, and a drainpipe pyjama. A cross-section of naval veterans concerned concurred that it was merely a matter of time before kurta-pyjama, in some configuration, joined the IN’s formal couture alongside lounge and Jodhpuri suits and the striking ‘Red Sea’ rig, comprising black trousers, half-sleeve white shirt with rank-stripe epaulettes, black shoes and socks and cummerbunds of the same colour.

In recent months, the IN has taken the lead over the other two services in shedding its colonial mantle, in keeping with the government’s goal of securing atmanirbharta or indigenisation in the armed forces, not only with regard to their materiel, but also their dress codes, rituals and traditions.

The Indian Army was established by the East India Company in the 18th and 19th centuries, while the Royal Indian Navy (RIN) and the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) came into being in 1934 and 1932, respectively, becoming the IN and the IAF after Independence. Understandably, all three embraced and, over decades, perpetuated many of their progenitors’ hoary customs, conventions and practices which, in most instances, constitute the bedrock of most of the world’s militaries.

But such indulgences are apparently anathema to the government. Consequently, in July the IN discontinued the Royal Navy (RN) practice of its senior officers carrying batons on the grounds, saying that it did not suit the ‘transformed Navy of Amrit Kaal’. This was done shortly after its ensign or flag was indigenised and shorn of its colonial antecedents that had featured the blood-red Cross of St George for decades. Concurrently, the Navy also got a new atmanirbhar President’s Standard and Colour and a revised desi crest.

Grizzled navalists conceded that the IN, of all the country’s three services, had, because of its founding antecedents, many commonalities with the RN, not only in operational, logistic and doctrinal procedures, but also in its maritime mores, outlook and even superstitions. Over decades, the Navy’s overriding modus vivendi and ambience continued to overtly display RN influences handed down by succeeding generations of officers. In fact, many RN officers visiting IN ships and establishments invariably found the atmosphere ‘quaintly’ English, right down to the drinks, cocktails and fare served in wardrooms, which often included roasted mutton, papadams and sweet mango chutney.

Alongside, the Indian Army’s Adjutant General branch, too, has embarked on ending ‘archaic and antiquated’ colonial traditions, dress codes, pipe and drum bands, colour presentations and investiture ceremonies. Affiliation of units with those in foreign armies it had fought alongside in the two World Wars, caste and ethnically specific regiments raised by the British, such as Sikh, Gurkha, Jat and Rajput, amongst a myriad others, were also likely to be discontinued for their colonial overhang. So were some Army insignias featuring British associations and symbols and institutes and roads in Indian cantonments named after English soldiers who had served the Empire in India and in other colonial outposts and wars.

Also likely to be scrapped in the Army is the long-established British tradition of appointing one-star officers and above as ‘honorary colonels’, or ‘eminence grise’ to their former battalions or regiments, in recognition of their services and experience. These appointments were akin to those of an ‘agony aunt’ for the unit and doing away with them, many veterans agreed, would only deprive the battalion of well-wishers who were often problem-solvers.

Furthermore, the Army’s eight-odd regulation officers’ uniform too is likely to undergo an atmanirbharta ‘revision’, with the more fancy and colourful ones, with English overtones, either being done away with or localised. These include the dashing blue patrols, the ceremonial winter uniform that comprises a black bandgala coat with gleaming silver-colour buttons, with each wearer’s rank elaborately embroidered on the shoulders, and similarly coloured trousers.

But one facet that has surprisingly escaped the atmanirbharta tsunami and remained truly foreign in its entirety are the nicknames of the fighter, transport and helicopter squadrons of the three services. These monikers smacked of undiluted colonial influence, and consequently were ripe targets for either being rechristened with indigenous names, or subjected to direct but complex translations into Sanskrit, much like the IAF’s catchy but dense squadron mottos.

Nicknames for IAF squadrons included Tigers and Wolfpack (Mirage-2000Hs), Winged Arrows (Su-30MKIs), First Supersonics (MiG-29Ms), Flaming Arrows (SEPECAT Jaguars), Flying Daggers (LCA Tejas), Skylords (Boeing Globemaster C-17 IIIs), Veiled Vipers (C-130J-30s) and Armoured Kestrels (Mi-17V5 helicopters), to name just a few.

The IN, for its part, had White Tigers and Black Panthers (MiG-29K/KUBs), the Condors (P-8Is), Winged Stallions (IL-38s), and Kestrels (Dhruv MkIII Advanced Light Helicopters), amongst others, while the Army Aviation Corps had Night Raiders, Blazing Falcons and Soaring Gideons (Dhruv ALHs) alongside Destroyers (Rudra-ALH Weapons Systems Integrated).

However, while decolonising India’s cultural ethos and baggage is commendable, brutally purging historical ties can be counter-productive, especially for an institution like the military, for which tradition remains a sacrosanct lifeline. Such arbitrary moves also engender a backlash, especially amongst veterans, who are the backbone of the services and need a listening to. Besides, an august naval commanders’ conference in the prevailing precarious security environment seems hardly the forum to debate sartorial matters with dressmaker’s dummies in attendance; unless, of course, the endeavour was merely some good old English buffoonery.

Lt Gen SL Narasimhan (retd)

Distinguished Fellow, Centre for Air Power Studies

ON September 21, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the United Nations General Assembly. His speech was titled ‘Bolstering Confidence and Jointly Overcoming Difficulties to Build a Better World’, wherein he proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

This happened just three months after G7 countries proposed an initiative called ‘Build Back Better World (BBBW): An Affirmative Initiative for Meeting the Tremendous Infrastructure Needs of Low- and Middle-Income Countries’. It intended to raise capital from the private sector to partially meet the requirement of $40 trillion needed for infrastructure development in the developing world.

In contrast, the GDI proposed China’s assistance in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030; the SDGs were accepted by UN member states in 2015. In that speech, Xi mentioned six core principles: staying committed to development as a priority; a people-centred approach; benefits for all to leave no country and no one behind; innovation-driven development; harmony between human and nature; and results-oriented actions.

In January 2022, China launched a Group of Friends for the GDI. Delegates from over 100 countries and international organisations participated in the event held virtually in New York. A virtual high-level meeting of the Group of Friends was held in May 2022; it was addressed by Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China. He mentioned that “the GDI will coordinate development cooperation at the global, regional and national levels to generate a multiplier effect. And for the 17 SDGs, the GDI will encourage international organisations, governments, businesses, academia and civil societies to play their roles.”

In June 2022, Xi chaired a high-level dialogue on global development under the theme, ‘Foster a Global Development Partnership for the New Era to Jointly Implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. The Chair’s statement after the dialogue identified international cooperation in eight priority areas — poverty alleviation, food security, pandemic response and vaccines, financing for development, climate change and green development, industrialisation, digital economy and connectivity in the digital era. It also attached a list of 32 deliverables. To fund this initiative, upgrading China’s South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund to the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with an additional input of $1 billion on top of the existing $3 billion and enhancing support for the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund (UNPDTF), established by China, were proposed. This fund commits $200 million for 10 years, which was subsequently extended for another five years. China was to issue a Global Development Report and establish a Global Development Promotion Centre as well as a Global Knowledge Network for Development. The Global Development Report was issued in June 2022 and the Global Development Promotion Centre was established in November.

On the sidelines of the 77th UN General Assembly meeting in September 2022, Wang identified seven additional measures to implement the 2030 Agenda. As part of these measures, the first batch of 50 projects of the GDI project pool was released, of which 10 were claimed to have been completed. Other measures were for food production enhancement, global clean energy cooperation partnership, smart customs, border and connectivity cooperation, world digital education alliance, a global action plan for bamboo as a substitute for plastic, and making available the Sustainable Development Science Satellite (SDGSAT-1).

This satellite was launched by China in November 2021 and it was the first developed specifically for the implementation of the SDGs. It can provide all-time, all-weather, multi-load cooperative observations, achieving global coverage in 11 days with its thermal infrared, low-light-level and multi-spectral imager payloads.

China released a progress report for the GDI in June this year. It mentioned how the eight priority areas related to the SDGs. It assessed the progress of the GDI in the 32 deliverables as seven ‘early harvests’, 14 accomplished, 13 in positive progress and six in the process, and mentioned that progress had been achieved in others. The apparent increase in the number of deliverables is because some of the achievements have been shown as sub-parts of a deliverable.

So, what does one make of this initiative by China? One, China is quick to react to the initiatives of other nations. It launched the Global Initiative on Data Security in response to the Clean Network Initiative of the US, while the GDI was a counter to the BBBW. Two, China tries to ride on the UN system and leverage the UN’s requirements. Both the GDI and the Global Security Initiative of China commit themselves to the UN Charter. Three, she is quick to declare victory. Examples of this are the declaration of the triumph over the Covid-19 pandemic and the GDI progress report. It is not feasible to verify the GDI accomplishments claimed in this report. Four, with the amount of funding mentioned, which may amount to $7 billion from China, one is not sure how the SDGs, which need much more resources, can be achieved. In June, the UN Secretary General stated that an additional funding of about $500 billion per year is needed to attain the SDGs. Five, China wants to increase her global influence, and to do that she is trying to explore multifarious ways. Increasing her global influence is part of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. Six, the One Belt, One Road initiative is slowing down and the GDI can either subsume it or supplement it. Lastly, whatever initiative China launches, she puts her full might behind it, sometimes with adverse consequences.

India has launched her own initiatives — the International Solar Alliance, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, etc. Recently, in the BRICS summit, PM Narendra Modi proposed the BRICS space exploration consortium.

The GDI may adversely affect India’s quest for an increased role in the UN system. It is also likely to undermine India’s efforts to support countries in their development, particularly in Africa and the Pacific Island Countries. The GDI can also affect the promotion of digital and blue economies, services sector, food security and assistance in energy transition by India. It appears that China is making efforts to usurp the development agenda.