Monthly Archives: August 2018

December 7

Sanjay Khurana

The Armed Forces Flag Day, observed annually on December 7, is a significant occasion in India to honour the valiant soldiers, airmen and sailors of the Indian armed forces. Since its inception in 1949, this day has served as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave men who defend the nation’s sovereignty and integrity. The day also underscores the collective responsibility of citizens to support the welfare of armed forces personnel, ex-servicemen and their families.

The idea of the Flag Day was first proposed by the government to generate funds for the welfare of the armed forces. December 7 was designated as the day for this purpose, symbolising the unity and solidarity of the nation with its defenders. On this day, small flags and car stickers are distributed in exchange for voluntary donations. The funds are utilised to support various initiatives, such as providing rehabilitation to disabled soldiers, welfare for war widows and education for children of martyrs.

The armed forces have a long-standing tradition of valour and dedication. From protecting the borders against external aggression to assisting in disaster relief operations, their contributions extend beyond conventional military roles. The Flag Day is a heartfelt tribute to these warriors who often operate under extreme conditions, far from their families, to ensure the security of millions of Indians.

The day also serves as an opportunity for citizens to express gratitude and contribute to the welfare of those who have served the nation. It fosters a sense of patriotism and reminds people of the values of courage, discipline and selflessness exemplified by the forces.

Various activities mark the day across the country. Schools, colleges and government institutions organise events to highlight the significance of the day and educate people about the armed forces’ role. Fundraising campaigns are conducted and citizens are encouraged to make generous contributions. The distribution of flags by volunteers, including members of the armed forces, is a prominent feature of the observance.

In recent years, the scope of Flag Day has expanded with the advent of digital platforms. Online donation campaigns and social media drives have made it easier for people to contribute and spread awareness. The Kendriya Sainik Board, the apex body responsible for the welfare of ex-servicemen, plays a pivotal role in coordinating these efforts.

The Flag Day provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to extend their support to the armed forces community. Donations can be made through official channels and participation in events organised on this day can help raise awareness. Beyond financial contributions, citizens can also engage in volunteering and advocacy to ensure the welfare of armed forces personnel and their families.

The day is more than a ceremonial observance; it is a call to action for every Indian to recognise and honour the sacrifices made by the nation’s armed forces. As citizens, it is our duty to stand in solidarity with those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours. By contributing to their welfare, we not only pay homage to their service but also strengthen the bond of trust and respect between the forces and the nation.

Rajnath Singh will commission the warship, an upgraded Krivak III Class frigate under Project 1135.6., at the Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad.

Moscow: 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will commission the Navy’s latest, multi-role, stealth-guided missile frigate, ‘INS Tushil’ at Russia’s Kaliningrad on Monday.

Rajnath Singh, along with Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, and other top Defence and civilian officials from India and Russia, will commission the warship, an upgraded Krivak III Class frigate under Project 1135.6., at the Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad.

As per a Defence Ministry statement, the Defence Minister is paying an official visit to Russia from December 8-10, during which he and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov will co-chair the 21st meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow on December 10.

The two leaders will review the entire range of multi-faceted relations between the two countries in the field of Defence, including military-to-military and industrial cooperation. They will also exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest.

In addition, the Indian Minister will pay tributes at ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow to honour the Soviet soldiers killed during the Second World War. He will also interact with the members of the Indian community.

Six warships in the Krivak class are already in service, comprising 3 Talwar Class ships built at Baltiysky shipyard in St. Petersburg, and three of Teg Class constructed at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.

‘INS Tushil’ will be the seventh in the series and the first of the two upgraded additional follow-on ships for which the Indian government and the Navy had signed a contract with JSC Rosoboronexport, in October 2016.

The vessel’s construction was closely monitored by experts of India’s Warship Overseeing Team stationed in Kaliningrad.

The 125-metre long ship weighing 3,900 tonnes, packs a lethal punch, making it an impressive blend of Russian and Indian cutting-edge technologies besides the best practices in warship construction, officials said.

Also Read

• INS Tushil, Multi-Role Navy Warship Set To Be Unveiled In Russia On Monday
• Explained: The South China Sea Dispute And India’s Stand On It
• Rajnath Singh Meets US Secretary Of Defence On Sidelines Of 11th ASEAN Meet

From January 2024, post-construction and readiness, the ship underwent a series of extensive trials including factory sea trials, state committee trials, and finally, delivery acceptance trials by an Indian specialised team.

During trials, the ship clocked an impressive speed of more than 30 knots (55 kmph), and now it will reach India in a near-combat-ready condition, ready to deliver its effects instantly whenever needed.

As per a Navy official, the name ‘Tushil’ means a ‘protector shield’ and its crest represents the ‘Abhedya Kavacham’ (Impenetrable Shield).

Along with its motto, ‘Nirbhay, Abhedya aur Balsheel’ (Fearless, Indomitable, Resolute), the ship stands as a symbol of the Indian Navy’s undying commitment to safeguarding the nation’s maritime frontiers.

With the collaboration of Indian naval specialists and Severnoye Design Bureau, the indigenous content of the ship has been enhanced to an impressive 26 per cent and the number of ‘Made-in-India’ systems has more than doubled to 33.

The major Indian original equipment manufacturers involved were BrahMos Aerospace Pvt Ltd, Bharat Electronics Ltd, Keltron, Nova Integrated Systems from Tata, Elcome Marine, Johnson Controls India and many others.

Upon commissioning, INS Tushil will join the ‘Sword Arm’ of the Indian Navy, the Western Fleet, under the Western Naval Command.

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March 16, 1958 – December 8, 2021

Sanjay Khurana

General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, was an exemplary military leader who played a pivotal role in modernising the armed forces. Born on March 16, 1958, in Pauri, Uttarakhand, General Rawat hailed from a family with a long-standing tradition of military service. His father, Lt Gen Laxman Singh Rawat, served in the Army, inspiring him to pursue a career in the armed forces.

General Rawat was an alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, where he was awarded the ‘Sword of Honour.’ He was commissioned into the 5th Battalion of the 11 Gorkha Rifles in December 1978, the same regiment his father had served. His early years in the Army were marked by dedication and an unwavering commitment to duty.

Over his illustrious career spanning over four decades, General Rawat held a variety of key command, staff and instructional appointments. He was known for his extensive experience in high-altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations, having served in critical areas such as the Line of Control (LoC), China border regions, and the insurgency-hit Northeast.

In December 2016, General Rawat was appointed the 27th Chief of the Army Staff. During his tenure, he focused on restructuring the Army to meet modern security challenges and advocated for indigenisation in defence manufacturing. Under his leadership, the Army successfully conducted operations like ‘Operation All Out’ in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at neutralising terrorist threats.

One of his most significant contributions came in January 2020, when he assumed the newly created role of Chief of Defence Staff. As the first CDS, General Rawat was tasked with integrating the operations of the Army, Navy and Air Force to ensure better coordination and efficiency. He spearheaded initiatives to establish joint commands and streamline defence procurement processes, emphasising a self-reliant defence ecosystem under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ mission.

General Rawat was a strong advocate for military modernisation and reform. He played a key role in promoting the idea of theatre commands, aiming to enhance operational readiness and synergy among the armed forces. His strategic insights and bold leadership were widely respected both within India and globally.

Tragically, General Rawat’s illustrious career was cut short on December 8, 2021, when he, his wife Madhulika Rawat and 12 other personnel lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu. His untimely demise was a profound loss to the nation, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership and transformative contributions to India’s defence sector.

General Bipin Rawat’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the nation. His contributions to India’s military strategy and defence reforms have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of military leaders. He is remembered as a soldier’s soldier, a statesman and a patriot who always prioritised the nation’s security and sovereignty above all else.

Newly freed prisoners take to streets as rebels take charge, curfew imposed in capital | PM calls for free elections

Agencies

Syrian rebels declared they had ousted President Bashar al-Assad after seizing control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing him to flee and ending his family’s around 50 years of autocratic rule after more than 13 years of civil war.

The head of Syria’s biggest rebel faction, in his first appearance since Assad’s fall, called it “a victory to the Islamic nation”.

In a seismic moment for West Asia, the Islamist rebels also dealt a major blow to the influence of Russia and Iran in Syria in the heart of the region — allies who had propped up Assad during critical periods in the war but were distracted by other crises recently.

The rebels said they had entered the capital with no sign of army deployments. Thousands of people in cars and on foot congregated at a main square in Damascus waving and chanting “Freedom” from a half century of Assad family rule, witnesses said.

People were seen walking inside the Al-Rawda Presidential Palace, with some leaving carrying furniture from inside.

“We celebrate with the Syrian people the news of freeing our prisoners and releasing their chains,” a rebel leader said.

Leading rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Golani said there was no room for turning back.

“The future is ours,” he said in a statement read on Syria’s state TV after his forces took over Damascus.

The pace of events stunned Arab capitals and raised concerns about a new wave of instability in a region already in turmoil following the Gaza war.

Newly freed prisoners ran through the Damascus streets holding up the fingers of both hands to show how many years they had been in prison, asking passers-by what had happened, not immediately understanding that Assad had fallen.

Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali called for free elections in a country where Assad’s opponents faced barrel bombs. The rebels announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 pm to 5 am.

The end of Assad’s rule deals a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by over a year of conflict with Israel.

A deal has been done to ensure the safety of Russian military bases

Reuters

Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad is in Moscow with his family after Russia granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds, a Kremlin source told Russian news agencies on Sunday, and a deal has been done to ensure the safety of Russian military bases.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said earlier that Assad had left Syria and given orders for a peaceful transfer of power, after rebel fighters raced into Damascus unopposed on Sunday, ending nearly six decades of his family’s iron-fisted rule.

“President Assad of Syria and members of his family have arrived in Moscow. Russia has granted them asylum on humanitarian grounds,” the privately-owned Interfax news agency and state media quoted the unnamed Kremlin source as saying.

Interfax cited the same Kremlin source as saying Russia favoured a political solution to the crisis in Syria, where Moscow supported Assad during the long civil war.

The source said negotiations should be resumed under the auspices of the United Nations.

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s ambassador to international organisations in Vienna, said on his Telegram messaging channel: “Breaking news! Bashar al-Assad and his family in Moscow. Russia does not betray friends in difficult situations.”

Syrian opposition leaders had agreed to guarantee the safety of Russian military bases and diplomatic institutions in Syria, the source told news agencies. But some Russian war bloggers said the situation around the bases was extremely tense and the source did not say how long the security guarantee lasted.

Moscow, a staunch backer of Assad whom it intervened to help in 2015 in its biggest Middle East foray since the Soviet collapse, is scrambling to salvage its position. Its geopolitical clout in the wider region and two strategically-important military bases in Syria are on the line.

A deal to secure Russia’s Hmeimim air base in Syria’s Latakia province and its naval facility at Tartous on the coast would come as a relief to Moscow.

The Tartous facility is Russia’s only Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, and Moscow has used Syria as a staging post to fly its military contractors in and out of Africa.

Losing Tartous would be a serious blow to Russia’s ability to project power in the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa, say Western military analysts.

A Standing Committee of the Parliament has advised the External Affairs Ministry on formulation of a joint action plan with other countries to effectively curb the use of drones, virtual currencies and encrypted communications by terrorists. The committee, which tabled…

Tribune News Service

 Standing Committee of the Parliament has advised the External Affairs Ministry on formulation of a joint action plan with other countries to effectively curb the use of drones, virtual currencies and encrypted communications by terrorists.

The committee, which tabled its report in the Lok Sabha earlier this week, has also suggested that the government should focus on tangible outcomes in countering new and emerging technological tools employed by global terrorists. It had desired that collaborative effort amongst different ministries and agencies should be strengthened and enforcement of existing laws strictly monitored.

The ministry, in its reply to the committee, said that the anti-drone training was a part of capacity-building for all states and central armed police forces. The committee also noted in its report that the government had made various efforts to check the use of drones, virtual currencies and encrypted communications by terrorists.

It suggested “efforts may also be made at various bilateral, regional and multilateral fora”.

Ther parliamentary panel further stressed that the government should create a pool of dedicated experts for new and emerging technologies, matters related to cybersecurity and innovation in the field of financial technology.

A joint search operation was launched by security forces in the Kandi area close to International Border (IB) in Kathua district of Jammu division after locals reported suspicious movement of a group. The area is known for infiltration by Pakistani…

Our Correspondent

Photo for representational purpose only. File photo

A joint search operation was launched by security forces in the Kandi area close to International Border (IB) in Kathua district of Jammu division after locals reported suspicious movement of a group.

The area is known for infiltration by Pakistani terrorists as they sneak into this side of the border to move towards other areas in the region.

The police, Army and CRPF were involved in the operation that scanned the entire area of thick vegetation. Many areas in Hiranagar close to the border were searched by the security forces in which sniffer dogs and drones were also used.

A senior police official said after the police got information about the movements of suspected terrorists late on Saturday, an operation was launched to detect the same. However, till Sunday evening, nothing suspicious was found by the security forces in the area.

The security forces are implementing a multi-pronged strategy to counter the terror threat, anticipating that terrorists hiding in the mountains will soon be forced to relocate to the lower hills of the Jammu division as the higher reaches will soon…

Arjun Sharma

The security forces are implementing a multi-pronged strategy to counter the terror threat, anticipating that terrorists hiding in the mountains will soon be forced to relocate to the lower hills of the Jammu division as the higher reaches will soon be under snow.

Besides the police and Border Security Force (BSF) leaving no stone unturned to guard the IB in the plains of Jammu region, action against Over Ground Workers (OGWs) is also continuing in which many terror associates helping the ultras have been arrested or detained.

Vigil has been heightened, with the dipping temperature, along the IB in Kathua, Samba and Jammu district as the terrorists traditionally try to sneak in from these sectors in winter. It becomes difficult for ultras to cross the Line of Control (LoC) manoeuvring through tough terrain due to heavy accumulation of snow.

Thick fog in the Jammu plains during the winter also provides a safe cover to the Pakistan-trained terrorists to cross over.

Police DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma recently conducted a joint patrol with the BSF along the Chenab that divides the border between India and Pakistan in the Paragwal area in Jammu district. Security and border management grid of various villages along the chicken neck border in Gardkhal, Malabella, Sohan Kanachak, was reviewed.

Many terror incidents have taken place in the mountainous Kishtwar and Doda districts in recent months suggesting that the groups of terrorists were hiding in the forest areas of these regions. Most of these areas will be snowbound soon.

Army and the police have also held meetings with locals in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi and other districts where they were asked to be vigilant of any suspicious movement and inform the security forces in case they saw any suspicious outsiders moving in the area. The security forces have been trying to strengthen their human intelligence since there was a spurt in terror activity.

Jammu ADGP Anand Jain also reviewed operational preparedness of Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police in Kathua. Special emphasis was laid on the Bani-Machedi axis which has emerged as a crossing point for ultras.

The ADGP reviewed the security arrangements, counter-insurgency strategies and preparedness for addressing emerging challenges in the border district.

Even in Samba district, the police and BSF conducted a joint patrolling exercise along the Indo-Pak border in the Ghagwal-Samba sector.

Samba SSP Virender Singh Manhas along with Commandants of 65 Bn BSF and 159 Bn BSF held intensive patrolling exercises. The exercise aimed to assess security preparedness and strategic locations along the IB in the district. Many nullahs, streams and culverts near the border are also being inspected for their potential vulnerabilities.

A comprehensive White Paper that builds on the External Affairs Minister’s detailed statement in Parliament would be a much-needed first step.

C Uday Bhaskar

The positive tenor in the post-Galwan India-China relationship was enabled by a brief meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in late October. It received considerable official comment and caused parliamentary discord in early December.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar made a detailed statement in Parliament on December 3. He traced the history of the unresolved territorial-cum-border issue from 1958 right up to the most recent thaw in the relationship at Kazan in a lucid, albeit selective, manner. He unequivocally stated: “We are clear that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas is a prerequisite for the development of our ties. In the coming days, we will be discussing both de-escalation as well as effective management of our activities in the border areas.”

Regrettably, the EAM’s statement resulted in the Opposition members staging a walkout, since a discussion was not allowed. This legislative discord was avoidable.

The EAM’s statement was followed by the 32nd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs in Delhi on December 5 between officials from both countries.

The Ministry of External Affairs’ (MEA) readout regarding the outcome of the WMCC meeting was brief and intriguing. The most significant assertion is the line that reads: “The two sides positively affirmed the implementation of the most recent disengagement agreement which completed the resolution of the issues that emerged in 2020.”

Does this imply that the disengagement process is complete and that the seemingly intractable issues, which emerged in 2020 (the Galwan setback), have reached satisfactory resolution? The second question is whether the use of the word ‘agreement’ has been accepted by the Chinese side and if this is a reference to a written document or is the agreement an oral understanding?

After the initial fumble and obfuscation that took place in the immediate aftermath of the Galwan clash in June 2020 (the statement by PM Modi that there was no intrusion) — the Indian position gradually crystallised with two major objectives. One, that there has to be a return to the April 2020 status quo as regards the patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC); and two, that all agreements signed between India and China regarding the unresolved territorial/border issue would be respected.

An objective review of the tactical situation after the Galwan incident revealed that India had forfeited certain patrolling rights along the LAC in Ladakh. Furthermore, concerns were voiced that buffer zones were being created along the LAC, which would inhibit both Indian patrolling and grazing rights that existed in April 2020. Was this a case of China imposing a ‘new normal’ along the LAC?

The most recent official statements do not shed any light on these issues. One presumes that they will be addressed by the Special Representatives at their next meeting later this month. Dissonance in the MEA statements was highlighted by Ashok Kantha, former Ambassador to China, in a series of tweets on social media. He added: “The MEA statement that ‘all issues that emerged in 2020’ have been resolved is baffling to someone who was a border negotiator with China for nearly a decade.” This is a welcome intervention in the public domain by an astute China expert.

Hopefully, the statements from the MEA will be harmonised with the final military objective that was reiterated by Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, who noted (on October 23) that both armies need to restore trust and “go back to the status quo of April 2020”.

The MEA statement after the WMCC talks also noted: “Both sides reviewed the situation in border areas, and reflected on the lessons learnt from the events of 2020 in order to prevent their recurrence.”

The reference to ‘reflecting’ on lessons learnt warrants a zoom out for Delhi, which has been grappling with this unresolved border problem for well over 65 years. India was surprised by the October 1962 Chinese attack and the limited border war that ensued; and much the same pattern unspooled in June 2020 at Galwan.

India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was at the helm in October 1962. There were many defence policy blunders and omissions on his part. Yet, Nehru did not prevent the debacle from being discussed in Parliament. A few Opposition MPs, including a young Atal Bihari Vajpayee, sought a special session of Parliament. This was held on November 8 — when the war was still being prosecuted and India was on the defensive. And when it was suggested that this be a ‘secret session’, Nehru rejected the proposal, stating that the issues before the House were of “high interest to the whole country”.

On December 10, 1962, a full session was devoted to the Chinese invasion in the Lok Sabha; the comprehensive proceedings have been recorded in 145 pages.en

Yet, even Nehru was reluctant to let the Henderson Brooks report (which was tasked with reviewing the military lapses of the October 1962 war) from being placed in the public domain. This opacity continues to plague the post-Galwan period of the troubled India-China relationship.

Tensions between the two Asian giants have been festering for decades. Complex geopolitical factors and domestic political compulsions on both sides have further exacerbated the situation. Sunlight is often the best disinfectant, and ensuring transparency about what has transpired would be highly desirable. Democratic India would be better served by allowing this vital national security issue to be discussed both in Parliament and the media. A comprehensive White Paper on the India-China relationship that builds on the EAM’s detailed statement in Parliament would be a much-needed first step.