Newsletter 15 March

Sino-Indian Standoff: Further action Awaited

Recent images of Ngari Kunsha Airport show the construction progress of new aircraft shelters being developed since early 2020 (throughout the #IndiaChinaFaceOff ) as the #China PLAAF looks to enhance its capabilities from the dual use airbase, along the Indo-Sino border (link 1) as tweeted by the d-atis @detresfa_

Why "The Quad" matters

Above, President Biden and SecState Tony Blinken meet virtually Fri with the other leaders of “The Quad” — an alliance of Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. that aims at being a counterweight to China, which the administration calls “the biggest geopolitical test of the 21^st century.”-AXIOS

Why it matters: In the first two months, the Biden team held a foreign ministerial Quad and now the first head of state Quad. That seizes momentum from the Trump administration, which saw the Quad as the 21^st century’s most consequential diplomatic arrangement.

As per media sources, No Joint statement released from Quad countries, each one released their own press notes.

The day after, they lent their bylines to a joint op-ed in ‘The Washington Post’ portraying their partnership as a “spark of hope” by Quad leaders — US President Joe Biden India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga — with the headline, “Our four nations are committed to a free Indo-Pacific region.”

What Next:

- White House Press briefing, US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan said that the Quad leaders’ summit will be held in person, later this year focused on the challenges posed by China.
- India set for Quad-plus navy drill as US defense secretary begins Asia tour from Mar 19-21.
- India will deploy its frontline warships and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft from the Eastern Naval Command at Vizag for this Quad-plus-France
- Then, the bilateral “Varuna” naval exercise between India and France (nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle with its Rafale-M naval jets) will be expanded to include UAE in the northwest Arabian Sea near the Persian Gulf from Apr 25-27.

How China Reacted:

Global Times published op ed “India can’t take an inch of land from China”
China says ‘exclusive blocs’ should not ‘target third party’
Exchanges and cooperation between nations should contribute to mutual understanding and trust among nations, says FM Zhao Lijian
China said on Fri, in a statement coming hours before the first summit of the leaders of the Quad framework.
The same Global Times, published -Quad’s scope too limited to kill `Asian Century’

How Indian Media read it!

ANI-Will work with countries who share common goal for free Indo-Pacific: Quad

The Hindu: First Quad Summit | Quad leaders for ‘open, free’ Indo-Pacific

India Today: Quad summit went very well, says US President Joe Biden

The Print: Quad’s careful joint statement shows India has to accept double-laning of world with China

Times of India: Quad’s careful joint statement shows India has to accept double-laning of world with China

Phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka on Sat

The leaders reviewed topical developments and the ongoing cooperation between both countries in bilateral and multilateral forums. They agreed to maintain regular contact between relevant officials, including in the context of the continuing COVID-19 challenges-MEA

Background: New Delhi-Colombo relationship is not in good health because of latter’s decision to cancel an agreement with India and Japan for jointly developing the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo port.

The call took place in the middle of the ongoing UNHRC session, where another resolution on alleged war crimes and human rights violations in Sri Lanka will come up for vote later this month.

In complete contrast to India’s position, China, known for its proximity to the Rajapaksas “.

Unlike China, which has appreciated the Lanka’s “efforts to promote HR and economic and social development, and advance national reconciliation and fight against terrorism), India’s position has been fairly ambiguous, despite of Lankan authorities dialed India for support, India said last month at the UNHRC that delivering on the legitimate aspirations of the Tamil community was in the best interests of Sri Lanka

India though has said its “consistent position” rests on support for Sri Lanka’s unity and territorial integrity and also “abiding commitment” to aspirations of the Tamils for equality, justice, peace and dignity.

Jaishankar discusses bilateral cooperation with Syrian Foreign Minister ANI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed bilateral cooperation with his Syrian counterpart Dr Fayssal Mekdad.
India has taken steps to strengthen food security in Syria and had gifted 2000 MT of rice last month.
The two countries have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations. India has always stood in solidarity with the people of Syria and the bilateral engagement has continued apace even during the years of internal conflict there through a number of development and capacity building projects.

"Will Raise It When Required": Govt On Oxford Student Row

A BJP Rajya Sabha member raised the topic of Rashmi Samant, the Indian student who resigned as the president of the Oxford University’s student union last month after controversy over some of her past remarks and references which were branded as “racist” and “insensitive”.

India “can never ever turn our eyes away from racism”, and will raise such matters with Britain “when required” Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said in House.

What was post:

A holocaust reference on a post during a visit to the Berlin Holocaust Memorial in Germany in 2017 and an Instagram caption on a picture of herself in Malaysia that read “Ching Chang”, which upset Chinese students.
She was also criticized for a campaign post caption that separated women and trans women, with the Oxford LGBTQ+ campaign calling for her resignation.

What She says:

A 22-year-old, Rashmi, the first Indian woman to be elected as the President of Oxford University Students Union, who was “cornered” into stepping down from the post told that she was subjected to a “vicious attack from all fronts”.

She left for India amid the escalating row.

Army asks CBI to probe alleged malpractices in officers' selection

The Service Selection Centres (SSCs) carries out the Services Selection Board (SSB) tests. The SSC under the scanner for malpractices is located in the Kapurthala district of Punjab.

“Based on a proactive operation by Army intelligence agencies, a case of possible malpractice in selection procedures at a center has come to light. Since the scope of investigation involves multiple agencies including civil entities, the Indian Army has decided to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation,” ANI.

Background: the probe started after complaints were received against a junior officer for being involved in malpractices.

Later on, it emerged that many other insiders and civilians could be involved including some high ranking officials.

The initial probe by the military intel comes at a time when the force has been probing cases of malpractices in the recruitment of jawans at different centers and two serving officers have been allegedly found involved in the scam.

NIA raids 10 locations in Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala, arrests 5 suspects with links to Pakistan

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Mon conducted raids at several locations across Delhi, Kerala and Karnataka in a major crackdown on Islamic State (ISIS) modules, said sources.

Times of India, reported that the multiple agency sleuths are carrying out searches at seven locations in Delhi, Karnataka and Kerala.

In Delhi, the searches are being carried out in the Jafrabad area and two locations are being searched in Bengaluru.

The agency sleuths are also carrying out searches at four locations in Kerala’s Kochi and Kunoor, reported IANS.

The searches conducted pertained to a new case registered by the probe agency 48 hours ago.

A group of 6-7 individuals were being monitored by intelligence agencies over some time. This led to the case being filed.

India Today (IT) that 5 people have been apprehended in the ongoing raids by NIA.

IT added that Pakistan is directly targeting persuadable Muslim youth via social media, recruiting them, rousing them to plan local attacks, and training them online.

Jaish-e-Mohammed Commander Among 2 Terrorists Killed In J&K's Shopian Encounter

The police said that Afghani had been involved in the recruitment of youth into terrorism.

One AK-47 rifle with a UBL shell and one USA-made rifle’s M-4 carbine was recovered from the site of the encounter.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar Mon congratulated Shopian Police and security forces on killing Afghani.

The JnK Police on Sun identified the terrorist as Jahangir Ahmad Wani, a resident of Rakh Narapora of Shopian, who was affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Mumbai Police cop Sachin Waze, arrested in Ambani threat case, suspended for 2nd time

Waze is also part of an inquiry by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) into the death of businessman Mansukh Hiren, who owned the Mahindra Scorpio car that was found outside Ambani’s south Mumbai residence ‘Antilia’. Hiren was found dead in a creek in the Thane district on 5 March.

Big Picture: State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had announced Waze’s transfer in the Legislative Council after BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis, former CM and leader of the opposition in the assembly, raised the issue of Hiren’s suspicious death. He also alleged Waze’s involvement in the case, and sought his arrest.

The NIA arrested Waze late Sat after over 10 hours of questioning. Waze has been remanded in NIA custody till Mar 25.

HT- Vaze, confessed to being part of a group that placed 20 loose gelatin sticks placed at Antilia.

He has been booked under sections 120(B) for criminal conspiracy, 286 for negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance, 465 for forgery, 473 for making or possessing counterfeit seal, 506(2) for criminal intimidation and Section 4(a)(b)(I) of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

On Sat, a Delhi Police special team interrogated Tehseen Akhtar, the last known chief of the now dormant home grown terror outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), for 7 hours after 2 smart phones were recovered from his barrack in Tihar’s jail, one of which reportedly sent out a message that claimed responsibility for the explosives found in the SUV outside Ambani’s residence on Feb 25.

Why an Assistant Police Inspector is so important

Time magazine had once referred to as ‘Mumbai’s Dirty Harries’.

The Mumbai Police on Mon suspended Waze, (an ace sharpshooters, killed 63 persons in his career) for the 2^nd time in his career, (first in 2004) following his arrest by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the recovery of explosives from a car found outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s home on Feb 25^th.

He was brought back to the force in June last year after a review committee headed by Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh approved his (+17 suspended policemen) reinstatement, citing an acute staff crunch as several policemen had tested positive for Covid-19.

Waze was then appointed to the Crime Branch and has been involved in high-profile cases:

The investigation into alleged fudging of Television Rating Points by TV channels including the Arnab Goswami-led Republic TV.
Waze was also present at the spot at the time of Goswami’s arrest in connection with the death of interior designer Anvay Naik