Pick of the Week :

[ NATIONAL ]

Sino-Indian Faceoff in Tawang: Indian soldiers foil Chinese intrusion attempt in Arunachal Pradesh: Multiple Agencies

Indian soldiers repelled intrusion by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh 10 days back, it has come to light.

• The face-off took place when some 100 (some reported 200) Chinese troops crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) near Yangtse, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Chinese troops were detained by Indian soldiers briefly, as the India-China border was not formally demarcated.
• The Indian troops outnumbered the Chinese at the location and the face-off lasted for several hours. The troops disengaged after local commanders resolved the issue.

As per reports, No damage to Indian defenses in the area. Unverified sources claimed that 10 Chinese soldiers are injured.

• China and India have seen heightened tensions since last when on May 5, a violent clash took place between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
• The incident saw both nations ramping up military presence along the LAC with an increased number of troops and heavy military machinery.
• India deploys substantial troops in Tawang, which China claims to be part of south Tibet, to thwart any misadventure by the PLA.
• Chinese troops have intruded across the LAC in the sector to damage unoccupied bunkers and other infrastructure on the Indian side several times in the past.
• The new incident comes at a time when India and China are slated to hold the 13^th round of corps commander-level talks next week in yet another bid to defuse the 17-month-long military confrontation in eastern Ladakh.

Chief of Army Staff: Noting the situation has been “quite normal” at the friction points

India, China 13^th round corps commander talks to be held in next 3/4 days: Sources (ANI):

India and China would be holding their 13^th round of corps commander talks, aiming to resolving the ongoing standoff in eastern Ladakh and reaching an agreement on the last remaining friction point in the Hot Springs area which had emerged post-Apr-May 2020 aggression shown by Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

However, no substantial progress has appeared in the last 12 rounds of talk, except disengagement at Pangong Tso, where India had achieved dominating position.

Former PLA commander responsible for the border with India dies from gastrointestinal issues: Report

58-year-old Chinese military commander General Zhang Xudong who was responsible for the military’s Western Theatre Command which borders India, a report in the South China Morning Post has revealed.

• Chinese state media are yet to officially confirm the death. General Zhang was suffering from cancer and gastrointestinal issues added the report.
• The Western Theater Commands is one of 5 theater commands in China’s army following a major military reshuffle in 2016.
• It covers the areas of Xinjiang, Tibet, and the border with India in the Himalayas.
• The report highlights health risks faced by servicemen, such as Zhang and his successors, stationed at such “low-oxygen, low-temperature, high-altitude” terrains.

Xi Jinping shuffled military leadership 3 times in 9 months: Zhang was one of three leadership changes made in the Western Theatre Command’s leadership in the past nine months.

Health risks of persons stationed in tough terrains: A source told SCMP that Xu, like Zhang, was facing gastric issues.

Why is Tawang Important?

The lines of communication from Tawang stretched to Guwahati and the extended Siliguri corridor, which makes Tawang important from the military point of view. The 3 major passes there — Bomdilla, Nechiphu, and Se La (connecting Tawang to the rest of Arunachal Pradesh) — aid in the deployment of defenses by India.

At present, Indian troops are preparing to brace yet another harsh winter across the LAC, while China has been carrying out major infrastructure up-gradation on its side of the LAC, India too has developed rapid and mass-scale infrastructure in the region for thousands of the additional 50-60K troops inducted at the LAC — mostly in eastern Ladakh — since last year.

As trust deficit lingers, India and China prepare for another harsh winter deployment in Ladakh

India and China are looking to continue troop deployment in the forward areas of Ladakh for a second consecutive winter, despite both sides are expected to make forward movement in the Hot Springs area, the last unresolved face-off site, during the next corps commander-level talks, expected this month, ThePrint reported citing sources.

ThePrint – the continued deployment is a fallout of a “trust deficit” as tensions continue to fester for nearly 18 months.

• While the two sides have withdrawn from face-off sites on the northern and southern banks of Pangong Tso, besides those at Gogra and Galwan Valley, they continue to maintain extra troops as part of a multi-tier deployment, couldn’t be affected even after understanding at Pangong Tso.
• The winter in Ladakh is famously bitter, with temperatures in the forward areas dropping to -30°C during its peak, which is even at present is 0^oC.
• As in 2020, the Chinese, who traditionally return to their barracks after their patrols, have been forced to stay in forwarding areas during the winter. This, Indian officers say, is a development that the Chinese didn’t factor in.
• When China first sought to flex its muscles by violating the LAC, it didn’t predict such a long stand-off would ensue, they add.
• Army chief Gen M.M. Naravane told news agency ANI in an interview last week that the 13^th round of corps commander-level talks is likely to be held soon, possibly in the 2^nd week of Oct, after the 12^th round, which was held on 31 July.
• He also expressed concern over enhanced Chinese deployment “in considerable numbers across eastern Ladakh and up to Eastern Command. We are also carrying out matching developments.”

China feels the heat of winter: The current Western Theater Commander is 3^rd one since the Standoff began.

• The Chinese have built/continue to build dozens of large weather-proof structures along the LAC in eastern Ladakh for their troops to stay in during the winter.
• While withdrawal did happen from some of the friction points, the troops have not gone back to their traditional holding positions and continue to remain close to the LAC, the sources said.
• Other Chinese construction — new helipads, widening of airstrips, new barracks, new surface-to-air missile sites, and radar locations — has been continuing as well.
• China has carried out massive construction around the LAC amid the stand-off to boost its military capability in eastern Ladakh.
• PLA is increasing the military buildup and has deployed 2 Russian S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries along the LAC with India.
• India is also slated to begin getting deliveries of five S-400 squadrons by this year-end.

India’s counter-deployment

• On its part, India has completed its enhanced winter stockings for eastern Ladakh, sources said, adding that more infrastructure has been created over the last few months.
• India deployed additional troops, besides being maintained in the area,
• India has also inducted a full regiment of the 155 mm Vajra K9 self-propelled tracked howitzers — with a range of 40-50 km — and one regiment of the 155 mm ultra-lightweight howitzers procured from the US, ThePrint reported citing sources.
• While the Vajras were ordered for the desert and plains, three of them were brought to Ladakh earlier this year for trials.
• The Army was satisfied with the trials and is considering ordering at least two more regiments for the mountains.
• ThePrint reported citing sources two additional Brigades, including one from a re-balanced Strike Corps, have undertaken rotation.
• New elements have been brought in for the winter, while some existing troops have been pulled back to ensure optimal force deployment during the season.
• While 2020 saw an increased and rapid induction of troops in direct response to the Chinese aggression, as “mirror deployment”, this time all steps have been taken given the long-term posture needed.
• The Army has also utilized the last year for enhanced deployment of new surveillance equipment bought under emergency procurement, ThePrint reported citing sources.
• It is a mix of humans and technology that is being increasingly used for surveillance of the border areas and Chinese movement, the sources added.
• Ahead of the 2021 summer, the Army carried out a series of deployment changes and even rewrote the Order of Battle (ORBAT) to tackle the Chinese threat.

Small transgressions happen on the India-China border, we give an appropriate response: ITBP DG

Asked over some media reports regarding the transgression of over 100 Chinese troops in Indian territory on August 30^th, but news came in media ITBP DG Sanjay Arora said: “ITBP is a border guarding force. Our mandate is to maintain the integrity of the border. At the border, incidents of small transgression happen periodically and we keep giving them appropriate responses.” (For detail see last weekend’s newsletter.)

• The cycle rally started on Aug 27^th from an altitude of 4,500 m in Ladakh and crossed harsh climatic and terrain conditions, before reaching Manali via Atal Tunnel.
• The rally crossed some of the very high motorable passes such as Marsimik-La (5,582m), Changla (5,319m), Tanglang-La (5,328m), Baralacha-La (4,892m), Lachung-La (5,059m).

Eye on China, India looks to step up engagement with Indian Ocean-(ET)

In a first, India has just held a special training course for 6 Indian Ocean Region countries, of 35 diplomats, 4 of them from the strategically important western Indian Ocean where India has been playing catch-up with China.

The course entailed modules on foreign policy, contemporary maritime issues, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, international framework under UNCLOS, multilateral and economic diplomacy, diplomatic protocol, health diplomacy, and climate change challenges.

Comoros, and Madagascar is largest in the western Indian Ocean, a region (IOR), where bureaucratic red-tapism has threatened to undermine the Indian outreach, sent 12 and 10 diplomats respectively for the program, which is significant to India.

• Govt says the course will further promote mutual understanding and cooperation between IOR countries and help build awareness about this region as one based on “peace, progress, and prosperity” for all.
• While, China has already consolidated its naval presence in the region with the appointment of a defense attache in Madagascar earlier this year, but even after approval though India had approved the proposals, yet to be executed:

• A military attache in Madagascar
• An English teacher.
• A liaison officer at the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar

Beijing, on the other hand, launched a Chinese language course in the Madagascar defense ministry last month to facilitate a more efficient “exchange of ideas and experiences”’ between the 2 militaries.

• According to Global Times, the Madagascar defense minister, Richard Rakotonirina, addressed the conference in Chinese, saying the course will help the 2 sides understand each other and deepen ties.
• Even before the launch of this new course, Beijing had been training Madagascar officials in China in French, one of the 2 official languages on the island.
• For India, it’s important to have a defense attache to be able to build upon Madagascar’s stated desire to deepen defense ties with the country located in a region of increasing strategic importance.
• In an interview with TOI, during his visit to India earlier this year, Rakotonirina had said Madagascar wanted to gain from India through joint military exercises and capacity-building programs.

India and Madagascar already have an MoU for defense cooperation and, as Rakotonirina had said, the latter wants a Malagasy-Indian joint commission for cooperation in the maritime sector through the transfer of Indian expertise to Magalasy National Navy.

Sino-Indian Standoff: Chinese Air Force still deployed at three airbases facing Ladakh: Air Chief

Amid tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), IAF’s Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari said the Chinese Air Force has still deployed three airbases facing eastern Ladakh. India and China were involved in a standoff along the LAC last year as clashes between PLA soldiers and Indian troops in Galwan Valley led to casualties on both sides.

• Chaudhari said China had built aircraft shelters in Tibet while asserting that the Indian Air Force was capable of tackling the “two-front threat” namely with China and Pakistan.
• India’s air chief marshal said although disengagement talks are underway with China the PLA’s infrastructure development along the LAC is carrying on “at a very high rate”.
• India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat had said earlier that the disengagement process with China was slow due to “suspicion on both sides”.
• Chinese troops had recently conducted high altitude exercises in Tibet conducting night and day operations with the latest equipment.
• PLA had also conducted operation “Snowfield Duty-2021” military exercise in the Tibet plateau region involved live ammunition drills and used anti-aircraft batteries including Type 15 light tanks.
• Reports had said earlier that China had deployed modular container-based accommodations in the high altitude regions in eastern Ladakh.
• Chinese state media had earlier reported that authorities were building 30 airports in Tibet and Xinjiang provinces.
• China has already started a bullet train connecting Lhasa with Nyingchi which is close to Arunachal Pradesh.

On Defense Front: The New Air Chief took Charge, while the Army Chief was in Leh

Prepared to deal with any two-front threat involving Pakistan, China: IAF chief

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari on Wed stated that the Indian Air Force was prepared to deal with any 2-front threat scenario involving China and Pakistan while asserting that China’s enhanced infrastructure won’t affect India’s combat readiness.

Responding to China’s presence near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chaudhari said India is fully prepared to deal with any situation, adding that the partnership between China and Pakistan need not be feared and “the only worry is western technology passing from Pakistan to China.”

• The newly-appointed chief was speaking at a press conference ahead of the 89^th anniversary of the Indian Air Force set to be held on Fri, Oct 8^th.
• Chaudhari emphasized that the IAF is committed to the theaterization program and keen on the integration of the tri-forces while adding that it will result in a maximum increase in our net combat capability.
• He added that the strengths of each force should be taken into account and deliberations on the subject are underway.

Chaudhari said that IAF’s offensive strike capability has become more potent with the integration of new weapons and the induction of Rafale and Apache jets.

• He also spoke about IAF’s steps towards protecting India’s infrastructure from cyber attacks.
• Regarding India’s drone capabilities, Chaudhari stated that the air force will give contracts to startups to develop swarm drones based on competition.
• They will also allow startups to design counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), as part of IAF’s effort to develop indigenous anti-drone capability.
• He said “we have 4 squadrons of the MiG-21s and the drawdown will happen in the next 3-4 years and we are on the verge of getting 6 Light Utility Helicopters from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)”
• Concerning airfields in Pakistan and PoK, we don’t need to be much alarmed as they are small strips capable of taking on a few helicopters while one towards the Afghan border is probably for rescuing from Afghanistan.
• IAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance (ISTAR) program (based on jet aircraft) is being progressed through the DTTI initiative with the US.

India’s 5^th Gen AMCA jet to be public-Private Program

• India’s 5^th-generation fighter program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft will be a corporate public-private program, a massive break from the traditional ‘govt only shape of all military aviation projects thus far.
• Livefist can confirm that India’s HAL and the Aeronautical Development Agency are in the process of laying the contours for a joint venture company to execute the AMCA program.
• The joint venture company will be a 3-way partnership between HAL, DRDO, and an Indian private sector firm.

Over Rs 1.25 lakh crore 114 multirole fighter aircraft project to be under Make in India: IAF chief Chaudhari

• Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tue said the mega project to induct 114 multirole fighter aircraft programs would be carried out under the Make in India project.
• He said the 114 aircraft would be key for the IAF to tackle the fall in the number of fighter aircraft squadrons as they would be used to replace the fleet of Mirages, MiG-29s, and the Jaguars soon.
• “114 MRFA project would be under the Make in India program.. what route will be taken for it would be for the defense acquisition council to decide,” he said in the press conference on Tue.
• Responding to a question on whether the Air Force was going to place orders for 36 more Rafale fighter aircraft, he said Rafale would be one of the contenders for the 114 aircraft tender and the service was very happy with its performance.
• He further said the IAF would meet its requirements for fifth-generation fighters through the DRDO developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft project.
• Chaudhari said the force would also want to include fifth and 6^th-generation technologies into the 114 multirole fighter aircraft program.

When asked about the ISTAR project, the air chief said the aircraft would be developed with the United States of America under the technology cooperation between the two sides.

Indian Air Force to take part in exercises in Israel, Egypt

• The Indian Air force (IAF) will be participating in exercises with Israel and Egypt later this month. This comes as increased engagement has been seen between Indian defense forces and West Asian counterparts.
• The new Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari at the annual presser said, ” Air Force is scheduled to participate in Ex-Blue Flag in Israel and Hop Ex in Egypt later this month.”
• When it comes to exercise in Israel, it is not for the first time India is participating but the biennial Ex-Blue Flag saw India’s participation, first in Nov 2017 when the exercise took place at the Uvda Air Force base in Israel.
• Indian Air Force participated with C-130J special operations aircraft along with Garud commandos while the Egyptian exercises will see the participation of fighter jets.
• In Aug, the then Air Chief RKS Bhadauria visited Israel and held talks with his counterpart Major General Amikam Norkin, Commander, Israeli Air Force. He also took part in a sortie in an F15.
• During the visit, he paid homage at the Cemetery for Indian soldiers in Talpioth, Jerusalem.
• Indian Air Force has participated in numerous international exercises in the last year. In Jan this year, IAF hosted the French Air Force during Exercise Desert Knight and has carried out op engagements with US Carrier Strike Groups in March and June.
• The air force participated for the first time in Exercise Desert Flag-6 in UAE in Mar 2021, which saw the participation of air forces of the US, France, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Bahrain, and UAE (as host).

India, Japan conduct a 3-day maritime exercise in the Arabian Sea

India and Japan held its fifth edition of JIMEX (India-Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise), which was conducted in the Arabian Sea from October 6 to 8 with a focus on maritime security cooperation.

India – Japan Maritime Bilateral Exercise (JIMEX) series of exercises commenced in Jan 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation and last one in Sept 2020.

• India: Indigenously built Guided Missile Stealth Destroyer Kochi and Guided Missile Frigate Teg, under the command of Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar will represent the Indian Navy in the three-day exercise.
• The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be represented by JMSDF ships Kaga, an Izumo Class Helicopter Carrier, and Murasame, a Guided Missile Destroyer, led by Commander Escort Flotilla – 3 Rear Admiral IkeuchiIzuru.
• In addition to ships, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, integral helicopters, and MiG 29K fighter aircraft will also participate in the exercise.

JIMEX-21 aims to develop a common understanding of operational procedures and enhance inter-operability through the conduct of a multitude of advanced exercises, across the entire spectrum of maritime operations.

Naval cooperation between India and Japan has increased in scope and complexity over years.

The complex maritime exercises undertaken will enable the two navies to further strengthen their already wide-ranging strategic partnership and, when required, to jointly safeguard their maritime interests and ensure peace, security, and stability in the region.

Eye on China, India looks to step up engagement with Indian Ocean-(ET)

In a first, India has just held a special training course for 6 Indian Ocean Region countries, of 35 diplomates, 4 of them from the strategically important western Indian Ocean where India has been playing catch-up with China.

The course entailed modules on foreign policy, contemporary maritime issues, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, international framework under UNCLOS, multilateral and economic diplomacy, diplomatic protocol, health diplomacy, and climate change challenges.

Comoros, and Madagascar is largest in the western Indian Ocean, a region (IOR), where bureaucratic red-tapism has threatened to undermine the Indian outreach, sent 12 and 10 diplomats respectively for the program, which is significant to India.

• Govt says the course will further promote mutual understanding and cooperation between IOR countries and help build awareness about this region as one based on “peace, progress, and prosperity” for all.
• While, China has already consolidated its naval presence in the region with the appointment of a defense attache in Madagascar earlier this year, but even after approval though India had approved the proposals, yet to be executed:

• A military attache in Madagascar
• An English teacher.
• A liaison officer at the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar

Beijing, on the other hand, launched a Chinese language course in the Madagascar defense ministry last month to facilitate a more efficient “exchange of ideas and experiences”’ between the 2 militaries.

• According to Global Times, the Madagascar defense minister, Richard Rakotonirina, addressed the conference in Chinese, saying the course will help the 2 sides understand each other and deepen ties.
• Even before the launch of this new course, Beijing had been training Madagascar officials in China in French, one of the 2 official languages on the island.
• For India, it’s important to have a defense attache to be able to build upon Madagascar’s stated desire to deepen defense ties with the country located in a region of increasing strategic importance.
• In an interview with TOI, during his visit to India earlier this year, Rakotonirina had said Madagascar wanted to gain from India through joint military exercises and capacity-building programs.

India and Madagascar already have an MoU for defense cooperation and, as Rakotonirina had said, the latter wants a Malagasy-Indian joint commission for cooperation in the maritime sector through the transfer of Indian expertise to Magalasy National Navy.

Sherman’s visit to New Delhi Concluded: India raised concerns over Haqqanis, ISI in Afghanistan

India Wed raised concerns over the increasing role of the Haqqani Network in Afghanistan along with the active role being played by Pakistan there, apparent widely due to the presence of ISI chief Lt Gen. Faiz Hameed in Afghanistan, during US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman’s visit to New Delhi.

• Sherman is on a two-day visit to India, and met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
• She will be addressing business leaders in Mumbai Thursday, after which she will depart for Pakistan.

ThePrint: India has “clearly told them” (US officials) its concerns regarding Afghanistan, which might soon turn into a hotbed of terror networks once again, and the influential role being played there by the Haqqani Network, in collusion with the ISI.

US-India ‘one mind, one approach’ on Afghan-related issues: Sherman said, when it comes to issues concerning Afghanistan

• The US, meanwhile, said it understands India’s concerns on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan if the Taliban dispensation does not adhere to its commitment and establish an inclusive government.

“The US appreciates India’s concerns about the potential of terrorism to spill over to India and South Asia,” Sherman told a select group of journalists in New Delhi.

• She said both sides will soon convene a meeting of the Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism Measures on 26-28 Oct, as well as a dialogue on homeland security, both of which will be aimed at “cooperation on prevention of terrorism”.
• She added that India and the US, along with other “like-minded countries”, are holding weekly conversations on the evacuation of citizens from Afghanistan and how to negotiate with the Taliban on this issue.
• About the Taliban, she said “The Taliban must create an inclusive govt, ensure that Afghanistan will not be a haven for terrorists, they subscribe to human rights, and that this is a functioning govt, which must act and not just speak. Also adding that “it seems their minds change daily”.
• She further said neither India nor the US is in a rush to give the Taliban regime “recognition, let alone giving legitimacy”.
• Adding that she will soon be in Islamabad, Sherman underlined that “unimpeded access (in Afghanistan) is critical”.
• “The Deputy Secretary and Foreign Secretary also reviewed pressing regional and global security issues, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and the People’s Republic of China,” said US State Department.

S-400 ‘dangerous’ for security interests

ThePrint-India and the US also discussed the issue of purchasing the S-400 missile system from Russia.

• “We have been quite public about any country that decides to use the S-400,” Sherman said, on being asked whether or not the Joe Biden administration is planning a presidential waiver under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
• Sherman said both sides enjoy a “strong partnership”, and hence, the US will be “thoughtful about the ways ahead”, and more discussions will be held on this.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to visit the US this month.
• Under the previous Donald Trump administration, the US had imposed sanctions on Turkey and China for buying the S-400 air defense missiles but was silent on India, when New Delhi pressed it.
• India signed a $5 billion defense deal with Russia in Oct 2018 to purchase the system, despite the CAATSA law being enacted a year before. India is expecting the deliveries to be completed by 2025.

US Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman tells India that together we can overcome any challenges, also exchanged notes on China: Sherman in her interaction with Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla said that both India and America can overcome any challenge and stressed extraordinary comfort and ease between the two nations.

US-India to compete with China as it threatens rules-based international order, US Dy Secy Sherman

“We will compete with China where we should, cooperate with China where it’s in our interests. We will challenge China where we must — where it undermines interests of ours and our partners and allies or threatens rules-based international order,” Sherman said as China has been increasing its rising military power and assertiveness in the Indo Pacific region.

“And we both know that the best way to preserve peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world is by upholding and strengthing the rules-based international order,” she added.

India-US 2+2 dialogue likely to take place in Nov: The 2+2 dialogue between India and the United States is expected to take place in Nov and the two countries will hold a meeting of the Defence Policy Group (DPG) soon, sources said. (ANI)

• They said that India and the US will have a series of engagements and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will be visiting the United States.

A counter-terrorism and designation dialogue between the two countries will be held soon, the sources added.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrives in Delhi, to discuss bilateral, regional issues

US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman on Tue arrived in New Delhi to review India-US bilateral agenda and discuss regional and global issues,” tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.

During her visit from Oct 5-7, She will hold talks with External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval will be a useful opportunity to continue the regular dialogue and further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, added the release.

• As per the Ministry of External Affairs release, she will meet Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Oct 6^th to review the India-US bilateral agenda and outcomes of PM Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US.
• The situation in Afghanistan and India-US cooperation to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific are expected to top the agenda for meetings.
• The Indian side is also expected to raise its security-relations concerns on Afghanistan, including the risk of Afghan soil being used for terror attacks, during the visit.
• In Mumbai, Sherman will engage with business and civil society partners after attending the civil society events, and the India Ideas Summit in Delhi organized by the US India Business Council (USIBC), the MEA informed in a release.
• Sherman’s visit comes ahead of India and the US’ first 2+2 summit under the Biden administration scheduled for Nov 2021.

Sherman meets Uzbekistan FM, to visit Islamabad next

• Before arriving in Delhi, Sherman visited Switzerland and Uzbekistan where she met with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov and an interagency delegation in Tashkent.
• Sherman Kamilov and the Uzbek people on Uzbekistan’s for Uzbekistan’s constructive engagement in Afghanistan.
• According to Pakistan’s The Nation newspaper, Sherman’s visit from Oct 7 in Islamabad will be one of the first high-level official visits since Joe Biden assumed Presidency, after CIA chief Bill Burns’ official visit on Sept 9.
• Sherman’s visit comes on the sidelines of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mahmood Shah Qureshi during the 76^th UNGA.

The strategic stability dialogue was the outcome of a commitment made by US President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Geneva in June to have a robust dialogue to lay the groundwork for future arms control and risk reduction measures.

The UK finally recognized Covishield

The UK to lift quarantine rules for Indians fully vaccinated with Covishield from Oct 11

Ending a diplomatic row over vaccine certification, the UK on Thu added India to its vaccine-eligible countries list for Covishield, which would mean fully vaccinated Indians will no longer be required to quarantine on arrival in Britain from Oct 11.

Eligible travelers vaccinated in over 37 new countries, including India and Pakistan, will be treated the same as returning fully vaccinated UK residents, so long as they have not visited a red list country or territory in the 10 days before arriving in England, the Department for Transport said.

• The decision was taken after close technical cooperation between our ministries taking public health factors into account, British High Commission in New Delhi said.
• The extension of vaccine certification is a further step to enable people to travel more freely again, safely and sustainably, while protecting public health, it is added.
• From Oct 11, Indian travelers who have received both doses of Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine at least 14 days before arrival in the UK can travel without having to quarantine; will not be required to take a pre-departure test nor take a day 8 test following their arrival.
• The updated travel guidance for India states that the county will be added to the list of countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination 4 am Mon 11 Oct.
• UK government sources said efficacy data and information on vaccine rollout internationally is kept under review, implying talks around the wider recognition of other India-made vaccines remains ongoing.

The announcement follows a diplomatic row after the UK had included Covishield in its approved vaccine formulations but refused to recognize Indians vaccinated with it as eligible for travel without quarantine measures. India had imposed reciprocal measures, requiring vaccinated British travelers to also quarantine at a declared destination on entry into India.

• Restoring people’s confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and leveling up this country, said UK Transport, Secretary Grant Shapps.
• The updated rules also allow for cheaper lateral flow tests as opposed to PCR tests.

Indian minister of external Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar tweeted on Fri, “Good to talk to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (@trussliz). Agreed to facilitate travel between our two countries. This will help to implement the “Roadmap 2030”.

The UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss

To challenge the influence of authoritarian states, the UK wants to get into agreements, covering trade and security with India and other democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific region, said Britain’s new Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Sun.

• Until her recent promotion within UK Cabinet, Truss as international trade secretary was in-charge of talks with India on a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• The foreign secretary said that she is keen to strike more deals in line with AUKUS, the trilateral security alliance between Australia, the UK, and the US, which is widely seen as a counter-balance to China.
• In her first major interview since taking over the new role, Truss told The Sunday Times, “We want to work with our friends and allies to create more economic agreements and security agreements.”
• “Some countries we will be able to enter deeper security arrangements with than others. One thing I know from being Trade Secretary for two years is that the UK is hugely trusted.” the leader added.
• In addition to AUKUS, Britain is planning to sign strategic deals with India, Canada, and Japan, Truss said.

Consider India a close partner: Denmark PM Frederiksen Arrived New Delhi

PM Mette Frederiksen, who is on a 3-day visit to India, has been received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sat at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi ahead of a bilateral summit between the two leaders.

“… I see this visit as a milestone for Denmark-India bilateral relations,” Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The meeting comes after India and Denmark held a virtual summit where the leaders will be looking at enhancing the unique platform between a developing and a developed nation that has been created and has become a template for many countries to follow.

• The two leaders held bilateral talks followed by a joint statement on Sat.
• PM Frederiksen’s bilateral meeting with PM is expected to encapsulate wide-ranging issues, with a particular focus on climate change and green initiatives.
• The two sides are going to focus on four tracks — climate, energy, water, and green financing.

An official privy to the preparations said, “PM Modi had said once that India has the scale, Denmark has the skills. We are looking to collaborate on the two fronts. We also believe that India has the skills that it will bring not only to us but to the world.”

Also on the agenda is a discussion on the movement of the ‘Free Trade Agreement’ between the two sides. Denmark is a strong defender of free trade and the economy is an important driver to fight climate change, said an official.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will call on PM Mette Frederiksen in the morning ahead of the summit-level meeting. She will also interact with think tanks and journalists on Sun-Mon.

PM Modi to visit Italy for 16^th G20 later this month

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Italy later this month for the annual G20 summit in which the G20 Heads of State will be participated, held in Rome on Oct 30 and 31.

• This will be 3^rd foreign visit of PM Modi amid the Covid pandemic.
• While it is unlikely that PM Modi would visit any other country during his Italy visit no call has yet been made by New Delhi.
• The summit will see many bilaterals on the sidelines.
• The 2019 Osaka summit in Japan saw bilateral between PM Modi and the then US President Donald Trump.
• G20 has been an occasion for the JAI (Japan, America, India) and RIC (Russia, India, and China) leaders’ meets.
• The BRICS leaders have also been meeting on the sidelines of the grouping’s annual meet.

Meanwhile, reports have suggested both the Chinese President Xi Jinping and new Japanese PM Fumio Kishida may not attend the G20 summit this year.

While no reason is coming forth for Xi, Japan’s Kishida will not attend the summit due to the parliamentary election in Japan, which is due to be held on Oct 31 and thus the meeting of JAI or RIC will not take place.

• India will be hosting the G20 in 2023 for the first time. Preparations are underway in New Delhi with the construction of state-of-the-art venues.
• G20 was formed during the 2008 global economic crisis, with the first summit taking place in Nov 2008.
• Since then, the group has taken a political role as well, discussing pressing global issues.
• Italy as the host will hold a virtual G20 meet in Afghanistan on 12^th Oct.

The grouping has 20 of the biggest economies. The countries account for a major portion of the global economy. This includes 80% of the trade. 2/3^rd of the world population lives in G20 countries and these countries make up for about half of the world’s land area.

Stalled Indian projects, Tamil cause take center-stage on Shringla’s Sri Lanka trip

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, who is on a 4-day visit to the island nation, Mon met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, to smooth out bilateral ties that have hit rough weather due to China’s growing influence in the region. Shringla also met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa onTue.

With a focus on the Indo-Pacific strategic construct and the Quad, India is concerned that the Rajapaksa regime’s increasing tilt towards China may prove to be counterproductive for New Delhi.

• The main reason for Shringla’s visit is to assess the primary reasons behind stalling of certain key projects being executed by India, while those being overseen by China run smoothly, ThePrint reported citing sources.
• ThePrint -while New Delhi understands the Rajapaksa administration’s “predictable” tilt towards Beijing, it wants Sri Lanka not to “favor China at the cost of their relationship with India.”
• When the Rajapaksa brothers came to power after the Easter Bombings, it seemed there would be a resetting of ties between India and Sri Lanka in the face of rising Chinese debt, which got aggravated post the Hambantota Port takeover by Beijing.
• On Sun Shringla visited the lower tank farms to push forward the project.

Scrapped East Container Terminal (ECT) ‘hurts’ Sri Lanka’s credibility: Last month, the Adani Group signed a $700 mn deal with the state-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to develop and run the strategic Colombo Port’s West International Container Terminal.

• The Adani Group will have a 51% stake and the agreement to build, operate and transfer will be valid for 35 years, which shows that India will have “some presence” instead of no presence at such a strategic location- ThePrint
• The Colombo West International Container Terminal of the Port of Colombo will be coming up just next to China’s jetty at the port.
• However, to get this deal done, Sri Lanka scrapped the $500 million tripartite project- agovt-to-govt dealsigned by Colombo with India and Japan –to develop the ECT, which will be once again pushed in the visit.

Expansion of Colombo Security Conclave: Apart from asserting the importance India gives to its neighborhood policy concerning Sri Lanka, Shringla will also discuss with the Sri Lankan govt, the issue of expanding the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC).

• This will be a follow-up to what was discussed at the last meeting of the CSC which took place virtually between the Deputy National Security Advisors (DNSAs) of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
• At this meeting, it was decided that the CSC (earlier known as the trilateral NSA meeting on maritime security) will induct Bangladesh, Seychelles, and Mauritius as full-fledged members from being observers currently.

The CSC is expected to meet later this year again in the Maldives, (ThePrint reported citing sources).

The CSC was revived by NSA Ajit Doval in Nov 2020, which met for the first time since 2014. Owing to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean region, India is now planning to include more members in this dialogue to address the rising competition and also to firm up a robust intelligence and security network against the growing challenges of arms and drug trafficking in this region.

Besides, the Shringla also took up the Tamil cause with the Sri Lankan prime minister and discussed the need for urgent implementation of the 13^th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution.

• The 13^th Amendment became part of the local statute as a direct result of the Indian intervention in 1987, under the India-Sri Lanka Accord.
• It proposes the establishment of a provincial council system and devolution of power to the nine provinces in Sri Lanka. Successive governments in Sri Lanka, however, have not implemented it.
• Shringla Mon also met representatives from local Tamil political parties, such as Tamil National Alliance (TNA), Tamil Progressive Alliance, and Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC).

During the meeting, the foreign secretary stressed “India’s commitment to protecting the rights of Tamils through full implementation of the 13^th amendment, early convening of Provincial Council elections, achieving reconciliation and establishing connectivity to India”.

Post-pandemic economic recovery

• At his meeting with Fin Min, Shringla discussed India and Sri Lanka’s economic and commercial ties, and “post-pandemic economic recovery by taking forward joint projects of mutual benefit”.
• In Sept 2020, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a virtual summit with Prime Minister Rajapaksa, the latter had sought to defer the debt the island nation owes to India.
• India has already provided a $400 million currency swap facility to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka to assist the country with its economic recovery and to tackle Covid-19- related disruptions.

Projects unveiled by Shringla

On Mon, the Shringla inaugurated 4 projects in Colombo in the housing and education sectors.

• This included handing over 1,235 houses to beneficiaries under the Indian Housing Project (IHP) Phase III.
• Under this project, India is constructing 50,000 houses for Rs 1,372 crore across various districts in Sri Lanka.
• Another housing project was inaugurated at the Vavuniya district, in which India is assisting Sri Lanka to construct 600 houses in 25 districts.
• Shringla unveiled two colleges in the Kandy district and Vadamarachchi, Northern Province.
• Vada Central Ladies College in Vadamarachchi is one of 27 schools taken up for renovation and was handed over during this visit.

India, Nepal review the progress of key cross-border railway projects

India and Nepal reviewed the implementation of ongoing cross-border railway links along with the overall bilateral cooperation in the railway sector, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thu. The two countries held the 5^th Joint Working Group (JWG) and the 7^th Project Steering Committee (PSC) meetings from Oct 6-7.

On the Indian side, JWG was led by Dr. Manoj Singh, Executive Director (Traffic Transportation-Freight), Ministry of Railways, and the PSC by Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary, DPA-III MEA, while the Nepalese side was led by Keshab Kumar Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, for both meetings.

• The two sides signed the SOPs to start train services on the Jaynagar-Kurtha section and the MoU for Final Location Survey (FLS) of the proposed broad gauge railway line from Raxaul to Kathmandu, the MEA said.

• The SOPs will serve as a guiding document for the early start of rail services in the upcoming cross-border railway links with Nepal.
• The proposed Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line will extra boost connectivity between the two.
• The technical preparedness of the completed 34-km-long section of the railway line, from Jaynagar (India) to Kurtha (Nepal) for the operationalization of passenger train services was also reviewed.
• The Nepalese side also informed that a necessary regulatory framework will be put in place to facilitate early operationalization, the MEA said.
• For Kurtha to Bilajpura (17.25 km) section of the railway line, the Nepalese side assured to provide necessary facilitation for completion of the work at the earliest, it said.
• Both sides also agreed to expedite the work on completion of the 18.6-km long Jogbani-Biratnagar rail link, and its early operationalization, the statement said.
• The progress on Raxaul-Kathmandu Broad Gauge Railway Link and Phase-II railway link projects were also discussed at the meetings.

School Principal, Teacher Shot Dead by Militants in Srinagar, Two Days After 3 Civilians Were Killed

In this week only 5 civilians and 2 militants were killed in firings at various places in Kashmir.

• Officials said the gunmen fired upon the duo, identified as Satinder Kaur and Deepak Chand, both residents of Alochibagh.
• Just 2 days after 3 civilians were shot dead in Srinagar and Bandipora, unidentified militants killed the principal and teacher of a school in Safa Kadal area of Srinagar.
• Officials said the gunmen fired upon the duo, after their identification in a targeted way, who are principal Satinder Kaur from Alochibagh and Deepak Chand from Jammu, leaving them critically injured.

Reacting to the killings, Dilbagh Singh, JK DGP, said: “…this is an attempt to spread terror and to divide the Kashmiri community. We are sure of unmasking these terrorists…. This is being done at the behest of Pakistani handlers from across the border.”

• In a bloody Tue, a noted pharmacist was among three people killed by militants before his shop in Srinagar.
• Within an hour of the shooting, suspected militants also shot dead a poor Bihar’s seller in the city’s Lalbazar area.
• Militants also shot dead Mohammad Shafi Lone at Naidkhai in the Bandipora district of north Kashmir. Last Sat, two civilians were killed in a similar incident in Srinagar within a km.

Terror group The Resistance Front (TRF), which claimed responsibility for the killing of Bindroo, had said on Wed that it would carry out more such attacks against those involved in the “anti-Kashmir” cause.

[ NEIGHBOURHOOD ]

In Neighbourhood: Taiwan was in the center of media, Sermman visit to Pakistan while the later pitch for Taliban, ‘Pandora Papers’: created some chaos in Pak,a reshuffle in ISI, Attack in Taliban mosque, US-China president ‘virtual’ talk to be held in Nov, Malaysia noted South China Sea ‘encroachment’, the UK to Talk with Taliban, Taliban remove Uyghur militants along China’s border

US troops secretly training Taiwanese since last year: Report

US special operations forces and marines have been secretly training Taiwanese troops for more than one year, risking the ire of China, the WSJ reported, citing an anonymous source on Thu, while Taiwan’s Defense Ministry declined to comment.

• The WSJ said about two dozen US service members have trained Taiwanese ground and maritime forces “for at least a year,” amid China’s rising verbal threats against the island ally of the United States.
• ‘Over 15 sailors injured’, as per unverified reports.
• The Pentagon did not confirm or deny it, instead, it said:

“Our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by China, we urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences.”

The report seemed to confirm Taiwan media articles last Nov – which cited Taiwan’s Naval Command — that US troops had arrived there to train Taiwan marines and special forces in small-boat and amphibious operations, which was also denied by the US and Taiwanese officials, rather they emphasized the two sides are involved in bilateral military exchanges and cooperation.

• The US supplies weapons to Taiwan, including missiles for defense and fighter jets, amid Beijing’s threat to forcibly retake control of the island and reintegrate it with China.
• The US also maintains an ambiguous commitment to defend Taiwan, which Beijing considers a renegade province.
• A video released last year and featured in Taiwan media showed US troops taking part in an exercise on the island dubbed “Balance Tamper.”
• Chinese forces have stepped up their activities toward Taiwan in the past year, conducting sea assault exercises and flying large sorties of bombers and fighters close to Taiwan airspace.

Chinese FM on Fri said that the Chinese mainland will take all necessary measures to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity, following US media reports that there were two dozen US troops deployed on the island of Taiwan, helping train local troops in secret.

Taiwan seeks international support after Chinese incursions (REUTERS)

Taiwan will ensure regional peace and stability and seeks to work with other like-minded democracies, President Tsai Ing-wen told senior French and Australian dignitaries on Thu (Oct 7), days after a dramatic spike in tensions with China. 

The trips by 4 French senators and former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott come after four straight days, beginning last Fri, of massed Chinese air force missions into Taiwan’s air defense zone, moves met with concern by Washington and its allies. 

• Taiwan has sought support from other democracies, especially the US and its allies, amid the growing military and political pressure from China, which regards the island as a renegade province to be reunified, by force, if necessary
• Speaking at the presidential office to the French senators, led by former defense minister Alain Richard, Ms Tsai thanked France for its concern about the situation in the Taiwan Strait and support for its international participation.
• Richard discussed the “essential contribution of Taiwan in the important field of human progress” but did not mention the rising military tensions with China in remarks carried live on the presidential office’s Fb page. 
• Ms. Tsai gave a similar message in later remarks to Abbott, who told her he was in Taiwan to help end its international isolation, praising its democracy and handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The French senators arrived in Taiwan on Wed, despite the strong objections of China which are always angered by visits of foreign officials.
• Richard, who has visited Taiwan twice before, (2015 & 2018) head of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group, was the country’s defense minister from 1997 to 2002 under President Jacques Chirac.
• Tsai said Taiwan was “very moved” Richard decided to come, despite what she described as “pressure” – a reference to China. 
• In Mar, the Chinese embassy in Paris warned against lawmakers meeting Taiwanese officials, prompting a rebuff from the French foreign ministry, which said French senators are free to meet whomever they wish when they travel. 
• Tsai did not directly mention the recent Chinese air force activities in public comments at her meetings with the senators or Abbott. 
• Neither France nor Australia has formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, like most countries.
• Separately, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it would pay close attention to a planned summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the United States being Taiwan’s most important backer. 

Taiwan says U.S. commitment is ‘rock solid’ after Biden remark on China’s Xi

The Foreign Ministry said it had sought clarification from the US about Biden’s comments and was reassured the commitment to Taiwan was “rock solid” and that Washington will continue to help Taiwan maintain its defenses.

“Facing the Chinese military, diplomatic and economic threats, Taiwan and the US have always maintained close and smooth communication channels,” it said in on Tue evening, when Biden appeared to refer to a 90-minute call he held with Xi on Sept. 9 and the long-standing policy under which Washington officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, as well as Taiwan Relations Act.

• “I’ve spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agree … we’ll abide by the Taiwan agreement,” Biden told reporters. “We made it clear that I don’t think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement.”
• In Paris, U.S. Secy of State Antony Blinken reiterated on Wed that the U.S. commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and they are concerned about what they described as China’s provocative military activity in the region.

China claims Taiwan as its territory, which should be taken by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country and will defend its freedoms and democracy.

• Beijing has dramatically ramped up military flights into Taiwan’s air defense zone over the past year.
• Taiwan has reported 148 Chinese air force planes in the southern and southwestern part of its air defense zone over four days beginning on Fri, (China marked a key patriotic holiday, National Day).
• The Taiwan Relations Act makes clear that the U.S. decision to switch official diplomatic recognition to Beijing from Taiwan in 1979 rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means.
• While the act binds the US to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, Washington acknowledges China’s stance that the island belongs to it and that there is “one China,” and takes no position on Taiwan’s sovereignty.
• Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, and China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi began talks in Switzerland on Wed, in a bid to improve communication despite a deepening strategic rivalry and tensions over hotspots including Taiwan.
• U.S. State Department on Sunday urged China to stop its military activities near Taiwan.

China welcomes ‘positive statements’ by the US as talks hint at a change of mood

• Beijing says its top diplomat Yang Jiechi’s meeting with White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan was ‘constructive’
• China ‘attaches importance to President Biden’s recent positive statements on Sino-US relations’, Yang says

The Chinese govt has described this week’s talks with the US as constructive, with its top diplomat highlighting the importance of positive gestures by Washington in improving the atmosphere and the two sides agreeing to a virtual summit between their presidents.

The talks in Switzerland between Yang Jiechi and White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan ended without the confrontational tone that marred their previous meeting in Mar, in Anchorage, Alaska, with Beijing this time saying the discussion was “conducive to enhancing mutual understanding”.

A Chinese source familiar with the meeting said the atmosphere was much improved.

• The US asked for a face-to-face meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden, but a virtual meeting before the end of the year was agreed upon.
• Chinese State media CGTN described the meeting as “High-ranking Chinese politician and diplomat Yang Jiechi and American National Security adviser Jake Sullivan covered a raft of priority issues between the two global powers, including the South China Sea and Taiwan.”
• Yang said during the meeting that the US side needs to have a deep understanding of the mutually beneficial nature of China-US relations and correctly understand China’s domestic and foreign policies and strategic intentions. China opposes defining China-US relations as “competitive,” Xinhua reported.

China seeks cooperation with the US but is also prepared for the worst scenario if the US takes any unexpected action against China, especially on sensitive questions such as the island of Taiwan, State media GT reported.

China has the ability to mount ‘full scale’ invasion by 2025, says Taiwan’s defense minister

Amid the threat of Chinese warplanes repeatedly entering Taiwan’s airspace, the country’s defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng declared that China can mount a “full scale” invasion by 2025.

“By 2025, China will bring the cost and attrition to its lowest. It has the capacity now, but it will not start a war easily, having to consider many other things,” Taiwan’s defense minister said.

Chiu added that China is capable of mounting a “full scale” invasion by 2025 and already can invade Taiwan, as it already sent a record number of 56 warplanes to Taiwan as the country scrambled jets to thwart the Chinese threat.

Chiu Kuo-cheng said the situation was “the most serious” in more than 40 years since he joined the military, adding there was a risk of a “misfire” across the sensitive Taiwan Strait.

“For me as a military man, the urgency is right in front of me,” he told a parliamentary committee reviewing special military spending of T$240 billion (S$11.7 billion) for homemade weapons including missiles and warships.

• Taiwan has reported 148 Chinese air force planes in the southern and southwestern part of its air defense zone over four days beginning on Fri, the same day China marked a key patriotic holiday, National Day.
• Taiwan’s defense minister told lawmakers that there was a risk of “misfire” across the Taiwan Strait referring to the current tensions with China.
• The Chinese government considers Taiwan a breakaway province which it says it will seize by force if necessary, a development that worries the island nation.
• Cheng told lawmakers that “urgency is right in front of me” as tensions have escalated between China and Taiwan in recent months.
• Last week at least 150 Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan’s air defense zone as China marked its National Day. Taiwan’s defense minister described the situation as “most serious”.

On Tue, President Biden said he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping and had agreed to abide by the Taiwan agreement referring to the One-China policy even as Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen warned that there would be “catastrophic consequences” if China decided to invade the country.

Biden appeared to be referring to Washington’s long-standing “one-China policy” under which it officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, and the Taiwan Relations Act, which makes clear that the U.S. decision to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing instead of Taiwan rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means.

• “…. We (Biden & Xi) agree, we’ll abide by the Taiwan agreement,” Biden said, adding that he made it clear to President Xi that he shouldn’t be “doing anything other than abiding by the agreement”.
• China claims Taiwan as its ‘own’ territory, which should be taken by force if necessary, while Taiwan says it is an independent country and will defend its freedoms and democracy, blaming China for the tensions.
• Reacting to the meeting, Chinese State media, Global Times said, Yang-Sullivan meeting expected to see how to get China-US relations right (see the last letter)
• “held half a month after (an aforementioned telephone) conversation, Huawei’s CFO Meng Wanzhou returned home safely, breaking the ice of the decade-low China-US relations as the world has widely anticipated, or even highly expected”.

Following the symbolic turning point, China and US militaries resumed high-level talks for the first time since Biden took office in Jan, and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai released a “positive” signal with a “frank conversation” with China in different areas.

China sends 56 warplanes into Taiwan’s defense zone in the largest-ever air incursion: At least 150 Chinese warplanes have reportedly entered Taiwan’s air defense since Fri. Chinese jets have repeatedly entered Taiwan’s airspace in the past few months with 600 air incursions by Chinese jets reported this year. (see the last newsletter)

Chinese air intrusions over Taiwan challenge US military might in Indo-Pacific: The Chinese provocative actions against Taiwan this month to demonstrate its military clout before an exercising armada of US-UK-Japan warships in the vicinity is seen as part of psychological operations by Beijing to challenge the West over self-declared control of Taipei.

• The aerial intrusions came at a time when aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan, USS Carl Vinson, HMS Elizabeth along with Japanese, Australian, New Zealand, and Canadian ships are exercising between Taiwan and the coast of Okinawa.
• While the region appears to be on the edge, top diplomats see the provocative maneuvers by China against Taiwan directed at the domestic audience rather than a serious war threat to Taipei.
• Beijing watchers believe that the recent aerial intrusions aim to wear down the Taiwanese by conveying the signal that no one will come to support of Taipei if China decides to militarily take over the strategic islands.

As per Chinese State Media, Global Times, President Xi said that the CPC and Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Party have promoted the peaceful development of relations across the Straits (Taiwan) on the common political basis of both adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing “Taiwan independence,” which has benefited people on both sides.

On Sat, Chu won the KMT election on the island of Taiwan and became the next party chair. During the race, Chang distinguished himself from other candidates by emphasizing a strong pro-unification stance, whereas Eric Chu and Johnny Chiang had in the past called for reform of the KMT to change its pro-China image. In the first KMT debate, when asked about identity trends among young people that show rising Taiwanese identity and increasing low identification with China, Chang advocated that the KMT return to the fundamental principles it was built on and double down on emphasizing that a Taiwanese identity is a form of Chinese identity.-The Diplomate

India: On China breaching Taiwan airspace, the chief Air Marshal, VR Choudhary stated it is a matter of two countries and would refrain make any comments.

Malaysia summons China envoy over the South China Sea (SCS) ‘encroachment’

Malaysia has said it has summoned China’s ambassador to protest against the “presence and activities” of Chinese vessels in Kuala Lumpur’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea off the island of Borneo.

Chinese vessels, including a survey boat, were operating off the coasts of the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in contravention of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late on Mon, without elaborating the number of ships involved.

“Malaysia had also protested against the previous encroachments by other foreign vessels in our waters.” The statement read.

• Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Brunei claim parts of the South China Sea off their coasts, while China claims almost the entire area under the so-called 9-dash line that the international court ruled to be without basis in 2016.
• In recent years Beijing has stepped up its activities in the disputed waters, building artificial islands, setting up military outposts on rocky outcrops and islets, and deploying vast fishing fleets and ships from its maritime militia.
• Last year, Malaysia and China were involved in a months-long standoff in the sea off Sarawak where Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company, was exploring for oil and gas, when China also sent a survey ship.
• As per to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative China has 27 outposts in the disputed waters and also controls Scarborough Shoal, which it seized from the Philippines in 2012.

The world must maintain contact with the interim Taliban govt, Pak NSA, Yusuf told visiting US official

According to a report by Radio Pakistan, during the meeting, both sides expressed the desire to promote bilateral relations between the US and Pakistan. They also discussed economic cooperation as well as the security situation in the region, it added.

• According to the report, the US delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to evacuate foreigners from Afghanistan and the help it extended to Afghan refugees.
• Yusuf “blatant human rights violations in Indian-occupied Kashmir also posed a threat to regional peace”.
• Sherman, the highest-ranking US visitor to Pakistan under Biden since the Taliban’s victory in Kabul, along with her 7-member team, arrived in Islamabad on Thu for a two-day visit to the country.

Important visit, said a senior diplomate citing the ‘timing of the visit’.

• “This is an important visit, and we look forward to engaging with Deputy Secretary Sherman,” Pakistan’s US Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan earlier told Dawn.
• Dawn citing the sources: Biden administration is focusing on 4 major points in its talks with Pakistan — recognition of the Taliban govt, international sanctions on Afghanistan, access to Afghanistan, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
• It added, the US does not want Pakistan to recognize the Taliban regime before the rest of the international community, instead, it wants Pakistan to continue its efforts for softening the Taliban position on controversial issues.
• “We seek a strong partnership with Pakistan on counterterrorism and we expect sustained action against all militant and terrorist groups without distinction,” Sherman had told reporters last week ahead of the visit.
• “Both of our countries have suffered terribly from the scourge of terrorism and we look forward to cooperative efforts to eliminate all regional and global terrorist threats,” she said.

‘Wait-and-see approach’ on Afghanistan tantamount to world abandoning it: Moeed−Meanwhile, hours before this, Yusuf has said that a “wait-and-see approach” on Afghanistan is tantamount to abandoning the war-torn country and has called for holding a donor conference to formulate immediate humanitarian and economic relief plans for averting the risks of instability and threat of terrorism faced by the entire world.

Pakistan wants broad, long-term, and stable relations with the US, Qureshi tells visiting American official − Foreign Minister SM Qureshi on Fri said that Pakistan wants broad-ranging, long-term and stable relations with the US to promote economic cooperation and establish peace in the region, in a meeting with Sherman. He stated:

“A representative and inclusive [Afghan] government can be a trustworthy partner for the international community. In the current situation, there is a need for proper steps by the international community to ensure positive inclusion, provision of humanitarian aid and financial resources [to set up] a stable economy to solve the problems of the Afghan public,”

The big reshuffle-Dawn

Oct does not disappoint. The change of command at the ISI notified on Wed is the single most consequential development in recent months, according to Red Zone insiders. Given the nature of the country’s political situation, this change at the top of the agency is expected to spawn many major and minor ripples in critical areas. The routine-ness of these postings and transfers is, like always, deceptively un-routine in its significance. After the retirement of three lieutenant generals this month, seven more three-star officers will retire from service before Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa completes his tenure in Nov 2022.

PM Imran urges Bill Gates to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan people: PM Imran Khan has urged Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates to consider providing humanitarian assistance to poverty-stricken people in Afghanistan.

IHC gives fresh chance to Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav to engage a lawyer

The Islam­abad High Court’s larger bench comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah, Justice Amer Farooq, and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb took up a petition filed by the law ministry seeking a lawyer for the Indian spy.

• Attorney General Khalid Jawed Khan and amicus curiae Advocate Hamid Khan also appeared before the court.
• The attorney general placed before the court correspondence between Pakistan and India for providing counsel to Jadhav to comply with the verdict of the ICJ.
• He said the Indian govt did not respond and argued that the federal government had filed the petition seeking the appointment of a lawyer so that the verdict of the military court could be revisited at an appropriate forum.
• According to the attorney general, such prisoners should be dealt with per the Vienna Convention.
• The attorney general said that Pakis­tan could only comply with international obligations if Kulbhushan Jadhav authorized a lawyer to file a review against his conviction.
• The court, however, asked the attorney general to seek a response from the Indian government and adjourned the hearing till next month.
• However, no progress has been made on the review issue as India refused to appoint a local lawyer while demanding Pakistan to let an Indian lawyer represent Jadhav in the court.
• The ICJ has ruled that Pakistan was in breach of its international obligations because of the failure to provide consular access to Jadhav.
• In 2020, Pakistan presented an ordinance in the National Assembly The ‘International Court of Justice Review and Reconsideration Ordinance 2020’.
• India has said Pakistan must take appropriate steps to address the shortcomings of the bill.

Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian Navy officer, was arrested in Mar 2016 in Balochistan, according to Pakistan’s authority. He was sentenced to death by Pakistan military court in 2017. India has rejected Pakistan’s allegations and said he was kidnapped from the Iranian port of Chabahar. In early 2017, a Pakistani military court sentenced him to death.

IS Bomber Kills 46 Inside Afghan Mosque, Challenges Taliban

An Islamic State suicide bomber has struck a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan.

An Islamic State suicide bomber struck at a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 46 people and wounding dozens in the latest security challenge to the Taliban as they transition from insurgency to governance.

In its claim of responsibility, the region’s IS affiliate identified the bomber as a Uygher Muslim, saying the attack targeted both Shiites and the Taliban for their purported willingness to expel Uyghers to meet demands from China. The statement was carried by the IS-linked Aamaq news agency.

Taliban remove Uyghur militants along China’s border: Report

• According to reports, the Taliban has removed Uyghur militants near its border with China.
• The Uyghur militants reportedly belong to the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP).
• Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem had earlier declared that Afghanistan “will not be used against any country’s security”.
• Reports claim the TIP militants were located in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province which runs along China’s border and has reportedly been moved to other areas including those who were in Nangarhar.
• China fears the short border along Xinjiang could become a staging ground for Uyghur militants.
• Taliban had declared earlier that it was ready to enter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the Xi government promised to ensure aid and vaccine assistance to the new Taliban government.
• China had openly expressed its support for economic development and investment for Afghanistan soon after the Taliban took control of Kabul while expressing its intention to further “friendly and cooperative” relations with the new regime.
• The Taliban reportedly had links with the Uyghur militants in the 1990s during its rule, however, it did not hand the fighters to China at the time, reports claim.
• China has consistently denied it carries out atrocities against Uyghurs even as the reports say there are at least over a million ethnic Uyghurs in Chinese internment camps in Xinjiang.
• According to a UNSC report, TIM also called the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) seeks to establish a “Uighur state” in Xinjiang and “facilitates the movement of fighters from Afghanistan to China”.
• The UNSC report claimed TIM in Afghanistan had “focused primarily on actions targeting China”.

China, the US eye further talks with Yang Jiechi set to meet Jake Sullivan

China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi will hold talks with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in Switzerland this week, according to sources familiar with details of the meeting. The talks between the pair – said to be most likely to take place on Wed – will come less than a month after the telephone call between the two nations’ presidents, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden.

• The talks this week would be yet another round of in-person talks between officials from the 2 powers since Biden took office, with little in the way of concrete progress earlier.
• President Joe Biden’s national security adviser held talks with China’s top diplomat in Switzerland on Tue (Oct 5) and Wed, the SCMP said, at a time of rising tension over several issues including Taiwan, while the Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond.

Ties between China and the US deteriorated sharply under former President Trump and the Biden administration has maintained pressure on China on a range of issues from Hong Kong and the Xinjiang region to the origins of Covid-19.

• China has also been angered by increased US support for Taiwan, believing the US is colluding with forces there seeking the island’s formal independence, a red line for Beijing.
• China claims Taiwan as its territory, which should be taken by force if necessary. Taiwan says it is an independent country and will defend its freedoms and democracy.
• In late July, Deputy Secy of State Wendy Sherman, the second-ranking U.S. diplomat, held face-to-face meetings with Xie Feng, a Chinese foreign vice-minister, in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, ended with no specific outcomes and the prospect of a meeting between Biden and Xi was not discussed.

In Mar, during high-level talks in Alaska, Chinese officials including Yang Jiechi railed against the state of US democracy, while US officials accused the Chinese delegation of grandstanding.

China shows off new military gear in Zhuhai (ANI)

The China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, typically referred to as the Zhuhai Air Show (13^th edition held last week from 28 Sept till 3 Oct) because of its location near this southern Chinese coastal city, was delayed by 11 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Air Show has the full support of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the central govt, and the Chinese defense industry.
• While it is described as an air show air, land, and naval equipment are all on grand display.

Indeed, the event gives the world a glimpse of the latest PLA equipment, as well as concepts and designs from Chinese manufacturers, which thus gives foreign analysts a useful glimpse into future directions and priorities of the Chinese military and the show, didn’t disappoint, even in the absence of foreigners.

The biggest news from the 2021 edition of the show was manned aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and land equipment.